- NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

Zoom Schedule for Instructors and Teachers
by ebell＠pdrib.com 20 Apr '20

20 Apr '20

Topical Discussion via Zoom Back by popular demand: Topical Zoom discussion groups: Week 2 Please see below for this week's schedule If you have registered for any of these meetings you should have the zoom information in your inbox by 8:00 CDT on the day of your event. Center Directors/Administrators: Monday, April 20 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. Central time. Employment specialists: Monday, April 20 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. Central time. Cane Travel Instructors: Tuesday, April 21 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Youth Services Specialists: Tuesday, April 21 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Braille/Communications Instructors: Wednesday, April 22 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Access Tech/Communications Instructors: Wednesday, April 22 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT (Note, Braille and Technology groups will be split into two separate rooms Home Management/ADL/ILS/Shop Instructors: Thursday, April 23 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Teachers of blind/Visually Impaired Students: Thursday, April 23 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Rehab counselors/teachers/: Friday, April 24 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Note: If you no longer want to participate in these meetings, send an email to me and I will remove your name. <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu Together, let's make week two even bigger and stronger Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu www.pdrib.com ************* "I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops." -- Stephen Jay Gould

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NOMC Zoom Meeting Proposals
by becky.keller＠dbvi.virginia.gov 20 Apr '20

20 Apr '20

It's me again, last email of the day from me...promise! I revisited a very well learned life lesson today. I guess it didn't sink in the first time I experienced it though...smile. I decided this morning to offer up the suggestion that we possibly create an outline or agenda for our Cane Travel meeting, so that we may have a little more structure rather than just shooting from the hip. That being said, after my suggestion was made, it was bounced back at me to come up with said outline. Lesson relearned...if you come with an opinion...be ready with an answer! LOL. Anyway, I am again coming to you all for suggestions, thoughts, ideas, and most importantly questions that you have that you wish to be discussed during our next gathering. Also, I sheepishly suggested that we have a designated moderator lead the next discussion. Jeff, I believe you graciously took on this role last evening partway through the call, and personally I felt that in doing so you kept us more grounded. Would you like to continue with this role? Please forgive me if I'm presuming incorrectly, and let me know if there is someone else that would like to moderate, or even, let me know if you all feel that we don't need a set moderator. Thanks again in advance everyone for all of your input. In response to this email, please reply to me directly rather than replying to all. I will compile all of your comments and questions to share with Dr. Bell prior to next week. Thanks again for everything! Take care and stay safe, *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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Topical Discussion Groups for the Week of April 20
by ebell＠pdrib.com 16 Apr '20

16 Apr '20

Topical Discussion via Zoom Back by popular demand: Topical Zoom discussion groups: Week 2 Congratulations to all of you who participated in, or will participate in, one of the five scheduled zoom meetings this week. We are again going to host the same meetings next week in the same order as this week. If you participated in the meetings that you selected for this week, please do not sign up again. Your information will be carried over to next week. Additionally, we are going to have two new groups, one for employment specialists on Monday and another for youth service specialists on Tuesday. The full schedule is listed below. For only those persons who wish to participate in one of these two new meetings, or if you did not get in the meeting you wanted for this week, please click the following link to get yourself registered. <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 20 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. Central time. Employment specialists: Monday, April 20 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. Central time. Cane Travel Instructors: Tuesday, April 21 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Youth Services Specialists: Tuesday, April 21 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Braille/Communications Instructors: Wednesday, April 22 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Access Tech/Communications Instructors: Wednesday, April 22 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT (Note, Braille and Technology groups will be split into two separate rooms Home Management/ADL/ILS/Shop Instructors: Thursday, April 23 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Rehab counselors/teachers/TBS/TVI: Friday, April 24 at 4:00-6:00 p.m. CDT Note: If you no longer want to participate in these meetings, send an email to me and I will remove your name. ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> Together, let's make week two even bigger and stronger 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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2020 Cane Walk
by debandjeff＠allophone.com 15 Apr '20

15 Apr '20

Hello Everyone, As I mentioned recently we are going to move this year's Cane Walk to the virtual world. This is going to present some challenges,, but also potentially some real advantages. Here is the plan as it stands at this point, and please understand that this will likely evolve as we move forward. The NOPBC will undertake to register families wishing to participate in the Cane Walk. They will also help us to work out the details of making sure each child, and one of each child's parent have canes and sleep-shades for the training. We can assist in determining the proper length of canes. The specifics of this part of the program is still being worked out. Next, I will need to have a list of instructors making a solid commitment to participate by mid May, so that matching instructors with families can be completed on time. I will arrange with Dr. Bell to have a Zoom call with families and Instructors in early June, to introduce the program, and introduce the instructors to the families they will be working with. This introduction will include Melissa Riccobono, Carol Castellano, or another representative from the NOPBC, depending on their schedules, and I will provide some of the basic information regarding Structured Discovery, and the goals of the Cane Walk. Following this introduction, I will be asking each of you to arrange to work with the families to which you have been matched to provide two or three instructional sessions. This is one of the advantages I was speaking of, in that we have the potential to provide a greater degree of instruction as compared with earlier years. This will be a matter of working this out with your schedules, and what will work for the families. Finally, during the National Convention, we will gather for another Zoom meeting, to answer questions, celebrate accomplishments, and to have one more Cane Travel lesson. This will be an opportunity for all of us to share our skills, and also to help sharpen our remote teaching approaches. As I said this concept will be evolving, and your suggestions are welcomed to help make this event a success. Also, as in previous years, you will receive CEU's toward your recertification for your participation in the Cane walk. Please make your plans to be a part of this very special Cane Walk by May 15th, and I look forward to each of you being a part of our efforts to give our youngest Federationists the opportunity to live the lives they want. Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB Cane Travel Instructor

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Remote Instruction / Discussions- for Cane Travel Inquiry
by becky.keller＠dbvi.virginia.gov 15 Apr '20

15 Apr '20

Good afternoon all, Thank you for the wonderful meeting last night! It was great hearing from everyone, and I personally found it very helpful. From what I gathered from the discussion, we are all at varying levels of instruction right now. Where some teachers have been able to continue giving their students travel routes in their home areas, I personally am struggling with just getting my students out of their homes. That being said, at VRCBVI in Richmond we have been working more so with our students on the mental/emotional/philosophical aspects of cane travel via Google Meets and conference calls. Each week we've been giving folks homework assignments consisting of articles, videos, audio files, etc. that cover a variety of topics mostly geared towards blindness, cane travel, and building overall confidence. Then, once a week we get together on a conference call with our students to ask discussion questions and promote conversations regarding the topics covered. Because of this, we've created a document containing all of the assignments that we've been sharing with our students. What I'm hoping for now, is the opportunity to be able to pick all of your experienced brains for any suggestions, thoughts, or ideas that we could use to add to this list. I've attached what we have accumulated thus far for you. I'll also attach the Word documents with the bank of questions we have used. Please either reply-all, or reply directly back to me with your suggestions. Thank you in advance for all of your time and assistance. I pray that you and your families are safe and sound. Take care and best wishes. Thanks again, Last night, I asked if others would be interested in viewing what we've been using, and more importantly if they'd be willing to share their thoughts or ideas that we could potentially add to our list. This being said, would you be ok with sharing our document with the listserve calling for suggestions? If so, I'll look for your guidance on whether or not to have instructors "reply-all", or just directly back to me with their responses. Thanks in advance for your time and assistance with this, and I hope you and your beautiful family are doing well. *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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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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