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Youth Transition Job, San Francisco
by ebell＠pdrib.com 18 Oct '17

18 Oct '17

The LightHouse for the Blind in San Francisco is looking for a Youth Transition Program Specialist. If you think this job is for you, please check out the link below and apply. http://lighthouse-sf.org/about/careers/youth-transition-program-specialist/ Lisamaria Martinez Director of Community Services (415) 694-7350 LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired 1155 Market Street, 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103 Join us on November 4th and 5th for <http://www.superfestfilm.com>Superfest International Disability Film Festival! It's the longest running disability film festival in the world, and celebrates cutting-edge cinema that portrays disability through a complex, unabashed and engaging lens. <http://www.superfestfilm.com>Learn more and reserve your tickets or <https://www.facebook.com/events/224663721383626/?acontext=%7B%22action_hist ory%22:%22%5B%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22:%5C%22page%5C%22,%5C%22mechanism%5C%22:% 5C%22page_upcoming_events_card%5C%22,%5C%22extra_data%5C%22:%5B%5D%7D%5D%22, %22has_source%22:true%7D>RSVP the the event on Facebook. --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com _______________________________________________ rehab mailing list rehab at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/rehab_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for rehab: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/rehab_nfbnet.org/ebell%40pdrib.com

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Structured Discovery
by tjpaulding＠gmail.com 17 Oct '17

17 Oct '17

NOMC Listers, After reading Dr. Bell's "quick poll" on misconceptions about structured discovery cane technique. I asked a question of the AER O&M list serv which I belong to. I thought some of you might find their responses interesting. I have copied and pasted all of the responses I recieved on this item in order. My post is first, followed by the responses. Just a little background on me: For me, Structured discovery is the way I teach. I may not do it exactly the way it is taught at LA tech, and sometimes I only get 10 or 20 hours with a client . . . but I approximate it as best I can. I'm totally blind, so it's pretty much the only way I can and know how to teach. I learned from one of the best, Arlene Hill, when I was a student at LCB. Years later, I chose to attend Western Michigan University because I lived and worked in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I had kids, a family and a life, and didn't see moving to Louisiana, again, to be an option. Plus, I wanted to break down some barriers and see if I could actually obtain a degree from WMU. I think one of the reasons I did is because I have excellent travel skills and a belief in myself as a blind person. . That's the key, really. I'm teaching full time now and find myself in the midst of two worlds. There are no other blind people that I know of who are AER certified. They are polite and respectful to me at AER conferences. I have found Most other AER professionals to be curious and interested in how I teach. I have never had anyone scoff and tell me that I can't do it or should not be able to do it. It's clear from these responses that there is a lot of confusion about what structured discovery actually is. I wonder if there is a way to change that. Tim Paulding On Oct 6, 2017, at 3:50 PM, Timothy J. Paulding <tjpaulding at gmail.com> wrote: All, One of my NFB contacts recently asked a question of an email list I am on: what are some of the top assumptions that people make when you say that you teach structured discovery? When you guys hear "structured discovery learning," What does it mean to you? To me, structured discovery learning is what I feel any O&M instructor should be doing to get students to experience the world around them. Structuring the individuals discovery of the environment, asking questions to help students problem solve, and, when a student is ready, allowing them to make mistakes to promote learning. I would be really interested to hear what some of you think! Thanks, Timothy J. Paulding, M.A., CVRT, COMS Janet Carlson wrote: I agree- in Structured Discovery Learning you use Socratic questioning ex: "I wonder how we find the way to the gym", or "wow, you did a great job finding the bathroom- what strategies did you use?", or when a student asks what a sound is rather than telling them you say "let's go find out!". With the huge "Growth Mindset" movement in education this is common language and all kids are learning that making mistakes "makes their brain grow". That when they problem solve they are building neural pathways. This is literally language elementary school children are learning and using every day. So "Structured Discovery" aligns easily in integrated settings which helps kids generalize skills. -Janet And another response: "Structured Discovery" or sometimes know as "self-familiarization" means an independent learning of a layout of an environment for travel purposes. It relies on strategies that are structured and systematic.. For instance establishing an initial home base in which to begin the exploration. Then, developing a reference system, perhaps compass directions, which you employ to remember the locations of significant landmarks within the environment. The strategy works best when one section of the environment is completely explored before another section is added. The perimeter of each section is explored first as you make your way returning to the established home base. As you travel beyond the completely explored initial area, a secondary home base can be set up that helps to tie sections together in the mind. The whole purpose being that you slowly develop imagery and locations of landmarks in your mind to assist you with orientation to the area. When I teach these strategies I usually have the student make a tactile map following their exploration to check their understanding of the layout of the area. I also complete the lesson by taking the time to disorient them then asking them to regain their orientation using their landmarks to find the home base. Hope this helps, -Lucy And Dona Sauerburger said: Hi Tim! Yes, that's exactly the way I think of it, you described it very well. It's the way any good orientation and mobility specialist teaches. -- Dona And here's an unfortunate one: I witnessed an individual make a mid-block crossing while under "structured discovery" training. There was no instructor in sight. Perhaps, no one had allowed him to "discover" the safer way to cross a street. -Greg And this one started an entirely new conversation on the AER list about whether university training programs cover using traffic to align. While I completely agree with Tim and Dona's understanding, I have come to understand that the criticism of "AER style" mobility instruction by some consumers is based on experience. The contrast between 'structured discovery' and 'AER style' learning (I recognize the 'AER style' is irritating, but it is shorthand for what we all understand and is not meant as a perjoritive in any sense) does not exist in theory, in my opinion, but it often does exist in fact. Because of funding and sometimes skills shorfalls in the toolkits of O&M specialists, some blind students are not taught to use their hearing appropriately to expand and utilize what Chris Tabb brilliantly refers to as 'auditory horizons' . In particular, students are often not taught to use the sound of traffic moving into the distance ahead of them for auditory alignment. Lack of funding sometimes result in a lack of time for quality education.. We are all aware of that. The result is that some clients/students are taught 'routes' and not 'skills'. Also, and more seriously, some O&M students graduate from university programs without an understanding of this important use of traffic sound. Unfortunately they may then,in turn, undereducate their students with an overemphasis on cane skills and an underemphasis on the appropriate and skilled use of sound. Sometimes when these students meet 'structured discovery' their world opens up....but it should have been opened long before!! I have witnessed the absence of this skill in several students who have come to The Seeing Eye after substantial 'traditional' education. It is dificult to travel well with a dog guide if this one doesn't know how to figure out where 'straight" is! I know that this skill has long been a part of the O&M tool kit. I have on tape an inteview with Doug Roberts (former Director of Programs at the Seeing Eye) in which he discusses being taught how to use traffic for alignment by Stan Suterko in 1968. I also know that it is still being taught...but not universally. Traffic sound is -nearly- universally available to give orientation information and help to know where 'straight' is. Of course In the absence of this being taught, there is nothing universal for travelers to rely upon. Sorry for the long post, but I do urge a return to the roots of skill,rather than the skill of routes. -Lucas

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Research Request on behalf the WBU
by ebell＠pdrib.com 16 Oct '17

16 Oct '17

Hello, I am forwarding on a research request on behalf of the World Blind Union. Szilvia Csuti is interested in comparing the lived experiences of blind people in the United States as they compare to individuals in Hungry. She is looking for 8-12 blind adults, so most people on this list will qualify. It will be a personal interview by Skype or related service. Silvia's purpose statement and contact information is pasted below and attached is the questions she plans to cover with you. *** Message from Silvia *** In my study, I'm comparing the quality of life of the blind people living in Hungary and the United States of America. I wish to do this in the following dimensions: social relationship (mainly informal company; friends, fellow blind people, etc.), usage of special tools, everyday activities. I'm looking for differences and similarities between the two countries. Feel free to forward the interview-plan to the interviewees, but please tell them that this is but a frame and if they venture into some other area which I find relevant, I might also ask different questions as well. the criteria for the interviewees: has to be an adult (21 and over) and blind. I planned to record the interviews online, since I use Apple devices, we can make the interview on Facetime with those for whom it's convenient, but I'm also available on Skype and GTalk, and a Facebook-call has no problems either. Regarding the time zone differene, next week (October 23rd to 29th) we'll have the autumn break in the school, so I'll be available any time, any day, whichever is the most suitable for the interviewees. From the first week of November, I'll resume my internship, so I'd prefer Friday-Saturday-Sunday. But if any of your clients prefers another time, I can adapt. I would like the interviews "live", because if the interviewees are reminded of a story by a question or if they have any other comments on the subject, it's hard to write it down. Should you find more than 7-8 persons to help, I'd be very happy, since more is always better. Also, if you can't find enough blind people, I'd be happy to listen to people with low vision. Sincerely, Szilvia Csuti Special education student My contact info: Phone: +36 (70) 616-2597 <tel:+36%2070%20616%202597> E-mail: csuti.szilvia at gmail.com <mailto:csuti.szilvia at gmail.com> Skype: greengirl_199 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

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Dare to be Remarkable Early Registration Ends tomorrow
by ebell＠pdrib.com 12 Oct '17

12 Oct '17

**** Note, the cost for registration goes up after tomorrow *** DARE TO BE REMARKABLE: Ten Years of Progress! A three-day national training conference for education and rehabilitation professionals who work with blind students and adults. Location National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Date Monday, November 6 through Wednesday, November 8, 2017 Online Registration is now open! Visit this URL: <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=119> Register Here Registration includes all conference materials in alternative formats, lunches, periodic snack breaks, transportation to and from the hotel, and special hospitality/training events. * Pre-registration prior to October 13, 2017 is $400 per person. * Registration after October 13, 2017 will be $500 per person. Lodging A block of rooms has been reserved for conference participants at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore, located at 550 Light Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202, at a room rate of $169, plus tax, per night. This rate will be available to those that make their reservation before Monday, September 25, 2017. Participants should make reservations directly with the hotel by calling 410-347-9702 and referencing conference code 1105NFBDBR. A shuttle to and from the NFB Jernigan Institute will be provided for conference participants staying at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court. Call for Presenters now open! For information on how to submit your idea for one of the conference breakout sessions visit the call for presenters section on the registration page or contact Edward Bell for more information at <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu. ***Continuing Education Credits will be available for conference Participants *** Questions about the conference can be directed to: Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University Phone: (318) 257-4554 Email: ebell at latech.edu The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. 2017 Dare To Be Remarkable Conference Sponsors: National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals National Association of Professionals in Blindness Education National Blindness Professional Certification Board Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 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

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Keeping Cool Under Sleepshades
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 10 Oct '17

10 Oct '17

Hi everyone, After reading Jane's last comment, I thought I might share a tip with everyone on how I keep my sleepshades from getting so hot. I went to training in Louisiana and went back for grad school at Louisiana Tech. Now that I teach in Hawaii, where I am closer to the equator than anywhere on the mainland, I get to experience an even stronger sun. Since the dark color of the sleepshades causes them to absorb heat, I paint my sleepshades white. It takes a few coats of spray paint to make them look good, but the temperature difference is amazing. I remember, when I first experimented with it, being told to just make sure that the end result looks professional. In case anyone wants to try it, I want to tell you how I do it. If anyone can improve on the process, I'd love to know how. 1. Remove the Velcro strap 2. Make a cut-out which is exactly the same size as the outer rim of the foam part (with any error in the direction of being smaller because foam can compress) 3. Place the sleepshades flush against the cut-out 4. Apply 3 to 4 coats of spray paint with normal technique. I usually ask a sighted person to tell me when the Mindfold logo is no longer visible. I will note that I initially tried taping off the foam but generally found that it didn't work because foam is a lot more flexible than tape. I hope that's useful to some folks. It sure keeps me cool. Aloha, Justin Justin M. Salisbury, MA, NOMC, NCRTB, NCUEB Legislative Committee Chair Honolulu Chapter National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President at Alumni.ECU.edu> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury "Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore." Cesar Chavez

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quick poll
by ebell＠pdrib.com 09 Oct '17

09 Oct '17

Hey guys, I have a quick poll or question for you all. I am working on a document and wanted to hear from you all what are some of the top misconceptions or assumptions that people make when you say that you teach structured discovery. What do people assume structured discovery is, or assume you are doing when you say structured discovery? 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

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Consequences of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
by mperet＠BISM.org 22 Sep '17

22 Sep '17

Dear Colleagues, The linked article that follows appears to represent a barrage of articles currently in circulation amounting to a wholesale legislative assault on the Americans with Disabilities Act. It seems the momentum is on their side unless some of the assertions can be challenged with data based evidence. While I'm the farthest from a researcher, the article made claims that were unsubstantiated or without proper references. I am also unfamiliar with the source so perhaps it lends itself to such bombast but I think it speaks the loudest under the current political climate. WE need a broad based rapid response team to challenge it. being http://www.nber.org/digest/dec98/w6670.html Thanks for looking into this. Maurice Peret, Talent Recruiter, Human Resources Department Blind Industries & Services of Maryland 3345 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21227 Office: 410.737.2673 Mobile: 804.928.4015 mperet at bism.org<mailto:mperet at bism.org> https://www.bism.org/career [cid:image001.png at 01D14DDC.986E89E0]************************************************** ************************************************** "Ignorance and fear are but matters of the mind-and the mind is adaptable." -Daniel Kish **************************************************

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FW: VDBVI Career Opportunities - 9/19/2017
by ebell＠pdrib.com 19 Sep '17

19 Sep '17

*** Posted on behalf of Melody Roane** Subject: VDBVI Career Opportunities - 9/19/2017 Listed below are the VDBVI career opportunities currently posted. Each position may be accessed directly in the state Recruitment Management System (RMS) by clicking on the applicable Quicklink. Since vacancies are posted frequently, check the RMS for the most up to date listing at https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com . Here are some helpful tips to remember when applying: * Review the position's EWP. * Fully complete your RMS application to accurately reflect your current job duties and past experiences. Only fully completed applications are accepted. * Contact HR, prior to the position closing, if you have any issues accessing RMS or submitting an application. * RMS closes all positions at 11:59 pm on the Closing Date. * Screening is based solely on your RMS application. HR determines interview candidates by comparing the information disclosed and detailed on applications to the screening criteria for the particular position. Be sure to like VDBVI on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI and visit us on the web at https://www.vdbvi.org Job Title: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Location: Staunton - 790 Position #: 00127 Closing Date: Open Until Filled Quicklink: https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/86483

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Deadlines Approaching for Dare to be Remarkable
by ebell＠pdrib.com 19 Sep '17

19 Sep '17

Dear Colleagues, This note is to let you know that several deadlines are quickly approaching regarding the Dare to be Remarkable conference which is to be held in Baltimore, MD November 6-9. * The final deadline for our reserved hotel room block at the Royal Sonesta Hotel is this coming Monday, September 25. No rooms are guaranteed after this date and the rate will go up. * October 13 is the deadline for early bird registration. Registration costs go up after this date. * The registration and hotel information follow; DARE TO BE REMARKABLE: Ten Years of Progress! A three-day national training conference for education and rehabilitation professionals who work with blind students and adults. Location National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Date Monday, November 6 through Wednesday, November 8, 2017 Online Registration is now open! Visit this URL: <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=119> Register Here Registration includes all conference materials in alternative formats, lunches, periodic snack breaks, transportation to and from the hotel, and special hospitality/training events. * Pre-registration prior to October 13, 2017 is $400 per person. * Registration after October 13, 2017 will be $500 per person. Lodging A block of rooms has been reserved for conference participants at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore, located at 550 Light Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202, at a room rate of $169, plus tax, per night. This rate will be available to those that make their reservation before Monday, September 25, 2017. Participants should make reservations directly with the hotel by calling 410-347-9702 and referencing conference code 1105NFBDBR. A shuttle to and from the NFB Jernigan Institute will be provided for conference participants staying at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court. Call for Presenters now open! For information on how to submit your idea for one of the conference breakout sessions visit the call for presenters section on the registration page or contact Edward Bell for more information at <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> ebell at latech.edu. ***Continuing Education Credits will be available for conference Participants *** Questions about the conference can be directed to: Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University Phone: (318) 257-4554 Email: ebell at latech.edu The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. 2017 Dare To Be Remarkable Conference Sponsors: National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals National Association of Professionals in Blindness Education National Blindness Professional Certification Board Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 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

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Seeking NOMC Assistance in Baltimore for conference in November
by ebell＠pdrib.com 14 Sep '17

14 Sep '17

*** The below message is from Melissa Riccobono *** I am writing because the Maryland Parents of Blind Children would very much like to hold a Structured Discovery workshop and experience at our NFBMD convention. The convention will be held November 10-12 in Towson, Maryland, which is just outside of Baltimore. Will any NOMC in the area or who is coming to the Dare To Be Remarkable conference earlier that week be available to stay for our convention-or at least for the day on the tenth, which is when we would like to hold our workshop. We want parents to have a good over view of Structured Discovery, and then we will be pairing parents and their kids up with blind adults so they can explore and get lunch from a mall which is very close to the hotel. *** You can respond to me or contact Melissa directly at: parenting at nfb.org <mailto:parenting at nfb.org> 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

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