- NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

Retirement
by Edward Bell 02 Jul '25

02 Jul '25

Dear Friends, I'm writing to share that, after twenty rewarding years, I will be stepping down as Director of the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness in just a few weeks. While it's bittersweet to close this chapter, I'm excited to begin a new phase in my professional journey-one that will still be deeply rooted in advancing services and opportunities for blind individuals. I look forward to continuing collaborations with many of you in this important work. I'm pleased to announce that Kristen Sims will be assuming leadership of PDRIB. Please join me in congratulating her and offering your full support as she steps into this new role. Casey Robertson will continue her outstanding work in training professionals to educate blind children, and Kayla Deason is poised to play a key role in ensuring that Tech students receive top-quality training. After August 15, I can be reached at edwardbell(a)gemini-rt.com <mailto:edwardbell@gemini-rt.com> or 318-278-0705. Thank you all for the incredible opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated and passionate group of professionals over the past two decades. It has truly been an honor. Warm regards, Eddie Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness College of Education and Human Sciences 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@latech.edu> ebell(a)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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Question about banking apps
by Jane Lansaw 02 Jul '25

02 Jul '25

Hi folks, here is an interesting question that may be sneaking up on Oklahoma, but the rest of you may have been dealing with it for a while. My agency gave a paper check to a client to have money to participate in an agency activity. Turns out the client does not have a bank account and is not associated with a brick and mortar bank at all. Client had to figure out how to get the Paper check deposited in her cash app account. She was eventually successful, but the first thing she did was reach out to her counselor and me to try to learn how to do this. Of course we had no idea. Does anybody out there have any recommendations where we could get some large scale staff training on how to train our clients to deposit Paperwork in virtual banking account? Yes I would love it if my agency would just send a smart card or something like that but that’s not my problem to solve so let’s not try to solve it here. That is way above my pay grade. If any of you know of organizations on a national scale that might be able to provide a training that will cover the largest number of payment apps possible such as cash app, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay and others, please point me in that direction so I can apprise my leadership and hope that they will take it seriously. Thanks, Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone

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Resolution for NFB Convention re Traffic Signs Warning Drivers about Blind Pedestrians
by Justin Salisbury 02 Jul '25

02 Jul '25

Hi everyone, I'm writing to you as my Structured Discovery colleagues about a resolution that I've written for the NFB national convention. This one may be somewhat controversial. I want you all to be aware of this resolution, and I'd love your help in convincing anyone who needs convincing that this resolution is a good idea. As many of us here probably know, cities and towns sometimes put up traffic signs that function specifically to warn drivers about the possible presence of blind pedestrians. This is most common, in my experience, near training centers for the blind, state VR agencies, libraries for the blind, or schools for the blind. The traffic sign may read "Watch for the Blind" or "Blind Pedestrian Crossing" or something like that. Sometimes, these signs get put up near the homes of blind children, and they might read "Blind Child." When I was a sighted kid, I remember seeing signs that said "Blind driveway," and I thought at the time that this meant that blind drivers lived there. That is not what this is about because those signs are not about blind people. Many of these signs are used to focus on blindness as a reason that drivers should be careful. This harnesses low expectations for blind people to make the case, as if sighted pedestrians were not also worth protecting. If it's a school for the blind, telling drivers that it's a school zone should be sufficient. They shouldn't be speeding there because there are children going to school there, period. Blindness does not need to be part of the sign. When local NFB chapters fight to get signs like these removed, it can be a long and arduous process. To make things a little bit easier, this resolution urges the National Highway Administration to add guidance in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) that discourages the use of signs that specifically alert drivers to the existence of blind pedestrians and instead recommend signs that are inclusive to both sighted pedestrians and blind pedestrians without regard to eyesight. Since many traffic control bureaucrats use the MUTCD as their primary manual, having guidance in there that aligns with the NFB chapter's case will help make that advocacy easier. These decisions and advocacy processes take place on a local level, but we can do our part in the NFB to work with the relevant national entity to put our stance into their primary manual. I am hearing from some important folks in our movement that this resolution is going to get a lot of pushback from NFB members who think it's unsafe to cross streets without these signs. I do not know how widespread that resistance will be. I think that, if people are properly informed, this will go quite smoothly. This is where credible Structured Discovery professionals can say something in affiliate caucus meetings to help assuage fears. The other piece of pushback that I am told to expect is that NFB members may worry that, if an NFB member does not know about the policy stance that we took through this resolution, they may advocate for a blindness-specific traffic sign and then be out of compliance with NFB policy. My opinion on this concern is that, if an NFB member were to unknowingly advocate the other way, our response would not be to tar and feather them, but to give them a call and talk with them about why we have the stance that we have. In Minneapolis, there were some traffic signs like this near a training center for the blind that had also relocated to another city. The signs remained after the training center left. This is not the NFB training center here but another one. We found out about these signs because they're in my neighborhood. Earlier this year, we were able to make the case with our local city council to get those signs removed pretty easily because the training center was no longer there, but not all local chapters have it that easy. This message is to alert you to the topic of this resolution so that you can think about whatever you may want to say about it if you feel compelled. If you have any thoughts for me, I'm happy to hear them on or off list. Aloha, Justin Salisbury Justin MH Salisbury, MEd, NOMC, NCRTB English Pronouns: He/Him/His Email: President(a)Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President@Alumni.ECU.edu> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Sa…> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury&s…> ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1786-2786 "Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter." Chinua Achebe

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Job Announcements: Mississippi Emerge Center
by admin＠nbpcb.org 30 Jun '25

30 Jun '25

Mississippi Emerge Center for the Blind OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FOR THE BLIND 310 North Cleveland Avenue Long Beach, MS 39560 (228) 241-2240 EMPOWERMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE BLIND The Mississippi Emerge Center for the Blind is seeking highly motivated individuals to join the staff as we build a world-class residential blindness training program. Established in 2024, The Emerge Center is a residential adult training program operating on the Structured Discovery model of blindness rehabilitation. The Center prepares blind and low vision individuals for high quality employment by giving them the skills and confidence they need to function independently in their homes, communities, and workplaces. The Emerge Center is seeking a director, an orientation and mobility instructor, and an apartment manager. Emerge Center Director: The Director is a manager and a philosophical leader. The director believes in the potential of blind people to live fully integrated lives and ensures that all aspects of the program reflect and reinforce this belief. Emerge Center Director Education and Experience Requirements: A bachelor's degree in rehabilitation teaching, rehabilitation counseling, education, special education, a behavioral science, social science, counseling, or related field and four (4) years' experience (at least one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory role); or a master's degree in rehabilitation teaching, rehabilitation counseling, special education, education, a behavioral science, social science, counseling, or related field and two (2) years' experience (at least one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory role). Orientation and Mobility Instructor: The Orientation and Mobility Instructor engages blind students as active learners. The students are encouraged to explore, problem solve and challenge themselves every day. Orientation and Mobility Instructor Education and Experience Requirements: A Bachelor's degree in education, special education, rehabilitation, a behavioral science, social science, counseling, or related field and three (3) years' experience; or a Master's degree in orientation and mobility, education, special education, a behavioral science, social science, counseling, or related field and one (1) years' experience. Orientation and Mobility Instructor Certification Requirements: National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), or Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification. [Note: If the successful applicant is not NOMC or COMS certified, the individual must obtain certification within one (1) year after beginning employment.] Apartment Manager: The Apartment Manager supports and encourages the students to apply their non-visual skills to apartment life. The students cook, clean, shop for groceries, and in all ways live independently. Apartment Manager Education and Experience Requirements: A bachelor's degree in rehabilitation teaching, rehabilitation counseling, education, special education, a behavioral science, social science, counseling, or related field and three (3) years' experience; a master's degree in rehabilitation teaching, rehabilitation counseling, special education, education, a behavioral science, social science, counseling, or related field and one (1) years' experience. Apartment Manager Desirable Certification/s: Any of the following certifications will help support the individual's application but are not required: National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB), National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (NCRTB), Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind (CVRCB). Within the first six (6) months of employment, new employees will complete eight weeks of full-time immersion training wearing learning shades (blindfolds) throughout the instructional day and during confidence-building activities. Prior Structured Discovery immersion training may substitute for some or all of the immersion training requirement on a case-by-case basis. Mississippi state government employees are classified under a system that includes pay grades and pay plans. Each position is assigned to a specific pay grade within a pay plan, and these grades determine the salary range for the position. The system aims to provide fair and equitable compensation based on job duties, responsibilities, and required experience. Interested individuals should send a resume and cover letter to: Ms. Dorothy Young, Director Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind dyoung(a)mdrs.ms.gov <mailto:dyoung@mdrs.ms.gov> (601) 853-5210

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Article Connected to Rehab Conference Presentation Published in July 2025 Braille Monitor
by Justin Salisbury 25 Jun '25

25 Jun '25

Hi everyone, As you may know, we often publish the Braille Monitor online a day or two before the month for which the issue is named. Today, or maybe late last night, the July 2025 issue was published online. I was blessed to publish an article this month about a topic that I was also blessed to present at the rehab conference the last time we were in New Orleans, in 2022. Sometimes, it takes time, but I am always excited when content from one of our Structured Discovery conferences gets published in the Braille Monitor or in other publications. We've had a few nice pieces published from our 2024 Dare to Be Remarkable, too. Here is the article from this month: https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm25/bm2507/bm250705.htm<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm25/bm2507/bm250705.htm> Aloha, Justin Justin MH Salisbury, MEd, NOMC, NCRTB English Pronouns: He/Him/His Email: President(a)Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President@Alumni.ECU.edu> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Sa…> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury&s…> ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1786-2786 "Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter." Chinua Achebe

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24th Annual National Rehabilitation and Orientation and Mobility Conference Agenda-2025
by admin＠nbpcb.org 24 Jun '25

24 Jun '25

National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) 24th Annual National Rehabilitation and Orientation and Mobility Conference Agenda-2025 Contemporary Issues in Rehabilitation and Education for the Blind July 8, 2025 8:30 AM-7:30 PM EDT New Orleans Marriott 555 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70130 888-236-24-27 Acknowledgements We would like to express our appreciation to the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The NFB has not only hosted these rehabilitation events for more than 20 years, but more importantly, it has provided the philosophy, leadership, and guidance upon which the most effective rehabilitation practices have been established. We would also like to give special thanks to the many individuals who contributed their time, energy, and expertise to making this rehabilitation and orientation and mobility conference a success. It is through the dedication, determination, and fortitude of these leaders in the organized blind movement that we have collectively shifted the focus of rehabilitation in this country. Together, we are truly helping people to live the lives they want! General Session Room: Studio 9 7:30 AM - Registration Opens 8:30 AM - Opening Remarks * Joni Martinez, NOMC, Conference Co-chair, Board Member, National Blindness Professional Certification Board; Austin, TX 8:35 AM - Stronger Together: Changing Lives Through a Partnership Between the National Blindness Professional Certification Board and the National Federation of the Blind * Mark A. Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, MD 8:55 AM - Keynote: Remember the Why, the Purpose, and the Philosophy * Denise Mackenstadt, NOMC, Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Mackenstadt Rehabilitation Services; Edmonds, WA 9:25 AM - The Current State of Vocational Rehabilitation * Dorothy Young, President, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind; Madison, MS 9:45 AM - A Personal Exploration of Working in the Field of Blindness * Jamie Sibson, MRC, Director, New Mexico Orientation Center for the Blind; Alamogordo, NM 10:00 AM - Braille Instruction; What We Can Learn from K-12 * Casey Robertson, ED.S., NCUEB, Teacher of Blind Students, Lead Instructor, Professional Development Research Institute on Blindness, Louisiana Tech; Hamilton, MS 10:15 AM - Research on Policy and Pedagogy * Justin M.H. Salisbury, MEd, NOMC, NCRTB, Graduate Student, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minesota; Minneapolis, MN 10:25 AM - Applying the Zone of Proximal Development in Structured Discovery Instruction * Joanne Williams, NOMC, NCRTB, NCUEB, Chief Quality Officer, Tucson SAAVI Services for the Blind; Tucson, AZ * Terik Williams, MA, NOMC, NCRTB, Recruitment & Training Manager, Tucson SAAVI Services for the Blind; Tucson, AZ 10:40 AM - Forging Ahead with Student Leadership: How to Build a Student Government * Maureen Nietfeld, NCRTB, Director of Student Services, Colorado Center for the Blind; Littleton, CO 10:55 AM - A Primer on Facilitating a Student Directed Seminar * Pamela Allen, Executive Director, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, LA 11:15 AM - Panel: Teaching the Cornerstones of Blindness Training * Carley Mullin, NCATB, Assistive Technology Instructor, Founder, CM Training Services LLC; Baltimore, MD * Joanna Solowska, MAESL, TESOL, NCRTB, NCUEB, Braille Instructor, Phoenix SAAVI Services for the Blind; Phoenix, AZ * Delfina Rodriguez, NCRTB, Home Management Instructor, Colorado Center for the Blind; Littleton, CO * Maurice Peret, NOMC, Orientation & Mobility Instructor, Ho'opono Services for the Blind Orientation Center; Honolulu, HI * Moderator: Joni Martinez, NOMC, Conference Co-Chair, Board member, National Blindness Professional Certification Board; Austin, TX 11:50 AM - Closing Remarks and Announcements * Joni Martinez, NOMC, Conference Co-chair, Board Member, National Blindness Professional Certification Board; Austin, TX 12:00 PM-2:00 PM - Lunch Break 2:00 PM-2:50 PM - Breakout Group 1 Session A: Working with Seniors Using Structured Discovery Methodology Room: Studio 8 * Stefanie Parris, NCRTB, Older Blind Specialist, Colorado Center for the Blind, Littleton, CO * Scott Tokunaga, NOMC, Rehabilitation Instructional Services Specialist, Arizona State Department of Economic Security, Phoenix, AZ Session B: Recruiting & Developing Effective Mentorships in the Profession Room: Studio 9 * Carley Mullin, NOMC, Recruitment sub-Committee Chair, Founder, CM Training Services LLC; Baltimore, MD * Michell Gip, NOMC, Mentorship sub-committee chair; Orientation & Mobility Instructor, State Services for the Blind; Minneapolis, MN Session C: Working with the Whole Student: Recruiting, Admission, & Beyond Room: Studio 10 * Joni Martinez, NOMC, Admissions Coordinator, Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center; Austin, TX 3:00 PM- 3:50 PM - Breakout Group 2 Session A: Access Technology Breakout: Developing & Building a Structured Discovery Focused Curriculum: Room: Studio 8 * Speaker: Curtis Chong, Board Member, National Blindness Professional Certification Board, Non-visual access technology consultant; Aurora, CO Session B: Cane Travel Breakout: Fundamentals of the Tap & Slide Technique Room: Studio 9 * Roland Allen, NOMC, Cane Travel Instructor, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, LA * Marco Carranza, MA, NOMC, Cane Travel Instructor, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, LA Session C: Working with Students & Interpreters Room: Studio 10 * Jose Marquez, BA International Studies, Certified Healthcare Interpreter, Medical Interpreter, Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters; Houston, TX 4:00 PM-4:50 PM - Breakout Group 3 Session A: Structured Discovery Techniques as a Foundation for Technology Training Room: Studio 8 * Brett Boyer, President, National Federation of the Blind Assistive Technology Trainer's Division, Littleton, CO Session B: Cultivating Valuable Student Mentorships in the Classroom Room: Studio 9 * Jeff Altman, NOMC, Board Member, National Blindness Professional Session C: The Purpose & Curriculum of Shop Class in Structured Discovery Training Room: Studio 10 * Chase Holladay, Shop Instructor, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, LA * Certification Board, Cane Travel Instructor, Nebraska Center for the Blind, Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Lincoln, NE NBPCB Reception/Mix and Mingle Room: Riverview I Time: 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm Facilitated by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board * Speak with the day's presenters in a less formal setting. * Networking opportunity for job seekers and employers. * Meet our newest NOMC certificants. * Meet our newest NCRTB certificants. * Meet our newest NCUEB certificants. * Awards and recognition * Announcements from centers across the nation * Cash bar and light snacks will be available. Sponsors National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) Adelmo Vigil, President www.nbpcb.org admin(a)nbpcb.org Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB), Louisiana Tech University Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director www.pdrib.com ebell(a)latech.edu <mailto:ebell@latech.edu> *Agenda subject to change NBPCB Office PO Box 2373 Ruston LA 71273 318 299-7340 <mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> admin(a)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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FW: Inquiry
by admin＠nbpcb.org 23 Jun '25

23 Jun '25

Please see attached for O&M positions in Texas. Maria NBPCB Office PO Box 2373 Ruston LA 71273 318 299-7340 <mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> admin(a)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 From: Kellom,Pamela <pamela.kellom(a)twc.texas.gov> Sent: Monday, June 23, 2025 10:19 AM To: admin(a)nbpcb.org Subject: RE: Inquiry Hello Maria, Thank you so much for your response and assistance with our job openings. Please see attached two job openings with the Texas Workforce Commission for Austin and Corpus Christi. I have provided my information at the bottom of each attachment for any interested certificants to reach out to me. Thank you, Pamela Kellom, MSOL Recruiter, Human Resources Department Texas Workforce Commission 512-627-3609 | pamela.kellom(a)twc.texas.gov <mailto:pamela.kellom@twc.texas.gov> twc.texas.gov From: admin(a)nbpcb.org <mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> <admin(a)nbpcb.org <mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> > Sent: Monday, June 23, 2025 9:48 AM To: Kellom,Pamela <pamela.kellom(a)twc.texas.gov <mailto:pamela.kellom@twc.texas.gov> > Subject: RE: Inquiry CAUTION: Email not from TWC System. Use care when clicking links and opening attachments. Hello, If you send me the job announcements, I will be happy to post them on our closed listserve for our certificants. Best, Maria Morais NBPCB Office PO Box 2373 Ruston LA 71273 318 299-7340 <mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> admin(a)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 From: Kellom,Pamela <pamela.kellom(a)twc.texas.gov <mailto:pamela.kellom@twc.texas.gov> > Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2025 3:26 PM To: admin(a)nbpcb.org <mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> Subject: Inquiry Good afternoon, I am a recruiter with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). I currently have two openings for an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Instructor in Austin, Texas, and Corpus Christi Texas and were looking for individuals who are certified in this field and who may be interested in applying. Is this something that the National Blindness Professional Certification Board may can help me with? Thank you, Pamela Kellom, MSOL Recruiter, Human Resources Department Texas Workforce Commission 512-627-3609 | pamela.kellom(a)twc.texas.gov <mailto:pamela.kellom@twc.texas.gov> twc.texas.gov

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Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Career Opportunities: Orientation and Mobility Specialist
by Jane Lansaw 20 Jun '25

20 Jun '25

Still a job opening in Tulsa for orientation and Mobility. See the link below and call me for more information. Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Jane Lansaw <widearc2000(a)gmail.com> Date: December 10, 2024 at 3:50:11 PM CST To: NOMC ListServ <nomc(a)nbpcb.org> Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Career Opportunities: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Jane Lansaw NOMC Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Jane E. Lansaw" <JLansaw(a)okdrs.gov> Date: November 5, 2024 at 3:27:29 PM CST To: My Home Cell <widearc2000(a)gmail.com> Subject: Fw: [EXTERNAL] Career Opportunities: Orientation and Mobility Specialist __________________________________________________________________ [1]View as a webpage / Share Logo, Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services November 5, 2024 Career Opportunities: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Attention job seekers specializing in orientation and mobility specialist for the blind and visually impaired! We have an opening! DRS’ Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is now hiring for a orientation and mobility specialist in Tulsa, OK. [2]See job announcement. Make a difference in this dynamic career field helping people with disabilities find employment. The salary for this position is dependent upon the level at which the candidate is approved. See job announcement for levels. The Department of Rehabilitation Services provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. For questions regarding specific duties or details of this job, please contact Human Resources at [3]HR(a)okdrs.gov. Empowering Oklahoma with disabilities. DRS is hiring! Join our team and make a difference. DRS logo. Empowering Oklahomans with Disabilities Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services 3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 [4]Website | [5]Contact Us [6]Facebook Twitter you tube LinkedIn instagram [7]subscribe SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: [8]Manage Subscriptions | [9]Help _______________________________________________________________________ This email was sent to [10]tmcdermott(a)okdrs.gov using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services · 3535 N.W. 58th Street, Suite 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 [11]GovDelivery logo [wb-k3RUi0nh_bM3Ovfh4k32QYh7PsUZMxGVgTm3GaIQ=377] References Visible links: 1. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2F… 2. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2F… 3. mailto:HR@okdrs.gov 4. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2F… 5. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2F… 6. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2F… 7. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2F… 8. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2F… 9. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2F… 10. mailto:tmcdermott@okdrs.gov 11. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2F… Hidden links: 13. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2F… 14. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2F…

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Re: NOMC Volunteers Needed July 7th: New Orleans
by s.colin.wong＠gmail.com 10 Jun '25

10 Jun '25

Warm regards, Colin Wong MA, NOMC Graduate Researcher/Orientation & Mobility Instructor <mailto:s.colin.wong@gmail.com> s.colin.wong(a)gmail.com 480-886-4445 From: s.colin.wong(a)gmail.com <s.colin.wong(a)gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 3:23 PM To: nomc(a)lists.nbpcb.org Subject: NOMC Volunteers Needed July 7th: New Orleans Hello all, NFB's Career Quest program is looking for some volunteers to help do some basic cane travel training for their blind teenagers on the evening of July 7th. This will take place at the NFB National Convention in New Orleans. Please let me know if you are able to do this and I will connect you with the NFB coordinator managing this program. This opportunity is a great way to also get some continual education credits. Warm regards, Colin Wong MA, NOMC s.colin.wong(a)gmail.com <mailto:s.colin.wong@gmail.com> 480-886-4445

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24th Annual National Rehabilitation and Orientation and Mobility Conference Agenda
by admin＠nbpcb.org 06 Jun '25

06 Jun '25

National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) 24th Annual National Rehabilitation and Orientation and Mobility Conference Agenda-2025 Contemporary Issues in Rehabilitation and Education for the Blind July 8, 2025 8:30 AM-7:30 PM EDT New Orleans Marriott 555 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70130 888-236-24-27 Acknowledgements We would like to express our appreciation to the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The NFB has not only hosted these rehabilitation events for more than 20 years, but more importantly, it has provided the philosophy, leadership, and guidance upon which the most effective rehabilitation practices have been established. We would also like to give special thanks to the many individuals who contributed their time, energy, and expertise to making this rehabilitation and orientation and mobility conference a success. It is through the dedication, determination, and fortitude of these leaders in the organized blind movement that we have collectively shifted the focus of rehabilitation in this country. Together, we are truly helping people to live the lives they want! General Session Room: Studio 9 7:30 AM - Registration Opens 8:30 AM - Opening Remarks * Joni Martinez, NOMC, Conference Co-chair, Board Member, National Blindness Professional Certification Board; Austin, TX 8:35 AM - Stronger Together: Changing Lives Through a Partnership Between the National Blindness Professional Certification Board and the National Federation of the Blind * Mark A. Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, MD 8:55 AM - Keynote: Remember the Why, the Purpose, and the Philosophy * Denise Mackenstadt, NOMC, Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Mackenstadt Rehabilitation Services; Edmonds, WA 9:25 AM - The Current State of Vocational Rehabilitation * Dorothy Young, President, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind; Madison, MS 9:45 AM - A Personal Exploration of Working in the Field of Blindness * Jamie Sibson, MRC, Director, New Mexico Orientation Center for the Blind; Alamogordo, NM 10:00 AM - Braille Instruction; What We Can Learn from K-12 * Casey Robertson, ED.S., NCUEB, Teacher of Blind Students, Lead Instructor, Professional Development Research Institute on Blindness, Louisiana Tech; Hamilton, MS 10:15 AM - Research on Policy and Pedagogy * Justin M.H. Salisbury, MEd, NOMC, NCRTB, Graduate Student, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minesota; Minneapolis, MN 10:25 AM - Applying the Zone of Proximal Development in Structured Discovery Instruction * Joanne Williams, NOMC, NCRTB, NCUEB, Chief Quality Officer, Tucson SAAVI Services for the Blind; Tucson, AZ * Terik Williams, MA, NOMC, NCRTB, Recruitment & Training Manager, Tucson SAAVI Services for the Blind; Tucson, AZ 10:40 AM - Forging Ahead with Student Leadership: How to Build a Student Government * Maureen Nietfeld, NCRTB, Director of Student Services, Colorado Center for the Blind; Littleton, CO 10:55 AM - A Primer on Facilitating a Student Directed Seminar * Pamela Allen, Executive Director, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, LA 11:15 AM - Panel: Teaching the Cornerstones of Blindness Training * Carley Mullin, NCATB, Assistive Technology Instructor, Founder, CM Training Services LLC; Baltimore, MD * Joanna Solowska, MAESL, TESOL, NCRTB, NCUEB, Braille Instructor, Phoenix SAAVI Services for the Blind; Phoenix, AZ * Delfina Rodriguez, NCRTB, Home Management Instructor, Colorado Center for the Blind; Littleton, CO * Maurice Peret, NOMC, Orientation & Mobility Instructor, Ho'opono Services for the Blind Orientation Center; Honolulu, HI * Moderator: Joni Martinez, NOMC, Conference Co-Chair, Board member, National Blindness Professional Certification Board; Austin, TX 11:50 AM - Closing Remarks and Announcements * Joni Martinez, NOMC, Conference Co-chair, Board Member, National Blindness Professional Certification Board; Austin, TX 12:00 PM-2:00 PM - Lunch Break 2:00 PM-2:50 PM - Breakout Group 1 Session A: Working with Seniors Using Structured Discovery Methodology Room: TBA * Stefanie Parris, NCRTB, Older Blind Specialist, Colorado Center for the Blind; Littleton, CO Session B: Recruiting & Developing Effective Mentorships in the Profession Room: TBA * Carley Mullin, NOMC, Recruitment sub-Committee Chair, Founder, CM Training Services LLC; Baltimore, MD * Michell Gip, NOMC, Mentorship sub-committee chair; Orientation & Mobility Instructor, State Services for the Blind; Minneapolis, MN Session C: Working with the Whole Student: Recruiting, Admission, & Beyond Room: TBA * Joni Martinez, NOMC, Admissions Coordinator, Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center; Austin, TX 3:00 PM- 3:50 PM - Breakout Group 2 Session A: Cane Travel Breakout: Fundamentals of the Tap & Slide Technique Room: TBA * Roland Allen, NOMC, Cane Travel Instructor, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, LA * Marco Carranza, MA, NOMC, Cane Travel Instructor, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, LA Session B: Access Technology Breakout: Developing & Building a Structured Discovery Focused Curriculum: TBA * Speaker: Curtis Chong, Board Member, National Blindness Professional Certification Board, Non-visual access technology consultant; Aurora, CO Session C: Working with Students & Interpreters Room: TBA * Jose Marquez, BA International Studies, Certified Healthcare Interpreter, Medical Interpreter, Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters; Houston, TX 4:00 PM-4:50 PM - Breakout Group 3 Session A: TBA Room: TBA Session B: Cultivating Valuable Student Mentorships in the Classroom Room: TBA * Jeff Altman, NOMC, Board Member, National Blindness Professional Session C: The Purpose & Curriculum of Shop Class in Structured Discovery Training Room: TBA * Chase Holladay, Shop Instructor, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, LA * Certification Board, Cane Travel Instructor, Nebraska Center for the Blind, Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Lincoln, NE NBPCB Reception/Mix and Mingle Room: Riverview I Time: 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm Facilitated by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board * Speak with the day's presenters in a less formal setting. * Networking opportunity for job seekers and employers. * Meet our newest NOMC certificants. * Meet our newest NCRTB certificants. * Meet our newest NCUEB certificants. * Awards and recognition * Announcements from centers across the nation * Cash bar and light snacks will be available. Sponsors National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) Adelmo Vigil, President www.nbpcb.org admin(a)nbpcb.org Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB), Louisiana Tech University Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director www.pdrib.com ebell(a)latech.edu <mailto:ebell@latech.edu> *Agenda subject to change NBPCB Office PO Box 2373 Ruston LA 71273 318 299-7340 <mailto:admin@nbpcb.org> admin(a)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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