- NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

O&M position in Yuma Arizona
by jklgabias＠hotmail.com 20 Mar '18

20 Mar '18

Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. Spring has sprung here in Arizona with a beautiful 70 degree weather forecast. If any of you are tired of the snow or the humidity, I have just the opportunity for you! Attached is a job posting for an Orientation and Mobility Instructor position in Yuma Arizona. Yuma is only 2.5 hours from San Diego right on the border between Mexico, Arizona and California. They have some really amazing food and a great center out there. I currently work at the Tucson center of SAAVI Services for the Blind. We currently have 5 NOMCs working for SAAVI and a NCRTB. We are not a full structured discovery center but we all strive to teach the structured discovery methods in all of our classes. We are working towards building a strong philosophy at all 3 of our site locations. If you have any questions about Yuma, SAAVI or anything about Arizona you can contact Tarik Williams, Colin Wong, Conrad Austen, Karoll Austen or myself. You can also contact Amy Porterfield, the COO, directly at aporterfield at saavi.us (520) 795-1331. All the best, Joanne Gabias, M.A., NOMC, NCUEB, NCRTB Orientation and Mobility Instructor SAAVI Services for the Blind Tucson, AZ

1 0

Question on using translators on travel
by yadiel.sotomayor＠gmail.com 15 Mar '18

15 Mar '18

Good evening everyone: I recently encountered a unique situation at work, and I want to hear your thoughts. I currently have a student with severe hearing lost and a language barrier. The student only speaks Spanish, so he uses a translator for communication. When I am working with the student, communication is not an issue. My first language is Spanish, therefore, I rarely need the translator. The reason for this email is, how should I handle the translator and the student when I send the student on independent assignments? Should I send the student with the translator so that he can communicate with the public, and risk the translator interfering with the lesson by assisting the student? Do I send him by himself with no way to communicate, and have him use deafblind communication signs instead? Or perhaps, me and the translator follow the student from a distance, until communication is needed? I would love to know if you had a similar situations and how you handled it. I have been thinking about this since I got this student, and I have not been able to come up with a satisfactory answer. Any suggestions are appreciated. Yadiel

3 2

Position Announcement - Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor - St. Louis, MO
by Michael.A.StJulien＠dss.mo.gov 14 Mar '18

14 Mar '18

Good Afternoon, Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind is currently recruiting for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor position in our St. Louis-South District Office. Please see the attachments for further details. If you have any questions regarding the position please contact the District Supervisor, Katherine Cronin, at 314-933-7330. Thank you. Michael St.Julien Assistant Deputy Director Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind 573-751-4989 (Office) 573-680-4074 (Cell) 573-751-4984 (Fax) michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov<mailto:michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov> "This communication is being transmitted by the Department of Social Services (DSS), and is confidential, privileged, and intended only for the use of the recipient named above. If you are not the intended recipient, unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender and destroy the material received."

1 0

Recruiting Structured Discovery Coaches
by ebell＠pdrib.com 12 Mar '18

12 Mar '18

Dear NOMC You may, or may not be aware that recently the Alabama Department for the Blind and Deaf has embarked on a new endeavor and has begun a residential training program in Birmingham called The Freedom Center. Their goal is to provide Structure Discovery training to their consumers. I have been brought in to manage a project to help them meet their objectives. I can tell you that they have a long way to go and that their success in becoming a true Structured Discovery center is by no way assured. However, I strongly believe that all blind individuals deserve the best training possible regardless of their ability to relocate to one of the currently recognized training facilities and so I am willing to do what I can to ensure that the administration and staff of The Freedom Center have the tools to function under the spirit and expectations that we espouse under the Structured Discovery Trademark. Toward that end, I'm recruiting coaches like yourself to help in this effort. My ask. I am asking you to travel to Birmingham for at least a few days, preferably a full five-day week to provide coaching and mentoring. By mentoring, I mean encouragement, suggestions, and recommendations. By coaching, I mean being straight with them where their practices are not effective and helping to draw the line between what is Structured Discovery, and what is not. What is my role? I have made it perfectly clear to everyone involved with the project that I will assist in every effort to assist them become a Structured Discovery program. I have been equally clear that I will not recommend that they be recognized by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board as a Structured Discovery center unless they meet the standards that you are familiar with. What I am asking you to do is to communicate with me before the trip regarding any questions, logistics or details and then to communicate with me during or after the trip about your experience and impressions. I will need you to be completely and brutally honest with me regarding the good, the bad, and the ugly. Many of the staff are sincerely dedicated to the spirit and life that is Structured Discovery. Realizing this ideal, however, is sometimes easier said than done. I will keep any communications from you confidential but I will use your valuable input towards developing future training, in my own evaluations of the program, and in the final analysis of the overall health of the center. Compensation. For this work, I will cover your transportation, lodging, and an honorarium for your time. The honorarium is up to $1,000 for the full five days on-site, but I will have to prorate it based on the actual amount of time you can commit. I hope I can call upon you to provide your invaluable experience and professionalism in this project. Structured Discovery is a brand of rehabilitation that we have perfected for more than 70 years, and it is something that you and I have worked very hard to ensure that it does not become bastardized or watered down by those who want the title but not the work. I commit to you that I am dedicated towards this mission as well. Wherever a center like this truly shares in our passion, dedication, and philosophy I am committed to helping them achieve a first-class training program. With equal passion, I am committed to discrediting, disavowing, and calling out all of those who would seek to use our name without merit. I hope you have the time and ability to help me build this program, and as importantly, to hold its feet to the fire that is Structured Discovery. Please call or email me with any questions. I look forward to your active participation in this effort. Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 (Fax) Skype: edwardbell2010 <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu <http://www.pdrib.com> www.pdrib.com ************************************************************** "I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops." -- Stephen Jay Gould

1 0

Position Announcement - Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor - Kansas City, MO
by Michael.A.StJulien＠dss.mo.gov 09 Mar '18

09 Mar '18

Good Morning, Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind is currently recruiting for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor positions in our Kansas City District Office. Please see he attachments for further details. If you have any questions regarding the positions please contact the District Supervisor, Rekha Nanchal, at 816-889-2850. Thank you. Michael St.Julien Assistant Deputy Director Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind 573-751-4989 (Office) 573-680-4074 (Cell) 573-751-4984 (Fax) michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov<mailto:michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov> "This communication is being transmitted by the Department of Social Services (DSS), and is confidential, privileged, and intended only for the use of the recipient named above. If you are not the intended recipient, unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender and destroy the material received."

1 0

Position Announcement - District Supervisor - Jefferson City, MO
by Michael.A.StJulien＠dss.mo.gov 09 Mar '18

09 Mar '18

Good Morning, Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind is currently recruiting for the position of District Supervisor in our Mid-Missouri District Office located in Jefferson City, MO. Please see the attached position announcement for more details. If you have any questions regarding the position please contact me directly at the contact information below. Thank you. Michael St.Julien Assistant Deputy Director Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind 573-751-4989 (Office) 573-680-4074 (Cell) 573-751-4984 (Fax) michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov<mailto:michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov> "This communication is being transmitted by the Department of Social Services (DSS), and is confidential, privileged, and intended only for the use of the recipient named above. If you are not the intended recipient, unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender and destroy the material received."

1 0

FW: Iowa Department for the Blind Job Posting
by ebell＠pdrib.com 23 Feb '18

23 Feb '18

Iowa Department for the Blind JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Job title: Independent Living Rehabilitation Teacher (SSB2) Domiciled: Polk County Salary Minimum: $44,012.80 Salary Maximum: $ 66,851.20 Post Close Date: March 22, 2018 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 blindness-skills instruction and training to independent living and vocational rehabilitation clients throughout the state. This position is assigned to the Independent Living Program Division. The program serves a diverse population and ages across the State of Iowa. Essential functions: * Support the mission, vision, values and culture of the agency. * Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in the English language. * Promote a positive philosophy of blindness including that blind persons can be as proficient as their sighted counterparts * Adheres to Federal program and State Administrative Rules as well as agency and program policies and procedures. * Verifies and where assigned completes program applications with agency?s applicants. * Collects, analyzes, and interprets various data and information including but not limited to eye and/or medical reports. * Determines and certifies applicant?s eligibility for program services. * Assesses client independent living service and skills training needs. * In partnership with client, develop a service plan that offers sustainable, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound solutions/goals. As necessary, in partnership with client amend service plan. * Provides adjustment to blindness counseling and guidance for the benefit of clients. * Provides instruction/training using structure discovery model incorporating alternative techniques of blindness/non-visual skills training. * Delivers core service training in the areas of orientation and mobility or travel with long white cane; daily living/home-management; communications to include Braille literacy; leisure; and integration. Where identified as a service need, offers information and make referrals. * Facilitate and document observed and client reported confidence levels, skill gains, control over life advances, and positive attitude or acceptance toward their blindness. * Recommends and prepares service authorizations and purchase orders. * Moves each client in a positive direction to facilitate goal achievement and case closure. * Responsible for client case management including entering information and data from application through case closure using an electronic case management system as well as ensure relevant paper documents and forms are filed into the client?s paper files. * Responsible to manage large case load within assigned service region. * Ability to effectively read, write and communicate routinely with agency constituents, agency staff, and general public. * Ability to travel extensively statewide and to stay overnight two to three times per work week to ensure effective service delivery. * Ability to ambulate from place to place, ascend/descend steps, standing, reaching, critical thinking, stooping, bending, lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs. * Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather. * Ability to learn concepts and apply what has been learned. * Demonstrates independent living assistive technology, adaptive devices, aids, and equipment. * Use sound judgment, and works with a high level of integrity and ethics. * Ability to work autonomously and in a team setting. 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 Kimberley Barber, 515-281-1299 or Kim.Barber at blind.state.ia.us <mailto:Kim.Barber 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 letter of application and resume to: Kimberley Barber Independent Living Program Administrator Iowa Department for the Blind 524 4th Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2364 Kim.Barber at blind.state.ia.us <mailto:Kim.Barber at blind.state.ia.us> -- Tiffany Bickell Executive Assistant to the Director, Commission Board Secretary Iowa Department for the Blind 515.281.1336 tiffany.bickell at blind.state.ia.us <mailto:tiffany.bickell at blind.state.ia.us> https://blind.iowa.gov ?A proud partner in the American Job Center network?

1 0

FW: Job Posting for Iowa Department for the Blind
by ebell＠pdrib.com 22 Feb '18

22 Feb '18

Iowa Department for the Blind JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Rehabilitation Technology Specialist Location: Des Moines, Iowa Salary Minimum: $51,958.40 Salary Maximum: $80,558.40 Post Close Date: March 19, 2018. 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 training to vocational rehabilitation clients including transition age youth. This position will also provide access technology training to independent living teachers to assist the teachers in providing technology training to independent living clients. Duties and responsibilities to include the following: Provide individualized and/or group training to clients in the use of access technology. Monitor client progress during such training, produce written reports and case notes for client files, and provide prompt notification to counselors concerning client progress and impediments to client success. Design, validate, and implement skills assessments to determine a client's ability to use technology. 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. As necessary, develop and/or modify technology skills assessments to ensure the most accurate results. Based on technology skills assessments, develop, teach, and/or recommend courses of intensive and specialized training. Provide on-site training and telephone assistance to employers and clients regarding access technology. Troubleshoot technical problems at client work-sites involving the integration of non-visual 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. Provide technology training to independent living teachers in areas such as iOS, Android, built-in computer accessibility features and basic screen reader usage, and serve as a resource to them as they provide technology training to independent living clients. Provide group training to independent living clients such as through community based trainings. Provide technical assistance and product support to blind or low vision persons using mainstream software with 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. Plan and participate in awareness activities to promote the use of non-visual access technology. Arrange for vendor displays/demonstrations in the IDB Technology Resource Center and in various locations around the state. Demonstrate non visual access technology and its use with mainstream computer programs to clients, counselors, teachers, family members, and other individuals/organizations. Maintain lists of access technology products for the blind and their vendors. Upon request, provide product information to consumers, family members, employers, IDB staff, and other individuals/organizations. Monitor trends and developments with regard to screen access software/hardware, refreshable Braille displays, screen enlargement software and hardware, and optical character recognition systems. Monitor trends and developments in mainstream 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, verbally or in writing, in the English language. 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. Explain complicated concepts and ideas in a simplified manner for group or individual presentation. Competently operate the Windows and Mac OSX operating systems and various applications-including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, web browsers, and other applications. Competently operate mobile operating systems such as iOS and Android with non-visual access technology. 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. 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 <mailto:helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us> 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 -- Tiffany Bickell Executive Assistant to the Director, Commission Board Secretary Iowa Department for the Blind 515.281.1336 tiffany.bickell at blind.state.ia.us <mailto:tiffany.bickell at blind.state.ia.us> https://blind.iowa.gov ?A proud partner in the American Job Center network?

1 0

Position Announcement - Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor(s) - Kansa City, MO
by Michael.A.StJulien＠dss.mo.gov 07 Feb '18

07 Feb '18

Good Afternoon, Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind is currently recruiting for two Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor positions in our Kansas City District Office. Please see the attachments for details on the specific qualifications for these positions. If you have any further questions regarding the positions please contact the District Supervisor, Rekha Nanchal, at 816-889-2850. Thank you. Michael St.Julien Assistant Deputy Director Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind 573-751-4989 (Office) 573-680-4074 (Cell) 573-751-4984 (Fax) michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov<mailto:michael.a.stjulien at dss.mo.gov> "This communication is being transmitted by the Department of Social Services (DSS), and is confidential, privileged, and intended only for the use of the recipient named above. If you are not the intended recipient, unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender and destroy the material received."

1 0

FW: Request for participation: Non-visual travel techniques interview
by ebell＠pdrib.com 07 Feb '18

07 Feb '18

Dear NOMC: *** Please note: the following research request is neither sponsored by nor sanctioned by the PDRIB*** I have been asked to forward on this request to you all. I know nothing about the researcher nor the study itself beyond what you will read below. However, given that not too many years ago blind mobility instructors were not considered professionals at all, at least this request seems to respect the fact that those who would be most knowledgeable about nonvisual travel are those who teach it. If any of you do elect to participate I would be interested in hearing back from you. *** Make your Voice Heard! Hello, My name is Bryan Duarte. I'm a Ph.D research student in the School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU). I work as a research student in the Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing (CUbiC) at ASU. I am conducting a study to learn about blind and visually impaired people's techniques and methods of travel. This study is focused on the orientation and mobility techniques used by non-visual travelers to determine how technology can augment the visual information available to an individual who is blind or low vision. If you are a certified orientation and mobility instructor, orientation and mobility specialist, or work as an orientation and mobility instructor at a certified training center for blind and low vision individuals, I cordially invite you to participate in a 15-30 minute interview. The interview will focus on three aspects of orientation and mobility for non-visual travel. 1. Cane travel techniques, 2. information gathering during cane travel, and 3. importance of these techniques in cane travel. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact me at bryan.duarte at asu.edu <mailto:bryan.duarte at asu.edu> Once I receive confirmation of your interest I will contact you directly to schedule the interview. Thank you for your time and participation.. Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 (Fax) Skype: edwardbell2010 ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> <http://www.pdrib.com> 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: Bryan Duarte [mailto:bjduarte at asu.edu] Sent: Monday, February 5, 2018 1:49 PM To: ebell at latech.edu Subject: Request for participation: Non-visual travel techniques interview Hello professor Bell, I am a PhD research student from Arizona State University studying computer science. My research is in sensory substitution, human computer interaction, and haptics as a universal language. I am researching how the use of haptics can augment the non-visual travel skills and techniques of travelers who are blind and low vision. I am trying to interview individuals who have received their certification in non-visual travel so your name came up by Mrs. Pam Allen, and also Miss Michell Gip. If you are able would you please pass this email on to the list serv where individuals would be able to contact me to participate? Thank you very much. Make your Voice Heard! Hello, My name is Bryan Duarte. I'm a Ph.D research student in the School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU). I work as a research student in the Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing (CUbiC) at ASU. I am conducting a study to learn about blind and visually impaired people's techniques and methods of travel. This study is focused on the orientation and mobility techniques used by non-visual travelers to determine how technology can augment the visual information available to an individual who is blind or low vision. If you are a certified orientation and mobility instructor, orientation and mobility specialist, or work as an orientation and mobility instructor at a certified training center for blind and low vision individuals, I cordially invite you to participate in a 15-30 minute interview. The interview will focus on three aspects of orientation and mobility for non-visual travel. 1. Cane travel techniques, 2. information gathering during cane travel, and 3. importance of these techniques in cane travel. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact me at bryan.duarte at asu.edu <mailto:bryan.duarte at asu.edu> Once I receive confirmation of your interest I will contact you directly to schedule the interview. Thank you for your time and participation..

3 2