Hello Dr. Bell and others, Although I completely agree with Justin about wanting to be able to discuss with people who are using Structured Discovery methodology, I do not think we should limit it based off of their qualifications. My reasoning is that I currently work with a COMs but she has adopted Structured Discovery methodology. I think it is very important for her to feel welcome to learn from other Structured Discovery instructors. She believes in how we teach and she is learning a lot from participating in these discussions. It is unrealistic to ask her to go back to school for her NOMC just to be able to participate in these discussion. This is the best place for her to learn. My suggestion is that it is limited to NOMCs and instructors at centers which are teaching under Structured Discovery Methodology. If we want to create another one that is open to everyone we could do that as well but I think it is important that anyone who is teaching under Structured Discovery Methodology is welcome. All the best, Joanne Gabias, M.A., NOMC, NCUEB, NCRTB Statewide Operations Manager SAAVI Services for the Blind ________________________________ From: NOMC <nomc-bounces at lists.nbpcb.org> on behalf of Justin Salisbury <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu> Sent: April 21, 2020 3:05 PM To: Edward Bell <ebell at pdrib.com>; NOMC Mailing list <nomc at lists.nbpcb.org> Subject: Re: [Nomc] Question about zoom participants Hi Dr. Bell, I would be happy to have one that includes those who practice under the vision-centered approach, but I would like to be sure that we can have a conversation just among our people in a purified space. The reason I say that is that I think the call with the vision-centered folks will end up taking on the focus of us sharing what we do with them, and that would distract from what I would expect to have on the call that is just for Structured Discovery practitioners. For me, there is value to having that interaction with outsiders for us to teach them, but I would benefit from that purified space to talk, too. Mahalo and aloha, Justin Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury he/him/his Phone: 808.797.8606 Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu<mailto:President at Alumni.ECU.edu> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury ?Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.? Cesar Chavez From: NOMC <nomc-bounces at lists.nbpcb.org> On Behalf Of Edward Bell Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 5:51 PM To: NOMC Mailing list <nomc at lists.nbpcb.org> Subject: [Nomc] Question about zoom participants Hello, First, my apology for the dropped zoom call today. I now know what the problem is and will work for that not to happen again. My question is about participation in any future of these zoom meetings. At national convention we open our conference to anyone interested, but we keep this NOMC list primarily restricted to only certified NOMC. Last week, I mostly only allowed NOMC onto the zoom call list. This week I am getting increasing numbers of requests to participate by O&M people who are not NOMC. So far, I am adding them to the registration list; however, I do realize in these times you all are discussing somewhat sensitive information, some of which others may not agree with. My question to those who are NOMC: From next week forward for as long as we do these weekly zoom calls, are you all comfortable with conventional O&M joining this conversation or would you rather I restrict it to only NOMC at this time. I am glad to do it either way Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 ebell at latech.edu<mailto:ebell at latech.edu> www.pdrib.com<http://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