- NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

FW: Join OMSA for a CEU Opportunity!
by ksims＠latech.edu 09 Aug '23

09 Aug '23

See announcement below. It would be great to have a decent showing of NOMCs in attendance. Kristen J. Sims, MEd. NOMC NCUEB Instructor, Orientation and Mobility Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 210 Woodard Hall 318-257-4554 ksims at latech.edu <https://mailchi.mp/18d5925b6b55/mobility-monday-8774252?e=34059ffe86> View this email in your browser <https://mcusercontent.com/9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8/images/434ee393-9785-41…> Announcing an informative webinar For FREE CEUs, join OMSA <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> here. The Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association (OMSA) is proud to host the following webinar with CEUs on September 18: Success Strategies Employed by O&M Candidates and Blind O&M Specialists Monday, September 18, 2023 7-8:30 PM Eastern Cost: No Charge to Attend Registration: <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> https://forms.gle/ZTfQ4HG1Ao4zsG967 Presenters: Nora Griffin-Shirley, Ph.D., a professor in the Special Education Program at Texas Tech University, is the Director of The Virginia Murray Sowell Center for Research and Education in Visual Impairment, and the Coordinator of Orientation and Mobility Program. Over the years, Dr. Griffin-Shirley has served as the co-principal investigator on grants, has published articles and books, made numerous presentations, and received awards and recognitions. She has also held leadership positions in the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Council of Exceptional Children?s Division of Visually Impairment & Deafblindness in the U.S. Laura Bozeman, Ph.D., a Professor and Director of the Vision Studies program in the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development. University of Massachusetts at Boston. Details: Participants will learn: * the teaching strategies, nonvisual skills, and accommodations used by university students who are visually impaired to monitor O&M skills and the safety of their fellow students when enrolled in blindfold/simulation cane courses. * the teaching strategies, nonvisual skills, and accommodations used by O&M instructors who are visually impaired when providing O&M services to their students with visual impairment. * the practical implications of four studies conducted about the teaching strategies, nonvisual skills, and accommodations used by O&M instructors who are visually impaired. CEUs: 1.5 ACVREP Credits will be provided exclusively for Current OMSA members. All who are interested are welcome to attend. Registered OMSA Members will automatically be emailed a link to the CEU form. Recordings will be made available in our LiveBinders at <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> https://www.usomsa.org/ <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> This email was sent to <mailto:Ksims at latech.edu> Ksims at latech.edu <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/about?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&id=e8f…> why did I get this? <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&…> unsubscribe from this list <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/profile?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4f8&id=e…> update subscription preferences Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association ? 10010 Winegar Rd ? Laingsburg, MI 48848-9326 ? USA <http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…> <https://usomsa.us8.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=9235a212875cf5792e924e4…>

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Using the Name: The Vision-Centered Approach
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 18 Jul '23

18 Jul '23

Aloha everyone, I?m writing today to ask a question about the names we use for the other major approach to providing services to blind people. Since they are the majority and the dominant group, they create, maintain, and are served by the dominant narratives about blindness. They have the privilege of practicing with the same kind of default nod or primacy effect that an incumbent candidate receives in an election for public office when only a few of the voters are aware that they could do better. Sometimes, we call it the ?traditional? approach or the ?conventional? approach. We often end up defining what we do by stating how we differ from the conventional approach, but this way of talking and thinking about our identity as Structured Discovery practitioners still centers the other approach. There are many people, including a few in my family, who are perfectly happy to default to whatever it is that they perceive to be the most mainstream. It occurs to me that these people in my family all moved to suburban communities, too, so maybe it has something to do with trying to blend into the dominant groups in society. Perhaps it comes from conflict avoidance, where they?ll be less likely to face conflict if they?re doing whatever the default already is. Perhaps they think they?ll be able to extract some of the crumbs of power if they attach themselves to those who already have the most power to potentially give. Perhaps it is because they do not trust their own ability to know any better and assume that the masses must know what they?re doing. It could be any or all of these things, or it could be something else. In recent years, before and after he became our President, Mark Riccobono has discussed another name for an approach to working with blind people, which he has called the ?vision-centered? approach. I love this term and how he has constructed it. I?ve found it as early as his speech from a research conference that was transcribed in the very first issue of the Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research, and I?ve heard him use the term at national convention every year since about 2017. To me, it seems that this term also describes that other approach that we often reference. If we start framing the two opposing approaches as the Vision-Centered approach and the Structured Discovery approach, this does not inherently skew toward either approach. ?Vision-Centered? gives the other approach a name that more clearly explains what it is. I don?t know how we get the practitioners of the Vision-Centered approach to adopt this name for what they do, but maybe we don?t need to. Maybe we need to start by naming this model that has been maintaining the marginalization of blind people and the Vision Industrial Complex. Borrowing wisdom from some other minority groups, we cannot wait for the master to give us the tools to dismantle his own house; we must name our opponents and make it easier for people to choose a path. Once aspiring professionals see two options: Structured Discovery or Vision-Centered, they can make a choice between those two options. This may create less bias than telling aspiring professionals that they can choose the conventional approach or the Structured Discovery approach. Sometimes, we can sit and think about ideas that sound good to us, which I have been doing with this. That doesn?t mean that it sounds good to others. To figure that out, I?m sending it to all of you to see what you think. What do you think? Mahalo, Justin PS: In case you?re interested in reading the earliest naming I know of the vision-centered approach, check it out here: https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/jbir/jbir10/jbir010103.html Justin MH Salisbury, MEd, NOMC, NCRTB English Pronouns: he/him/his Phone: 808.797.8606 Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu

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FW: Vacancy Notice - Cane Instructor
by jeff.altman＠nebraska.gov 13 Jul '23

13 Jul '23

From: Delgado, Cassi <Cassi.Delgado at nebraska.gov> Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2023 3:32 PM Subject: Vacancy Notice - Cane Instructor Hello, The following position is being posted and available for application: Cane Instructor - Blind and Visually Impaired Continuous For more information, click HERE <https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nebraska/jobs/4120150/cane-travel-in…> *if the link doesn't work, copy the link into a different web browser It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess, including your current position. AS Personnel will reject your application if it is does not reflect the required minimum qualifications or if you do not provide the required materials. Please read the job posting and the requirements carefully before you submit your application. Once you submit your application for a job, you cannot modify it for that job, nor re-apply for that job, unless the job is posted again. When you have successfully applied for a job, you will receive an instant confirmation via e-mail. Thank you, Cassi Delgado HR Specialist | Human Resources Nebraska Department of Administrative Services 1526 K Street, Suite 150 I Lincoln, NE 68508 PHONE 402-363-8261 | FAX 402-742-8361 Cassi.Delgado at nebraska.gov<mailto:Cassi.Delgado at nebraska.gov> Human Resources Shared Services Website<https://das.nebraska.gov/hr/index.html> das.nebraska.gov<http://das.nebraska.gov/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/NEAdminServ/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/NEDept_AdmSrvs> Treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically, and creating a culture where the customer is always the priority. [cid:image001.png at 01D9B59F.31A0A760]

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Cane Travel Instructor Position now open
by jeff.altman＠nebraska.gov 13 Jul '23

13 Jul '23

Hello, The Nebraska Center for the Blind, a program of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, is seeking a Cane Travel Instructor. Please share this announcement far and wide. The Nebraska Center for the Blind is one of only six programs currently approved by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board as a Structured Discovery Training Center. We are a state-run residential training center for blind adults located in the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska. You can learn more about NCBVI and the Center at www.ncbvi.nebraska.gov<http://www.ncbvi.nebraska.gov/>. To access the job posting, visit the following link Cane Travel Instructor | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)<https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nebraska/jobs/4120150/cane-travel-in…>. If the link does not work, search for "Cane Travel Instructor" on the Nebraska State Jobs government web site http://statejobs.nebraska.gov<http://statejobs.nebraska.gov/>. Only applications submitted through this web site will be accepted. If you have any questions about the position, please feel free to contact me at Jessica.Bartenbach at nebraska.gov<mailto:Jessica.Bartenbach at nebraska.gov> or (402) 219-3739. The position is open until filled, but we will be reviewing applications as they come in, so please apply right away if interested. In addition to filling out the online application, you are also welcome to send me an email with your resume. Thanks, Jessica -- Jessica Bartenbach, NCUEB NCRTB Center Supervisor Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired 4600 Valley Road, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68510 Cell: 402-219-3739 Main: 402-471-2891 Jessica.Bartenbach at nebraska.gov<mailto:Jessica.Bartenbach at nebraska.gov>

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Post-Rehab Conference Information
by admin＠nbpcb.org 11 Jul '23

11 Jul '23

We are sending this out again in case the first one ended up in your spam folder. We hope that the 22ND ANNUAL REHABILITATION AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY CONFERENCE provided you with valuable information and networking opportunities. This message is to provide participants with some additional details. You can use the following link to sign up for Glenn Shepard's weekly newsletter https://glennshepard.com/signup.htm If you need a certificate of participation for continuing education hours, please contact us no later than July 30 and let us know which breakout sessions you attended. Please help us spread the word that NBPCB now has an assistive technology certification. Details can be found on our website, www.nbpcb.org <http://www.nbpcb.org> If you, or someone you know, are considering either a graduate degree or certificate from Louisiana Tech University, remember that this is the last year for full funding from RSA. And finally, please let us know of any topics you would like us to consider for next year's conference. NBPCB Office PO Box 2373 Ruston LA 71273 318 299-7340 admin at nbpcb.org <mailto:admin at nbpcb.org> www.nbpcb.org <http://www.nbpcb.org> Click here to verify the status of NBPCB certified professionals <https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php> NBPCB Office PO Box 2373 Ruston LA 71273 318 299-7340 <mailto:admin at nbpcb.org> admin at nbpcb.org <http://www.nbpcb.org> www.nbpcb.org <https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php> Click here to verify the status of NBPCB certified professionals

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Need for Cane Travel instructors in Houston
by ebell＠pdrib.com 29 Jun '23

29 Jun '23

Dear NOMC, The National center is in urgent need for a couple of cane travel instructors who will be getting to Houston, tomorrow by early afternoon, maybe 2:00 or 3:00. The need is to provide some hotel orientation to some Pre-ets students that afternoon, working from the main hotel to one of the overflow hotels. I know this is short notice but if you will be in Houston tomorrow by early afternoon and are interested in helping, please email me directly at: ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> Thanks 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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Introducing the National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind
by admin＠nbpcb.org 27 Jun '23

27 Jun '23

National Blindness Professional Certification Board National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind For complete information on the National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind, go to NCATB Certification Process <https://nbpcb.org/ncatb/> The NCATB is a three-year renewable credential and is the only certification which can attest to an individual having met rigorous standards in the area of access technology teaching for the blind using Structured Discovery (SD) methods and principles. Individuals who are interested in applying for NCATB certification are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with all of the information included here. The Structured Discovery paradigm is grounded in the Consumer-Based Model of Rehabilitation and has had unsurpassed outcomes for more than seven decades. One of the key tenets of this approach to access technology teaching is that successful professionals must master the nonvisual skills for competently using technology that they are expected to teach. Strong problem-solving strategies and techniques are developed to effectively utilize both mainstream and access technology. It is also crucial to understand how an individual's internalized attitudes--as well as public attitudes--about blindness have on personal expectations and aspirations. The preparation process for individuals teaching under the Structured Discovery model is heavily focused on the development of personal experience in learning and using the skills that blind persons depend on for safe and effective living. Beyond theoretical and academic exposition, Structured Discovery is based on hands-on learning, trust in the effectiveness and appropriateness of nonvisual skills, and an unwavering conviction in the normalcy and capacity of individuals who are blind to maintain their own independence and make decisions about how they live their lives. Proper preparation to become certified as an Access Technology for the Blind instructor is dependent upon successful completion of either a University-based program or apprenticeship that is sanctioned by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board. This includes a minimum of 480 hours of immersion at an NBPCB-approved center followed by proficiency demonstrated through a successful internship or apprenticeship completed at an NBPCB-approved center. Demonstration of this ability is documented through the verification of teaching competency form that is signed off by the NBPCB-Approved training representative who oversees the immersion and/or teaching program. Individuals who wish to seek NCATB certification but who have not completed one of these formal programs will need to write a letter to the NBPCB board of directors that details their preparation experience, knowledge, skills, and disposition to teach Structured Discovery Access Technology as part of their application. Successful applicants who earn the designation of NCATB maintain this status for a period of three years and are entitled to all rights and responsibilities therein as long as active certification status is maintained and the NBPCB Code of Conduct is upheld. Application Process Individuals seeking NCATB certification must submit the following: * Completed application form * Personal essay explaining interest in becoming an Access Technology SD certified instructor * Resume * Two letters of support from persons who can attest to the applicant's character, motivation, teaching ability, and fitness and suitability for the profession * Verification of Immersion form * * Payment of all applicable fees Examination Process Once an application has been approved, the individual seeking certification is then eligible to proceed with the following examination process. * Submit Verification of Teaching Competency form (provided directly by the supervisor or applicable person.)* * Participate in an interview conducted by the NCATB evaluation panel. * Take the NCATB written examination *Individuals who have not completed a formal program of preparation recognized by the NBPCB must seek guidance from the NBPCB office on how to properly complete the Verification of Immersion and Verification of Teaching Competency forms. Individuals will also need to submit a letter to the NBPCB board outlining their own personal AT training and preparation to be an AT instructor. Note: Applications will not be processed nor will individuals be allowed to sit for the written examination without all supporting documentation and payment of application fees. All required documents must be sent directly in separate attachments to the NBPCB Office at admin at nbpcb.org <mailto:admin at nbpcb.org> . Questions or request for application materials may be directed to: NBPCB Office PO Box 2373 Ruston LA 71273 318 299-7340 admin at nbpcb.org <mailto:admin at nbpcb.org> q NBPCB Office PO Box 2373 Ruston LA 71273 318 299-7340 <mailto:admin at nbpcb.org> admin at nbpcb.org <http://www.nbpcb.org> www.nbpcb.org <https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php> Click here to verify the status of NBPCB certified professionals

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reminder: 2023 Cane Walk
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 24 Jun '23

24 Jun '23

Hello Everyone, Here is the information regarding the times and location of the 2023 Cane Walk. I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the Cane Walk, and again thank you for being a part of this important event. Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB SUNDAY, JULY 2, 2023 8:45 AM- 10:30 AM CANE WALK SESSION I Boardroom 331 Wondering if your child should use a cane? Curious about how a cane works? Learn and experience the Structured Discovery Method of travel at these special workshops (not listed in NFB agenda). Parents, teachers, blind/VI children, and siblings are welcome. Instructor: Jeff Altman, NOMCT, CVRCB 11:00 AM- 12:45 PM CANE WALK SESSION II Boardroom 331

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Rehabilitation Conference Agenda and Reminder
by admin＠nbpcb.org 21 Jun '23

21 Jun '23

*** Agenda now available, follow link below *** *** Reminder: Deadline for registration is June 25 *** 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 agenda, click here: <https://www.dropbox.com/s/oj2g4gkulpu27ay/2023%20NBPCB%20Anual%20Rehab%20Co nference%20Agenda.docx?dl=1> 2023 Rehab 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 NBPCB Office PO Box 2373 Ruston LA 71273 318 299-7340 <mailto:admin at nbpcb.org> admin at nbpcb.org <http://www.nbpcb.org> www.nbpcb.org <https://www.nbpcb.org/pages/lookup.php> Click here to verify the status of NBPCB certified professionals

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South Africa: NOMCs wanted for one week
by ksims＠latech.edu 15 Jun '23

15 Jun '23

Hello all, Sending this again as the forwarded message may not have been received by all. Please contact Marc with any questions. ---- South Africa: NOMCs wanted for one week Would you like to be part of a team to train teachers and staff in basic O&M at the Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town, South Africa in October? The You Cane Give Initiative seeks two NOMC instructors to join our four-member team. The other two team members are a third NOMC instructor and a special educator skilled at providing professional development for teachers. Dates: October 7 through 16. Depart the US on Saturday, Oct. 7. Conduct program activities at the school the week of Oct. 9. Depart Cape Town on Sunday, Oct. 15 and arrive in the US on the 16th. You are welcomed to stay longer to go on a wildlife safari or do other sight-seeing. Expenses: You Cane Give will pay for all meals, hotel, local transportation, and 25 percent of airfare. We can also assist you with some fund-raising support if needed. About You Cane Give (YCG). YCG, <http://www.youcanegive.org> www.youcanegive.org is a Tennessee-based nonprofit that donates refurbished white canes around the world where they are not available or affordable by recipients. Thus far we have delivered 1,968 white canes for the blind to people in 29 countries. We receive both new and used canes from blind individuals all over the United States, we gather groups of people together to refurbish them, and then we either mail the requested canes or send the canes with groups of people traveling overseas. About the Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town. In March 2023, a team of 5 of us delivered 250 white canes to the Athlone School and conducted a series of trainings for students and teachers. The school has about 305 blind students from kindergarten through high school, each from lower income families. A third of the students are boarding, while the rest are day students. There is only one orientation and mobility instructor on staff. The school is therefore eager for us to return to train their blind and sighted teachers on basic white cane travel instruction techniques so they can continuously promote greater independent travel by the students. The headmaster would also like to have some parents and local non-profit staff members participate in this training as well. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity to join our team, please contact us by Wednesday, June 21, 2023. You can reach me at: Marc Companion Email: <mailto:marcc2vt at gmail.com> marcc2vt at gmail.com Phone: 802-373-0250 Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you! Marc Kristen J. Sims, MEd. NOMC NCUEB Instructor, Orientation and Mobility Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 210 Woodard Hall 318-257-4554 <mailto:ksims at latech.edu> ksims at latech.edu

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