- NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

A question for your consideration
by jaltman＠neb.rr.com 02 Mar '16

02 Mar '16

Hello Everyone, I would like to start a disscussion here, well, more of a brain storming session. From my contacts on Facebook, it has become clear to me that many blind people outside of the United states simply do not have the sort of opportunities that would allow them to become successful. The first issue is access to just the basics, starting with the long white cane. Now, there have long been programs to try to send canes to these places, and to some degree they are successful, but still the need isn't being met. So, here is what I want to ask all of you: Imagine you need to make a cane for yourself, but the stuff you normally would use, fiberglass, aluminum , and the like simply isn't available. What would you use, and how would you use it to make the cane you needed? My thought is that perhaps we could find some solutions that would allow folks in these situations to be able to either make their own canes, or to find someone that has the skills and access to the materials to do it within their own communities. Jeff Altman

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NOMC/COMS Resolution
by deja.powell＠gmail.com 01 Mar '16

01 Mar '16

Hello Friends, Have any of you ever written or presented a resolutions regarding O&M/cane travel certification practices? More specifically, something regarding the equalocity (yep made that word up) of an NOMC and AER/COMS certification? We are needing to write a resolution here in Utah to a school who refuses to even interview NOMC's, and only allows the COMS certification. If you can share any such resolution, or any documents that might be helpful, I would greatly appreciate it. You can emaill me directionly at deja.powell at gmail.com. Warm Regards, Deja Powell Deja M. Powell, MA, NOMC PhD Candidate, Capella University <http://www.capella.edu> Cane Travel Instructor, Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired <http://www.usor.utah.gov/division-of-services-for-the-blind-and-visually-im…> Co-Director, Club SILVER (Southern Utah) Cell: 801.891.3430 Work: 801-323-4343 Email: deja.powell at gmail.com Blog: slateandstylish.blogspot.com *"You can never be Overdressed or Overeducated." -Oscar Wilde*

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[NOMC] A question for your consideration
by dnietfeld＠cocenter.org 10 Feb '16

10 Feb '16

One of my students was working for a group that did training on different eye surgeries throughout the world. We discussed that in some countries when someone loses there sight they are just dismissed and not expected to do much. We all know this, however something I didn't realize is that there are many communist countries that you do not go to the doctor or do much of anything unless you are told to. She said this was one of the biggest problems they faced, They could not help but a fraction of the estimated group they expected to. This may be a big barrier to overcome even to Trane people on proper mobility skills as well. Well to answer the first question, I like bamboo. It is flexible and can grow many different climates depending on the genus and species. You can even put a screw in the end wrap that end with some strong thread and a bit of glue and you can put a metal chrome cane tip on it. David Nietfeld From: NOMC [mailto:nomc-bounces at lists.nbpcb.org] On Behalf Of Lansaw,Jane (DARS) Sent: Monday, February 08, 2016 7:50 AM To: Deb and Jeff Altman; nomc at lists.nbpcb.org Subject: Re: [Nomc] A question for your consideration Jeff, this is an interesting discussion. So let's assume I'm not aware of American culture or attitudes on blindness. Why am I making a cane for myself? Deja's prot?g? in Barbados got the idea somewhere that it might be handy to have a probe in front of him. How can we spread that idea? Occasionally totally blind folks pick it up as a natural survival method. Get something to clear the path or sit in the corner all of one's life. That isn't always the case and even so, blind folks with a little vision fall through the cracks. I did and I live in this country. I didn't know how a cane could make my life easier because I had some vision and thought it was only for totally blind people. Someone has to put the word out that it's a good low vision tool too, especially regarding depth perception. Once people know they need canes they will find a way to get or make them. Before we had fiberglass or even aluminum canes we had wood. Before we had trained professionals to teach we had blind people inventing their own survival skills with a wooden stick. I remember a story about a guy in Louisiana who came to town with a tree branch to replace a broken or lost cane. He told me his VR counselor said he looked like Moses coming out of the wilderness. In Jernigan's speech, Is History Against Us, we learned about John Metcalf. He had a stick that was as tall as he was. How did he get the idea? Would he have done all the things he is purported to do if he hadn't had a nice long probe to clear his way? The first thing we need to do is sell the concept of the cane and the only way to do that is to get blind people into the areas where they can be visible. One thing that concerns me about Deja's prot?g?, is will he go home? So many immigrants get inside the US and realize how much better it is than home and want to stay. That's how most of us got here. We see this among sighted people in higher professions such as medicine and engineering. They don't want to take the new skills home because they want to live here. We can't blame them but I wish I could say to Deja's prot?g? and others, go home and spend as much time teaching teachers as we spent teaching you and when you have 5 people back home who can do what you can do, then you can come back if you are driven to live here. We're expending resources to get visible, successful blind people in your area to spread the word so don't just come here and hide out. Pay for your training by paying it forward to someone back home. I know I rambled a bit but that was what went through my mind. Now how can we raise the money to bring people over to learn about the cane? From: NOMC [mailto:nomc-bounces at lists.nbpcb.org] On Behalf Of Deb and Jeff Altman Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2016 1:07 PM To: nomc at lists.nbpcb.org<mailto:nomc at lists.nbpcb.org> Subject: [NOMC] A question for your consideration Hello Everyone, I would like to start a disscussion here, well, more of a brain storming session. From my contacts on Facebook, it has become clear to me that many blind people outside of the United states simply do not have the sort of opportunities that would allow them to become successful. The first issue is access to just the basics, starting with the long white cane. Now, there have long been programs to try to send canes to these places, and to some degree they are successful, but still the need isn't being met. So, here is what I want to ask all of you: Imagine you need to make a cane for yourself, but the stuff you normally would use, fiberglass, aluminum , and the like simply isn't available. What would you use, and how would you use it to make the cane you needed? My thought is that perhaps we could find some solutions that would allow folks in these situations to be able to either make their own canes, or to find someone that has the skills and access to the materials to do it within their own communities. Jeff Altman

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blind MD.
by Jane.Lansaw＠dars.state.tx.us 09 Feb '16

09 Feb '16

Hello, I'm looking to make contact with any blind medical doctors practicing in the US. I have a new consumer who was an MD in another country. The individual can't send e mail yet so I want to collect some resources for him to call. If you know of any blind doctors, or even nurses, please pass on my e mail address. I would like him to be able to return to his practice if he chooses and not think that the onset of blindness has to keep him from it. Many thanks, Jane Lansaw NOMC

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AT Instructor Sacramento, CA
by ebell＠pdrib.com 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

> >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: ><mailto:ssnyder at societyfortheblind.org>ssnyder at societyfortheblind.org >Website: societyfortheblind.org > >Our mission is to empower individuals who are blind or have low vision >to live productively and independently by building confidence through >training, tools, and mentorship. > >Hello, > >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 Adaptive Technology 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 ><mailto:ssnyder at societyfortheblind.org>ssnyder at societyfortheblind.org. >The position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please. >Thank you for your interest! > > > >Job Title: Adaptive Technology Instructor > > > > > >Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-Time > > > >Reports to: Director of Programs > >General Description: The essential functions of the job are to teach >computer and adaptive technology skills to Society for the Blind >clients, to maintain expertise in all pertinent areas of adaptive and >other technology, and be a motivated team player able to effectively >teach blind students with critical computer and adaptive technology >skills that will enable them to achieve their vocational and >independent living goals. > >Duties: > >Instruction: > * Teach small group and individual classes in adaptive technology >for blind and visually impaired clients. > * Assess and evaluate clients as to appropriate instructional >modalities, as well as software and equipment needs. > * Consistently achieve high level of excellence in both >instruction and productivity. > * Work with Department of Rehabilitation counselors to ensure that >clients receive all instruction, software, equipment, and other >support necessary for these individuals to achieve their vocational >and independent living goals. > * Work with Adaptive Technology Coordinator to ensure that >software and hardware are in good working order for instructional purposes. > * Create manuals and tutorials which will assist clients to >progress in learning curriculum content. > * Develop, update, and revise curriculum as needed to optimize learning. > * Complete tasks and projects as needed to maximize client >learning outcomes. > >Documentation: > * Maintain thorough, complete and timely ongoing weekly and >monthly recordkeeping of client services; including, but not limited >to case notes, lesson notes, evaluations, progress reports, and >correspondence. > >Team Building and Networking: >1. Share client issues to supervisor and contribute to ongoing >problem solving of such issues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality. > * Consult with other professionals, family members or other >appropriate parties regarding client progress and other issues. > * 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. > * Maintain positive effective, and professional relations with >counselors at the Department of Rehabilitation and other agencies. > >Others: > * Maintain positive and professional relationship with SFTB >clients, staff and volunteers. > * Attend all staff and department meetings. > * Adhere to all Society policies and procedures. > * Obtain training to enhance job effectiveness. > * Stay current in areas of responsibility. > * Other duties as assigned or needed. > >Qualifications: > * Highly skilled in current operating systems, especially Windows, >with a particular emphasis on mastery of alternative keyboard >commands. > * Expertise in JAWS, Window Eyes, and familiarity in at least one >additional screen reading application, such as Voiceover. > * Expertise in Microsoft Office Programs including MS Word, MS >Excel, MS Outlook & MS Internet Explorer. > * Expertise in MAGIC or Zoom Text magnification/color enhancement >software. > * Expertise in the use of Braille note taking and other Braille devices. > * Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. > * Strong organizational and time management skills. > >Education and Experience Requirements: > * High school diploma or equivalent > * Successful completion of an adaptive technology certification >program preferred. >3. Minimum two years working experience. David Andrews and long white cane Harry. E-Mail: dandrews at visi.com or david.andrews at nfbnet.org _______________________________________________ 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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Medical Marijuana
by ebell＠pdrib.com 27 Jan '16

27 Jan '16

Hello listers, This link takes you to a survey on the ethics of Medical Marijuana. It is not specific to blindness, although one of the scenarios involves a blind person. This survey is being conducted through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), but I found it interesting given national trends. <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__uark.qualtrics.com_SE_- 3FSID-3DSV-5FbscsFp1mKEXL7et&d=BQMFaQ&c=JL-fUnQvtjNLb7dA39cQUcqmjBVITE8MbOdX 7Lx6ge8&r=dbS3ibBaeMl9YKvmEUQ0YA&m=7cBN9t3Pw3h-EXu40RSe4cJx2R-JC6wxhr3LN5Ho7 oU&s=O8xnJFP1BODcdQS7q06g3MsiqqoUIdTBxG8ZVWh3YOE&e=> http://uark.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bscsFp1mKEXL7et 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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Health and Exercise Survey
by ebell＠pdrib.com 25 Jan '16

25 Jan '16

Dr. Suneeta Kercood, of Butler University, in collaboration with Dr. Edward Bell, of the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness, are conducting a research project on Health and Physical activity of Individuals with Visual Impairments. The purpose of this research is to help medical and education professionals understand how to best address the health needs of people with visual impairments and to provide positive examples to others with visual challenges. This survey asks questions to understand the following items. . What is easy and difficult for you in having a healthy lifestyle including physical and other health-related activities. . The kinds of foods you eat and exercise you do and participate in. . Experiences with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals . How you perceive yourself, your health, and all your achievements. Please use the following link to access the survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HAPAOIWVI For your participation, you may choose to enter a raffle for a chance to win a $25 gift card. If you choose to participate in the research, your responses to the questions in this survey, and any future studies related to this project, will be kept confidential. All responses are reported in aggregate. Your name will not be associated with your responses or comments. Please feel free to pass this survey link to others who might like to share their opinions. Please feel free to contact Dr. Kercood if you have any questions about this project. The research team sincerely appreciates your participation. Dr. Suneeta Kercood skercood at butler.edu <mailto:skercood at butler.edu> Butler University, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 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: Please help if you can
by jaltman＠neb.rr.com 22 Jan '16

22 Jan '16

From: Gary Wunder [mailto:gwunder at earthlink.net] Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 12:49 PM To: garywunder at earthlink.net Subject: Please help if you can Dear family, friends, and colleagues: I don't usually write to everyone in my address book, but I have an urgent issue I would like you to think about supporting. Today, true access to society means access to the internet, and although many of us think that the Americans With Disabilities Act has leveled the playing field for blind people, it was passed before the Internet was a factor. Although it speaks clearly to public access, it is mostly talking about physical structures. There is no question that a store has to let blind people in to shop. There is no question that a restaurant must allow someone with a cane or a guide dog into their establishment and must serve them. But the question that must be resolved is whether public places means physical locations or any location where the public is invited and encouraged to spend money. I contend that the internet is just such a place and that Amazon's online presence is no different from Barnes & Noble's store. Although the courts have issued conflicting opinions on this, most rulings have said that the Americans With Disabilities Act would most certainly have included the internet had it been passed only three years later. The Justice Department agrees, and so does the Congress. The problem is that the Justice Department has not implemented the amendments to the Americans With Disabilities Act that was passed by the Congress by issuing regulations necessary for its enforcement. The Obama administration now says that it plans to wait until 2018 to issue such regulations. Of course, there will be no Obama administration in 2018, and every delay makes it easier for the next president to authorize another delay. If you believe that it is important for me to be able to check in at an airport and to check out at a grocery store given that these both are requiring interaction with electronic devices, please look at the petition that I am including here, and if you feel as I do, please sign it. Some barriers that I face simply cannot be removed. I cannot enjoy seeing the stars in the sky or appreciate the beautiful colors that emerge in spring, but with technology that we have readily available today, there is no reason that I can't use a computer to read about these. The technological barriers I face are not so much due to blindness as they are the unwillingness of people to realize that there should be nonvisual ways of accessing much of what the world has to offer. Thank you for helping me if you feel as I do. Here is the link: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/direct-us-department-justice-promp tly-release-ada-internet-regulations Gary Wunder, President National Federation of the Blind of Missouri

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Position Announcement - Rehabilitation Teacher - Jefferson City, MO
by Michael.A.StJulien＠dss.mo.gov 17 Dec '15

17 Dec '15

Good Evening, Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind is recruiting for the position of Rehabilitation Teacher in our Mid-Missouri District Office. Please see the attachment for further details. If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact the Mid-Missouri District Supervisor, Jim Brinkmann, at 573-751-3434. 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: corrected job description
by ebell＠pdrib.com 09 Dec '15

09 Dec '15

R-3188 Orientation Mobility Instructor - Structured Discovery Program Revised and Re-Advertised R- 3188 Position ID #502301 Posting Date: December 3, 2015 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 TITLE: Orientation and Mobility Instructor - Structured Discovery Program (260 Days) Office of Field Services, Birmingham Regional Center REPORTS TO: AIDB Birmingham Regional Center Director POSITION REQUIREMENTS: list of 13 items . Must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Orientation and Mobility or closely-related field. . Must be certified or certifiable (within six months of the date of hire) in Orientation and Mobility by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) who has established rigorous standards for certifying competent professionals who teach Orientation and Mobility skills using Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) methods and principles. . The successful applicant will have either earned the designation of National Orientation and Mobility Certificant (NOMC) within the NBPCB and/or hold certification in Orientation and Mobility from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) within six months of the date of hire. . Must have demonstrated knowledge of the Structured Discovery philosophy and means by which Orientation and Mobility is integrated as a core programmatic component. . Must demonstrate competency in BRAILLE by scoring 80% on the AIDB Braille Skills Assessment 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 Orientation and Mobility Specialists; advisory and consumer groups; and agencies such as the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services along with contemporary Structured Discovery Programs. . Demonstrated maturity, self-motivation, and the ability to exercise sound judgment. . Must illustrate outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. . Must possess 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. . Required extensive vicinity and occasional overnight travel. . Must submit a resume. . Must submit a writing sample of no more than one page. . 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. list end PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: list of 2 items . Conduct Orientation and Mobility evaluations, focusing on the Structured Discovery student's needs grounded in nonvisual instruction; cognitive problem solving; and concerted strategies for clarifying attitudes and raising expectations surrounding blindness. . Based on said assessment and continued evaluation, provide individualized Orientation and Mobility instruction and consultation for Structured Discovery Program participants. list end list of 2 items . Prepare lesson plans inclusive of sequential and meaningful instruction geared to the student's needs; Individualized Employment Plan and/or Personal Futures Plan; functioning and motivational levels. . Prepare and use equipment and materials for the development of Orientation and Mobility skills, following the Structured Discovery curricula and philosophy. list end list of 1 items . Document Structured Discovery participant progress daily. list end list of 13 items . Instruct Structured Discovery students in the development of skills and knowledge which will enable them to travel independently based on assessed needs and the participants' evaluation, Individualized Employment Plan and/or Personal Futures Plan. . Assist Structured Discovery participants in travelling to various community locations as necessary to provide meaningful instruction in realistic learning environments until participants achieve the skills to arrange for their own transportation. . Present in-service training to AIDB Birmingham Regional Center and Structured Discovery staff on appropriate Orientation and Mobility techniques as needed. . Participate in the Structured Discovery Strategic Planning process 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. . Actively seek ways to educate through effective marketing and positive public relations to enhance and expand the Structured Discovery Program. . Participate in state and national meetings, workshops, presentations, conferences and consumer groups, sharing information learned and best practice methodology to internal/external audiences. . Observe the Code of Ethics of the Orientation and Mobility profession. . Keep abreast of current research and Orientation and Mobility teaching strategies. . Review and update the Structured Discovery Orientation and Mobility curriculum as necessary. . Protect confidentiality of student information while maintaining required records and reports inclusive of data entry into the Gentry Referral Information Net (GRIN). . 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 criteria. . Attend departmental, inner-agency and campus-wide faculty/committee meetings as assigned. . Perform other duties as assigned. list end SALARY: $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 FairLabor Standards Act. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Open Until Filled This position is funded by a grant award, funded by revenue generated, necessary for compliance or provides direct service delivery. Click Here if you would like more instructions on how to apply for this job. 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: Melissa Williamson [mailto:Williamson.Melissa at aidb.state.al.us] Sent: Wednesday, December 9, 2015 9:28 AM To: Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com> Subject: corrected job description Eddy, To my chagrin, our Human Resources posted the incorrect version of the travel instructor job. It was revised, but the revision was not posted. More shame on me assuming it was correct not checking. The correct version is attached. Melissa L. Williamson, Coordinator, Structured Discovery, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

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