- NOMC - lists.nbpcb.org

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 21 Jan '16

21 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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FW: [OrientationAndMobility] Needs Survey for an O&M Product in Development at APH
by Jane.Lansaw＠dars.state.tx.us 07 Dec '15

07 Dec '15

Here's a survey from APH. They want to develop a computer simulation for O&M. I bet you can all guess how I answered their survey questions. Come on gang, let's skew their data. From: OrientationAndMobility [mailto:orientationandmobility-bounces at lists.blindcanadians.ca] On Behalf Of Terrie Terlau Sent: Monday, December 07, 2015 10:34 AM To: oandm at lists.aerbvi.org; Orientation and Mobility Subject: [OrientationAndMobility] Needs Survey for an O&M Product in Development at APH Hello everyone, We at APH would very much appreciate your assistance by completing a brief survey about an O&M product in development here. Your responses to the survey will show us how much need there is for this product and will guide us in the form this [product might take. It should take you no more than 5 minutes to complete the survey. I am pasting below the entry from the December APH News which describes the survey and gives the link for completing it. We really need your input. Thank you very much for your help. Also, if anyone does not receive the APH News (a link once a month in an email to you), please email me and I will make sure your email address is added to the News list,. The link for the December APH News is: http://www.aph.org/news The article about this survey is below. Input Needed for O&M Tool We are requesting your input about the development of an instructional tool to help instructors teach students how to evaluate intersections with no traffic controls. We need input from everyone: Ex Officio Trustees, supervisors, COMS, NOMCs, instructors who are not certified, and anyone else in the field. The survey is short. Please click on the link below to complete the survey. We very much appreciate your help. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/APHOM If you have questions, please contact Terrie Terlau, tterlau at aph.org<mailto:tterlau at aph.org> Thank you again. Terrie Mary T. Terlau, Ph.D., Adult Life Project Leader Research Department American Printing House for the Blind 1839 Frankfort Avenue Louisville, KY 40206 Direct: 502.899.2381 Toll-free: 800.223/1839 Ext. 381 Fax: 502.899.2269 E-mail: tterlau at aph.org<mailto:tterlau at aph.org>

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Team-Teaching with Traditional Instructors
by PRESIDENT＠alumni.ecu.edu 05 Dec '15

05 Dec '15

Dear Colleagues, I am a new NOMC on the job market, and I have been communicating with a number of prospective employers in search of the right opportunity. I have encountered one position opening with some interesting details and am writing to ask for some opinions. The position in question is at a state-run training center which has a total of 3 O & M positions, one of which is currently vacant. The overall agency director expresses support for Structured Discovery Cane Travel, but the manager of the center tells me that I am going to have to teach O & M in other ways for a considerable amount of time. The manager and O & M supervisor believe that SDCT only works for some students, so all instructors must be flexible. I asked them to describe a student for whom Structured Discovery Cane Travel was not appropriate; I'm sure you all would have shared in my entertainment at their dumbfounded response. They informed me that I would have to share my students with the other O & M instructors, who are seasoned veteran traditional instructors. I would have to adapt my teaching style for continuity with those of the other instructors so that the students could "benefit" from all of us. On any given day, one of the other instructors could be working with one of my students. I have a hard time imagining that I would be able to make a lot of progress with my students if my colleagues were undoing that progress each time they worked with them. One positive way to look at it may be that I would have a chance to impact every student, but how much would my message of empowerment actually be received? I could imagine that students might listen to me because I would be the blind O & M instructor, but I don't know how well I could impact their lives if I were the black sheep instructor. How do you all look at this opportunity? Thank you, Justin Salisbury Justin Salisbury, NOMC Graduate Student Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President at Alumni.ECU.edu> Twitter: @SalisburyJustin "None can be free as long as any are enslaved" Dr. Kenneth Jernigan

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Teaching Cane Travel Abroad
by deja.powell＠gmail.com 01 Dec '15

01 Dec '15

Hello Colleagues, Hope you are all doing well, I'm freezing here in Utah, but not for long... I am leaving on a humanitarian trip to Barbados (in the Caribbean) later this week, where I will be teaching cane travel to a group of blind adults for a week (I know, it's a hard life). I wanted to get some advice from those of you who have traveled abroad, or even to an unfamiliar ares, where you were asked to teach cane travel. I will only have one day to prep myself to teach and am hoping some of you could give me some general advice on how to teach in an area you have not had any time getting to adjust to. I'll be thinking of you all while I'm soaking in the sun and the beach in December. You're welcome! Thanks, Deja Powell Deja M. Powell, MA, NOMC PhD Student, 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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FW: R-3188 Orientation Mobility Specialist - Structured Discovery
by ebell＠pdrib.com 25 Nov '15

25 Nov '15

Subject: FW: R-3188 Orientation Mobility Specialist - Structured Discovery Greetings: As a long time member of the National Federation of the Blind and the Coordinator of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind's new structured discovery program, it is with pleasure that I offer the attached job opportunity. Those of us who choose to enter into fields involving rehabilitation or education want to make a positive difference in the lives of our students. Through the philosophical influence he or she brings to this new program, the first Travel Instructor will have the opportunity to have a significan impact; not just on his or her own students, but on the lives of travel students long after he or she has moved on. We are excited to bring the teaching methodologies of structured discovery to Alabama. Several Blind Alabamians are prepared to begin their journey toward independence. If you are interested in working with us to teach blind people the skills needed to live the lives we choose to live, please, apply. Warmest Regards, Melissa L. Williamson Coordinator, Structured Discovery Program Birmingham Regional Center Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (205) 328-3989 From: Job Announcement Sent: Monday, November 23, 2015 12:40 PM Subject: R-3188 Orientation Mobility Specialist - Structured Discovery

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FW: O&M Job announcement
by ebell＠pdrib.com 11 Nov '15

11 Nov '15

Job Title: Orientation & Mobility Instructor Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-Time Reports to: Director of Programs Society for the Blind, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization located in Sacramento California, has been providing individuals living with blindness or low vision training, tools, and mentorship to promote empowerment and independence 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. Thank you for your interest. No phone calls, please! 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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the ultimate generation gap
by Jane.Lansaw＠dars.state.tx.us 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

Something happened at work that reminded me of this story. I can't remember if I shared it with my NOMC colleagues or not. A few months ago I was working with a young man, a very young man, on researching the location of a place he wanted to visit on an O&M trip. We were using a land line in the hallway outside a lounge in the training center and he was listening to the hold music from the transit company. He was feeling the receiver and noticed a cord. He disconnected the cord and walked away. I don't know what he thought when the hold music stopped. I guess he thought the cord was the charger. I managed to avoid laughing in front of him but it was a near thing.

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