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Article about SDCT in the April 2021 Braille Monitor
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 29 Mar '21

29 Mar '21

Hi everyone, There is an article in the 2021 issue of the Braille Monitor, and I'd like to call your attention to it. Structured Discovery Cane Travel in Context: Arguments for Its Continued Practice in Our Current Environment by Ryan Carsey https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2104/bm210413.htm<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2104/bm210413.htm> I teach in Pennsylvania, and I actually did not realize that this guy lived in Pennsylvania. I wonder if we ought to step up to do more writing like this to help spread the word throughout the Federation about what we're experiencing as teachers of the blind right now and to dispel myths about remote instruction. I'm not really in a position right now to grasp the fullness of it, but I think it's worth reading. Aloha, Justin Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury he/him/his Phone: 808.797.8606 Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President at Alumni.ECU.edu> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury "Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore." Cesar Chavez

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Idea about VR Policy Initiative
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 25 Mar '21

25 Mar '21

Hi everyone, I want to use this list to bounce an idea off my many kindred spirits here. There are some states whose VR agencies appear to have policies (or perhaps routine practices that exist without being written anywhere) which basically push blind college students in VR programs to choose colleges that are close to home so that they can live with family in order to cut costs. I may get a detail wrong while articulating each policy, but I think the idea is important. I intend to get all the details right in time, so please do not allow an error in a policy detail to prevent you from considering the idea. Example 1: Michigan #>From what I hear from the Michigan students, there is a policy of VR paying only for community college (or the community college rate) for the first two years, then the four-year college rate for years 3 and 4 to get a bachelor's degree. There seems to be a spoken justification that attending community college and staying at home with family is an equal service to going to a four-year college and that living away from home is not part of preparing for employment. Example 2: Louisiana #>From what I hear from Louisiana students, there is a policy of VR only paying for housing at a university if that university is located at least 100 miles away from home. This means that a student from Baton Rouge, for example, would need to attend a school as far away as Louisiana Tech if they want to be supported by VR to live on campus, even when LSU, also a great university, is right there in town. My opinion-which I think many of you will share-is that being able to live away from your parents creates a lot of opportunities for academic and developmental experiences that will help a blind student prepare for employment. I am certain that the experiences I had because I lived away from my parents during all of my college years helped me advance in social skills, learn about myself, learn how to function independently, and adjust more fully to a sense that I am worthy of equal treatment in society. I understand that there are other lists related to rehab, but I chose this list because I can safely expect a common understanding of the importance of the adjustment to blindness and developmental experiences in the process of preparing for employment. I don't know if there is any formal guidance from RSA that advises VR agencies that these experiences and their enhancement of the VR process should be considered when crafting policies and making individual case decisions about paying for housing while attending higher education programs. Is there? If not, I am contemplating drafting a resolution for the NFB convention that would basically request that RSA issue formal guidance to VR agencies serving the blind, acknowledging that living away from family is an important part of preparing for employment and advising them that it is best not to implement policies that restrict a consumer's ability to seek VR financial support for housing while attending higher education. I am certainly open to suggestions on how this ask should be tweaked. What do you all think? Thanks so much, Justin Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury he/him/his Phone: 808.797.8606 Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President at Alumni.ECU.edu> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury "Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore." Cesar Chavez

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Liability Insurance.
by njp＠twc.com 16 Mar '21

16 Mar '21

Hello! I am having some difficulty finding an insurance company that will insure me. I have tried, All State, Nationwide and currently waiting to hear back from State Farm. I do now have a LLC, but can not apply for state contract work until insurance is in place. Does anyone have any suggestions of other companies I can try. Even tried the company our home owners is through and had no luck their either. Thanks for your assistance. Respectfully, Nickie Pearl 502-489-4457 njp at twc.com

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FW: Vacancy Notice - Rehabilitation Counselor II
by jeff.altman＠nebraska.gov 15 Mar '21

15 Mar '21

From: Halvorson, Kevin <Kevin.Halvorson at nebraska.gov> Sent: Friday, March 12, 2021 5:04 PM Subject: Vacancy Notice - Rehabilitation Counselor II Hello, The following position is being posted and available for application: Vocational Rehab Counselor II (Rehabilitation Counselor II) - NCBVI Closes - 03/23/2021 For more information, click HERE<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gover…> *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. Information contained in a resume will not be considered in lieu of the formal application. AS Personnel will reject your application if it is not complete 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, Kevin Halvorson, C.L.S.S.Y.B. Lead Human Resources Specialist - Recruitment | Shared Services HR Nebraska Department of Administrative Services 1526 K Street, Suite 150 I Lincoln, NE 68508 OFFICE 531-207-3602 | FAX 402-742-8361 kevin.halvorson at nebraska.gov<mailto:kevin.halvorson at nebraska.gov> Treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically, and creating a culture where the customer is always the priority.

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Round Abouts.
by njp＠twc.com 11 Mar '21

11 Mar '21

Good afternoon. Found this podcast interesting and it brought up a question. Have any of you ever taught a student how to navigate a round about? Listening to Freakonomics Radio (454. Should Traffic Lights Be Abolished?) <p>Americans are so accustomed to the standard intersection that we rarely consider how dangerous it can be — as well as costly, time-wasting, and polluting. Is it time to embrace the lowly, lovely roundabout?</p> https://omny.fm/shows/freakonomics-radio/should-traffic-lights-be-abolished Respectfully, Nickie Pearl 502-489-4457 njp at twc.com

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Time to begin planning for the 2021 Cane Walk
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 10 Mar '21

10 Mar '21

Hello Everyone, First of all, I hope all of you are doing well, and that you have begun receiving your vaccinations, so that you can again return to work, and the sort of life all of us hope to be enjoying once again. With the 2021 National Convention quickly approaching, yes I know it seems strange to be saying that, and the fact that we will once again be meeting virtually, I wanted to begin reaching out to all of you for help with the 2021 Virtual Cane Walk. Last year was very challenging; however, everyone that participated in the planning and the work of providing instruction truly rose to the challenge. The NOPBC has contacted me, and they are ready to join with us again this year to make the Cane Walk a success once again. They shared with me the following thoughts, and I would appreciate your feedback on these ideas. "We were thinking this year it might make much more sense to begin offering Cane Walk registration at the convention, and close it perhaps a week after convention is over. We would have a couple of introductory sessions at the convention so people would understand what the Cane Walk is, what Structured Discovery is, and why families might want to take advantage of this. Once families register, they would be paired with instructors. Again, this would be after the convention is over. Then, perhaps toward the middle or end of August, we would have a couple of debrief sessions where families and instructors could share experiences, debrief, ask questions, etc. We thought this might make more sense since it seemed as though our calls both before and during the convention were not extremely well attended by families. But, the virtual model for the Cane Walk did seem to work well for those who participated, so we do not want to take it away. Please let us know your thoughts." So, please be looking at your schedules, and provide your thoughts on the planning of the Cane Walk. Those of you that helped with the arrangements last year, if you have the time, and wish to help out again this year, your assistance will gratefully be accepted once again. Please feel free to write to me at debandjeff at allophone.com or you can call me evenings or weekends at (402) 489-9458. Should you call me, you will likely get my voice mail, so please leave a message, and I will call you back. Sincerely, Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB

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Fwd: VRCBVI Virtual Trainings - March / April - 4
by becky.keller＠dbvi.virginia.gov 25 Feb '21

25 Feb '21

Hey there good people!! Just passing along information regarding FREE virtual trainings for students, clients, professionals, or anyone interested from the blindness community. All are welcome! We're even starting to get people from across the pond!!? Miss you all and hope everything is going well in your neck of the woods. Take care, *Becky Keller, MA, NOMC, COMS* *Lead 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) 371-3093 <(804)%20371-3093> becky.keller 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> "Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome." *-Arthur Ashe* [image: VRCBVI logo (small).jpg] *VRCBVI is pleased to offer virtual training opportunities through March and April, 2021!* *Like our prior trainings, we will be using Zoom as our virtual platform. If any accommodations are needed, please contact Amy Phelps (amy.phelps at dbvi.virginia.gov <amy.phelps at dbvi.virginia.gov>) no later than fourteen days in advance of the training. And if you have any questions about the registration process or virtual training sessions, please contact Greg Chittum at 804-371-3204 or greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov <greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov>. Finally, we offer certificates of participation to individuals who need to maintain professional certification. If you would like a certificate for a training you attend, please email brooke.rogers at dbvi.virginia.gov <brooke.rogers at dbvi.virginia.gov> with the title of the presentation, the beginning and ending codes, and the certification you are maintaining. * *Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision ImpairedVirtual Trainings - March / April, 2021 Mondays and Wednesdays * *March 1 to April 28* *Please note that no trainings are scheduled for March 29 and 31* *Monday, March 1* - 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *The 2 Steps to Living a Healthy Life* A new year means new beginnings. Make 2021 the year you begin living your best life by living a healthy life. Learn how to prevent and treat chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes with a healthy lifestyle, including accessible resources that can help you on your journey. *Presenter *? Kim Ladd, Diabetes and Health Educator *Wednesday, March 3* - 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *Planning to Be Your Own Boss: What to Think About When You?re Thinking About Starting a Business* Lots of folks dream of creating a business, but many aren?t sure how to do it. We?ll explore the basics about how to get started?including how to decide what business you want to go into, how to get practical advice, and how to develop a business plan. *Presenters*? Joanne Wiggins, Adult Basic Education Instructor, and Kris Foley, VRCBVI Case Manager *Monday, March 8 *? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *GPS Apps: The Icing on the Traveler?s Cake* Learn about and explore three fully accessible GPS applications: Microsoft SoundScape, Good Maps Explorer and Lazarillo. Will also discuss the pros and cons of each app and determine when GPS applications would best be used in the travel process. *Presenters *? Mike Fish, Lead Technology Instructor, and Jimmy Morris, Orientation and Mobility Instructor *Wednesday, March 10* ? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *Proper Positioning for Powerful Promotion Potential* In this session, we?ll discuss practical strategies to succeed, and even set yourself up for promotion, in a new job. Believe it or not, the process begins before you get the job and extends beyond a successful interview! *Presenter *? Greg Chittum, Coordinator for Community Engagement *Monday, March 15* ? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *Getting Started In The Kitchen/ Basic, Non-visual Techniques for Preparing Foods* What are some of the fundamental techniques that blind people use every day in their kitchens? In this session, we will demonstrate from our VRCBVI Training Kitchen some of the basic, non-visual techniques that many blind people utilize on a daily basis to safely and effectively prepare meals. How do you measure ingredients non-visually? Or pour liquids? Or use a knife? Join us, as we demonstrate and discuss some of these essential Independent Living Skills. Let's get started! *Presenter*: Dave Fuller, Personal and Home Management Instructor *Wednesday, March 17* ? 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *Conversations About Blindness - The Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired: Who We Are, What We Do, and What Does That Information Mean to You?* In this session, you will hear an overview of the programs available at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired. Staff will describe the classes they teach, and former students will share their stories of how participating in a residential skills of blindness training program transformed their lives and gave them the confidence to pursue their personal and career goals. Spoiler alert: The transformations did not happen as the result of passive osmosis but through hard work, realistic self-assessment, and active participation. Find out if VRCBVI is the right fit for you or your loved one. *Facilitator*: Melody Roane, VRCBVI Director *Monday, March 22* - 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *The Power of Self-belief, Determination, and Taking Ownership* This discussion will delve into the importance behind these key factors for successful adjustment to blindness training. Whether you are learning at a Center-based facility, or in your local or home environment, we will define each area and share insights that will help one work past challenges, and towards personal independence. *Presenter *- Jimmy Morris, Orientation and Mobility Instructor *Wednesday, March 24* ? 1:00 to 2:00 (1 hour) *Braille for Beginners 1 * Have you ever wanted to learn Braille but weren?t quite sure where to start? Do those little dots on a page seem incomprehensible? VRCBVI?s Braille Instructor, Domonique Lawless will introduce you to the letters of the Braille alphabet and teach you your first Braille contractions. What if you don?t have any Braille at your house? No problem! Grab a muffin tin or an egg carton cut in half. Use tennis balls, ping pong balls, or crumpled up paper to make Braille dots. This is a great hands on way to begin learning Braille. *Presenter *? Domonique Lawless, Braille Instructor *Monday, April 5* - 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *Medical Care When You Have Low/No Vision* Do you feel that you are treated differently than a sighted person when receiving medical care? Are you given non-accessible education materials from doctors and hospitals? Are you defined as a "fall-risk" just because you are blind? Join this discussion to share stories and develop strategies to advocate for yourself to receive the medical care that you deserve. *Presenter *? Kim Ladd, Diabetes and Health Educator *Wednesday, April 7* - 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *No Fear Job Descriptions: Make Them Work for You* Job descriptions can be daunting, especially for those of us who can?t walk on water or juggle flaming swords. But they are also treasure troves of information. We?ll explore how to approach them, how to figure them out, and how to use them to help you move forward in your job hunt and career. *Presenter *? Joanne Wiggins, Adult Basic Education Instructor *Monday, April 12* ? 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *JAWS Basics Workshop* Back by popular demand, with a twist! If you are looking for an interactive JAWS training, then this workshop is for you! Prior to the session, on Friday, April 9, a resource containing JAWS commands and a practice activity will be sent to all registered participants. This way, participants will be able to try the practice activity ahead of time and bring their questions, problems and successes to the workshop for Mike to address. Don?t miss this opportunity to improve your JAWS skills! *Presenter *? Mike Villafane, Technology Instructor *Wednesday, April 14 *? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *Using Job Descriptions to Prepare for Interview Questions* As indicated in Joanne Wiggins? description for her presentation April 7, No Fear Job Descriptions: Make Them Work for You, job descriptions are indeed ?treasure troves of information.? In this session, we will pick up where Joanne left off, discussing why and how job descriptions can, and should, be used to prepare for the questions you will likely encounter in interviews. *Presenter *? Greg Chittum, Coordinator for Community Engagement *Monday, April 19* ? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *The Basics of Oven Safety for the Blind and Vision Impaired* In this session, we will be demonstrating and discussing the basic fundamentals of safely operating an oven. Topics will include how to properly set temperatures, how to safely place foods into and take out of a hot oven, how to center dishes onto the oven racks, types of oven gloves, and non-visual techniques for determining when oven foods are properly cooked. *Presenter *- Michael Triplett, Personal and Home Management Instructor *Wednesday, April 21* ? 1:00 to 3:00 (2 hours) *Conversations About Blindness - Do These Pants Make Me Look Fat, What Color Should I Paint the Walls In the Guest Room, and Other Questions Requiring Visual Feedback * Have you ever wondered if someone would tell you whether an outfit looks better on you or on the hanger or if you are getting good, tasteful advice on home decorating ideas? Tune into this session for practical strategies to help you get the visual information you need to present yourself and your home in a positive, attractive light. *Facilitator *? Melody Roane, VRCBVI Director *Monday, April 26 *? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *Inside the Head and Heart of a Travel Instructor* This will be a spirited panel discussion which will include a small group of seasoned veterans from the orientation and mobility field. While hearing about triumphant experiences, rocky challenges, and tough learning opportunities, we hope to discover from our panel what it takes to become a competent, confident, and successful blind or vision impaired traveler. *Presenter *- Becky Keller, Lead Orientation and Mobility Instructor *Wednesday, April 28* ? 1:00 to 2:30 (1 hour 30 minutes) *Braille for Beginners 2 * Grab your muffin tins or egg cartons and log on for part two of Braille for Beginners, an interactive intro to the Braille code. We will continue learning the letters of the Braille alphabet and introduce some more contractions. Let?s see if you can make your first sentence in Braille! *Presenter *? Domonique Lawless, Braille Instructor *Use this link to register! <https://www.formrouter.net/forms at VRCB/VirtualTrainingsMarApr2021.html>* -- Greg Chittum Coordinator for Community Engagement Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired 401 Azalea Ave. Richmond, VA 23227 804-371-3204 vrcbvi.org

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Exciting Opportunity: Graduate Programs at Louisiana Tech University
by ebell＠pdrib.com 24 Feb '21

24 Feb '21

New Opportunities for Careers in Rehabilitation of the Blind Scholarships are now available! *** Please note: Louisiana Tech University is waiving the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) requirement for these programs during this calendar year. *** Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) 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 operated its Orientation and Mobility program on this model successfully for 21 years, with upwards of 95% successful employment and employer satisfaction rates. Scholarships are now available for qualified individuals seeking one of the following degree paths: * Master of Arts in Counseling/Guidance with Concentration in Orientation and Mobility. * Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance with Concentration in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind Why me? * 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'll 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 obtain a minimum of 287 (Verbal and Quantitative) on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE)*. Individuals must also be willing to attend courses on campus in Ruston, Louisiana on a full-time basis. *Note: During the 2021 academic year, the GRE is being waived for otherwise eligible applicants. 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 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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NOMC Call
by ebell＠pdrib.com 24 Feb '21

24 Feb '21

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NOMC call
by ebell＠pdrib.com 24 Feb '21

24 Feb '21

Tuesday, March 2 7:00 p.m Central time. Join Zoom Meeting <https://latech.zoom.us/j/95956071232> https://latech.zoom.us/j/95956071232 Meeting ID: 959 5607 1232 One tap mobile +19294362866,,95956071232# US (New York) +13017158592,,95956071232# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 959 5607 1232 Find your local number: <https://latech.zoom.us/u/acyGE2FxkI> https://latech.zoom.us/u/acyGE2FxkI 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 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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