- NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

Cane Walk
by jeff.altman＠nebraska.gov 31 May '23

31 May '23

Hello Everyone, This is just a reminder of our upcoming 2023 Cane Walk to be held at National Convention. Please consider participating in this opportunity to share our skills and philosophy with the next generation of blind people. If you can participate in either both, or even just one of the two sessions, please let me know at my home e-mail: debandjeff at allophone.com<mailto:debandjeff at allophone.com> Thank you, Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB

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Question about a device called a"Around the Neck SpotLig"ht
by jeff.altman＠nebraska.gov 22 May '23

22 May '23

Have any of you folks heard of this device, "Around the Neck Spotlight," and if so, what is your opinion of it? Is this something that we should be open to, or does it create an ethical issue? Thanks, Jeff

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22nd Annual Rehabilitation Conference: Registration and agenda information
by ebell＠pdrib.com 17 May '23

17 May '23

Subject: Annual Rehabilitation and Orientation and Mobility Conference Agenda and Registration Information Registration is now open! National Blindness Professionals Certification Board presents: Contemporary Issues in Rehabilitation and Education for the Blind 22nd Annual Rehabilitation and Orientation and Mobility Conference The Hilton Americas-Houston 1600 Lamar Street Houston, TX 77010 800-236-2905 Saturday, July 1st, 2023 8:30 am - 7:30 pm CDT Come and join us! Once again, this year's conference will be action packed with a variety of new speakers, topics, and hands-on events. Participate in the only National Conference focused on Structured Discovery teaching and education for the blind. Presentations and breakouts including: * Keynote: Glen Shepard, world renown expert on management and leadership. * <https://www.glennshepard.com/> https://www.glennshepard.com/ * Discover the tenants of Structured Discovery as a professional and within training centers. * Learn new strategies that you can implement in your classroom or teaching environment. * Become informed about the Vocational Rehabilitation system and policies and the intent of informed choice * Share ideas and network in multiple rehabilitation disciplines, including Braille, home management, cane travel, and assistive technology. For a copy of the draft agenda, click here: <https://www.dropbox.com/s/xd6mxii4v1tajxh/2023%20Anual%20Rehab%20Tentative% 20Conference%20Agenda.docx?dl=1> 2023 Rehab Draft Agenda Register here: <https://nbpcb.org/members/er.php?eid=519> https://nbpcb.org/members/er.php?eid=519 Cost before June 15th - $85 Cost after June 15th- $100 Online registration closes on June 25th. Registration can also be made in-person. Visit the National Blindness Professionals Certification Board website to learn more about a career in changing lives: <http://www.nbpcb.org> http://www.nbpcb.org Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu <http://www.pdrib.com> www.pdrib.com ************* "I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops." -- Stephen Jay Gould

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Career Opportunities in Rehabilitation of the Blind
by ebell＠pdrib.com 12 May '23

12 May '23

Opportunity for Careers in Rehabilitation of the Blind Scholarships are available only for a limited time! Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCTT and Structured Discovery Rehabilitation have been demonstrated to be among the most innovative and effective forms of rehabilitation training for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Louisiana Tech University has successfully operated its graduate programs on this model for more than 20 years, with more than 90% successful employment and outstanding employer satisfaction rates. Scholarships are only guaranteed for one more year, for qualified individuals seeking one of the following degree paths: * Master of Arts in Counseling/Guidance with Concentration in Orientation and Mobility (5 quarters) * Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance with Concentration in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (5 quarters) * Graduate Certificate in Orientation and Mobility (4 quarters) * Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (4 quarters) We also have graduate programs to prepare professionals to work with blind children. Why You? The field of educating and rehabilitating children and adults who are blind is deeply rewarding and life changing. * The job market is wide open; currently, we receive four times the number of employer requests than we have graduates to provide. * Training occurs on campus in Ruston, Louisiana, and can be completed in as little as one year. * No prior background or experience in blindness is necessary-we will teach you everything you need to know. * Scholarships are provided on a competitive basis to qualified persons and can cover costs for attending the university. * Scholarships also support travel to conferences, trainings, and field-based experiences at Structured Discovery training programs. Who can Apply? * Individuals must already possess a Bachelor's (B.A.) degree from an accredited university, have a grade point average of 2.5 and complete a statement of purpose along with a professional resume. * Individuals must also be willing to attend courses on campus in Ruston, Louisiana on a full-time basis. What's the Catch? * Payback through service is required. Agreement to receive scholarship funding requires commitment for you to work in the field of rehabilitation for two years for each year of scholarship support you obtain. * Scholarships cover at least tuition and fees but may cover living and travel costs as well. * You have to move to Ruston, work hard, study harder, and have the heart to be an O&M or Rehabilitation Teacher of blind persons. Where do I get started? * For program details, visit: <http://www.pdrib.com> www.pdrib.com * Send an email for more information to: <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu or call Edward Bell to discuss your application: 318-257-4554 Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu <http://www.pdrib.com> www.pdrib.com ************* "I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops." -- Stephen Jay Gould

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2023 Cane Walk
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 07 May '23

07 May '23

Hello Everyone, Although this announcement is coming a bit later than it usually does, I am hoping that each of you will be able to find the time during this year's convention to participate as instructors in the annual Cane Walk. This is a truly important opportunity to share your knowledge and skill with the youngest members of the Federation, along with their families. The cane walk has been a life changing experience for many young people, and it has been your willingness to help out that has made such a difference. Please let me know your availability as soon as possible, and the Parents' Division will be working to inform families of this opportunity. Also, please remember, your participation in the Cane Walk will count toward your recertification. Thank you, Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB

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Resolution about Certifications Adopted at Vermont State Convention
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 07 May '23

07 May '23

Hi everyone, At our 2021 national convention, the NFB adopted Resolution 2021-13: Regarding Urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to Accept Certifications Issued by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board. This resolution can be read here: https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions/2021-resolutions…. I was proud to coauthor this resolution with Dr. Vernon Humphrey, President of the National Association of Blind Veterans. On April 17, 2023, on a Zoom call for NOMC folks, we discussed the possibility of adopting further resolutions to formally get affiliates on the same page about local providers of blindness-related services. We also discussed the possibility of adopting a similar resolution at the 2023 national convention, and I was happy to carry the ball on this. The attached resolution was adopted by the National Federation of the Blind of Vermont yesterday at our state convention. We simply took the 2021 national resolution, replaced names of organizations appropriately, and then made the typical minor edits, like dates, to make it fit what we were doing yesterday. I've written a few similar resolutions in other states, like the one the North Carolina convention adopted in 2019, as well as the ones that ran through the Hawaii State Legislature in 2019 and 2020. Some people dismiss resolutions as useless paper dragons, but this seems to come from a place of people expecting that something is only useful if it will do all of the work for them. The resolution itself is not what does the work; the people do the work. In my view, the goal has not been that an organization would immediately jump because of an affiliate resolution, but that the affiliate could: 1. Take the time to talk about the importance of professional certifications 2. Learn about the politics surrounding different certifications 3. Come together to make an intentional decision about a stance on certifications 4. Create a written record of that collective stance to support the advocacy efforts going forward Happy Sunday, Justin Justin MH Salisbury, NOMC, NCRTB (he/him) Legislative Director National Federation of the Blind of Vermont 351 North Avenue, Unit 209 Burlington, Vermont 05401 Phone: 802.585.3787 Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President at Alumni.ECU.edu> Website: https://www.nfbvt.org/

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FW: Immediate opening for O&M Specialist at Albuquerque Public Schools
by ebell＠pdrib.com 04 May '23

04 May '23

*** Job opening, Albuquerque NM *** My name is Susan Wiggins, and I am an O&M Specialist with the Visually Impaired Unit at Albuquerque Public Schools. I am writing to request your assistance in sharing an urgent job opening with your students. We currently have an immediate opening for an O&M Specialist in Albuquerque, and we have not received any applications so far. We are looking for someone with a passion for working with visually impaired students and the skills necessary to excel in this role. We would like to have the new O&M Specialist in place by the upcoming school year, and time is of the essence. Please find attached a flyer with more information about the position and about Albuquerque. I believe that this opportunity would be an excellent fit for your students who are interested in pursuing a career in Orientation and Mobility. If possible, could you please forward this email and the attached flyer to your students? I would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word about this important opportunity. If any of your students are interested in learning more about this position or would like to apply, please do not hesitate to contact Tracy Hutton, the supervisor of the Visually Impaired Unit at Albuquerque Public Schools, at hutton at aps.edu <mailto:hutton at aps.edu> . Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Warm regards, Susan Susan M. Wiggins Orientation and Mobility Specialist Albuquerque Public Schools wiggins_s at aps.edu <mailto:wiggins_s at aps.edu> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic email transmission may include individually identifiable educational information that is confidential and exempt from disclosure under state and/or regulations including, without limitation, FERPA. If you are not the intended recipient of this email transmission and received this email transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender and delete it from your computer system without copying it. P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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Virginia Job opportunities
by Jimmy.Morris＠dbvi.virginia.gov 04 May '23

04 May '23

Please share this with your networks. Virginia is a great place to live and work. Braille Instructor - #RCB00039 - Henrico, Virginia, United States<https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/braille-instructor-rcb00039-henrico-virg…> Access Technology Instructor - #RCB00011 - Henrico, Virginia, United States<https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/access-technology-instructor-rcb00011-he…> Jimmy Morris, MA, NOMCT Orientation and Mobility Instructor Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired 401 Azalea Avenue<https://maps.google.com/?q=401+Azalea+Avenue+Richmond,+VA+23227+(804&entry=…> Richmond, VA 23227<https://maps.google.com/?q=401+Azalea+Avenue+Richmond,+VA+23227+(804&entry=…> (804) 371-3372 Jimmy.morris at dbvi.virginia.gov<mailto:Jimmy.morris at dbvi.virginia.gov> Facebook: VDBVI<https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI> Worldwide Web: Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired<http://www.vrcbvi.org/> YouTube: VRCBVI<http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwsqnBw28gUNgMMSkH_eYci37g9XY6Qzd> "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." -- Colin Powell **CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE** This message (including any attachments) contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorized to receive for the intended recipient), you may not read, print, retain, use, copy, distribute, or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail, and destroy all copies of the original message (including any attachments).

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Fw: Please share with your networks and your social media page
by Becky.Keller＠dbvi.virginia.gov 04 May '23

04 May '23

Good morning wonderful people!! Please see the two links below and spread the word where you can. The Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired in Richmond, Virginia is looking for two new team members to join us in the mission fields where we are teaching our students to live the life they want!! We are currently hiring for a Braille and Access Technology Instructor. Please reach out to me if you have any questions, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! All the best, Becky Keller, NOMC, COMS ________________________________ From: Phelps, Amy (DBVI) <Amy.Phelps at dbvi.virginia.gov> Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2023 7:42 AM To: Amy Phelps (amycphelps at gmail.com) <amycphelps at gmail.com>; Call, Sarah (DBVI) <Sarah.Call at dbvi.virginia.gov>; Foley, Kristine (DBVI) <Kristine.Foley at dbvi.virginia.gov>; Haywood, Michelle (DBVI) <Michelle.Haywood at dbvi.virginia.gov>; Keller, Becky (DBVI) <Becky.Keller at dbvi.virginia.gov>; Morris, Jimmy (DBVI) <Jimmy.Morris at dbvi.virginia.gov>; Phelps, Amy (DBVI) <Amy.Phelps at dbvi.virginia.gov>; Sheth, Neel (DBVI) <Neel.Sheth at dbvi.virginia.gov>; Triplett, Michael E. (DBVI) <Michael.Triplett at dbvi.virginia.gov>; Villafane, Michael (DBVI) <Michael.Villafane at dbvi.virginia.gov>; Lawless, Domonique (DBVI) <Domonique.Lawless at dbvi.virginia.gov> Subject: Please share with your networks and your social media page Braille Instructor - #RCB00039 - Henrico, Virginia, United States<https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/braille-instructor-rcb00039-henrico-virg…> Access Technology Instructor - #RCB00011 - Henrico, Virginia, United States<https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/access-technology-instructor-rcb00011-he…> Sincerely, Amy C. Phelps, CRC, NOMC Assistant Director for Instruction Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind & Vision Impaired Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired 401 Azalea Ave, Richmond, VA 23227 Office: 804-371-3052 Fax: 804-371-3092 Facebook <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVy…> | LinkedIn <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVy…> | Website<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVy…> Email Address: amy.phelps at dbvi.virginia.gov [cid:image001.png at 01D97E5C.07284170]

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Article on the OKO app (jackson.dezman@gmail.com)
by Domonique.Lawless＠dbvi.virginia.gov 03 May '23

03 May '23

Nice article Dezman! It is very thorough and objective. I'm looking forward to trying it for myself. Domonique Lawless MA, NOMC, NCUEB Director of Low Vision and Orientation and Mobility Services Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired 397 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227 Office 804-371-3112 Fax 804-371-3157 Facebook?| LinkedIn?| Website domonique.lawless at dbvi.virginia.gov -----Original Message----- From: nomc-request at lists.nbpcb.org <nomc-request at lists.nbpcb.org> Sent: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 4:04 PM To: nomc at lists.nbpcb.org Subject: NOMC Digest, Vol 207, Issue 1 Send NOMC mailing list submissions to nomc at lists.nbpcb.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.nbpcb.org/listinfo.cgi/nomc-nbpcb.org or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to nomc-request at lists.nbpcb.org You can reach the person managing the list at nomc-owner at lists.nbpcb.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of NOMC digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Article on the OKO app (jackson.dezman at gmail.com) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Wed, 3 May 2023 01:03:51 -0400 From: <jackson.dezman at gmail.com> To: "'NOMC Mailing List'" <NOMC at lists.nbpcb.org> Subject: [Nomc] Article on the OKO app Message-ID: <02c301d97d7c$a766d010$f6347030$(a)gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Hello all, Many of you may know about a relatively recent app called OKO which detects pedestrian signals at light-controlled intersections and conveys this info to users through tones and vibrations. I recently wrote an article for the NFB blog detailing my thoughts about it. Here is the link to it in case you are interested. https://nfb.org/blog/does-oko-have-green-light-blindness-community Regards, Dezman

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