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A couple of additional things regarding the Cane Walk
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 22 Jun '20

22 Jun '20

Hello Everyone, There are a couple of things that I need to update you on. As instructors we will be ordering proper length canes for the families, so when you initially contact the families, please work with them on fitting canes. Also, the follow-up will actually probably be both on the 13th and the 15th, but this is still being worked out, so please stand by on this. You may not have to attend these, and I will let you know the situation as we move forward. Finally, I may be looking for some assistance with matching instructors with families, so please let me know if you would be interested in assisting with this process. Jeff

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Possible next Zoom conference call
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 22 Jun '20

22 Jun '20

Hello Everyone, I wanted to check in with you to see if there are subjects that you awant to discuss, so that I can determine whether having a Zoom call next week is needed, or if we should hold off until the Convention. Please let me know your thoughts, and if I do not hear from any of you, I'll assume that the consensus is that we should wait until then. Thanks, Jeff

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The 2020 Cane Walk
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 22 Jun '20

22 Jun '20

Hello Everyone This is to update all of you regarding this year's Cane Walk. Currently the NOPBC is registering families for the Cane Walk, and as I receive this information, I will be working on matching you with the families that each of you will be working with. I do not know at this point how many will be participating, and therefore I also do not know if I may have to ask some of you to work with more than one family. Whether you are able to provide more than one lesson to a family is something you are welcome to arrange with the family you are working with. The introduction will be held the evening of July 6th, at 7:00 pm Central Time. This will be a Zoom event, and the link will be provided to all of you as soon as it is available. This will be an opportunity to explain to the families the purpose of the Cane Walk, to introduce the instructors, and how the lessons will be handled. Each of you will be provided with the contact information for the families so that you can schedule lessons and determine the remote method used to provide these lessons. There will also be a follow-up Zoom meeting either on the 13th or the 15th so that families can ask questions and provide feedback. The date of the follow-up Zoom meeting will be determined by the NOPBC leadership as they put the finishing touches on their agenda. As more information becomes available, I will update you. I truly appreciate eadch of you that are participating in this event, for joining with the NOPBC in this remarkable effort. I do not believe anyone has ever attempted anything like this before, so together we are making history. Thank you, Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB

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O&M Position open in Kansas
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 20 Jun '20

20 Jun '20

North Kansas City Schools <https://m.facebook.com/NKCSchools/?refid=18&__tn__=CH-R> NKC Schools is seeking to contract with a certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are interested in contracting with us for Orientation and Mobility Services, please contact Samantha Poindexter at samantha.poindexter at nkcschools.org.

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Correction on Blog
by ebell＠pdrib.com 19 Jun '20

19 Jun '20

***, no I am not a black female who grew up in the South, so I am sending this corrected copy so the author gets the appropriate recognition. My apology for the confusion ** Leading Voices of Diversity and Inclusion by Dr. Sheena Manuel Lift Every Voice. <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr3902tc.htm> Future Reflections, a magazine for parents and teachers of blind children, published their latest journal focusing on ethnic and cultural diversity. Great timing! The leading voices of this journal revealed the mission and vision of the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University. We take pride in educating and preparing those who are called to be educators, consumers, counselors, and change agents in the blindness field. Several authors in the journal's Special Issue bear the fruit of our labor. Leading Voice Rosie Ramirez Carranza introduces the issue as one that explores and examines issues related to blindness along with identity, ethnicity, and culture. She urges us to engage in self-reflective practices in hopes that we transform into people who search for a deeper understanding of the world around us. She reminds us of the importance of "recognizing the continued and intensified segregation by race and class within the United States public education system." She's leading us toward the goal of equity. Read <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr390202.htm> Navigating Toward Equity for the full story. Equity is freedom from bias, favoritism, partiality, and prejudice. Leading Voice Colin Wong is a 2017 Louisiana Tech graduate and an NOMC (National Orientation and Mobility) instructor. He speaks to us about Chinese American culture. He informed us that in his culture blindness is viewed as life-ending. Despite the cultural norms, his father taught him that success involves facing discrimination and prioritizing education. Colin engaged us in dialogue about the myth of the Model Minority and how this theory created an educational resource gap for him. Dealing with expectations, Colin revealed that "his personal high expectations as a Chinese student seemed out of reach due to the lowered expectations his disability created." Through living, learning, and the strength he drew from his family, he knows that he is not a model minority, he is not a broken sighted person, but he is a leading voice for staying true to his cultural foundations and overcoming the systemic barriers of the education system. Read <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr390206.htm> My Education Narrative: Negotiating School and Culture as a Blind Chinese American for the full story. Leading Voice Justin Salisbury is a 2013 Louisiana Tech graduate an NOMC (National Orientation and Mobility) instructor. He leads the conversation about Indian (also known as indigenous) culture. He stated that "it is vital to start [the conversation] by explaining settler colonialism, the act of replacing the original population of a territory along with replacing the customs and culture of the people. Justin believes that attempts to invalidate identity exist within the Indian culture as well as the blindness field. He understands that as Indian and blind the public has many misperceptions and stereotypes about both minority groups. He warns, "my culture is not a costume!" Justin hopes to live in harmony with the privileged majority groups and make his dreams a reality by working together. Read <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr390208.htmm> Reflections from Turtle Island: The Intersection of Blindness and Indigenous North American Identity for the full story. Leading Voice Conchita Hernandez Legorreta is a 2012 Louisiana Tech graduate and teacher of blind students (TBS). She speaks to us about Latinx culture and immigrant backgrounds. In her article, <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr390204.htm> Educating Blind English Learners: A Conversation with Conchita Hernandez Legorreta, she allowed us to get a view of her life as an immigrant with a disability. She learned from her family the importance of support, mentoring, and modifications. She understands the difficult decision her parents made when they migrated to the United States for her to receive better resources and services. Conchita stated that she is bearing the fruit of her parents' labor. One fruit in particular is mentioned in her article, <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr390212.htm> Cambiando Vidas: How a Small Group of Friends Started a Movement, where she details how her and a group of friends started a movement. As they planned a trip to visit a school for the blind in Guadalajara, they created and founded METAS (Mentoring, Engaging, and Teaching All Students), a nonprofit organization. Their organization and movement focus on educating and supporting blind Spanish-speaking individuals and their families. Conchita is another fruit of the labor at the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness. As an African American woman from a single-parent home in rural Louisiana, I can attest to the systemic barriers in public education. From personal experience, I know how low expectations from others influence our lives. I am also aware of the desires of those who look to replace my culture. Like our former graduates, I value family and my support system when staying true to myself while fighting for the rights of myself and others. We at the Institute on Blindness are committed to providing leadership in creating methods, techniques, and programs that empower blind individuals. Want to become a leading voice. Visit <http://www.pdrib.com> www.pdrib.com to find out more about our degree programs and research work. 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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Fwd: Your invitation to present at the O&M Symposium!
by becky.keller＠dbvi.virginia.gov 18 Jun '20

18 Jun '20

Good Morning Everyone, Please see the information below. After attending this past year's IOMOS symposium, I decided to apply and was accepted to be on the planning committee for the upcoming 2021 event. I am hoping to potentially bring in additional perspectives from our field, and more importantly thoughts from our NOMC family. Yes, it is heavily populated with individuals holding another certification; however, I believe it is a newly founded, young organization potentially filled with eager and open-minded learners. Please consider presenting or potentially having more of a presence at the 2021 International Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium. Thanks in advance and have a wonderful weekend! *Becky Keller, 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* **CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE** This message (including any attachments) contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorized to receive for the intended recipient), you may not read, print, retain, use, copy, distribute, or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail, and destroy all copies of the original message (including any attachments). Hello all! We've got exciting news about the 2021 O&M Symposium! Every year, our O&M Symposium <https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/4zuqkg2r54uehkp2kkbx/6qh45nens8h2g3oxxk/a…> community gathers together from the comfort of their own homes to learn from one another, reignite our inspiration, and network with other O&M Specialists around the world. Not to mention- dance parties. Our International O&M Online Symposium <https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/4zuqkg2r54uehkp2kkbx/5qu42mv7a7h984733v/a…> is gearing up for our most community-driven and innovative experience yet. And, like all community experiences, *we want you in on the fun. * If you have teaching strategies (remote or in-person) that will help your fellow O&Mers, we?d love to invite you to apply to present TODAY! It?s important that ALL O&M Specialists see themselves represented in our community. If you are Black, Native American, Hispanic, an ethnicity that I missed, or if you live outside of the United States, we urge you to apply. Be the person you wish you saw on that screen. *In short: Presentation Applications are open <https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/4zuqkg2r54uehkp2kkbx/8xir8w9ntoh5v79wwx/a…>.* We know this has been a challenging year and the last thing you might want to think about is more work. But when we support one another, we all get to do less work by not reinventing the wheel. Frequently Asked Questions: *What are the Symposium dates? * This year?s O&M Symposium is happening February 3-5, 2021. *What do I get as a presenter? * Complimentary Pass + Stipend + Support. One of the biggest mistakes that educators make is falling for the misconception that they don?t deserve to be paid for their extra work. We know these presentations require extra from you, and we are willing to support you. *Will there be CEU?s?* Yes. We are proud partners with ACVREP to bring you this accredited CEU opportunity. This year, we?ve even figured out how to have multiple breakout sessions. But we?ll always make sure that the time you spend in a session will be worth your while. *Where can I find out more info?* Everything we know is on our website https://orientationandmobilitysymposium.com <https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/4zuqkg2r54uehkp2kkbx/mwf7h5hnple22g/aHR0c…> Have another question though? Email: theteam at alliedindependenceonline.com We'll be happy to help! Best, Kassy Unsubscribe <https://unsubscribe.convertkit-mail.com/4zuqkg2r54uehkp2kkbx> | Update your profile <https://preferences.convertkit-mail.com/4zuqkg2r54uehkp2kkbx> | 113 Cherry St #92768,, Seattle, , WA 98104-2205

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This point in planning the Cane WAlk
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 17 Jun '20

17 Jun '20

Hello Everyone, Right now the plan for the Cane Walk is still subject to adjustments, but some basic things have been established. The families will need to register within the next couple of weeks, and we are hoping it can be sooner to insure that those needing canes can receive them in time. We will match each of you that are participating with one, or possibly two families as needed. Also, if you have worked with a child in the past, and want to continue that relationship, please let me know. If at all possible, once you have received your family's contact information, please make contact, so that the process can begin. Some of these families will need your assistance in fitting their child, and themselves with a proper length cane. I have told Melissa and the others involved with the Parents that we normaly measure children under the age of ten to the middle of the forehead, to insure they have the necessary reach given their difficulty with maintaining proper hand positioning. If any of you that work with this age range have a different oppinion, please let me know so I can have this adjusted in future materials. Each of us can arrange for time slots that will work for you and the family you are working with. Melissa is suggesting that during the convention there is a discussion with the parents, not necessarily directly in conjuction with the times we are working with the families. Your feedback on this plan is welcomed and please feel free to e-mail me at debbandjeff at allophone.com Thank you, Jeff

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Leading Voices of Diversity and Inclusion
by ebell＠pdrib.com 17 Jun '20

17 Jun '20

Leading Voices of Diversity and Inclusion Lift Every Voice. <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr3902tc.htm> Future Reflections, a magazine for parents and teachers of blind children, published their latest journal focusing on ethnic and cultural diversity. Great timing! The leading voices of this journal revealed the mission and vision of the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University. We take pride in educating and preparing those who are called to be educators, consumers, counselors, and change agents in the blindness field. Several authors in the journal's Special Issue bear the fruit of our labor. Leading Voice Rosie Ramirez Carranza introduces the issue as one that explores and examines issues related to blindness along with identity, ethnicity, and culture. She urges us to engage in self-reflective practices in hopes that we transform into people who search for a deeper understanding of the world around us. She reminds us of the importance of "recognizing the continued and intensified segregation by race and class within the United States public education system." She's leading us toward the goal of equity. Read <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr390202.htm> Navigating Toward Equity for the full story. Equity is freedom from bias, favoritism, partiality, and prejudice. Leading Voice Colin Wong is a 2017 Louisiana Tech graduate and an NOMC (National Orientation and Mobility) instructor. He speaks to us about Chinese American culture. He informed us that in his culture blindness is viewed as life-ending. Despite the cultural norms, his father taught him that success involves facing discrimination and prioritizing education. Colin engaged us in dialogue about the myth of the Model Minority and how this theory created an educational resource gap for him. Dealing with expectations, Colin revealed that "his personal high expectations as a Chinese student seemed out of reach due to the lowered expectations his disability created." Through living, learning, and the strength he drew from his family, he knows that he is not a model minority, he is not a broken sighted person, but he is a leading voice for staying true to his cultural foundations and overcoming the systemic barriers of the education system. Read <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr390206.htm> My Education Narrative: Negotiating School and Culture as a Blind Chinese American for the full story. Leading Voice Justin Salisbury is a 2013 Louisiana Tech graduate an NOMC (National Orientation and Mobility) instructor. He leads the conversation about Indian (also known as indigenous) culture. He stated that "it is vital to start [the conversation] by explaining settler colonialism, the act of replacing the original population of a territory along with replacing the customs and culture of the people. Justin believes that attempts to invalidate identity exist within the Indian culture as well as the blindness field. He understands that as Indian and blind the public has many misperceptions and stereotypes about both minority groups. He warns, "my culture is not a costume!" Justin hopes to live in harmony with the privileged majority groups and make his dreams a reality by working together. Read <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr390208.htmm> Reflections from Turtle Island: The Intersection of Blindness and Indigenous North American Identity for the full story. Leading Voice Conchita Hernandez Legorreta is a 2012 Louisiana Tech graduate and teacher of blind students (TBS). She speaks to us about Latinx culture and immigrant backgrounds. In her article, <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr390204.htm> Educating Blind English Learners: A Conversation with Conchita Hernandez Legorreta, she allowed us to get a view of her life as an immigrant with a disability. She learned from her family the importance of support, mentoring, and modifications. She understands the difficult decision her parents made when they migrated to the United States for her to receive better resources and services. Conchita stated that she is bearing the fruit of her parents' labor. One fruit in particular is mentioned in her article, <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/2/fr390212.htm> Cambiando Vidas: How a Small Group of Friends Started a Movement, where she details how her and a group of friends started a movement. As they planned a trip to visit a school for the blind in Guadalajara, they created and founded METAS (Mentoring, Engaging, and Teaching All Students), a nonprofit organization. Their organization and movement focus on educating and supporting blind Spanish-speaking individuals and their families. Conchita is another fruit of the labor at the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness. As an African American woman from a single-parent home in rural Louisiana, I can attest to the systemic barriers in public education. From personal experience, I know how low expectations from others influence our lives. I am also aware of the desires of those who look to replace my culture. Like our former graduates, I value family and my support system when staying true to myself while fighting for the rights of myself and others. We at the Institute on Blindness are committed to providing leadership in creating methods, techniques, and programs that empower blind individuals. Want to become a leading voice. Visit <http://www.pdrib.com> www.pdrib.com to find out more about our degree programs and research work. 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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June 16th O&M conference call
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 16 Jun '20

16 Jun '20

Here are the topics I have so far for this afternoon's conference call. If you want to add another topic, please let me know as soon as possible. June 16th O&M conference call Accessible Traffic signals Working on getting the NOMC recognized in public schools Deaf/blind travelers with hearing loss. What topics have you been touching on in group Zoom lessons? Zoom- Session Week June 16 Cane Travel and O&M Specialists Tuesday, June 16 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Moderator: Jeff Altman Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm (CDT) Pasted below is the zoom participation information for your meeting which begins at 4:00 CDT. Please send your questions or topics to Jeff Altman at: debandjeff at allophone.com Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81168669485 Meeting ID: 811 6866 9485 One tap mobile +13126266799,,81168669485# US (Chicago) +16468769923,,81168669485# US (New York) Participants Roland Allen Jeff Altman Suzanne Barfield Martin Becerra-Miranda Charles Bennett Lawerence Bowens Ron Brown Shellford Cantan Merry-Noel Chamberlain Kelly Coleman Caroline Rivera Coon Mark Erickson Aaron Fallon Joanne Gabias Michell Gip Quinn Haberl Winford Haynes Dave Hyde viktor ivanov Becky Keller Jennifer Kennedy Melanie Kondziolka Jane Lansaw Duncan Larsen Domonique Lawless Robin Loen Ernesto Lucca Denise Mackenstadt Wayne Marshall John McNabb Monique Melton Chris Misterka Jedi Moerke Sarah Morgan Jimmy Morris Connor Mullin Joseph Nguyen David Nietfeld Nikki Pearl Justin Salisbury Kellee Sanchez Ben Schuler Kristen Sims Yolanda Smith Yadiel Sotomayor Georgie Sydnor Scott-Michael Tokunaga Benjamin Vercellone Susan Wiggins Antonio Wiliams Robert Wilkerson Tarik Williams Colin Wong 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 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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working through the Cane Walk and Convention details
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 16 Jun '20

16 Jun '20

Hello Everyone, WE have run into a bit of a challenge in presenting the Cane Walk within the time frame of the National Convention. One of the dates being proposed for the first half of the Cane Walk was going to be on the 14th of July, which simply will not work due to the O&M and Rehabilitation Conference taking place that day. Of course, we do not wish to cancel the Cane Walk, since it is a very important event for blind children and their families, as well as a great opportunity for us to share our skills and knowledge with these young Federationists. Given this, I have suggested that we consider holding the Cane walk on Monday, July 13th, the day before our National Conference, and the start of regular convention activities. What I need to know is whether this would work for those of you that have already volunteered, and those of you that are considering doing so? Please let me know your availability as soon as possible. Due to the fact that the time is quickly approaching that these plans must be finalized, should I not hear from those that have already volunteered, I will consider this to mean that you are making the commitment to participate on this date. Thank you for your consideration of this date, and I hope all of you will have the time in your busy schedules to make the Cane Walk a success. Sincerely, Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB

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