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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 06 Dec '15

06 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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FW: Job posting
by ebell＠pdrib.com 06 Nov '15

06 Nov '15

Subject: Job posting Importance: High Good Morning Everyone, This e-mail is to announce the posting of the Training Center Communications Instructor position. This time, there will be no closing date and it will be left open until filled. Any interested parties will be required to apply online at http://statejobs.nebraska.gov/ Applicants are encouraged to read the instructions for filling out the application, completely, before beginning the process, as once submitted, an application cannot be re-opened for editing or corrections and incomplete applications will not be forwarded for consideration. If you traditionally post 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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TEAM BISM member Nikki Jackson interviewed on WBAL 1090 AM!
by mperet＠BISM.org 16 Oct '15

16 Oct '15

Fellow Federationists, Check out the attached inspiring interview with our own Nikki Jackson, NOMC! What a terrific Meet The Blind Month piece! Go Team BISM! From: Robert Ennamorato Sent: Friday, October 16, 2015 12:21 PM Subject: TEAM BISM member Nikki Jackson interviewed on WBAL 1090 AM! Hello, BISM Baltimore associate and TEAM BISM member Nikki Jackson was interviewed yesterday on WBAL 1090-AM Maryland News Now with Mary Beth Marsden as part of a preview for tomorrow's Baltimore Running Festival. The interview file is attached. Thank you, Rob Ennamorato Communications Specialist Blind Industries and Services of Maryland 3345 Washington Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21227 410-737-2615

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FW: Las Cruces Sun-News Article
by ebell＠pdrib.com 15 Oct '15

15 Oct '15

*** Story *** Bernardo Howard of Artesia navigated busy intersections, buses, and Mesilla Valley Mall in Las Cruces Wednesday as part of blindness skills training that he is receiving from the New Mexico Commission for the Blind Orientation Center in Alamogordo. The training includes cane travel, braille, home management , personal management, computers and assistive technology, physical education, and industrial arts. ""Many people who lose their sight believe at first that their lives are over and that they are no longer capable of working or performing even simple tasks independently," said Lucy Alexander, director of the Orientation Center. However, those who participate in the Commission for the Blind vocational rehabilitation program soon learn that blind people are normal people who can and should live and function independently." Howard and three other students were accompanied by their cane travel Instructor, Robert Wilkerson, who is certified by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board, as is his colleague Aaron Fallon who was also part of today's group. The students and staff of the Orientation Center will join the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico, the National Federation of the Blind White Sands chapter, and New Mexico State University Alamogordo on October 20 in a walk along White Sands Boulevard to raise awareness of the white cane law. For more information about the Commission for the Blind and the Orientation Center in Alamogordo visit www.cfb.state.nm.us <http://www.cfb.state.nm.us> . main region end

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FW: Job Vacancies - Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
by ebell＠pdrib.com 12 Oct '15

12 Oct '15

FYI, excellent opportunity at a great center, working for a great boss and strong staff. Subject: FW: Job Vacancies - Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired Hello Eddie, I hope all is going well with you. I am forwarding the following information to you about the orientation and mobility specialist position we have available here in Virginia. The announcement indicates that the position is in Henrico, which is basically part of the Richmond area. If you could share the information with the O and M listserv and with your students, I would appreciate it. If anyone would like further information, they can call me at 804-371-3323. Thank you for your help in getting the word out about this exciting opportunity in Virginia to empower our students to "live the life" they've imagined. Have a great day! Melody Good morning! Listed below are DBVI and VRCBVI positions that are currently available. Each week Human Resources will send out an updated listing of current openings to all employees. If you are interested in applying, here are some helpful tips to remember when applying: * Update your application to reflect your current duties. Applications saved in RMS before April 21, 2015 must be re-entered in the new RMS. * Only FULLY completed applications can be accepted. Please do not write "see resume" on your application. For screening purposes, we rely on the RMS application. * Please continue to view <http://www.vadsa.org/jobs/> http://www.vadsa.org/jobs/ for new positions that may be added throughout the week. * RMS closes at 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. Be sure that you apply early to avoid the system closing before you can submit your application. Additionally, if you know of someone who may be interested in the positions, please delete the top portion of this email and send them the information below. Listed below are positions with the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, and/or the Virginia Industries for the Blind. These positions may be accessed directly in the Recruitment Management System (RMS) by clicking on the Quicklink. Applications saved in RMS before April 21, 2015 must be re-entered in the new RMS. If you have recently updated your application in the RMS, applying for the position will be very streamlined and take only a few minutes. If you have not yet completed your online application in the RMS, you may visit https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com to begin the process or simply click on the Quicklink below. While the system will not allow you to apply until you have established your application, you will be able to access the application through this site. Please be aware that we ONLY accept fully completed RMS online applications (required) and applications only are accepted for advertised vacancies. Job postings close at 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. You may attach cover letters and resumes and in some cases are required to submit college or university transcripts or professional certifications (see job posting for instructions). These may be scanned and attached to your online applications, faxed, or mailed to the appropriate recruiting contact. Please review the posting for any special requirements or instructions as well as information related to barrier crimes for specific positions. Agency: Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired Job Title: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Location: Henrico Position #: 00021 Closing Date: Open Until Filled Quicklink: <https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/18032> https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/18032 Joann Robinson, SPHR HR Manager Human Resources 8004 Franklin Farms Drive Richmond, VA 23229 804-662-7175 804-662-7662 fax <mailto:Joann.Robinson at drs.virginia.gov> Joann.Robinson at drs.virginia.gov <file:///\\www.vdbvi.org> www.vdbvi.org

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