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FW: O&M Instructor Position at SFTB
by ebell＠pdrib.com 19 Apr '16

19 Apr '16

Subject: O&M Instructor Position at SFTB Importance: High Hi Dr. Bell, Below is a job announcement for an open O&M instructor position at Society for the Blind. Please feel free to distribute this announcement to any qualified candidates who may be interested in the position. This job presents a terrific opportunity for the right candidate to join a stellar team dedicated to maximizing independence for blind individuals in a structured discovery learning environment. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or require further information. Hope you are well! Appreciatively, Shane Snyder Director of Programs Society for the Blind 1238 S Street Sacramento, CA 95811 Direct Line: (916) 889-7588 SFTB Main Phone: (916) 452-8271 Fax: (916) 492-283 Email: ssnyder at societyfortheblind.org <mailto:ssnyder at societyfortheblind.org> Website: societyfortheblind.org Our mission is to empower individuals living with low vision or blindness to discover, develop and achieve their full potential. Greetings! 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 Qualifications: 1. A minimum of two years working experience. 2. Master's Degree in Orientation & Mobility or related field. 3. COMS or NOMC certification in O&M instruction. 4. Ability to stand and walk for at least seven hours per day 5. Sufficient stamina to walk distances of up to two miles at a time 6. Ability to safely descend stairs backward and ahead of students to lend any necessary support and to help prevent falls. 7. Sufficient strength to support the weight of adult students in case of stumbling or falling. 8. Proficiency in English grammar, usage, and mechanics 9. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 10. Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office - Word, Excel, Outlook & Internet Explorer.

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Register Now: for the 15th Annual Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Conference in Orlando
by ebell＠pdrib.com 15 Apr '16

15 Apr '16

REGISTER NOW! Contemporary Issues in Rehabilitation and Education For the Blind 15th ANNUAL REHABILITATION AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY CONFERENCE Rosen Shingle Creek Resort 9939 Universal Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32819-9357 Thursday, June 30, 2016 8:30 am - 7:30 pm Come and join us! Once again, this year's conference will be action packed with a variety of new speakers, topics, and hands-on events. Schedule: 7:30 - 8:30 am-Registration 8:30 am-Conference Begins 2:00 - 5:00- Interactive Breakout Sessions 5:00 - 7:00 pm-NBPCB Awards Reception Registration Fee includes the NBPCB Awards Reception: Cost: Before June 15 - $85 for professionals; $75 for Students. After June 15 - $100 for both students and professionals Go to the following URL to register: https://nbpcb.org/members/er.php?eid=284 Those certified through the NBPCB may register using their username and password. All other participants should register as a guest. For questions or special arrangements, contact Dianne Reed at 318-257-4554, or dreed at latech.edu <mailto:dreed at latech.edu> . Sponsors: National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) Professional Development & Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) Louisiana Tech University National Association of Professionals in Blindness Education

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FW: Seeking Vision Impairment Teachers, Itinerant Services at CESA #4
by ebell＠pdrib.com 13 Apr '16

13 Apr '16

*** Job opportunity *** My name is Lillian Rider and I am the Itinerant Service?s? Director at Cooperative Educational Service Agency #4 located in West Salem?,? WI. ? ? CESA ?#?4 would like to announce one new vacant position in the capacity of Teacher for the Visually Impaired within our Itinerant Service department. Please find attached ?a brief? job description and a link to our website here <http://www.cesa4.org> . The reason I am contacting you today is that your Vision program has been recommended as one of the best in the country. We are looking for strong candidates in this field and am hoping you would be able to help CESA ?#?4 in our search. I would appreciate any help you could ?provide ?by distributing this information to potential candidates OR directing me to the appropriate person if sent to you in error. Feel free to refer any questions to my attention (contact information below). Thank you in advance, Lillian Rider CESA 4 Itinerant Services/SEEDS Director AT/Autism Educational Consultant Phone: 608 786-4853 <tel:608%20786-4853> E-mail: lrider at cesa4.k12.wi.us <mailto:lrider at cesa4.k12.wi.us> 923 Garland St. West Salem WI 54669

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National Certification in Unified English Braille
by ebell＠pdrib.com 06 Apr '16

06 Apr '16

National Certification in Unified English Braille: Validation Report By Edward C. Bell, Ph.D. Preferred Citation Bell. E. C. (2016). National Certification in Unified English Braille: Validation Report. Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research, 6(1). Retrieved from https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/jbir/jbir16/jbir060105.html. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5241/6-103 Abstract Unified English Braille (UEB) became the standard for literary braille in the United States in January 2016. In the process of this transition, myriad stakeholders have been and continue to be engaged in all aspects of producing, procuring, preparing professionals, and teaching children and adults the UEB code. The National Blindness Professional Certification Board is one such organization whose mission it is to develop certification standards to measure proficiency in UEB for teachers of the code. The National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB) was created for that purpose. This manuscript (a) describes the steps that have been taken to test the efficacy of the NCUEB exam, (b) presents data which was generated by 83 individuals who took the exam between January and July 2015 across eleven different testing venues, and (c) provides a statistical report on the internal consistency, generalizability, content validity, and criterion-referencing for this examination. Results suggest that the NCUEB is valid and appropriate for its stated purpose. Keywords Unified English Braille, UEB, Proficiency, Certification Standards, National Certification, NCUEB Full Text: HTML BRF DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5241/6-103 The Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research is copyright (c) 2016 to the National Federation of the Blind. 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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FW: R-3223 Independent Living Skills Teacher - Re-Advertised
by ebell＠pdrib.com 30 Mar '16

30 Mar '16

www.aidb.org P. O. Box 698 * Talladega, Alabama 35161 Re-Advertised R- 3223 Position ID #502303 Posting Date: March 28, 2016 AIDB is sensitive to the needs of individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing and for qualified applicants and employees will make reasonable accommodations. POSITION: Independent Living Skills Teacher (260 Day Program) Structured Discovery Program / Birmingham Regional Center REPORTS TO: AIDB Birmingham Regional Center Director POSITION REQUIREMENTS: * Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Rehabilitation Teaching, Consumer Science, Social Work, Home Economics, or a closely related field. OR * Must have successfully completed the Structured Discovery Program and demonstrate knowledge of the Structured Discovery philosophy and means by which Independent Living Skills are integrated as a core programmatic component. * Must have experience working with or teaching individuals who have vision loss. * A minimum of 90% competency in Braille according to the AIDB Braille Skills Assessment must be attained within the first twelve (12) months of employment. * Must illustrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff; consumers and their families; program graduates; peer Independent Living Skills instructors; advisory groups; and agencies such as the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services along with contemporary Structured Discovery Programs. * Must be able to perform home management and daily living skills competently and efficiently while wearing sleep shades. * Demonstrated maturity, self-motivation, and the ability to exercise sound judgment. * Must illustrate outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; resume and writing sample required with application. * Must either possess or develop an understanding of cultures and needs of persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, low vision or deafblind, ensuring all actions and decisions demonstrate a respect for and value of persons with sensory loss. * Must be computer literate and skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite. * The successful applicant must submit to a criminal history background information check including, but not limited to, FBI and ABI record repositories. Upon offer of employment, the applicant must present a non-refundable fee of $49.65 and appear for scheduled finger printing appointment. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: * Appraise students' independent living skills through performance-based assessments. * Prepare lesson plans inclusive of sequential, meaningful instruction geared to the student's assessed needs; Individualized Employment Plan and/or Personal Futures Plan; functioning and motivational levels. * Develop and complete tracking mechanisms to assess each student's daily progress. * Teach students meal planning/preparation, food storage/safety, etiquette, etc. * Teach students to maintain daily personal care as necessary. * Teach students daily household tasks to maintain a safe, clean home. * Teach students laundry skills. * Teach students money-management skills. * Teach students life skills relating to personal self, healthy relationships and social interactions. * Guide students in becoming independent by providing opportunities to increase autonomy. * Present in-service training to AIDB/Structured Discovery staff as needed. * Determine materials needed to implement daily educational program activities (equipment, food staples, cleaning products, etc.) with input from students where appropriate. * Integrate other Structured Discovery curricula core components (Braille, Orientation & Mobility, Assistive Technology, Residential Living, etc.) into lessons and Independent Living Skills tasks. * Use Gentry Referral Information Net (GRIN), maintaining student progress and monthly reports. * Assist with transition to independence utilizing apartments. * Take appropriate action during emergency situations utilizing internal policies and procedures. * Accurately document behavior incidents as necessary. * Maintain classroom, office, and work area in a clean and organized manner. * Perform independent living skills effectively with occluded vision. * Participate in Structured Discovery Strategic Planning to provide a continuum of services aligning with AIDB's efforts to design innovative instructional programs to meet the unique and changing education and rehabilitation needs of students, consumers and families. * Educate through marketing/public relations to enhance and expand Structured Discovery. * Participate in departmental, inner-agency and campus-wide faculty/committee meetings, state/national meetings, workshops, presentations, conferences and consumer groups, sharing information and best practice methodology to internal/external audiences. * Keep abreast of current research and Independent Living Skills teaching strategies. * Review/update the Structured Discovery Independent Living Skills curriculum as necessary. * Demonstrate professionalism in behavior and dress that serves as a role model, setting a good example for Structured Discovery participants and aligning with the AIDB culture. * Perform all other duties as assigned, promoting quality service for students. SALARY: $32,898 - $48,054 Scale MS Rank MSH High School and Structured Discovery Program Completion $35,404 - $53,696 Scale MS Rank M6812 (BS-Class B Certification) $37,082 - $56,201 Scale MS Rank MS12 (MS-Class A Certification) (260 Days) Direct deposit is required. This is an exempt position, and is not subject to overtime or compensatory provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: April 4, 2016 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: Cindy Jones [mailto:Jones.Cindy at aidb.state.al.us] Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 1:33 PM To: ebell at latech.edu Subject: FW: R-3223 Independent Living Skills Teacher - Re-Advertised From: Job Announcement Sent: Monday, March 28, 2016 1:43 PM Subject: R-3223 Independent Living Skills Teacher - Re-Advertised

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More on Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety
by fschroeder＠sks.com 29 Mar '16

29 Mar '16

Good morning all: I apologize for not making it clear that it is President Riccobono who is reconstituting the Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety. If you have an interest in being considered for inclusion on the Committee, Please contact President Riccobono directly. His email address is officeofthepresident at nfb.org <mailto:officeofthepresident at nfb.org> Sorry for the confusion. Fredric K. Schroeder, Ph.D.

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Seeking Nominations - NFB Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety
by fschroeder＠sks.com 29 Mar '16

29 Mar '16

FYI. The following is excerpted from the ?President?s Notebook.? Seeking Recommendations: As you may also know, the National Federation of the Blind has, for some time, had a Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety. This committee provided significant grassroots guidance and engagement to secure the passage of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act and follow-up work on the still pending regulations. As most of the regulatory work in this area is done, I am seeking to reconstitute the committee to examine other pedestrian issues that might be of interest to the members of the Federation and require action. Please send me names of individuals in your affiliate that would be good candidates to serve on this committee due to their interest in working on pedestrian issues. I would like to complete the committee appointments soon, so please give this some immediate thought and send your recommendations to me by April 4. Please be sure to include contact information for those whom you recommend. Fredric K. Schroeder, Ph.D.

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FW: Orientation and mobility instructor Needed for Students in Transition to Employment program (STEP)
by ebell＠pdrib.com 21 Mar '16

21 Mar '16

*** FYI, any interested NOMC out there? *** Subject: Orientation and mobility instructor Needed for Students in Transition to Employment program (STEP) Dear Dr. Bell: I hope this message finds you well. I write to seek your assistance in finding an orientation and mobility Instructor for our Students In Transition to Employment Program (STEP) for 2016 at the new Mexico Commission for the Blind in Albuquerque. As we do not have an NOMCT in Albuquerque, it would likely be preferable for all of us if the candidate(s) are NOMC certified. Our STEP program starts on Monday, June 06, 2016, and runs through Friday, July 29, 2016, with a week of break from Monday, July 04, through Friday, July 08. We would provide a pay rate that would make it worthwhile for the identified, qualified candidate to temporarily relocate to Albuquerque, new Mexico for this time. As you will note, I have copied our Executive director, Greg Trapp, on this message, as he, along with myself, will be able to answer further questions which you may have in suggesting qualified individuals. We look forward to hearing from you soon and wish you a fantastic day. Kindest regards, Kelly Burma, NCLB NCUEB New Mexico commission for the Blind 2200 Yale Boulevard SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Phone: (505) 841-8844 extension 32277 or (505) 383-2277 Toll Free in New Mexico Only: (888) 513-7958 Extension 32277 Fax: (505) 841-8850 or (505) 514-0717 Cell Phone: (505) 615-6414 E-mail: Kelly.burma at state.nm.us <mailto:Kelly.burma at state.nm.us> Short Message to Mobile Phone by E-mail: 5056156414 at tmomail.net <mailto:5056156414 at tmomail.net> (140 characters or less) Web Site: http://www.cfb.state.nm.us

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Valid Driver's License Required
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 21 Mar '16

21 Mar '16

Dear Colleagues, I keep seeing "valid driver's license required" on orientation and mobility job applications. I know that a driver can be provided to me as a job accommodation, but could folks here please give me some advice on how to handle that in the application/interview process? Since Federation leadership roles are on my resume, as I believe they should be, it will be obvious to prospective employers that I am blind. Thanks so much, Justin Justin M. Salisbury, MA, NOMC, NCUEB Legislative Coordinator National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President at Alumni.ECU.edu> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=325734822 Twitter: @SalisburyJustin "None can be free as long as any are enslaved" Dr. Kenneth Jernigan

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This Year's Cane Walk
by jaltman＠neb.rr.com 16 Mar '16

16 Mar '16

Hello Everyone, As you begin planning for National Convention this year, I wanted to provide you with some basic information for this year's Cane Walk. At the present time only the date and times are available; however, once the room numbers are also available, I will be sending these to you. I hope that each of you will be able to join us for this terrific event, and help share the knowledge and skills that have helped so many young people to gain confidence and independence. Sincerely, Jeff Altman MA NOMCT CVRCB The 2016 Cane walk will be held : Friday July 1, 2016 8:45 - 10:30 am CANE WALK Session I 11:00 am - 12:45 pm CANE WALK Session II

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