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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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Early Registration is Closing Fast!
by admin＠nbpcb.org 06 Jun '25

06 Jun '25

Please help us spread the word to all interested groups! Just a quick reminder that early registration for the 24th Contemporary Issues in Rehabilitation and Education for the Blind conference is June 15, 2025. The early registration fee is $100, but after that date, it will be $115. If your organization will be registering an entire group, please remember that you can e-mail us names and preferred agenda medium and then use the online payment option at the top of our website to pay all fees. We will be sending out our working agenda in a separate e-mail message to follow. 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: O&M Role Job Posting?
by admin＠nbpcb.org 06 Jun '25

06 Jun '25

FYI Hello, I was wondering if NBPCB posted job openings for NOMC's or degreed O&M's that are working on their NOMC? I am also hiring an AT and IL Specialist. I currently have a position for one O&M at our Lighthouse location in Fort Worth, TX. Job Posting here -- Orientation and Mobility Specialist <https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=306212& clientkey=561C595EB41027C3AE10C444A3D79B7D> Thank you! Jay Semple Jay Semple Head of Client Services 912 West Broadway Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76104 Closed Fridays Main (817) 332-3341 Office (817) 529-7782 Cell (817) 637-9944 <https://lighthousefw.org/> <http://www.youtube.com/@Lighthousefw> <https://www.instagram.com/fortworthlighthouse/?hl=en> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighthousefw/> <https://www.facebook.com/lighthousefw/> The mission of the Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth <https://lighthousefw.org/> is to encourage and empower blind and significantly visually impaired children, youth, adults and seniors to achieve their highest level of independence through competitive employment, specialized training and client services (at no charge).

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FW: JR2025-00016615 Technology Manager has been posted
by Altman, Jeff 27 May '25

27 May '25

From: Watson, Sara <Sara.Watson(a)nebraska.gov> Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 4:34 PM Subject: JR2025-00016615 Technology Manager has been posted Hello, The following position is being posted and available for application: Technology Manager JR2025-00016615 (Internal Candidates click Here<https://www.myworkday.com/son/d/inst/9925$24982/rel-task/2998$16774.htmld> Closes - 06/02/2025 at 11:59 PM For more information, please log in to Workday<https://www.myworkday.com/son/d/home.htmld>, and select the "Jobs Hub - Internal Apply" from the Menu in the top left. New Jobs may appear on the main board but can also be found by searching the title in "Browse Jobs" or the requisition number. 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. To save your application information for next time, visit your profile page and select the Career tab from the list in the blue panel. You will have the opportunity to update Education and Work history at any time and this info will pull into any future Internal applications you submit. For further instruction, check out the Workday User Guides. - Workday Recruiting, Learning and Talent - Jobs Hub Know someone who doesn't work for the state that would be a great fit? Have them apply Here<https://son.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NebraskaStateCareers/details/Techno…> Thank you, Sara Watson Human Resources Generalist/Public Relations Specialist Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired 4600 Valley Rd. Ste. 100 Lincoln, NE 68510 Phone: (402) 657-8978 Fax: (402) 471- 3009 Sara.Watson(a)nebraska.gov<mailto:Sara.Watson@nebraska.gov> Empowering Blind Individuals, Promoting Opportunities and Building Belief in the Blind [cid:image001.png@01DBC9A3.DFF6D770]

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Calling All Teachers of Blind Students: Interview Study about the Braille Presumption in the IDEA
by Justin Salisbury 22 May '25

22 May '25

Dear Friends and Colleagues, My name is Justin Salisbury. I am a blind person and a cane travel instructor. I earned my master's degree and teaching credentials through the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University. I am currently pursuing my PhD in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota. I am conducting a research study to try to understand perspectives of Teachers of Blind Students (TBSs) about the braille presumption in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I am especially interested in how the braille presumption is used and how it impacts the education of blind children. If you identify as a Teacher of Blind Students (TBS), you are invited to participate in the study. If you agree, I want to interview you, please. The interview will probably take 30-45 minutes. Participation in this study is voluntary. Your identity as a participant will remain confidential during and after the study. If you have questions or would like to participate, please contact me at salis082(a)umn.edu<mailto:salis082@umn.edu>. Thank you in advance for your participation, Justin M. H. Salisbury, MEd, NOMC, NCRTB Graduate Student College of Education and Human Development University of Minnesota

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Join Us for StructuredDiscovery Week at NFB Convention!
by jimorris0116＠gmail.com 18 May '25

18 May '25

Dear NBPCB Certified Professional, We're excited to announce a brand-new initiative from the National Blindness Professional Certification Board's NOMCT Recruitment Sub-Committee, one that puts the spotlight on you and the power of Structured Discovery! This summer, during the week of the National Federation of the Blind's National Convention in beautiful New Orleans, Louisiana, we're launching a social media campaign to amplify the voices of NBPCB certified professionals across the country. This is our chance to show the world what makes Structured Discovery instruction unique, effective, and deeply empowering, not just for our students, but for us as practitioners, too. Here's how to join: 1. Post on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, Mastodon, etc.) during NFB National Convention Week of July 8 - 13, 2025. 2. Use the hashtags #StructuredDiscovery and #WeAreNBPCB. 3. Share a short story, a lesson learned, a student success, or what NBPCB certification means to you. 4. Include a photo if you can-of yourself, a lesson in action, a meaningful quote, or a moment that captures what Structured Discovery is all about. Whether you're mentoring students, training new instructors, or shaping the next chapter of our field, your perspective matters. Together, let's flood our feeds with purpose, passion, and the spirit of Structured Discovery. Let's make some noise! Let's show what it means to be NBPCB certified! With appreciation, The NBPCB NOMCT Recruitment Sub-Committee Warm Regards, Jimmy Morris MA, NOMCT

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O&M Job Opportunity in Indianapolis
by Daniel Belding 16 May '25

16 May '25

Hello all, I am excited to share this job posting for an Orientation & Mobility instructor at bosma Enterprises. I have been working at Bosma for the past 2 1/2 years and I am the only Structured Discovery professional in the organization. I teach Cane Travel and also lead the Braille committee. Leadership has consistently been open to my teaching style and methodology. I believe they recognize the positive results that Structured Discovery training brings to rehabilitation teaching. It would be wonderful to bring another Structured Discovery Cane Travel Instructor into the organization to bring in another person with a positive blindness philosophy and continue to educate and teach not only the students but the staff and leadership. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like any additional information. My phone number is 303-406-1230, and my email is danielcbelding(a)gmail.com. Please see below for the link to the job posting. [1]Recruitment [2]workforcenow.adp.com [3]favicon.ico Sincerely, Daniel Belding, MA, NOMC NCRTB Phone: 303-406-1230 Email: danielcbelding(a)gmail.com References Visible links: 1. https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm… 2. https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm… 3. https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm… Hidden links: 5. https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm…

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Final Reminder to register for SD Training
by jimorris0116＠gmail.com 11 May '25

11 May '25

*** final reminder to register if you have not already done so. Please Register by 5PM Monday May 12th. The zoom link will be sent out on Monday evening**** Structure Discovery Professionals Educational Trainings As part of NOMCT Committee's commitment to continuous learning and professional development, the education subcommittee is excited to offer a comprehensive five-part training session, that started in January 2025. This program will cover a range of disabilities, focusing on strategies to enhance individ5uals' independence and uphold high expectations in working with diverse needs. Our five-part training session will cover a range of disabilities, each with a specific topic presented by experts in the field. All training courses will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month starting in January 2025 from 8PM EST to 9PMEST. Below is a list of the dates, topics, and presenters for each session. Please remember that registration is required for each event, so be sure to register by the due date to secure your spot. We look forward to your participation in this informative series! Training session 5 on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, at 8PM EST Topic: Emotional and Mental Health Presenters: Megan Bhatia-Mohamed Link to register: https://nbpcb.org/guestreg This seminar will offer CEU's requirements for recertification. Please click on the link above to register for the event within two days of the actual event. You are required to register to attend this meeting and receive CEU's. The Zoom link will be distributed from the registration link. About the Subcommittee: The education subcommittee's goal is to provide valuable educational opportunities for NOMC's throughout the year. Stay tuned for additional upcoming training and opportunities for continual education. Warm Regards, Jimmy Morris MA, NOMCT

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employment opportunity in Virginia for rehab teacher
by Lerone Walker 07 May '25

07 May '25

The Virginia Department for the Blind and vision impaired has employment opportunity for rehab teacher in Norfolk/Ba Beach area. https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/rehabilitation-teacher-bvi00119-norfolk-… I work in the DBVI office assigned to referenced posting, and We have a positive dynamic team. Job is among highest starting pay for Rehab teachers. Additional benefits include one day a week opportunity for working from home/remotely, and when not working the area has a lot to offer including being near beach! Posting will be closing soon Rehabilitation Teacher-BVI00119 - Norfolk, Virginia, United States<https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/rehabilitation-teacher-bvi00119-norfolk-…> * 5072760 * Norfolk, Virginia, United States * Dept for Blind/Vision Impaired * Full-Time (Salaried) * Closing at: May 8 2025 - 23:55 EDT Hiring Range: Anticipated Starting Salary $53,000, commensurate with experience. Pay Band: 4 Agency: Dept for Blind/Vision Impaired Location: Blind & Vision Impaired Agency Website: https://www.dbvi.virginia.gov/ Recruitment Type: General Public About the Agency: The mission of the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) is to provide services and resources that empower individuals who are blind, vision-impaired, or deafblind to achieve their desired levels of employment, education, and personal independence. Job Duties: The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) is seeking to hire a rehabilitation teacher for the Norfolk location. This incumbent in this position will visit and instruct individuals in their homes in all areas of rehabilitation teaching that apply to their individualized program, such as communication skills (i.e., handwriting, Braille, typing, recording), homemaking skills (i.e., meal preparation, labeling, safety, money identification, eating skills, clothing care, medications, grooming), leisure time (i.e., library services, community resources, games, crafts, exercise), adjustment counseling to individuals and families, providing resource information, advocacy, and low vision services; provides assistance toward acceptance of and coping with vision loss. In addition, this position will arrange and participate in low vision exams and the provision of follow-up instruction with low vision aids and appliances; assess the need for adaptive aids, appliances, and health-related equipment for individuals; and arrange for purchase and instruction. Other duties will include, but not be limited to, assessing individuals' needs and accurately determining eligibility based on referral information, the customer's self-reported needs, and teacher observation. Gathers appropriate application data for new referrals as needed through initial screening interviews in the field. Explains agency services thoroughly. Report findings on appropriate forms and AWARE to process the case. Refers individuals, as appropriate, to other necessary services (i.e., VRCBVI, Library Services, Radio Reading Services, Orientation & Mobility, and Vocational Rehabilitation). Evaluates individuals in their homes for rehabilitation, teaching, and independent living skills to determine which services and instruction are needed for the individual to function the most independently. Minimum Qualifications: * Demonstrates skills in adjustment counseling, assessment of visual functioning, communication, Braille, homemaking, ADL, and recreational activities. * Demonstrates ability to communicate well verbally and in writing, to include caseload management skills. * Demonstrates knowledge and skills in basic computer operations of word processing and e-mail. Additional Considerations: N/A Special Instructions: This has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2-1201.1. A fingerprint-based criminal history check will be required of the finalist candidate. The selected candidate must complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interests as a condition of employment (Va. Code § 2.2-3114). Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment(a)dars.virginia.gov<mailto:recruitment@dars.virginia.gov> for assistance. Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, Americorp, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply. To Apply: Equal Opportunity Employer. State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia's New Recruitment Management System. PageUp provides a confirmation of receipt when your application is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your PageUp account to check the status of your application for this position. Name: Human Resources Email: Recruitment(a)dars.virginia.gov<mailto:Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov> In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-connected veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter<https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx> or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019. Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022, and February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process. Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

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NOMC Cane Travel Request
by jimorris0116＠gmail.com 05 May '25

05 May '25

The NFB Seniors Division is hoping to use the talents of our NOMC certified cane travel instructors to assist with a project at this year's national convention. Some of our seniors have expressed an interest in learning some tips for using their canes better, and we are soliciting volunteers to help with a project designed to help them gain a little more independence. We know you are all busy during the convention, but we are asking you to take a few hours out of your busy schedules to mentor a senior who wants to learn how to travel a little better. We don't expect you to volunteer every day, but if you have a couple of hours or so to spare during the convention, we would like to pair you with a senior or two who needs the skills you are so great at providing. If you are interested in finding out more about this volunteer opportunity, call Glenn Crosby at our national senior hotline. That number is 443-681-9345. You can also message Glenn at gcrosby(a)nfbtx.org <mailto:gcrosby@nfbtx.org> . Thank you for your willingness to help make this project a success. Warm Regards, Jimmy Morris MA, NOMCT

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