- NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

Zoom meeting follow up
by ebell＠pdrib.com 15 Apr '20

15 Apr '20

Good morning, I got good feedback that the zoom meeting you all had yesterday afternoon was good and productive. Would you all like to have another zoom call next week? If so, same day same time, or would you want it done differently? 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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FW: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind 2020 Convention Goes Virtual
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 11 Apr '20

11 Apr '20

Hello Everyone, As you are probably aware the National Convention will now be an on-line event. I will be talking with folks to see what we can offer to families in regard to the Cane Walk this year. So, please stand by as we pivot to meet this need in a new way. Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB From: NFBNet-Members-List [mailto:nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Danielsen, Chris via NFBNet-Members-List Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 3:39 PM To: NCB Staff; nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org; State Affiliate Leadership List Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind 2020 Convention Goes Virtual FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE National Federation of the Blind 2020 Convention Goes Virtual Unique Event to Present the 2020 View on Blindness Baltimore, Maryland (April 10, 2020): The National Federation of the Blind will hold its national convention beginning July 14, 2020 with virtual events and local, in-person gatherings where appropriate. The convention was originally scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas. The change of plans is in response to the public health, safety, and logistical concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic. ?The National Federation of the Blind is delighted to celebrate our eightieth year by expanding the circle of participation to create what will surely be the largest gathering of the blind in history,? said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. ?Through this unique event, we will connect blind Americans from anywhere to build opportunities everywhere. We look forward to spreading the 2020 view on blindness to the entire nation and beyond.? The latest details of the convention, as they become available, will be posted at <http://www.nfb.org/convention> nfb.org/convention. There will be multiple ways to participate, including in-person gatherings to enjoy convention events organized by the Federation?s affiliates and chapters, subject to any local social distancing restrictions still in place. Participants can also like the National Federation of the Blind on Facebook or follow @NFB_Voice on Twitter. Talk about the 2020 convention on social media using #NFB20. ### About the National Federation of the Blind The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at <http://www.nfb.org> www.nfb.org. CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, extension 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> cdanielsen at nfb.org This news brief also available at: https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-2020-conv… Christopher S. Danielsen, J.D. Director of Public Relations 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 659-9314, Ext. 2330 | cdanielsen at nfb.org Twitter: @rlawyer <https://nfb.org/> Image removed by sender. National Federation of the Blind <http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind> Image removed by sender. Facebook <https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice> Image removed by sender. Twitter <https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind> Image removed by sender. Youtube The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation?s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.

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Zoom Trainings for Structured Discovery Instructors
by ebell＠pdrib.com 08 Apr '20

08 Apr '20

Topical Discussion via Zoom We will be hosting several Zoom conference meetings specifically for instructors and administrators using Structured Discovery methods and principles. The purpose of these calls is for individuals to brainstorm, problem-solve, commiserate, and to come together as a community. We may host a large group meeting; however, we want to host several specific ones related to your instructional area or job. In order to keep these zoom meetings private and appropriate for participants, I am asking that you click the following link and list your name, email address, general job title, and any comments you may have for specific zoom topics. Using this information, I will schedule those zoom calls for only those participants who fit that topic area. For example, be sure to put director/coordinator, cane travel, braille/communications, technology, or similar titles. The zoom link will only be provided to you for the session corresponding to your work area. <https://nbpcb.org/zoominvite.php> Register Here for Zoom Meeting Following is the schedule for each instructional area: (Note: These will be scheduled for two-hour blocks to accommodate work and time zone preferences-You need not attend the entire session) Center Directors/Administrators: Monday, April 13 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. Central time. Cane Travel Instructors: Tuesday, April 14 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Braille/technology/communication Instructors: Wednesday, April 15 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Home Management/ADL/ILS/Shop Instructors: Thursday, April 16 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Rehab counselors/teachers/TBS/TVI: Friday, April 17 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT 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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Access Tech Job SAAVI Services Phoenix
by ebell＠pdrib.com 06 Apr '20

06 Apr '20

Job Description Company Overview: Saavi Services for the Blind (Saavi) is a non-profit organization with offices in Tucson, Phoenix, and Yuma. Founded in 1964, Saavi has expanded to serve over 2,000 blind Arizonans each year. Saavi is committed to providing dynamic and progressive programs and services to meet the rehabilitation and social needs of individuals with vision loss, promoting individuals to become active participants in determining their success, and raising public awareness through community involvement. Job Summary: The Access Technology Instructor provides group and individual technology instruction. Training is conducted in individual and small group settings using a combination of all commonly used operating systems, hardware, and standard/specialized computer software. Reports to: AT/IT Service Manager Location: Phoenix, AZ Supervisory Position: No Job Type: Exempt/Full-time Key Responsibilities and Duties: * Provide one-on-one and small group instruction in the use of industry standard computer applications in conjunction with access technology. Focus includes speech output, Braille output, magnification, or a combination of techniques * Facilitate worksite evaluation/modification, community workshops and community and home based training * Develop and ensure ongoing structure and competencies for the Access Technology component of rehabilitation * Coordinate and facilitate the recommendations and maintenance of equipment and software provided to vocational rehabilitation clients * This position may also be required to provide instruction in other areas of Blindness rehabilitation including instruction in home management Skills and Knowledge: * Associates Degree in Education, or Computer-related field * Five years' experience using a combination of Access Technology in a work or academic setting, or two years' experience teaching Access Technology to adults * Advanced use of Microsoft Office, Google G suite and other industry standard applications * Proficient and experienced in industry standard Access Technology including but not limited to: screen reading, magnification, OCR, and Braille translation applications * Strong ability to trouble shoot and makes basic and intermediate computer and access technology repairs * Provide clear verbal and written communication regarding student progress * Experience advocating for individuals * Strong relationship building skills * Strong teamwork and ability to incorporate macro and micro systems simultaneously * Ability to work autonomously with strong problem solving, critical thinking skills Conditions of Employment: * Ability to pass a Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) background check * Ability to obtain an approved DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card (provided by Saavi) * If position requires driving for Saavi Services for the Blind then a valid Arizona Driver's License is required. If driving Saavi vehicles must have a clean driving record and be approved by Saavi insurance * Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification (provided by Saavi) * Complete Saavi orientation and training with introduction to blindness emersion activities within the first 30 days of employment, this occurs under sleep shade and is designed to teach competencies of non-visual techniques. The duration of time is dependent upon employee's goal being accomplished. Saavi Services for the Blind Offers a comprehensive benefit plan to include the following: * Vacation * Paid Sick Time * 401K Company Match * Paid Holidays * Floating Holidays (3) * Health Insurance * HRA * Dental & Vision * Short Term Disability & Long Term Disability Company Paid Job Type: Full-time Salary: $38,000.00 to $45,000.00 /year 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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Vocational Rehabilitation Teacher: Iowa Department for the Blind
by ebell＠pdrib.com 06 Apr '20

06 Apr '20

Iowa Department for the Blind JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Vocational Rehabilitation Teacher Location: Des Moines, Iowa Salary Minimum: $49,691.20 Salary Maximum: $75,691.20 Post Close Date: April 16, 2020 Job Description: This is a courtesy posting for a non-merit position. Please follow instructions in the "To Apply" section for directions on how to apply for this position. The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking energetic and passionate applicants for a teaching position that will promote IDB's mission, vision and values through teaching blindness skills to youth and adults throughout the state. Duties and responsibilities to include the following: Teach blindness skills, including but not limited to braille, cane travel, home and personal management, and access technology, to vocational rehabilitation clients, individually and in groups, including pre-employment transition services for clients and potentially eligible students ages 14-21. Provide regular written reports documenting training, and communicate regularly with vocational rehabilitation counselors regarding client progress and concerns. Evaluate the skill level and training needs of vocational rehabilitation clients and potentially eligible students. Provide reports documenting strengths, weaknesses and training recommendations to clients, counselors and IEP teams as appropriate. Assist in developing and implementing group trainings for vocational rehabilitation clients and potentially eligible students such as youth weekend retreats. Assist in developing assessments and training curricula for use with clients. Assist in developing and provide training to service providers including paraprofessionals, in working with blind persons in a manner that supports skill development and fosters independence. Essential functions of this position: Produce clear written reports on client training sessions Read and write contracted braille Teach clients to utilize the contracted braille code proficiently; including the use of English grammar, spelling and sentence structure. Independently travel (using a long white cane under sleep shades) Teach clients to travel using a long white cane Experience teaching blindness skills preferred. It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment. For further information, contact Helen Stevens, 515-829-7411 or helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us <mailto:helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us> To Apply: Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. Persons who wish to be considered for this position must submit a resume and letter of application to: Helen Stevens Education and Training Director Iowa Department for the Blind 524 4th Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2364 <mailto:helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us> helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us 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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Survey: Flattening the Inaccessibility Curve
by ebell＠pdrib.com 06 Apr '20

06 Apr '20

Hello, The major organizations across the country who work with blind and visually impaired adults are collaborating on a survey of the needs, concerns, and access to information for individuals who are blind. Please take this survey if you fit this criteria. Please share with your students, consumers, or family members who fit this criteria. This information will be used to help improve access to information and direct policy decisions. Participate in a study investigating experiences of adults who are blind or have low vision during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey covers areas of healthcare; transportation; employment; education; social experiences; access to meals, food, and supplies; and voting. Thank you for helping flatten the inaccessibility curve. Take the Survey here: https://flatteninaccessibility.com/ 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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Job Posting - Rehabilitation Technology Specialist - Center Technology Instructor
by ebell＠pdrib.com 02 Apr '20

02 Apr '20

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your browser <https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/28495b3> here <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/IACIO/2017/02/1217…> <https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/2759631/rehabilitation-tec…> Rehabilitation Technology Specialist - Center Technology Instructor <https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/IACIO/2017/02/1217…> Salary: $53,580.80 - $83,075.20 Annually Location: Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA Job Type: Full-time Agency: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind Job Number: <https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/2759631/rehabilitation-tec…> 20-02380 Closing: 04/11/20 11:59 PM Central LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP Point of Contact: <mailto:Alan.Bickell at blind.state.ia.us> Alan Bickell Job Description: This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department for the Blind. The Iowa Department for the Blind is looking to fill a Rehabilitation Technology Specialist - Center Technology Instructor. The Iowa Department for the Blind is looking for a highly motivated instructor to provide assistive technology training to students in the adult comprehensive adjustment to blindness training center. This individual will instruct students on the use of computers with screen readers and refreshable braille, teach the use of mobile devices, braille embossers, and other non-visual technology. This instructor will be expected to participate fully in center activities and challenge students to grow and reach their fullest potential. Key responsibilities include: * Teach the use of Windows, Mac OSX, Microsoft Office, talkback, Voiceover, JAWS, NVDA, and other screen readers, printers, scanners, braille displays, OCR software and other common office applications and peripherals. * Teach the non-visual use of smart phones, tablets, and other mobile technologies. * Demonstrate and promote a positive attitude toward blindness amongst center students. * Perform routine computer maintenance and troubleshoot common technical problems in the computer lab. * Evaluate student progress and write monthly progress reports, as well as case notes as needed. * Participate fully in all center activities. It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment. Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil, industrial, mechanical, architectural, electrical or rehabilitation engineering and experience equal to one year of full-time work in the design, development and fabrication of mechanical or electrical components or assemblies for products such as industrial equipment, machinery, power equipment, service systems, machine tools and measuring instruments; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of professional work experience as indicated above for one year (thirty semester or equivalent hours) of the required education to a maximum of four years. For additional information, please click on this <https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class_and_pay/JobClas…> link to view the job description <https://get.adobe.com/reader/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> (Download PDF reader). Iowa Department for the Blind 524 4th Street Des Moines, Iowa, 50309 Website <https://blind.iowa.gov/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> https://blind.iowa.gov/ Iowa Department for the Blind 524 Fourth Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2364 Phone: 515-281-1333 E-mail: <mailto:information at blind.state.ia.us> information at blind.state.ia.us Stay Connected with the Iowa Department for the Blind: <https://www.facebook.com/idbonline/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://twitter.com/idbonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://blind.iowa.gov/newsroom/blogs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelive…> <https://www.youtube.com/user/IDBonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdeliv…> <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/topics?qsp=IACIO_30> Manage Subscriptions <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/edit?preferences=t…> Help <https://subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com/> <https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/28495b3?reqfrom=sh…> 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: Janice Eggers <Janice.Eggers at blind.state.ia.us> Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2020 4:22 PM Subject: FW: Courtesy Copy: Job Posting - Rehabilitation Technology Specialist - Center Technology Instructor This is a courtesy copy of an email bulletin sent by Janice Eggers - DFB. _____ Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your browser <https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/28495b3> here <https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/2759631/rehabilitation-tec…> Rehabilitation Technology Specialist - Center Technology Instructor Salary: $53,580.80 - $83,075.20 Annually Location: Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA Job Type: Full-time Agency: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind Job Number: <https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/2759631/rehabilitation-tec…> 20-02380 Closing: 04/11/20 11:59 PM Central LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP Point of Contact: <mailto:Alan.Bickell at blind.state.ia.us> Alan Bickell Job Description: This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department for the Blind. The Iowa Department for the Blind is looking to fill a Rehabilitation Technology Specialist - Center Technology Instructor. The Iowa Department for the Blind is looking for a highly motivated instructor to provide assistive technology training to students in the adult comprehensive adjustment to blindness training center. This individual will instruct students on the use of computers with screen readers and refreshable braille, teach the use of mobile devices, braille embossers, and other non-visual technology. This instructor will be expected to participate fully in center activities and challenge students to grow and reach their fullest potential. Key responsibilities include: * Teach the use of Windows, Mac OSX, Microsoft Office, talkback, Voiceover, JAWS, NVDA, and other screen readers, printers, scanners, braille displays, OCR software and other common office applications and peripherals. * Teach the non-visual use of smart phones, tablets, and other mobile technologies. * Demonstrate and promote a positive attitude toward blindness amongst center students. * Perform routine computer maintenance and troubleshoot common technical problems in the computer lab. * Evaluate student progress and write monthly progress reports, as well as case notes as needed. * Participate fully in all center activities. It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment. Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil, industrial, mechanical, architectural, electrical or rehabilitation engineering and experience equal to one year of full-time work in the design, development and fabrication of mechanical or electrical components or assemblies for products such as industrial equipment, machinery, power equipment, service systems, machine tools and measuring instruments; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of professional work experience as indicated above for one year (thirty semester or equivalent hours) of the required education to a maximum of four years. For additional information, please click on this <https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class_and_pay/JobClas…> link to view the job description <https://get.adobe.com/reader/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> (Download PDF reader). Iowa Department for the Blind 524 4th Street Des Moines, Iowa, 50309 Website <https://blind.iowa.gov/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> https://blind.iowa.gov/ Iowa Department for the Blind 524 Fourth Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2364 Phone: 515-281-1333 E-mail: <mailto:information at blind.state.ia.us> information at blind.state.ia.us Stay Connected with the Iowa Department for the Blind: <https://www.facebook.com/idbonline/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://twitter.com/idbonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery> <https://blind.iowa.gov/newsroom/blogs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelive…> <https://www.youtube.com/user/IDBonline?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdeliv…> <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/topics?qsp=IACIO_30> <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/edit?preferences=t…> Manage Subscriptions <https://subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com/> Help <https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/28495b3?reqfrom=sh…>

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Institute on Blindness gets grant extension for improved mobility and rehabilitation programs
by ebell＠pdrib.com 25 Mar '20

25 Mar '20

Institute on Blindness gets grant extension for improved mobility and rehabilitation programs Mar 20, 2020 | Louisiana Tech's Institute on Blindness has received grant approval for Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) and Structured Discovery rehabilitation training, a development that brings more depth and opportunity to the Institute's education programs that are specialized for teaching individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Louisiana Tech University is the only university in Louisiana to offer graduate certifications and master programs in Teaching Blind Students (TBS), Orientation and Mobility (O&M), and Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind Counseling and Guidance. These graduate certifications and master programs train individuals to become teachers who help give independence to the blind community. The innovative and effective SDCT and Structured Discovery rehabilitation training programs will offer more opportunities to improve mobility and daily living skills for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Dr. Edward Bell, Director of the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB), expressed that he has seen great success from previous years and through the renewed grant he anticipates exponential growth. "Over the past five years, Louisiana Tech has benefited from this grant and has trained 35 individuals who have gone on to be employed across the country in professional careers," Bell said. "With this new grant, we are excited to train as many as 40 new and eager students who are ready to change the world by bringing independence to blind kids and adults nationwide." The PDRIB, housed in Tech's College of Education, prepares highly qualified professionals to educate and rehabilitate individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The PDRIB also conducts thorough research that broadens perspectives, deepens the overall understanding of blindness, and seeks the best methods to increase independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. However, there is a nationwide shortage of educators for the blind and visually impaired community. With a 90% illiteracy rate and a 75% unemployment rate nationwide within the blind community, there is a dire need to increase the number of educators trained in teaching students with visual impairments. Job opportunities have grown exponentially for teaching blind or visually impaired students; currently there are four times the number of teaching jobs available then there are the number of qualified educators and instructors to fill those positions. Through their job assistance placement services and new program offerings, Bell and his team seek to do their part to fill this hiring need and empower educators to change lives within the visually impaired community. All tuition and fees are covered for the Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) and Structured Discovery rehabilitation training programs. Scholarships are available on a competitive basis for those who pursue these programs. Students who receive scholarship funding must work in the field of rehabilitation for two years for each year of their scholarship support. To become an educator for the blind and visually impaired community, contact Bell at ebell at latech.edu. For more details on how to make a difference in the national shortage of teachers for the blind and visually impaired, visit pdrib.com. article end list of 6 items APPLY NOW VISIT ACADEMIC PROGRAMS JOBS CONTACT REPORT AN INCIDENT list end list of 4 items Visit us on Facebook Visit us on Instagram Visit us on YouTube Visit us on Twitter list end C 2020 Louisiana Tech University | Member of the University of Louisiana System | 318.257.2000 | Ruston, LA 71272 Department of Testing & Disability Services Accessibility | Privacy Statement | EEO Statement Webpage problems? Contact web at latech.edu 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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Cane Walk
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 23 Mar '20

23 Mar '20

Hello Everyone, First of all, I hope this e-mail finds all of you and your families in good health and in a safe working environment. Although things are a bit up in the air regarding National Convention, I feel we should be preparing for convention with the expectation that we will all be seeing each other in Houston in July. Now with that having been said, I hope all of you are planning to be a part of this year's Cane Walk. This is a great opportunity to share both the skills that do so much for blind people on the road to independence, and the power of the philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind with our youngest members. So, please remember to include this year's Cane walk among the events you are planning to participate in at this year's convention. I will be sending out more information as it becomes available, and I look forward to seeing all of you in Houston. Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB

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Looking for good approaches for working at home
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 23 Mar '20

23 Mar '20

Thanks Joanne, I have been doing some of these things, especially the mental mapping exercises, but the apps you mentioned sound great, and I'll start exploring them. I was hoping to have students come to my neighborhood, or that I could possibly go to them outside of the Center; however, my supervisor, and the Deputy Director feel that there is a need for all concerned to avoid the potential exposure on public transportation at this point. I have been giving my students assignments based on their skill level, but without the ability to monitor their travel directly this is both a concerning, and sometimes frustrating effort. Today I assigned two students to travel together for a distance of five blocks, to explore both sides of our main street, and it turned out that they only traveled two blocks before turning around and going back to the apartments. There was no real reason given, other than that was all they did, and they didn't know where the street was that I asked them to walk to before turning around. Of course, this was nothing but a lame excuse for not completing the assignment. So, I will try again tomorrow. Of course, many of the downtown businesses are closed anyway, and that makes it harder to figure out whether they are actually completing assignments anyway. On the other hand, I know that some of my students are following directions very well, and making every effort to complete their assignments, so there is that. I have also spoken with a student that has gone home for the time being, and she lives in a very rural area. So, we discussed different ways of handling non-visual travel over open fields and on country roads. She seemed to get quite a bit out of this, and I felt like she really would benefit. A lot of this is going to be a matter of adjusting to this new teaching environment, and not allowing myself to get overly frustrated when things don't go as I would wish. Thanks again for the ideas. Thanks, Jeff From: Joanne Gabias [mailto:jklgabias at hotmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 23, 2020 3:11 PM To: Merry-Noel; Deb & Jeff Altman; nomc at lists.nbpcb.org Cc: greg.dewall at nebraska.gov Subject: Re: [Nomc] Loking for good approaches for working at home Hello everyone, Thank you Merry-Noel for your comments along with everyone else who has commented. For some reason, responses were going to my junk mail so I just saw these. Jeff, we have done about a week of virtual training at this point. Some of the O&Ms are still doing some one on one instruction while practicing social distancing protocol. Some of our students went back to their respective homes so that is not possible. We have been testing different apps like Moovit, Blindsquare, Transit apps, Google maps. For example, you can use Blindsquare to explore a brand new areas. My dad did that with my new condo and was able to explore everything around my house and could tell my mom about things around my house that she didn't even know was there. My mom had been here and he had not but he became more informed through Blindsquare. I really like Merry-Noel's suggestions of going through routes verbally and working on their mental maps. I have also had students look up a random store like CVS and find 3 different locations around town. They needed to find the address and plan out routes from either their home or from the center. Trying to do as much theoretical things as possible. These apps are also good for instructors to explore the neighborhoods of their students and try and create routes around their student's neighborhoods. I think this is good for students that you know well enough to know that they have the problem solving skills to navigate through things the instructor did not anticipate along the route. I wouldn't do that for students who have not learned all the foundational skills yet or for students that get easily turned around because it would be harder for the instructor to help them problem solve in unfamiliar areas for both the student and the instructor over the phone. I hope these thoughts help your creative juices flow! Joanne Gabias, M.A., NOMC, NCUEB, NCRTB Statewide Operation Manager SAAVI Services for the Blind _____ From: NOMC <nomc-bounces at lists.nbpcb.org> on behalf of Merry-Noel <owinm at yahoo.com> Sent: March 19, 2020 3:30 PM To: Deb & Jeff Altman <debandjeff at allophone.com>; nomc at lists.nbpcb.org <nomc at lists.nbpcb.org> Cc: greg.dewall at nebraska.gov <greg.dewall at nebraska.gov> Subject: Re: [Nomc] Loking for good approaches for working at home Jeff, Work on mental mapping skills. Have them review routes you know they went on. Discuss possible scenarios such as, what if they heard a vehicle on their right instead of their left? Ask them to describe what encounters they have when walking to the bus stop from the apartments. What do they hear, feel? Over the phone, have them do a route in their head- for example, " You walk out of the apartment building and turn right. You walk to the end of the block and turn right then you walk the entire block. At the corner you turn left and cross the street. Then you turn right. Which direction are you facing? What street are you facing? Which street did you just cross?" I'm sure you can come up with other scenarios. Read some articles from Kernal Books, the Braille monitor or Future Reflections and discuss them. Dr. Merry-Noel Chamberlain Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone <https://overview.mail.yahoo.com/?.src=iOS> On Thursday, March 19, 2020, 4:13 PM, Deb & Jeff Altman <debandjeff at allophone.com> wrote: Hello Everyone, Our agency is encouraging staff to work from home for the next couple of weeks or so, and with teaching O&M, that requires quite a bit of creativity. I have been calling students and giving them some basic assignments, and then checking back with them later to see how things have gone, but of course, this has its limits. My supervisor Greg has suggested working with them over the phone on some of the way finding apps, such as Goodle Maps and the like, which I can certainly do; although this is not where I usually focus. So, I'm wondering if any of you have some creative ideas you could share? I know that Joanne has asked this same question, and a few of you have responded, but I'm hoping there may be even more ideas being generated as we all begin shifting to this new mode of teaching. Thanks, Jeff _______________________________________________ NOMC mailing list NOMC at lists.nbpcb.org http://lists.nbpcb.org/listinfo.cgi/nomc-nbpcb.org

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