- NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

Article discussed at tonight’s Zoom
by owinm＠yahoo.com 19 May '20

19 May '20

Hello,Here is the article I mentioned at tonight?s Zoom: Teaching Orientation & Mobility to Students with Visual Impairments and Additional Disabilities by Merry-Noel Chamberlain and Denise Mackenstadt https://www.nfb.org/sites/www.nfb.org/files/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr37… Merry-Noel Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Monday, May 18, 2020, 11:44 AM, Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com> wrote:  Zoom- Session 6 Cane Travel and O&M Specialists Tuesday, May 19 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. After the zoom information I have pasted the list of everyone who is invited to this meeting. ? Ground Rules:? If you are not speaking, please mute yourself for better call quality (Mute button, Star 6, Alt - A on the keyboard, or the bottom left corner of your iPhone). If you wish to speak, please unmute yourself and state your name.? After completing your comments, please re-mute yourself.? It is very difficult to hear everyone clearly if many lines are open at once. Lastly, try your best not to talk over others; brief pauses and silence are OK. ? Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86297509917 Meeting ID: 862 9750 9917 One tap mobile +13017158592,,86297509917# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,86297509917# US (Chicago) Dial by your location ??????? +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) Meeting ID: 862 9750 9917 List of Scheduled 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 viktor?????? ivanov Becky?????? Keller Jennifer?? Kennedy Melanie?? Kondziolka Jane????????? Lansaw Duncan?? Larsen Robin?????? Loen Ernesto??? Lucca Denise???? Mackenstadt Wayne???? Marshall John???????? McNabb Monique Melton Jedi?????????? Moerke 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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Preparing for our Tuesday afternoon Zoom call
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 18 May '20

18 May '20

Hello Everyone, This is a reminder to please send your suggestions for discussion topics for Tuesday afternoon. One thought I've had to to ask folks where they are obtaining their protective equipment, masks and the like. Also, I want to remind all of you that haven't yet signed on for the 2020 Cane Walk, but want to participate, please let me know that you want to be a part of this event. I look forward to talking with all of you Tuesday. Jeff

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Technology Specialist Job Posting
by ebell＠pdrib.com 18 May '20

18 May '20

Iowa Department for the Blind JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Rehabilitation Technology Specialist Location: Des Moines, Iowa Salary Minimum: $53,580.80 Salary Maximum: $83,075.20 Post Close Date: May 26, 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 applicants for a position that will promote IDB's mission, vision and values through providing access technology services to vocational rehabilitation clients including transition age youth. Strong candidates will be adept problem-solvers who can explore to learn new technology, troubleshoot to locate and solve problems, and communicate with clients and employers about challenges and potential solutions. Duties and responsibilities to include the following: Complete worksite assessments and provide workplace support to clients, including transition-age youth during work-based learning experiences, to support the clients in successful employment. Gather data about a client's work site and the technology that the client will use on the job, and determine what is needed to integrate non visual access technology with technologies used at the work site. Research possible solutions to problems involved with integrating non visual access technology into the work site. Test and implement scripts to improve the use of screen access technology with programs used at the work site. Install, test, and configure hardware and software to facilitate operation with speech, refreshable braille, and/or screen enlargement systems. Obtain and review quotes for computers and nonvisual access technology to be used at a work site. Provide on-site training and remote assistance to employers and clients regarding non visual access technology used at the work site. Troubleshoot technical problems at client work-sites involving the integration of nonvisual access technology with other programs, determine what configuration changes, repairs, and/or upgrades may be necessary, and facilitate efforts to implement needed hardware/software acquisitions or configuration changes. Produce written reports and case notes to document the work performed. Design, validate, and implement skills assessments and training curricula to determine a client's ability to use technology and teach all necessary technology skills. Develop and/or modify technology skills assessments to ensure the most accurate results. Based on these assessments, produce written and verbal reports concerning a client's ability to use technology (with or without non visual access software/hardware), the client's need for specialized training, and the configuration of any equipment that the client might require. Develop, maintain and evaluate curricula for effectively teaching nonvisual technology skills using the structured discovery methodology. Travel statewide to provide individualized and group training to Vocational Rehabilitation clients, including transition-age youth, in the use of nonvisual access and mainstream technologies. Monitor client progress during such training, produce written reports and case notes for client files, and provide prompt notification to counselors and/or rehabilitation teachers concerning client progress and impediments to client success. Collaborate with Individualized Education Program teams across the state to provide appropriate Pre-Employment Transition Services to high school students. Assess the skill level of the students and assist in developing training plans to help students meet their immediate and long-term goals. Recommend and assist with the provision of accommodations as appropriate. Arrange for the loan of technology to students and provide training as needed. Serve as a resource to parents, teachers and paraprofessionals as requested. Provide technical assistance and product support to blind or low vision persons using mainstream software with nonvisual access technology. Maintain records and generate reports related to problems encountered or solved and inquiries received. To the maximum extent possible, direct blind or low vision persons to appropriate sources of technical assistance to foster long term independence of these individuals in the area of technology. Maintain lists of nonvisual access technology products and their vendors for blind and low vision technology users. Upon request, provide product information to consumers, family members, employers, IDB staff, and other individuals/organizations. Conduct presentations around the state on nonvisual access technology and its integration with mainstream computer programs, for example, nonvisual access to the Internet. Monitor trends and developments with regard to screen access software/hardware, refreshable Braille displays, screen enlargement software and hardware, and optical character recognition software. Monitor trends and developments in mainstream information technology. Make recommendations concerning the use of these technologies to counselors, teachers, clients, other IDB staff, and other individuals/organizations. Essential functions of this position: Communicate effectively in person, on the phone, and in writing with clients, counselors, and the public. Write clear and thorough reports on training provided or technology evaluated for employers, counselors, educators and other professionals. Communicate technical information in a manner understandable to nontechnical individuals. Travel regularly to clients' worksites, schools and homes. Utilize and teach others to use technology including smartphones, tablets and computers nonvisually without the need for any visual information. Research and teach oneself to use new and updated technology; locating training resources as appropriate. Read and write contracted braille accurately in order to provide training on the use of braille notetakers, braille displays and other braille-related technology. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of non-visual access technologies-including screen access software, screen enlargement technology, refreshable braille displays, braille embossers, tablets, smart phones, and video magnifiers-and make sound recommendations about which technologies should be used for specific situations and under what circumstances. Teach individuals and/or groups how to use specific technologies, and vary the teaching method depending on the learning style that works best for each student. 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

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Hand sanitizer
by widearc2000＠gmail.com 13 May '20

13 May '20

Hi folks, Last night on the phone everybody wanted to know where my agency was getting hand sanitizer. I?m not sure that the source is willing to sell out of state but I did promise to get the information and it never hurts to ask. It is with trepidation that I report that my agency is getting hand sanitizer from the sheltered workshops here in Oklahoma. I am as surprised as you are. Anyway, for those of you who really need to hold your nose and call them anyway, here is the contact information. They are charging $50 for a case of 12. Carla Beaves Accounting Clerk NewView Oklahoma cbeaves at newviewoklahoma.org (405)232-4644 ext. 243 Sent from my iPhone

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Richard Hoover
by jackson.dezman＠gmail.com 12 May '20

12 May '20

Hello all, Just thought I might share an interesting interaction I had recently. A few days ago, I went to a new eye doctor. During the course of the appointment, we got to talking about the type of work I do and he mentioned that his mentor had trained under Richard Hoover who of course we know is the father of the long cane technique as we know it today. Hoover of course later went on to become an ophthalmologist and was well known here in the Baltimore area though it being more from the standpoint of the medical model. There is also a clinic here that bears his name called Richard E. Hoover Low Vision Services. The doctor I was seeing also said that every year he attends a Richard Hoover lecture. In any case, just wanted to share this in that this was some common ground the clinician and I found though our interests in Dr. Hoover come from 2 different standpoints. Regards, Dezman

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This Week's Cane Travel Zoom Meeting
by becky.keller＠dbvi.virginia.gov 11 May '20

11 May '20

Afternoon everyone, I'm gathering thoughts and suggestions for this week's upcoming cane travel gathering and was hoping for your help. Here's what I have left on our list of topics, please correct me if I am wrong or missing something: 1. What are some helpful and inexpensive GPS apps folks are using along with instruction? 2. Can we help solve some travel concerns that were sparked from the last Presidential release? **I'm a little foggy on the details for this one, does anyone remember the specifics? 3. Jane wishes to discuss a new Federationist / potential Center student from southern Oklahoma 4. Jane would also like to discuss concerns regarding Tulsa's public transportation rule changes, and the differing opinions on flagging down buses along their routes, versus having to stand at the bus stops. If there are any further questions that you wish to be addressed for our list, please let me know ASAP. Also, Jeff if you're up for it, maybe during the roll call each instructor can share one new positive or inovative thing that has come about specifically due to the coronavirus shut down. Thanks in advance everyone for your time. Take care, *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).

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Continuing Education Opportunity for an NOMC
by ebell＠pdrib.com 11 May '20

11 May '20

Hello, If one of you or several of you wanted to earn some continuing education points and make a contribution to the body of knowledge, I have a job for you. It was brought to my attention that Wikipedia has a page for Orientation and Mobility. Although it was lasted edited this April, there is no mention of Structured Discovery, NOMC, or any of the history. As I understand Wikipedia, you can go in and edit the page so long as you are putting in factual data. In fact, here is the link to go in order to edit the page. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orientation_and_Mobility <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orientation_and_Mobility&action= edit> &action=edit I am glad to provide you with background information which would make it easier to cut and paste, but this is a pretty good project I don't have time for right now. Let me know if you are interested 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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Register now: 19th Rehabilitation and O&M Conference
by ebell＠pdrib.com 08 May '20

08 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

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FW: Introducing Lyft's Health Safety Program
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 07 May '20

07 May '20

From: noreply at lyftmail.com [mailto:noreply at lyftmail.com] Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2020 4:23 PM To: debandjeff at allophone.com Subject: Introducing Lyft's Health Safety Program Giving you a safer way to ride ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Image removed by sender. lyft HEALTH AND SAFETY Setting the standard for rideshare Health is on all of our minds now more than ever. As stay-at-home orders begin to lift, we're accelerating efforts to help safeguard riders and drivers. Today we're launching a <https://email.lyftmail.com/c/eJwVjtGKhiAUhJ-m7gw9WeaFF7s_22v8nPSYLZaRLvG__R…> Health Safety Program with new policies, commitments, and products designed to help protect our communities. Here's a preview of what you can expect to see in the coming weeks. Image removed by sender. health and safety checklist Image removed by sender. checkmark Self-certification: A commitment to health In order to use Lyft, you ? and every driver ? will soon be required to confirm that you're COVID-19 symptom-free, commit to following CDC and local health regulations, and take precautions like sitting in the back seat and opening windows when possible. Image removed by sender. mask Face coverings will be required The CDC recommends the use of cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus. And starting later this month, drivers and riders will be required to wear face coverings to use Lyft. Image removed by sender. shield Tools that will help you ride safely We're creating health and safety education for drivers and riders, based on the CDC's rideshare guidance, to help you learn how to help protect yourself and others. It's already available for drivers and will roll out for riders in the next few weeks. Image removed by sender. shield More cleaning supplies and masks for drivers So far, we've dedicated nearly $2.5 million to purchasing hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, and cloth face coverings for drivers at no cost to them. <https://email.lyftmail.com/c/eJwVjtGKhiAUhJ-m7gw9WeaFF7s_22v8nPSYLZaRLvG__R…> WHAT TO EXPECT We're committed to helping protect our communities. Thank you for being a part of ours. <https://email.lyftmail.com/c/eJwVzc0OwiAQBOCnKbc2uwuVcuCgxr6GWWCxNfQnthffXk…> Contact 548 Market St., P.O. Box 68514, San Francisco, CA 94104 ? 2020 Lyft, Inc. CPUC ID No. TCP0032513 - P Image removed by sender.

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Requesting your assistance at PDRIB
by ebell＠pdrib.com 07 May '20

07 May '20

Requesting your assistance Dear Friend, You are receiving this email because you are a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, hold NBPCB certification, or have benefited from our work in some way. You may know that our operating budget comes through the Louisiana Center for the Blind and is a direct appropriation from the Louisiana State legislature. Many times since we began the PDRIB, there has been threats of the state reducing or eliminating our funding, principally because they don't understand blindness and look to cut costs wherever possible. To date, we have always been successful in educating the legislature as to the importance of our work and how our services are vital. Without exception, they have agreed and our funding has continued. This year; however, presents a unique challenge with the COVID pandemic. First, funds for the next fiscal year look to be in dyer straights across the board and the legislature will be looking to cut wherever possible. Second, due to the stay-at home orders it is difficult for us to travel to the capital in person to make our case. I am asking you if you would be willing to write a short letter expressing the value and critical importance of the work that we do. Public comment on this legislation is due by May 10 and may be submitted via email. Following is the relevant information, along with some facts and figures regarding the work of the PDRIB. I hope you can help us fight this fight and I appreciate you in advance. See below, but you can send comments to: andressk at legis.la.gov <mailto:andressk at legis.la.gov> ******* Bill # HB 1005 Persons who do not feel comfortable giving testimony in person at this time may submit a prepared statement in accordance with House Rule 14.33 in lieu of appearing before the committee: NOTE: Only statements mailed to andressk at legis.la.gov <mailto:andressk at legis.la.gov> and received prior to noon on Sunday, May 10th, will be included in the record for this committee meeting. All persons desiring to participate in the meeting shall utilize appropriate protective health measures and observe the recommended and appropriate social distancing. **** Louisiana Center for the Blind Appropriation Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University The Louisiana Center for the Blind has been a grateful recipient of the Blind Rehabilitation appropriation from the State Treasury for the last 19 years. Over that time, the funds have been exclusively used to support our programs at Louisiana Tech University (LTU). In particular, the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB), whose job it is to prepare professionals to work with the blind and to conduct meaningful research to better understand how to educate and rehabilitate individuals who are blind or losing their sight. It should be noted, that PDRIB operates the only professional preparation program in the state. Because of the low-incidence nature of blindness and visual impairment and the workload involved in preparing professionals, Universities do not generally include funding in their budgets for these types of professional preparation programs. We, as all other programs nationwide, must depend on appropriation from the state legislature or other grant-based funds. Without these funds there will be no resource to train professionals to work with blind children for almost a 500-mile radius around Ruston. Orientation and Mobility (O&M). LTU is the only program in the country that actively recruits minorities, including blind individuals to earn a Master's degree with Certification in O&M. This is the skill of safely navigating through the environment with the use of a long white cane. We are frequently contacted by others, both throughout the United States and abroad, because of our tremendous success in the use of Structured Discovery Cane Travel R methods. No other university programs have the experience or knowhow to train their students using this highly effective and innovative system. Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind (RTB). In 2014, LTU founded the first of its kind Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind cognate within the Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance. This program also uses the tenants of Structured Discovery teaching. Because of this innovation, the U.S. Department of Education awarded LTU with a five-year grant to provide scholarships for students entering into the RTB and O&M programs. This provides considerable support for prospective students; however, it does not provide the core funding necessary to support faculty, facilities, and instructional materials. To date, all graduates have had multiple job offers and there remains a great demand for these trained professionals. Teaching Blind Students (TBS). Our TBS program trains teachers and paraprofessionals to work with blind and low vision children in the state's public schools and the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired (LSVI). These professionals teach young children to read braille and other necessary skills to be able to compete academically and prepare them for their futures. There is currently a dire and persistent need for trained professionals to work in many of our Parishes. Unified English Braille (UEB). The entire country has switched its braille code over to Unified English Braille in January of 2016. PDRIB is the only academic resource in the state to provide professional development to current and future teachers to ensure that their skills are updated and can meet the needs of their students. This not only impacts teachers of blind children in local schools and the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired, but also the State Department of Education, and all adult rehabilitation training programs. Outreach. Given the extreme shortage of trained teachers and cane travel instructors, the PDRIB also conducts outreach services to provide stop-gap services for blind children in Northern Louisiana. We routinely travel across parishes providing direct service, conducting assessments, and supporting the few teachers working in rural areas. Without this support, more than a dozen children in Northern LA would be without some level of needed services. Research. In order to expand this knowledge and to better equip teachers with relevant skills, the PDRIB conducts original research to deepen and broaden our understanding of blindness and strategies to better educate and rehabilitate individuals who are blind. These data are published in peer reviewed journals, are the substance of Continuing Education and outreach training, and have established LTU as a national leader in education and rehabilitation research. In addition, our research has led to the development of a variety of assessments, including reading and O&M, that have been adopted throughout the country. Technical Assistance. Countless parents, professionals, and consumers statewide and nationally depend on the PDRIB for technical assistance in the education or rehabilitation of their loved ones. In addition, PDRIB also assists LTU in understanding accessibility and remaining compliant with ADA Standards. Without continued financial support, PDRIB cannot exist to provide these vital services and training. We know that without proper literacy skills and blindness training, individuals who have significant sight loss cannot fully participate in their education or in their communities and they are relegated to living lives of poverty and hopelessness. 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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