- NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

Possible topics for our next conference call
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 27 May '20

27 May '20

Hello Everyone, I would appreciate everyone making suggestions regarding our next conference call, I feel it is important that we are having these calls with a base of subjects to work from. I truly enjoy the discussions we are having, and there is no question that some great ideas are resulting from the calls, so please put your minds to helping us continue the success we are experiencing. If we are not able to have enough subjects to fill the two hour timeframe, I would then suggest we move to a call every other week, so that we maintain the quality of our discussions. Please let me know your thoughts, and most important of all, your suggestions for our next call. Thanks, Jeff

1 0

Call out for Volunteer Blind Mentors for VRCBVI's Teen Program
by becky.keller＠dbvi.virginia.gov 27 May '20

27 May '20

Hello all, This is a follow up solicitation for volunteers to help out with our Learning Independence Feeling Empowered teen program at VRCBVI. We are looking for individuals who would be able to give up a couple hours, at the most, of your time to complete an informational interview over the phone or potentially via zoom. It would be some time in July or early August. Please let me know if you'd like to help out, and thanks in advance for your time. *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).

5 5

Today's conference call at 4:00 CDT
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 26 May '20

26 May '20

Hello Everyone, I've only received one request for discussion on today's call, so I will be asking folks for their ideas on the call, so please have some things in mind. As always we can share teaching techniques, ideas, frustrations, and just about anything that you feel is important. I'll talk with you in a little while. Jeff

3 2

VRCBVI Virtual Training Schedule for May/June, 2020
by ebell＠pdrib.com 26 May '20

26 May '20

*** posted on behalf of Melody Rone *** Below is our upcoming schedule of virtual events - certain listings include an "ideal" audience, but all events continue to be open to anyone and free of charge. At the end of the below list of virtual training opportunities, you will find a link to the registration form which includes an expanded description of each class. As you scroll through the list of classes, you will notice that many of them vary in length. Please check out and select classes you would like to attend, then tell us about yourself near the bottom of the registration form. You will receive a confirmation email containing login / call in information for each class you select. 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 <mailto:greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov> . Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired Virtual Trainings - May/June, 2020 Conversations About Blindness Series (open to anyone) - Wednesdays May 20 through June 12 May 27 - The Truth About Blind Parents Raising Teenagers: Who Is Really In Charge? June 3 - Discovering Freedom with a Long White Cane June 10 - Overcoming Barriers and Exceeding Expectations VRCBVI Virtual Training Series (open to anyone) - May 18 through June 12 May 26 - Advanced iOS May 28 - Chromebook Accessibility, Part 2 (ideal for Pre-ETS students, TVIs, and parents) May 29 - Integrating Braille and Vision June 1 - Stress Management 2.0 June 2 - HTML for Beginners June 4 - The Games we Play! June 5 - Python Basics June 8 - Diabetes Meal Planning 101 June 9 - How to Make a Document Accessible June 11 - Accessing Google Suite Applications with JAWS and ChromeVox (ideal for Pre-ETS students, TVIs, and parents) June 12 - Virtual Assistance Use the following link for details and to register: VRCBVI Virtual Trainings - May/June, 2020 <https://www.formrouter.net/forms at VRCB/VirtualtrainingsMayJune.html> -- Melody L. Roane, Director Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Virginia Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired 401 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227 Melody.Roane at dbvi.virginia.gov <mailto:Melody.Roane at dbvi.virginia.gov> Phone: (804) 371-3323 | Fax: (804) 371-3092 Facebook: <https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI> facebook.org/VDBVI LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/company/virginia-department-for-the-blind-and-visi…> linkedin.com/VDBVI <http://www.vdbvi.org/> www.vrcbvi.org NOTICE: This email (including any attachments) may include confidential information. It is intended solely for the individuals or entities to which it is addressed. If you have received this email in error, distribution or use of it is prohibited. Please notify the sender and permanently delete it from your email system. Also, given the nature of electronic mail and its potential to carry computer viruses, the Department of the Blind and Vision Impaired and the sender in no way warrant a virus free transmission. You and your organization should use appropriate means to check this email and any attachments for potential viruses and to prevent their execution.

1 0

Register Now: 19th Annual Rehabilitation Conference
by ebell＠pdrib.com 26 May '20

26 May '20

Registration is now open! National Blindness Professionals Certification Board presents: Contemporary Issues in Rehabilitation and Education For the Blind NINETEENTH ANNUAL REHABILITATION AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY CONFERENCE First Cyber Conference Held Via Zoom Attendance Tuesday, July 14, 2020 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time Come and join us! Once again, this year's conference will be action packed with a variety of new speakers, topics, and hands-on events. But this year, for the first time, all conference sessions will be held online via the zoom video conferencing platform. To maximize the quality of conference participation we are asking that all participants have access to either the desktop Zoom application or the Zoom iPhone app. You do not need an account, but you are encouraged to have at least the free account, which you can sign up for <https://zoom.us/freesignup/> Here. Presentations and breakouts including: * Morning General Session filled with thought provoking and inspirational speakers * Hear from employed blind professionals on how they implement Structured Discovery in different teaching areas * Learn about technology and its place in consumer's learning * Learn about working with students who have secondary disabilities * Learn where to find new material and secrets to running a dynamic philosophy discussion. * Share ideas and network in multiple rehabilitation disciplines, including Braille, home management, cane travel, and access technology. * Bring Structured Discovery alive when Face-to-Face is not an option Schedule: (Note: all times are Eastern Daylight Time) 9:00 -Conference Begins 9:00 - 12:00 -General session 1:00 - 5:00- Interactive Breakout Sessions 5:00 - 7:00 pm-Happy Hour Mix and Mingle The registration fee for this online conference is $25 for both professionals and students and entitles you to all general and breakout sessions, continuing education points, and access to the recorded conference sessions. <https://nbpcb.org/members/er.php?eid=416> Register Here Visit the National Blindness Professionals Certification Board website to learn more about a career in changing lives: <http://www.nbpcb.org> http://www.nbpcb.org 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

1 0

Reminder, tomorrow afternoon's conference call
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 25 May '20

25 May '20

Hello Everyone, I hope all of you have had a good Memorial Day. This is of course a day to remember those that gave the greatest measure of devotion for our nation, it is also a time to remember those that stood on the barricades to help build our movement, and most especially for our friends and family members that helped shape the people we have become. Please take a few minutes to send ideas for discussion on tomorrow's call, I look forward to talk ing with all of you then. Jeff

1 0

Mask Fabric Options
by braille＠nbpcb.org 23 May '20

23 May '20

Hello, As you may know, we are selling both kids and adult fabric masks. I wanted to let all of you know about the options we currently have. Get your orders in before your favorite run out! Each mask is $10 and you can contact us with questions or orders at braille at nbpcb.org <mailto:braille at nbpcb.org> Your options are: Red Various pinks Orange Yellow Various Greens Various blues Light purple Black White Print Fabrics Plaid Tie dye stripes stars Tweed-like Cheetah Various floral Swirls Purple scales (as in fish-like) Pooka-dot Various Abstracts American flags Various Leaves Moose flames tropical leaves tropical vines abstract shells summer fruit BBQ utensils kitchen theme Cherries fun summer School theme Paper planes Cows Dinosaurs Galaxy Robots Teddy bears and bunnies Teddy bears and alphabet Coco Beauty and the Beast Harry Potter Pete the Cat ABC's unicorn and rainbows Star Wars Wonder woman Louisiana Tech

1 0

FW: [NCUEB] Braille Writer Shelves, Masks, and More!
by ebell＠pdrib.com 21 May '20

21 May '20

Hello, We have a variety of items for sale that you may be interested in knowing about. The attached PDF has the same text as below but also includes pictures for most items. Let us know if you have any questions! Wooden Over-The-Braillewriter Shelves: These are perfect for placing reading material on top of while allowing full access to a Perkins braillewriter. Contact us to see what colors we currently have and let us know if you would like one with 7.5" height clearance for young children or 10" clearance for older kids and adults. Each shelf is $50. Braille Swing Cells: These demonstrate dot positions in both a full cell and the keys of a braillewriter. Each swing cell is $10. Whittle Pocket Braille Reference Books: Available in either print or interpoint braille. These are 3" x 5" and fit easily in a pocket, backpack, or purse. They contain the code for UEB literary braille. $10 for either print or braille copies. Masks: We have both adult and kid sizes. Contact us for specific color and theme options. Each mask is $10. You can order any of these items by contacting us at braille at nbpcb.org. Profits from all sales go to support blind children's literacy programs. Help us spread the word!

1 0

O&M Job, Birmingham, Alabama
by ebell＠pdrib.com 20 May '20

20 May '20

AIDB is sensitive to the needs of Blind or Low Vision and Deaf or Hard of Hearing and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees that do not impose undue hardship and are not essential functions of the job. POSITION: Orientation and Mobility Specialist ? Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind (Based in Birmingham, AL) ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world?s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program serving individuals of all ages who are deaf, blind, deafblind and multiply-disabled and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 26,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Our services literally span a lifetime including five campuses in Talladega, eight regional centers located in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Tuscumbia with programs that range from early and senior intervention, traditional and nontraditional education services in residential and outreach settings and a manufacturing facility that is the state?s largest employer of adults who are blind and deaf. ABOUT OUR LOCATION The Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind is located in downtown Birmingham in the Avondale area ? an area that is gaining acclaim with foodies and artists while boasting a thriving farmer?s market. Visit historic landmarks like Sloss Furnace, Civil Rights Institute, 16th Street Baptist Church, Alabama Theatre and Vulcan along with newer attractions such as Pepper Place, McWane Center and Alabama Adventure. The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is less than 15-minutes from the Center with Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans an easy ride via car, bus or Amtrak. ABOUT THE ROLE The Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind is one of only eight Structured Discovery programs in the United States. Recently established, you would be part of a dynamic team committed to the philosophy that with the proper skills and training, our students can accomplish ? and exceed ? their dreams. Our employees are among the organizations? most valuable assets and resources an, collectively, we share compassion for leveling the playing field for all. Our Mission makes AIDB a unique place to work and opening the doors to opportunity is where it all begins! As the Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind O&M Specialist or Travel Instructor you will focus on students? long/short-term needs grounded in nonvisual instruction; cognitive problem solving; and concerted strategies for clarifying attitudes and raising expectations surrounding blindness. You will prepare lesson plans and instruct students in the development of skills and knowledge which will enable them to travel independently to the highest degree possible. Likewise, you will have the opportunity to share your expertise and student successes internally and externally state- and nation-wide. ABOUT YOU You will be vital to ensuring that AIDB?s culture of inclusion is reinforced and that students feel connected, recognized and proud to be a part of the organization. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS * Must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in Orientation and Mobility or closely-related field ? OR ? Must have successfully completed a Structured Discovery Program and demonstrated knowledge of the Structured Discovery philosophy and how Travel instruction is integrated into core curriculum components. * Must be certified or certifiable in Orientation and Mobility by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) who has established rigorous standards for certifying competent professionals who teach Orientation and Mobility skills using Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) methods and principles. The successful applicant will have earned the designation of National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) within the NBPCB. * Must have demonstrated knowledge of the Structured Discovery philosophy and means by which Orientation and Mobility is integrated as a core programmatic component. POSITION REQUIREMENTS * Must be able to work flexible hours. * Required extensive vicinity and occasional overnight travel. * Must demonstrate competency in BRAILLE by scoring 80% on the AIDB Braille Skills Assessment within the first twelve (12) months of employment. * Must demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff; consumers and their families; program graduates; peer Orientation and Mobility Specialists; advisory groups; and agencies such as the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services along with contemporary Structured Discovery Programs. * Demonstrated maturity, self-motivation, and the ability to exercise sound judgment. * Must possess outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. * Must possess or develop an understanding of cultures and needs of persons who are deaf, blind or deafblind, ensuring all actions and decisions demonstrate a respect for and value of persons with sensory loss. * Upon offer of employment, the ABI/FBI record check must be completed based on the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 pursuant to Act 2002-457. A non-refundable fee of $48.15 is required at the scheduled appointment. Suitable criteria must be confirmed by the Alabama State Department of Education prior to beginning to work. SALARY: $36,140 - $53,274 Scale MR Rank 5A (HS and Structured Discovery Program Completion) $39,250 - $59,530 Scale MR Rank 5B Bachelor?s Degree $41,110 - $62,307 Scale MR Rank 5M Master?s Degree Monthly Payroll (260 Days) Direct deposit is required. This is an exempt position, not subject to overtime or compensatory provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: June 3, 2020 This position is funded by a grant award, funded by revenue generated, necessary for compliance or provides direct service delivery. Apply at www.aidb.org <http://www.aidb.org> 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 From: Tai Tomasi <tomasi.tai at aidb.org> Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2020 11:43 AM To: 'Edward Bell' <ebell at pdrib.com> Cc: 'Jessica Edmiston' <edmiston.jessica at aidb.org> Subject: FW: R-3870 Orientation and Mobility Specialist- Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind Dr. Bell: Our job posting for O&M is up. Please distribute widely, and thanks!

1 0

Cane Travel Meeting Thank You!
by becky.keller＠dbvi.virginia.gov 20 May '20

20 May '20

Good morning all, I just wanted to send out a huge thank you to everyone on the call last night. We at VRCBVI are incredibly grateful for all of the thoughts, ideas, and suggestions given. I wanted to follow up and find out from you all, who might be willing to serve as a potential informational interview volunteer / role-model, for the teens in our program. I'm thinking that it would be a one or two phone call commitment with the students, at most. Just as a heads up , we are not yet certain of the exact number of participants, so everyone who is able to volunteer may not necessarily be called upon. Please let me know if you can help out though. Also, I've pasted the link below for the "Home Bound for Adventure" Podcast that I believe Denise shared with us last night. If it wasn't Denise, I apologize in advance. I was typing as fast as I could...which apparently wasn't fast enough (smile). Thanks also to Merry-Noel for the additional information that was sent out earlier today. Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, and take care. Thanks again, https://homeboundforadventure.podbean.com/ *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).

1 0