- NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

Washington Seminar as Professional Development
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 13 Dec '16

13 Dec '16

Aloha everyone, I have recently partaken in conversations about the legitimacy of attending the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind as part of the professional development of a mobility instructor holding the NOMC. I am writing to ask a few questions to see how this practice has been justified by others before me. On the NBPCB website, there is a section discussing recertification. It reads: Recertification NBPCB recognizes the need for Certified Blindness Professionals to continue their education and training in order to remain current on innovations and policies in the field. Therefore, individuals must reapply every five years for recertification in order to maintain active NOMC status. The Recertification process is designed to ensure that all certificants maintain their skills and knowledge as cane travel instructors, and to promote continuous education within the profession. Recertification can be met by either retesting or providing documentation of a minimum of 100 Continuing Education credits throughout the five-year certification period. The following activities are examples of opportunities which may be helpful in a crewing continued education credits: o Professional Conferences and Presentations o Contribution to published works in the field of rehabilitation for the blind o Providing professional preparation o Engaging in relevant training o Conducting research in the field of rehabilitation of the blind o Providing community service including rehabilitation of the blind o Governmental Affairs o Professional Ethics (10 points must come from this category) Given that statement, it seems obvious to me that attending Washington Seminar is professional development because it helps us get recertified. I am hearing, though, that it has absolutely nothing to do with the job of a mobility instructor and that there is no way that it can be justified as professional development. How exactly is it that others have successfully justified attending Washington Seminar as professional development? Thank you in advance, Justin Salisbury Justin M. Salisbury, MA, NOMC, NCRTB, NCUEB Opportunity Ambassador National Federation of the Blind Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President at Alumni.ECU.edu> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." William Butler Yeats

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FW: Job Posting
by jeff.altman＠nebraska.gov 12 Dec '16

12 Dec '16

From: Robinson, Dave Sent: Monday, December 12, 2016 11:37 AM Subject: Job Posting Importance: High Good Morning Everyone, The Business Manager II position previously occupied by Leonard LeBental has been re-opened and will remain open until filled. Job description is attached. All interested parties will have to apply online at http://statejobs.nebraska.gov/ Applicants are encouraged to read through the directions for filling out the application, completely, before beginning the process, as improperly filled out or incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the agency for consideration. If you traditionally forward announcements to list serves, please feel free to do so with this announcement. Thanks. Dave Robinson Nebraska Commission For The Blind & Visually Impaired (402)-370-3453 - Phone (402)-370-3508 - FAX

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Position Announcements - VRC/SVRC and RT positions - Kansas City, MO
by Michael.A.StJulien＠dss.mo.gov 07 Dec '16

07 Dec '16

Good Morning, Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind is currently recruiting for 3 positions in our Kansas City District Office: * 2 Vocational Rehabilitation Positions; * 1 Rehabilitation Teacher position Please see the attached position postings 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 "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."

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FW: ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALIST 4 POSITIONS
by ebell＠pdrib.com 07 Dec '16

07 Dec '16

The New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), a division within the Department of Human Services, is seeking to hire up to four Orientation and Mobility Instructors within the next three months to provide itinerant instruction to consumers served by the agency. CBVI serves individuals throughout the lifespan, i.e., infants, children, and adults. Job Opportunity: December 7, 2016 TITLE: Orientation and Mobility Instructor (4) positions available. SALARY: $59, 031.79 - $83,803.57 DEFINITION: Under direction of a Supervisor of Rehabilitation Training or Assistant Supervisor of Educational Programs in the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Department of Human Services, provides for the evaluation, education, and training of individuals who are blind, vision-impaired, or deaf-blind in the area of particular specialty in order to prepare them for maximal independent living, orientation, mobility, and vocational skills; does related duties as required. EDUCATION: A valid Orientation and Mobility Instructor Certification issued by either the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Educational Specialists or the National Blindness Certification Board. EXPERIENCE: Twenty - four (24) months of appropriate, certified teaching experience in an approved school. LICENSE: Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position. Interested candidates possessing the requirements should forward resumes with their letter of interest to: EMAIL: Jessie.powell at dhs.state.nj.us <mailto:Jessie.powell at dhs.state.nj.us> THANK YOU! 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: Angela.Sutton at dhs.state.nj.us [mailto:Angela.Sutton at dhs.state.nj.us] Sent: Wednesday, December 7, 2016 8:56 AM To: Ebell at latech.edu Cc: Hugo.Ruiz at dhs.state.nj.us Subject: ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALIST 4 POSITIONS Hello Dr. Bell, I hope all is well and that you are enjoying this holiday season. If you would, we would like to ask you to tell any of your recent graduates about the Job Opportunity attached. Also, if possible, would you post this notice within the University. We appreciate all of your help as always. Thanks _____ This E-mail, including any attachments, may be intended solely for the personal and confidential use of the sender and recipient(s) named above. This message may include advisory, consultative and/or deliberative material and, as such, would be privileged and confidential and not a public document. Any Information in this e-mail identifying a client of the Department of Human Services or the Department of Children and Families is confidential. If you have received this e-mail in error, you must not review, transmit, convert to hard copy, copy, use or disseminate this e-mail or any attachments to it and you must delete this message. You are requested to notify the sender by return e-mail.

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Position Announcement - Mobility Specialist St. Louis
by Michael.A.StJulien＠dss.mo.gov 17 Nov '16

17 Nov '16

Good Afternoon, Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind is currently recruiting for a Mobility Specialist in our St. Louis-South District Office. For more information regarding the position please see the attachment. If you have any additional questions you may contact the St. Louis-South 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 "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."

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Training abroad travel opportunity
by ebell＠pdrib.com 28 Oct '16

28 Oct '16

Orientation & Mobility Trainer Program Consultant Position Description Empowerment Through Integration (ETI) is a 501(c)3 certified non-profit that is changing the narrative surrounding disability both for blind and sighted youth. We create integrated, supportive spaces with life skills training, emotional support, and community service opportunities.?Through these integrated spaces, they are able to break down internal and external barriers surrounding views on ability in order to create positive change in society.?Our?ultimate goal is to enable society to understand that inclusion of all is a value for all. One of our programs is the Life Skill Program, which is a training that introduces and teaches classes in mobility and orientation, independent life skills (such as cooking and banking), and technology use. This program is integral to preparing the visually-impaired youth for integrated settings and instilling confidence. For this specific project, ETI is collaborating with organizations working with youth who are blind and visually-impaired and would like to implement this program. We are recruiting for an Orientation & Mobility Trainer Program Consultant who will go and train the staff and organization. This person will provide them with the basic skills needed so that they can provide ETI?s life skills training program to their own beneficiaries. The following is an annual timeline for these projects: ? Phase 1 ? 1 Week Trip to Organization for Research and Training (This is to gather the local context.) ? Phase 2 ? 3 Months to Tailor the curriculum and prepare the pre-intervention focus groups and surveys ? Phase 3 ? Return back to organization in order to carry out 1 Week Training of Staff and Evaluation ? Phase 4 ? Return back to organization (3 months later) to reinforce the training, train the organization participants (beneficiaries), and plan for future sustainability. In addition to conducting the training on the ground, consultants will also be asked to collect research and evaluation data and materials that our organization can use for external relations, donor engagements, and annual reporting. ETI will cover all travel-related expenses (cost of travel, lodging, food, etc.). POSITION REQUIREMENTS ETI is looking for interested candidates that are able to commit to a 6-8 month project. On average, it will be a 3-5 hours per week commitment with the exception of the 3 field visits as noted in the above timeline. On average, field visits are 1-2 weeks each except the final phase will be 2-3 weeks as the consultant will be training both the staff and their participants. Consultants will be supervised by Kathy Zwald, ETI?s Life Skill Program Manager. Candidates must be willing to travel, have a flexible schedule, and have a deep understanding and value for cultural differences and environments. Comfort working with diverse populations is a must. Candidates must also believe in the empowerment of people with visual impairments, and carry a positive attitude and high expectations of what this population can achieve. PROJECT DATES The project will start between January-March 2017. This is flexible based on organization or trainer needs and schedules. The project will need to be completed by the end of 2017. ETI?s Research and Evaluation Unit will check in 6 months later to collect data, and may need to contact consultants. QUALIFICATIONS ? Bachelor?s Degree or higher in Orientation & Mobility ? Certified instructor in Orientation and Mobility (ACVREP or NOMC certified) ? 5 years of professional experience in several different environments TO APPLY Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to Hillary Dolinsky, Operations Director, at hdolinsky at etivision.org <mailto:hdolinsky at etivision.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 www.pdrib.com <http://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: Sara Minkara [mailto:sminkara at etivision.org] Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2016 2:30 PM To: Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com> Subject: RE: Introducing Sara Minkara Hi Edward, I hope you are well. I apologize for my delayed response. I was talking to my team to get their feedback. And after multiple conversations we have decided to delay the step (of establishing an independent class) for 2017. And that it would be better to consider something for the future (like in 2018) since we are still figuring out things on our end and since the PC projects are relatively new. But in the mean time, we are still moving forward with the 4 PC projects in 2017; they will be in the following countries- Uganda, South Sudan, Lebanon and Jordan. And we are looking to recruit O&M trainers who would be interested in volunteering for one of the projects. I have attached the volunteer position description. would it be possible if you can distribute this to your network and or put me in touch with individuals who you think would be interested in doing this. Thanks so much! Warmly, Sara From: Edward Bell [mailto:ebell at pdrib.com] Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2016 10:52 AM To: Sara Minkara <sminkara at etivision.org <mailto:sminkara at etivision.org> > Subject: RE: Introducing Sara Minkara Could you begin drafting a syllabus for the course. That is, how many weeks, hours per day. What are the training expectations, objectives of the course, materials that would need to be brought, what actual assignments the student would be working on? 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 www.pdrib.com <http://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: Sara Minkara [mailto:sminkara at etivision.org] Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2016 9:40 AM To: Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com <mailto:ebell at pdrib.com> > Cc: Alexis Smith <asmith at etivision.org <mailto:asmith at etivision.org> > Subject: RE: Introducing Sara Minkara Hi Edward! Thank you so much for your reply! Let me talk to Kathy, our Program Manager, and get back to you. In terms of cost, we will be able to cover their travel expenses. But to your other point, identifying students who would be interested/willing to travel, is there a way we can survey the students to get an idea of how many students might be interested in a corse/ project ike this? Thank you so much! From: Edward Bell [mailto:ebell at pdrib.com] Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2016 10:34 AM To: Sara Minkara <sminkara at etivision.org <mailto:sminkara at etivision.org> > Subject: RE: Introducing Sara Minkara Hi Sara, Thank you for this information. As I mentioned on the phone, creating course to span several months, developing a syllabus is not that hard to do. The cost for tuition would be around $1,100 per student per semester. The much harder part is identifying even one student who can pack their bags and go off to another country for several months. This, undoubtedly will cost several thousands of dollars per student once you consider travel, living, and expenses. I am glad to talk more next week if you have time. 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 www.pdrib.com <http://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: Sara Minkara [mailto:sminkara at etivision.org] Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 10:01 AM To: Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com <mailto:ebell at pdrib.com> > Cc: Alexis Smith <asmith at etivision.org <mailto:asmith at etivision.org> > Subject: RE: Introducing Sara Minkara HI Edward, Thank you so much for speaking with us this past Monday! It was great to talk through our different approaches and hear your thoughts. I want to follow up the call to continue the conversation about the possibility of creating an independent study or elective class for the program consulting projects that we discussed. We have been thinking and have a few questions about ways that we can condense down the program to fit within the semester schedule: * How many students do you have in your program per year? Is it likely that there would be 4-5 students per year or per semester who would participate? * Also, is it feasible to condense down our current structure to 5-6 months to span only one semester? * What would be the cost on your end for a semester long class? (we would research and secure funding streams as well as identify the organizations and projects.) I look forward to continuing our conversation and hearing your thoughts! I have also attached our capacity statement that gives you a better idea of our overall vision, mission, and each of our programs. In addition, here is a link to a video that provides more background on why I founded ETI and their our and vision: http://youtu.be/zYerD5UC_O8. And here is the website to our org: www.etivision.org <http://www.etivision.org> Thank you ! From: Edward Bell [mailto:ebell at pdrib.com] Sent: Monday, September 26, 2016 8:40 AM To: Sara Minkara <sminkara at etivision.org <mailto:sminkara at etivision.org> > Cc: 'Pamela Allen' <pallen at louisianacenter.org <mailto:pallen at louisianacenter.org> >; 'Edward Bell' <ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> >; Alexis Smith <asmith at etivision.org <mailto:asmith at etivision.org> > Subject: RE: Introducing Sara Minkara Hi, Yes, it is on my calendar for 8:00 a.m. CDT, which is 20 minutes from now. I don?t think Pam will join but I can fill her in. From: Sara Minkara [mailto:sminkara at etivision.org] Sent: Monday, September 26, 2016 7:10 AM To: Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com> Cc: 'Pamela Allen' <pallen at louisianacenter.org <mailto:pallen at louisianacenter.org> >; 'Edward Bell' <ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> >; Alexis Smith <asmith at etivision.org <mailto:asmith at etivision.org> > Subject: RE: Introducing Sara Minkara Hi all, I hope you had a wonderful weekend. just checking in to see if we are talking today? Warmly, Sara From: Sara Minkara Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2016 6:19 PM To: 'Edward Bell' <ebell at pdrib.com <mailto:ebell at pdrib.com> >; 'Fredric Schroeder' <fschroeder at sks.com <mailto:fschroeder at sks.com> > Cc: 'Pamela Allen' <pallen at louisianacenter.org <mailto:pallen at louisianacenter.org> >; 'Edward Bell' <ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> >; Alexis Smith <asmith at etivision.org <mailto:asmith at etivision.org> > Subject: RE: Introducing Sara Minkara Thank you guys!! How about then we do Monday at 8:00 am CDT? My colleague alexis will be joining the call. We can use the following conference line: Conference Line: 641-715-3580 Pin: 686829# Thanks so much!! From: Edward Bell [mailto:ebell at pdrib.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2016 5:13 PM To: Sara Minkara <sminkara at etivision.org <mailto:sminkara at etivision.org> >; 'Fredric Schroeder' <fschroeder at sks.com <mailto:fschroeder at sks.com> > Cc: 'Pamela Allen' <pallen at louisianacenter.org <mailto:pallen at louisianacenter.org> >; 'Edward Bell' <ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> >; Alexis Smith <asmith at etivision.org <mailto:asmith at etivision.org> > Subject: RE: Introducing Sara Minkara Dear Sara, I am glad to talk further. I could do this Friday immediately at 8:00 a.m. CDT. Otherwise, Monday is open for me between 8:00?11:00 a.m. CDT. Which is better for you? 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 www.pdrib.com <http://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: Sara Minkara [mailto:sminkara at etivision.org] Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2016 3:06 PM To: Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com <mailto:ebell at pdrib.com> >; 'Fredric Schroeder' <fschroeder at sks.com <mailto:fschroeder at sks.com> > Cc: 'Pamela Allen' <pallen at louisianacenter.org <mailto:pallen at louisianacenter.org> >; 'Edward Bell' <ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> >; Alexis Smith <asmith at etivision.org <mailto:asmith at etivision.org> > Subject: RE: Introducing Sara Minkara Dear all, Thank you Fred for the introduction! Edward and Pam, it is great to meet you virtually! thank you for taking the time to talk to me. how does talking this Friday or next Monday sound? I have layed out below two different opportunities of collaboration. I would like to explore the possibility of partnering up with the Louisiana Tech Program in the following two ways: ETI, my nonprofit, has two models or methods for providing life skills and O&M training for both our programs and other organizations within the developing world. I think that we can collaborate on both fronts. Program Consultant ? In this model, we collaborate with an organization working in the blind community, mostly in the developing world. These organizations reach out to us to train their staff in O&M so that they are able to provide this training to their youth. These organizations do not have the resources or funding to receive this training and certification in the US for a year. To meet this need, we support them both on the ground and virtually for a year in training their staff and participants. The structure at its base is the following: The trainer meets with the organization on the ground in order to assess the need, then for up to 6 months the trainer will tailor our curriculum to the need, and return in the summer (or based on the organization?s schedule) to conduct the training for the staff and volunteers. For the remainder of the year time period, the trainer will continue to provide virtual support. For this one, I think that this project will be a great opportunity for your O&M students and trainers to get practical, applied experience on the ground. All of their travel, housing, food, etc. expenses would be covered. They would be responsible for carrying out the above program over a year. Perhaps this can be structured as an independent class or a practicum. The second model is actually within our full program cycle in the countries where we establish local chapters of ETI. In those countries, we establish a local team to carry out the full program cycle, which currently consists of three programs with the first being the Life Skill Program. However, in order for this to be sustainable, we want the staff running the Life Skill Program to be trained and certified as O&M instructors. With this model, I would like to explore the opportunity of sending 5-10 students each year to your program in order to be trained and certified. I look forward to discussing this further on a call so that I can fully explain and answer any questions! Thank you so much! Sara Sara Minkara Founder and CEO Empowerment Through Integration www.etivision.org <http://www.etivision.org> 7815345832 From: Edward Bell [mailto:ebell at pdrib.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2016 3:41 PM To: 'Fredric Schroeder' <fschroeder at sks.com <mailto:fschroeder at sks.com> >; Sara Minkara <sminkara at etivision.org <mailto:sminkara at etivision.org> > Cc: 'Pamela Allen' <pallen at louisianacenter.org <mailto:pallen at louisianacenter.org> >; 'Edward Bell' <ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> > Subject: RE: Introducing Sara Minkara Dr. Schroeder, I am glad to talk more with Sara individually first to see how we can help. Then, depending on what we can do, I can bring you/pPam in for conference. Sara, let me know what days/times work for you, or my contact information is listed below. 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 www.pdrib.com <http://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: Fredric Schroeder [mailto:fschroeder at sks.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2016 1:07 PM To: 'Sara Minkara' <sminkara at etivision.org <mailto:sminkara at etivision.org> > Cc: 'Pamela Allen' <pallen at louisianacenter.org <mailto:pallen at louisianacenter.org> >; 'Edward Bell' <ebell at latech.edu <mailto:ebell at latech.edu> > Subject: Introducing Sara Minkara Good afternoon Pam and Eddie, I have been speaking with an exceptionally innovative and creative young woman named Sara Minkara: Sara Minkara [mailto:sminkara at etivision.org] Sara has been doing some interesting and innovative work in a number of foreign countries. Most recently, Sara organized a project to teach orientation and mobility to youth in Lebanon. Sara and I talked about how to make sustainable change in the service systems in developing countries. I told Sara that I believe that learning to teach cane travel begins with good personal blindness skills and told her a bit about the Louisiana Tech program and how it collaborates with the Louisiana Center for the Blind. We talked about how best to prepare people to gain the skills they need individually so they can return home and teach those skills, particularly cane travel. I am hoping we can organize a call to talk over how we might work with Sara. We could start with a teleconference or the two of you could speak with Sara individually. Right now, my thoughts are a bit amorphous, so I do not have a specific outcome in mind. Sara is copied on this note, so please feel free to contact her directly. If you would like me to organize a call, I am happy to do so. Best, FKS Fredric K. Schroeder, President World Blind Union

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Job Opening Sacramento
by ebell＠pdrib.com 25 Oct '16

25 Oct '16

Society for the Blind, located in Sacramento California, has been providing individuals living with blindness or low vision training, tools, and mentorship to achieve their full potential for over sixty years. Our organization is currently seeking experienced, qualified candidates for an open Orientation & Mobility Instructor position. A description of the job is provided below. This position is full-time (40 hours per week), and it includes a competitive compensation and benefits package. Interested applicants may email cover letters and resumes to Shane Snyder, Director of Programs, at ssnyder at societyfortheblind.org <mailto:ssnyder at societyfortheblind.org> . The position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please. Thank you for your interest! Job Title: Orientation & Mobility Instructor Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-Time Reports to: Director of Programs General Description: The essential function of the job is to teach students how to travel safely, efficiently, and independently in their homes, workplaces, community, and beyond. Duties: Instruction: 1. Instruct students in the proper use of the long, white cane and other mobility aids to travel safely, efficiently, and independently. 2. Introduce students to and teach them in the use of non-visual methods and strategies for orientation and mobility. 3. Using the Structure Discovery Method, Provide real world opportunities to practice and reinforce non-visual skills and techniques for safe, efficient, and independent travel. 4. Instruct students in how to safely, locate, detect, and negotiate stairways including ascending/descending, fall prevention/recovery, and checking for hazards. 5. Conduct training in non-visual techniques for safely crossing both controlled and uncontrolled intersections including strategies for negotiating high traffic roadways. 6. Teach students how to safely and effectively utilize public transportation, including: route and trip planning; locating transit stops and transportation hubs; and boarding/exiting busses, trains, airplanes and other vehicles. Instruct students in how to safely and effectively negotiate escalators, elevators, revolving doors, and other challenges encountered when traveling. 7. Teach students how to locate, use, and navigate safely and efficiently busy public facilities such as shopping malls, stadiums, airports, hospitals, college campuses, etc. 8. Create tactile and auditory maps and instruct students in their proper use. 9. Evaluate students' functional, physical and mental capabilities, as related to mobility and orientation. 10. Determine individual students' need for physical conditioning. 11. Stay current in areas of responsibility. 12. Address and conduct workshops for interested groups as requested. Documentation 1. Maintain thorough, complete and timely ongoing weekly and monthly record keeping of client services; including, but not limited to case notes, lesson notes, evaluations, progress reports, and correspondence. 2. Documents immediately and thoroughly any student falls or other accidents that occur during training. Team Building and Networking 1. Present client issues to supervisor and contribute to ongoing problem solving of such issues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality. 2. Consult with other professionals, family members or other appropriate parties regarding the progress and problems of the students. 3. Participate in individual case conferences and confer regularly with program staff on multi-disciplinary service team concerning client's program and adjustment to blindness or vision loss. 4. Maintain positive and professional relations with counselors of Department of Rehabilitation and other agencies as well as Society students, staff, and volunteers. 5. Coordinate effective client service with third-party counselors, such as Department of Rehabilitation. Other Duties: 1. Attend all staff and department meetings 2. Adhere to all Society policies and procedures 3. Obtain training to enhance job requirements 4. Other duties as required 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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Recruiting a talented O&M Instructor at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland
by mperet＠BISM.org 17 Oct '16

17 Oct '16

BLIND INDUSTRIES AND SERVICES OF MARYLAND POSITION POSTING O&M Instructor If interested please contact Andy McIver at amciver at bism.org<mailto:amciver at bism.org> or call 410-737-2648. Date Posted: 10/14/16 Requested start date: ASAP Position Title: O&M Rehabilitation Instructor / Structured Discovery Department: Rehabilitation - Baltimore Hiring Manager: Andy McIver Salary: negotiable Number: 1 Position Available Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday* *Evening and weekends as needed Essential Position Functions: 1. Provide training in areas of the CORE program: Emphasis will be on Cane Travel and structured discovery philosophy. 2. Provides day-to-day training and education of others; works in a creative environment which requires invention, imagination, originality and talent; (CORE Program.) 3. Participates in planning, implementation and evaluation of objectives and goals. 4. Principal mentor and coach to others (including CORE students.) 5. Provide blindness philosophy training to CORE program students. 6. Externally promotes the organization and participates in public or private functions as a representative of the company. 7. Prepare monthly reports and evaluations. 8. Work closely with Youth and Senior training programs as needed. 9. Performs other duties as assigned. 10. Provide training in the homes of potential students in all areas of Rehabilitation Training. Qualifications: 1. Requires education or learning beyond high school which was acquired by a prolonged course of specialized instruction. NOMC Certification preferred. 2. Must be able to read and interpret industry-specific journals, financial reports and legal documents. 3. Excellent oral and written communication skills. 4. May be required to travel. 5. Must be proficient in alternative skills of blindness. E.E.O. M/F/D/V www.bism.org<http://www.bism.org>

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nurses in the training center
by mperet＠BISM.org 08 Oct '16

08 Oct '16

Can anyone point me to something in the literature that directly deals with the question of medical staff in the SDCT training center? IN many work places these days there are nurse educators or wellness professionals who are simply available to help reduce insurance liability. There is a fine line, however, when the nurses' role with students in a rehabilitation center drifts into a "treatment" rather than in an instructional role. Thanks in advance for your thoughtful reply. Maurice

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use of sleepshades in itinerant teaching
by Sumara.Shakeel＠dhs.state.nj.us 07 Oct '16

07 Oct '16

I was glad to have a recent request from a student for instruction with the use of sleepshades, but was at a loss for a teaching approach after observing her performance with them. My student is an 87-year-old woman who is highly organized and has an immaculate home. Although I think she is almost obsessed with preparing for complete vision loss, I do encourage her to learn non-visual skills which can, of course, serve her in the present. I am an NOMC working as an itinerant rehab teacher, and my student's most recent lesson was with cleaning (specifically vacuuming) skills. I initially encouraged her to use her sleepshades from the very start, and she found her vacuum cleaner which she plugged into the outlet after some time. She then proceeded to move a few chairs away from her dining table so she could clean beneath it, but quickly became much disoriented. After attempting to problem-solve with her through the challenge of locating a chair which was only inches from her (yes, she was that disoriented), I suggested we do the actual vacuuming under sleepshades and perhaps have a very simple O&M lesson during the following visit. However, she again became disoriented within just a few minutes of vacuuming. I would have suggested removal of sleepshades under rare circumstances when I taught cane travel many years ago, but I was at a complete loss here, as I have never seen someone so disoriented in her own home. My guess is that she was so much at a loss because she didn't have the opportunity to develop basic skills with the use of sleepshades-this was like one of those blindfold simulations that don't accurately capture the experience of blindness. I want to encourage the continued use of sleepshades, but don't have the luxury of working frequently enough to develop and build skills as I would have at a training center. Are there itinerant instructors who can offer some suggestions? Sumara This E-mail, including any attachments, may be intended solely for the personal and confidential use of the sender and recipient(s) named above. This message may include advisory, consultative and/or deliberative material and, as such, would be privileged and confidential and not a public document. Any Information in this e-mail identifying a client of the Department of Human Services or the Department of Children and Families is confidential. If you have received this e-mail in error, you must not review, transmit, convert to hard copy, copy, use or disseminate this e-mail or any attachments to it and you must delete this message. You are requested to notify the sender by return e-mail.

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