Here are additional Virtual Trainings from VRCBVI that will occur Monday through Thursday, every day from 1-3pm. Thanks again for sharing with folks!! All the best, *Becky Keller, NOMC, COMS* *Lead Orientation and Mobility Instructor* Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired 401 Azalea Avenue <https://maps.google.com/?q=401+Azalea+Avenue+Richmond,+VA+23227+(804&entry=gmail&source=g> Richmond, VA 23227 <https://maps.google.com/?q=401+Azalea+Avenue+Richmond,+VA+23227+(804&entry=gmail&source=g> (804) 371-3093 <(804)%20371-3093> becky.keller at dbvi.virginia.gov Facebook: VDBVI <https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI> Worldwide Web: Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired <http://www.vrcbvi.org/> YouTube: VRCBVI <http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwsqnBw28gUNgMMSkH_eYci37g9XY6Qzd> "Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome." *-Arthur Ashe* **CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE** This message (including any attachments) contains information that may be confidential. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorized to receive for the intended recipient), you may not read, print, retain, use, copy, distribute, or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail, and destroy all copies of the original message (including any attachments). ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Melody Roane <melody.roane at dbvi.virginia.gov> Date: Fri, Sep 4, 2020 at 4:41 PM Subject: BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: VRCBVI Virtual Trainings - Fall 2020 To: ~ All DBVI Staff (DBVI) <alldbvistafflist at dbvi.virginia.gov> Cc: Melody Roane <melody.roane at dbvi.virginia.gov> Hello everyone, Please share this information about VRCBVI?s upcoming virtual classes with your networks and with individuals who are blind or vision impaired who may benefit from participating. We will be using Zoom for the classes, and individuals can participate via computer or phone. Thank you. *VRCBVI is pleased to offer a new lineup of virtual training opportunities Mondays through Thursdays throughout Fall 2020!* We are excited about this upcoming schedule of events! All sessions are open to anyone and free of charge. Each training will begin at 1:00 pm (login as early as 12:45) and will end no later than 3:00 pm. At the end of the list of virtual training opportunities below, you will find a link to the registration form. Please review and select classes you would like to attend, and then tell us about yourself near the bottom of the registration form. You will receive a confirmation email with login/call in information for each class you select. If you have any questions about the registration process or the virtual training series, please contact Greg Chittum at 804-371-3204 or greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov. *Friday In-Depth Training Series* In addition to our Monday through Thursday Virtual Trainings, VRCBVI is also pleased to offer specific, in-depth classes on Friday afternoons as part of our new Friday In-Depth Training Series. As opposed to our Virtual Trainings, which are single events, Friday In-Depth Training Series classes meet for multiple sessions, and are meant to give students and instructors more time to delve into the topics presented. They will meet on Friday afternoons from either 1pm to 3pm or 3pm to 5pm. Please look out for more information about this series to come in a separate email soon! *VRCBVI Virtual Trainings - Fall 2020Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays * *September 14 to November 24* *Monday, September 14* - 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Stress Management 101 * Learn how stress affects your health and how to avoid letting it negatively affect your life! Join us for some interactive stress management exercises. Presenter: Kim Ladd, Diabetes/Health Educator *Tuesday, September 15 *- 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 mins) *Accessing Learning Management Systems* Are you virtually attending, teaching or assisting in online schooling? If so, join us as we take a dive into the most commonly used learning management systems such as Blackboard, Canvas, SeeSaw, and Google Classroom. Come learn tips and tricks to navigate these platforms, as well as provide some thoughts on what might be done if these platforms are truly not accessible to screen reader users. Presenter: Mike Fish, Lead Technology Instructor *Wednesday, September 16 *- 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *2-Hour Job Search* Yep, 2 hours. In this overview of Steve Dalton's book, we will discuss how to prioritize employers to pursue, contact them efficiently, and convince them that you are a good fit for their next hire. https://2hourjobsearch.com/ Presenter: Greg Chittum, Coordinator for Community Engagement *Thursday, September 17* - 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Using a Cane and a Guide Dog: How You Can Have a 2 Car Household* Come get the scoop on the pros and cons of getting a guide dog, the ins and outs of the application process, and learn more about life after graduating with your dog. This is a great opportunity to find out how your cane fits into your working partnership with your guide dog. Presenter: Domonique Lawless, Orientation and Mobility Instructor and Certified Teacher of Blind Students *Monday, September 21* - 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 mins) *Pick Your Parachute: An Introduction to Job Hunting* ?What Color Is Your Parachute?? may sound like a silly question, but it?s one you?ll want to answer, whether you?re hunting for a job, changing careers, or looking for a new perspective on the work you do now. Join us to find out more about the approach recommended by the most popular job-hunting manual in the world. Presenter: Joanne Wiggins, Adult Basic Education Instructor *Tuesday, September 22 *- 1:00 to 2:00 pm (1 hour) *Do I Still Need Braille If I Can See Some Things?* Although this answer looks different for everyone, we?re going to talk about how you can learn Braille as a person with residual vision, ways Braille can be useful in your life, and how you can be a successful Braille reader even if you didn?t learn it as a child. Presenter: Domonique Lawless, Orientation and Mobility Instructor and Certified Teacher of Blind Students *Wednesday, September 23* - 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Conversations About Blindness Series - What Does It Mean To Accept One's Blindness?* ?Acceptance is the first step to freedom.? Join us as we hear from three panelists who will share powerful stories of how they became blind during various stages of life and took steps to ?live the lives they imagined.? Panel Moderator: Melody Roane, VRCBVI Director *Thursday, September 24* - 1:00 to 2:15 pm (1 hour 15 mins) *Budgeting and Personal Finance* What are some of the most common financial terms and what do these terms mean? After knowing these terms, how can you apply them in your everyday life to keep yourself on a budget? This seminar is designed to highlight some of the basics of personal finance. Presenter: Michael Triplett, Personal and Home Management Instructor *Monday, October 5 *- 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour and 30 minutes) *Finding Your Voice: Low-Stress Ways to Improve Your Writing* Writing is a vital skill, and one that lots of people stress over. Becoming a better writer doesn?t mean forcing yourself to use fancy words and a formal tone, or struggling to always say things ?the right way? (whatever that is). The best way to improve as a writer is learning to sound more like yourself. Presenter: Joanne Wiggins, Adult Basic Education Instructor *Tuesday, October 6* - 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Orbiting Literacy* The portable yet robust Orbit braille display can be a powerful tool in the hands of a student or professional. Bring your Orbit Reader 20 or 20+ and learn how you can access digital Braille, whether it be from your smartphone, notes you took on the go, or the latest New York Times best seller you just downloaded. Presenters: Domonique Lawless, Orientation and Mobility Instructor and Certified Teacher of Blind Students, and Mike Fish, Lead Technology Instructor *Wednesday, October 7* - 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Conversations About Blindness Series - Blind Parents: Who Is Responsible for Whom?* Get advice and learn the tricks of the trade from parents who have been there, done that, and from parents who are currently in the trenches raising young children. You will also hear from sighted individuals who were raised by blind parents. This lively discussion will be full of funny stories, heartwarming moments, and perspectives that will challenge misconceptions. Panel Moderator: Melody Roane, VRCBVI Director *Thursday, October 8 *- 1:00 to 2:15 pm (1 hour 15 mins) *Organizing With Zing* What are some of the low cost techniques you could use as a blind person to label items and keep your home well organized? How can you use these techniques to help you keep better track of items and reduce stress because you cannot locate something? This seminar is designed to assist you by giving you suggestions on various methods for labeling around your home. Presenter: Michael Triplett, Personal and Home Management Instructor *Monday, October 12 *- 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Diabetes 101* What is diabetes? How do I manage it? Why should I manage it? Bring your questions and join us for an interactive overview of diabetes. Presenter: Kim Ladd, Diabetes/Health Educator *Tuesday, October 13 *- 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Juicy Update Or Rotten Roll Out? What?s New in iOS 14 for Blind & Low Vision Users* Oh, no! Yet another update! Is it worth it? Come learn what?s new for VoiceOver users of iOS devices. How has this latest update improved your access to everyday tasks? What new features or frustrations have they come out with now? You can determine whether this Apple update is ripe and juicy with helpful tools, or has fallen far from the tree, turned rotten, and is full of bugs. *Wednesday, October 14 *- 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes) *Volunteering as a Job Seeker With Vision Loss - Why It's a Must-Do* You've read the 2-Hour Job Search and are implementing its strategies to run an efficient job search. What should you do with the rest of your time? Volunteer! We will discuss why volunteering is so powerful for job seekers, particularly job seekers who are blind or vision impaired, and list strategies and resources to locate volunteer opportunities. Presenters: Greg Chittum, Coordinator for Community Engagement, and Kris Foley, VRCBVI Case Manager *Thursday, October 15* - 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes) *Knowing When Orientation and Mobility is Right For You * Join our guest speakers as they share their experiences about making the decision to learn cane travel and how that decision impacted their lives. Presenter: Domonique Lawless, Orientation and Mobility Instructor and Certified Teacher of Blind Students *Monday, October 19* - 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes) *Writing Your Way to a Job: Getting a Handle on Those (Yikes) Cover Letters and (Gulp) Thank You Notes* Your resume needs a cover letter; you?ve got to send your interviewer a note. Your fingers hover over the keyboard, but your mind is blank. Join us for some honest-to-gosh specific, practical advice, and you?ll soon be typing away. Presenter: Joanne Wiggins, Adult Basic Education Instructor *Tuesday, October 20* - 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes) *Knowing the Braille Code and Making it Work in Your Life* Whether you are on the job, a student, or just learning Braille, learn how to incorporate Braille into your routine to improve your efficiency and speed up daily tasks. Presenters: Domonique Lawless, Orientation and Mobility Instructor and Certified Teacher of Blind Students, and Mike Fish, Lead Technology Instructor *Wednesday, October 21* - 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Conversations About Blindness Series - Blindness Stereotypes: Fact or Fiction * Can blind people really sing better, hear better, or do they really count their steps everywhere they go? In this session, the experts (the blind themselves) will unlock the truth about blindness from an insider?s perspective. Come learn how someone else?s opinion does not have to become your reality. Panel Moderator: Melody Roane, VRCBVI Director *Thursday, October 22 *- 1:00 to 2:00 pm (1 hour) *Where?s the Milk? * Strategies for organizing a shared space. Organization within a home environment is vital for individuals who are blind or vision impaired. How do you develop an organizational system in a space that is shared with sighted housemates? In this seminar, we will explore the importance of working with family members to create consistent, agreed upon structure in the home. Presenter: Dave Fuller, Personal and Home Management Instructor *Monday, October 26* - 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Diabetes Meal Planning Overview* I have diabetes, so I can't eat sweets, right? Join us for an overview of diabetes meal planning that includes the foods you love. Presenter: Kim Ladd, Diabetes/Health Educator *Tuesday, October 27* - 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes) *Python Basics * Scared of snakes? Well, when a snake becomes software things get worse. Come and learn how to wrangle a snake and do some Python coding. Using a screen reader, notepad, and a windows computer, you can start writing small computer programs in Python. Presenter: Mike Villafane, Technology Instructor *Wednesday, October 28 *- 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes) *Daring Greatly* One thing is certain: job searching definitely makes us feel vulnerable. In order to reach our goals, we must embrace and overcome our vulnerable feelings. In this session, we will discuss some of author Bren? Brown's thoughts about why vulnerability is a strength, and how this concept applies to the job search process. https://brenebrown.com/books-audio/ Presenters: Kris Foley, VRCBVI Case Manager, and Greg Chittum, Coordinator for Community Engagement *Thursday, October 29* - 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Discovering Freedom with the Long White Cane* What is the long white cane?s purpose? How do I know if I am ready for a long white cane? Why would I ever want to use one? What will my friends and family think if I used a cane? Come join us for a lively discussion highlighting the long white cane and the freedom it provides. Presenters: Becky Keller, Lead Orientation and Mobility Instructor, and Jimmy Morris, Orientation and Mobility Instructor (DBVI Richmond Regional Office) *Monday, November 2 *- 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes) *Blast from the Past: Free, Accessible, (Almost) No Tech Entertainment * If you can search the net or click a link, you can enjoy thousands of hours of 100% descriptive audio entertainment from the finest actors, musicians, writers, comedians, historians, and sports announcers . . . of the good old days. Yes, it?s radio?golden age, vintage, old time broadcasts?and all of it?s free. Come check it out?you?ll be pleasantly surprised. Presenter: Joanne Wiggins, Adult Basic Education Instructor *Tuesday, November 3 *- 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Device Showcase * With so many great Braille displays on the market, choosing the right one can be somewhat challenging. Join us to learn about some of the latest Braille technology and find out what some of the new displays have to offer. Presenters: Domonique Lawless, Orientation and Mobility Instructor and Certified Teacher of Blind Students, and Mike Fish, Lead Technology Instructor *Wednesday, November 4* - 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Conversations About Blindness Series - Consumer Organizations of the Blind: Advocating for the Right of the Blind to Live In the World * The American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind are the leading organizations made up of blind individuals who strongly promote opportunities for blind people to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. In this session, we will learn about the activities and programs of these organizations and how one can become involved. Panel Moderator: Melody Roane, VRCBVI Director *Thursday, November 5 *- 1:00 to 2:00 pm (1 hour) *That?s a Splenda Idea!!* More and more people are looking for healthy food options. In this seminar, we will explore ways of eating healthier and various types of food substitutions. What is high fructose corn syrup? What are the benefits of a lactose free diet? What can I use instead of all-purpose flour when baking a cake? Join us for some exciting tips on healthier cooking. Presenter: Dave Fuller, Personal and Home Management Instructor *Monday, November 9 *- 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Medication Management * An interactive discussion on independently managing your medications with low/no vision. Join the conversation to share ideas and learn about resources, technology, and tips to help decrease medication errors. Presenter: Kim Ladd, Diabetes/Health Educator *Tuesday, November 10 *- 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Getting Down with Google Suite * Dig into Drive, dive in to Docs, and soar with the Slides! Travel through the Google Suite of applications with your screen reader. Whether it?s jumping around with JAWS, navigating with NVDA or cruising with ChromeVox, learn how the Google Suite can work for you. Presenter: Mike Fish, Lead Technology Instructor *Wednesday, November 11* - 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes) *Presence* According to her website, Harvard lecturer Amy Cuddy "speaks about how we can become more present, influential, compassionate, brave, and satisfied in our professional and personal lives." In this session, we will apply some of her ideas about nonverbal behavior and "ways in which people can affect their own thoughts, feelings (and) performance" to the job search process for people with vision loss. https://www.amycuddy.com/ Presenters: Greg Chittum, Coordinator for Community Engagement, and Kris Foley, VRCBVI Case Manager *Thursday, November 12 *- 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Advocating and Communicating With Friends, Family, and Society When Traveling, or in Everyday Interactions* This discussion dives into the importance of advocating for oneself and communicating with others in a variety of life situations, whether it be gathering information to find a local business, giving directions to a rideshare driver, or talking to loved ones to get them to understand that you need your cane wherever you travel. Join us as we discuss strategies and ideas for confident communication. Presenter: Becky Keller, Lead Orientation and Mobility Instructor *Monday, November 16* - 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes) *Ditch the Gumption If You Want to Get Hired: Job Hunting Advice from Alison Green * If you?re familiar with Alison Green?s Ask a Manager <https://www.askamanager.org/> website, chances are you?re already a fan of her constructive, humane guidance for surviving and thriving at work, as well as her plentiful (and practical!) job hunting tips. Join us for an introduction to her book, ?How to Get a Job: Secrets of a Hiring Manager.? Presenter: Joanne Wiggins, Adult Basic Education *Tuesday, November 17 *- 1:00 to 2:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes) *Making Board Games Accessible* Game night with family and friends has never been easier with off the shelf accessible games, accessibility kits, and simple things you can do to play traditional board or card games with others. Join in the discussion and learn tips and tricks for making your favorite games accessible. Presenter: Domonique Lawless, Orientation and Mobility Instructor and Certified Teacher of Blind Students *Wednesday, November 18 *- 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Conversations About Blindness Series - How To Prepare for College Success as a Blind Student* This session is designed for blind and vision-impaired high school students who are planning to go to college. You will hear from blind and vision-impaired individuals who just recently graduated from college and who are young professionals and employed in various careers. Learn the secrets to their success, what worked well for them, and what they would have done differently. Panel Moderator: Melody Roane, VRCBVI Director *Thursday, November 19* - 1:00 to 2:15 pm (1 hour 15 minutes) *Helpful Hints for Happy Holidays* In this fun presentation, we will hear stories about how blind individuals can take an active role in holiday festivities and traditions. We will share favorite recipes and talk about how to host fabulous holiday get-togethers. Can a blind person actually decorate a Christmas tree? Wrap gifts? Learn how to do all these tasks and more. Presenter: Michael Triplett, Personal Home Management Instructor *Monday, November 23* - 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Stress Management ? Holiday Edition * Before the rush of the holiday season begins, take some time to relax. Learn some stress management techniques to help calm you down when the season becomes stressful. Presenter: Kim Ladd, Diabetes/Health Educator *Tuesday, November 24 *- 1:00 to 3:00 pm (2 hours) *Accessible Entertainment* Are you tired of hearing a laugh track but never able to catch the joke? Wondering what?s being demolished when the explosions occur? Join us in this presentation to learn about the latest in accessible entertainment. We?ll be demonstrating accessible devices and streaming services that provide audio description. Presenters: Mike Fish, Lead Technology Instructor, and Domonique Lawless, Orientation and Mobility Instructor and Certified Teacher of Blind Students Use this link to register for VRCBVI Virtual Trainings! <https://www.formrouter.net/forms at VRCB/VRCBVIVirtualTrainingsFall2020.html> Melody L. Roane, Director Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Virginia Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired 401 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227 Melody.Roane at dbvi.virginia.gov Phone: (804) 371-3323 | Fax: (804) 371-3092 Facebook: facebook.org/VDBVI <https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI> LinkedIn: linkedin.com/VDBVI <https://www.linkedin.com/company/virginia-department-for-the-blind-and-vision-impaired> www.vrcbvi.org <http://www.vdbvi.org/> *NOTICE:* This email (including any attachments) may include confidential information. It is intended solely for the individuals or entities to which it is addressed. If you have received this email in error, distribution or use of it is prohibited. Please notify the sender and permanently delete it from your email system. Also, given the nature of electronic mail and its potential to carry computer viruses, the Department of the Blind and Vision Impaired and the sender in no way warrant a virus free transmission. You and your organization should use appropriate means to check this email and any attachments for potential viruses and to prevent their execution.