self-determination...a family hospitality room hosted by texas association for parents of children...

2020 Texas Focus – Self-Determination 1

We welcome you to the 2020 Texas Focus Conference and Preconference Events. This Session Guide should answer all your questions about the conference, so please read through it carefully.

Continuing Education Credits and Evaluation ................................................................... 2

Announcements ................................................................................................................ 2

Thursday, February 27th, 2020 - Pre-Conference .............................................................. 3

Friday, February 28th, 2020 ............................................................................................... 4

Saturday, February 29th, 2020 .......................................................................................... 9

Continuing Education Credits .......................................................................................... 13

TSBVI Outreach Program Honors Texas Fellows ............................................................ 14

Exhibitor Information ....................................................................................................... 15

Floor Plan for Hyatt Regency Hotel Houston Intercontinental .......................................... 22

Agenda-at-a-Glance ........................................................................................................ 23

Notes .............................................................................................................................. 26

CEU Code Form ............................................................................................................. 28

2020 Texas Focus Conference

Self-Determination

Hyatt Regency Hotel Houston Intercontinental


Continuing Education Credits and Evaluation

You must sign in at the beginning of each day at the registration area.

This conference has been approved for SBEC and ACVREP continuing education credits. If you attend both the pre-conference and conference events, you are eligible for up to 3 CEUs for attending the pre-conference and 9.5 CEUs for the main conference event. Maximum CEUs awarded total 12.5.

You must complete your online evaluation within 60 days of the conference (before May 1st) if you want to receive a certificate of completion of ACVREP certificate.

Announcements

If you need help locating services at the hotel, please contact the front desk staff or concierge.

Breakfast coupons have been provided for individuals staying at the hotel, and we have a continental breakfast each morning at the conference.

If you need an invoice you can go to http://txtsbvi.escworks.net, sign into your account, go to “Registration History” and click on the “Past” tab. You should be able to print or forward your confirmation to your business office from there.

For individuals using dog guides, there is a grassy area designated for dog guide breaks to the right as you exit the south entrance on the main level. Please ask at the registration desk if you need assistance in being oriented to that area.

If you need any assistance during Conference hours, please check with someone at the registration area. If you need assistance after conference hours, please check with the front desk staff.

The number of women's restrooms in the conference area is limited. You may want to access the restrooms in your room if you are staying in the hotel.

Seating is limited to the number of chairs in each session room due to fire code regulations. If you are unsure if you registered for a specific session, look at your name badge where your choices are listed. Most sessions have more seats than the number who registered, so you should be able to change the session you want to attend. If seating becomes an issue and you are not registered for that session, the room monitor may ask you to leave and go to another session. Please cooperate with this request so we do not delay the start of the session for those who did register.

A Family Hospitality Room hosted by Texas Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (TAPVI) is available in the Wildflower room throughout the conference for families who need a quieter place to visit with each other.

This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Education Special Education Programs (OSEP). Opinions expressed here are the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Department of Education.

http://txtsbvi.escworks.net/


Thursday, February 27th, 2020 - Pre-Conference

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Courtyard Conference Sign-in

Participants must sign-in each morning they attend sessions in order to receive credit for attending.

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Grand Ballrooms 3-4

Lunch-and-Learn for Families

Barbara Knighton, Parent, Spring, TX, Emily DeSantis, Parent, Austin, TX, and Johanna Uek, Parent, Lewisville, TX

This lunch and learn style session will include a panel discussion with parents of children who have visual impairments. Discussion will focus on the topic of acquiring and practicing self-determination in the school and home environments. Panelists will be asked to discuss activities that have demonstrated or shaped their child's ability to advocate, problem-solve, or assume responsibility for themselves.

1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Grand Ballrooms 1-2

Welcome and Housekeeping


General Session: Music for Self-expression and Self-Advocacy

Jane Rundquist, Music Educator (Retired), & Daniel Butler, Residential Instructor, TSBVI, Austin, TX

Visual impairment can be an isolating factor in regards to participation in school and community activities. Music can be an equalizing factor because there are numerous opportunities for student self-expression and ways to participate, regardless of skill level. This session will share collaborative approaches between the student, the VI professional, and music program in and outside of school.

2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Courtyard Break


Creating with Blind Abandon: Creating an Accessible Art Program for Visually Impaired Students

Katherine Trimm, CTVI, Humble ISD, Humble, TX and Linda Brown, Braillist, Conroe ISD, Conroe, TX

As a CTVI and a braillist, over the years we have many students who love art, but do not usually have the opportunity to express themselves creatively. In general education art classes, our students are often found sitting at tables manipulating Play-Doh while the rest of the class creates art projects. We researched extra-curricular artistic opportunities for our students to no avail! We visited various museums to find opportunities for our students to tactually explore art, but found that touching is not allowed! We resolved that our students could become tactile artists. Our session will explore ways to create an accessible art program for students who are visually impaired.


3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m Grand Ballrooms 1-2

Accessing the Arts: Teaching Self-Determination through Advocacy

Kate Borg, Outreach Director, Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired Outreach Programs, Austin, TX

A short-term program in Utah gave students tools to advocate for accessibility to the arts. Each student was required to visit an exhibit, production, concert, etc. and then write a letter to the organization telling them what was and wasn't accessible. Come learn about the amazing outcomes and learn how to implement this fantastic activity with your students!

Friday, February 28th, 2020

7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Courtyard Registration

Participants must sign-in each morning in order to receive credit for attending sessions

7:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Courtyard Exhibits

Various exhibitors will be in the Courtyard area on the Banquet Level throughout the conference. Please take time to visit with them between sessions and on Saturday before the luncheon.

7:45 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wildflower Family Hospitality Room open

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Grand Ballrooms


9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Grand Ballrooms

SEE Differently

Kristin Smedley, Parent, Author, and Co-Founder of Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation, Ivyland, PA

Kristin Smedley will take the audience on her journey that began with her crying on the couch, crushed by the weight of not one but two blindness diagnoses, to cheering as her blind sons are thriving and achieving their dreams. She’ll discuss the key parts of her journey that allowed her family to move out of a victim story and soar on a hero’s journey. Participants will laugh and cry right along with Kristin as she reveals her biggest fears, greatest challenges, and most extraordinary (and often hilarious!) stories that have made her boys and their sighted sister who they are today: high achieving social butterflies with more smiles and success than Kristin ever dreamed.

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Courtyard Break and Exhibits


10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Grand Ballrooms

Finding Wheels: Strategies to Build Independent Travel Skills for Those with Visually Impairments

Anne L. Corn, Ed. D., Research Professor (Volunteer), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati and Co-author of Finding Wheels

As students move from adolescence into adulthood, one of the biggest challenges is to take control of one’s travel needs. Finding Wheels is a new TSBVI publication and it covers such topics as using transportation technologies, learning to hire and fire drivers, dealing with frustrations of not being able to drive, how to budget for transportation, how to choose personal, public, hired, or volunteer wheels. This publication includes new scenarios, objectives, challenges, content, vignettes, and activities. First-hand accounts by parents and individuals with visual impairments and a piece by Christopher Tabb about new technologies used by travelers are included in this session. Finding Wheels may be taught by a COMS as an adjunct to orientation and mobility services and/or taught by a TVI as a part of the Expanded Core Curriculum. There is also one chapter on driving with low vision.

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch on Your Own

Check at the registration table for a list of nearby restaurants.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. First Breakout Sessions

Grand Ballroom 1 The Foundations of Self-Determination for Young Learners with Significant Disabilities (Session 1 of 2)

Philip Schweigert, M.Ed., Private Consultant, Sandia Park, NM

The role of communication is fundamental to self-determination. It is the means by which people can exercise their ability and desire to control their own life and participate most fully in society. This two-part session will describe the early stages of expressive communication and how they relate to the development of self-determination. It will then describe intervention strategies at these early levels designed to build this capacity for our learners with sensory and multiple disabilities.

Grand Ballroom 2 Utilizing the Technology Tool Box to Complement Traditional O&M Skills

Greg Stilson, Head of Global Innovation, American Printing House for the Blind, Louisville, KY

Gain knowledge of technology that facilitates the learning of orientation and mobility (O&M) skills, self-determination and other areas of the ECC. Receive an introduction to various pieces of technology, from apps to stand-alone devices, which, when used to complement established O&M skills, will enable students to travel more confidently, step outside of their comfort zone and have access to information they previously may not have had. Attendees will learn about visual interpretation services such as Aira and BeMyEyes, GPS devices and navigation apps.


Grand Ballroom 3-4 Thriving Blind: A Parent's Secret Sauce to Guide Blind Children to Their Greatness

Kristin Smedley, Parent, Author, and Co-Founder of Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation, Ivyland, PA

Kristin Smedley was initially crushed by the fact that her two blind sons would never achieve the massive dreams she had for them including play baseball, be the class valedictorian, or achieve Dean’s List in college. As she says, blindness scared her to death. Little did she realize that when her dreams for her sons were extinguished, her boys would be free to chase their own dreams as opposed to being held back by hers. Kristin will share the miraculous moment that would change her perception of blindness and the trajectory of her family’s journey. Participants will leave inspired by the many achievements of Kristin’s children and armed with resources to create a path for their own blind children to soar!

Apollo Disclosing a Can-Do List

Valerie Alvarez, Blindness Training Coordinator, Texas Workforce Commission, Division of Blind Services, Austin, TX

This presentation is designed to give students, families, and professionals who work with blind and visually impaired students ideas and strategies on how to attack the world after he/she finishes high school. During our time together, we will redefine disclosure as being the act of disclosing a person’s Can-Do List before disclosing the disability. This new and different methodology can assist the student in obtaining employment, establishing meaningful relationships and becoming as independent within his/her capacity. This presentation will be filled with interactive activities to help the participants get a full understanding of the content.

Lone Star Self-Determination: Relationship-Based Programming from Theory to Practice

Deanna Peterson, TVI, TDHH, TDB and Education Consultant in Early Childhood, Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired Outreach Programs, Austin, TX

Using a case study, this session will focus on how, through a process of collaboration, an educational team increased resilience and self-determination for Kersten, a young lady who is DeafBlind. Kersten’s team addressed three critical areas, targeted toward decreasing her moments of distress and increasing her moments of joy and success.


3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Courtyard Break and Exhibits

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Second Breakout Sessions

Grand Ballroom 1 The Foundations of Self-Determination for Young Learners with Significant Disabilities (Session 2 of 2)

Philip Schweigert, M.Ed., Private Education Consultant, Sandia Park, NM

The role of communication is fundamental to self-determination. It is the means by which one can exercise their ability and desire to control their own life and participate most fully in society. This two-part session will describe the early stages of expressive communication, and how they relate to the development of self-determination. It will then describe intervention strategies at these early levels designed to build this capacity for our learners with sensory and multiple disabilities.

Grand Ballroom 2 Interactive Activities to Strengthen Brain Pathways in the First Eight Years of Life

Judy Lee Cameron, PH.D., Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Dr. Cameron will use interactive educational materials designed to teach parents and other adults working with children how adults can do activities with children to strengthen brain pathways. She will introduce the First Pathways Game (www.firstpathwaysgame.com), a free set of 250 activities that help strengthen children's brain development and talk about how to adapt the activities for children with special needs.

Grand Ballroom 3-4 My Reflection Matters

Valerie Alvarez, Blindness Training Coordinator, Texas Workforce Commission, Division of Blind Services, Austin, TX

This presentation will be an interactive session that will give participants ideas on how to provide VI students techniques on hygiene and social norms. It will allow the participants to hear from a working professional who is blind give suggestions on topics such as: ideas for putting on makeup, tips on hygiene areas for both females/males, how to establish personal and professional relationships and general self-advocacy strategies. At the end of the presentation there will be a Q&A with the presenter to allow for an open discussion about social issues facing both youth and adults who are blind.

http://www.firstpathwaysgame.com/


Apollo Health and Sexuality Panel - Let's Talk about Sex... in the 21st Century

Michael Clinkscales, Social Worker; Cristi Fleming, Health Teacher; Dori Senatori, EXIT Instructor; John Rose, Short-term Programs Teacher

Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Austin, TX

Finding an entry into this critical and private topic can be a challenge with students, families and administrators. Panelists will share their experiences in planning and providing lessons whether individually or in small groups for students of different ages and functioning levels. Presentation content will be tailored to role of attendees.

Lone Star From Picasso to Einstein: Making Accessible Experiences

Kate Borg, Outreach Director

Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Outreach Programs, Austin, TX

The typical museum experience is a no-touch, no-interaction zone where everything is hidden behind glass and not accessible to students with vision impairments. Come learn some strategies for bringing these experiences to our students in a fun and accessible way.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. After Hours Optional Activities

Sam Houston Family Social

If you are a family member attending the conference, please join us for a social hour of networking and fun hosted by TAPVI.

Veranda App’y Hour

Don't miss the Professional App’y Hour! Join us for a presentation from Apple to gain hands-on experience with accessibility features and apps. Network with other professionals, learn about new apps and resources that can help you do your job. Bring your mobile devices! Enjoy appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar will be available.


Saturday, February 29th, 2020

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Courtyard Sign-in and Continental Breakfast

Participants must sign-in each morning in order to receive credit for attending.

A continental breakfast is provided before you start your morning sessions.

7:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Courtyard Exhibits

7:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wildflower Family Hospitality Room open

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Third Breakout Sessions

Grand Ballroom 1 Interactive Educational Strategies to Enhance Stress Resilience in Children from 0 to 25 Years Old

Judy Lee Cameron, Ph.D., Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Dr. Cameron will use interactive educational materials to teach how activities adults and children can do together will improve executive function skills and how these improve children's stress resilience. This workshop will focus on problem-solving skills, emotion regulation and decision-making skills. She will discuss how to adapt these activities for children with special needs will be discussed.

Grand Ballroom 2 Writing and Implementing Self-Determination Goals: Give it a Try, Don't Just "Get By."

Samantha Hoffman, TVI and Wenona Lewis, TVI, Tomball ISD, Tomball, TX

Attend this session to learn how a vision team write collaborative self-determination goals with their students to increase their problem-solving skills and independence while limiting the times they settle for just "getting by." Gain skills on teaching your students to address challenges related to their vision even when they appear to be successful in school, at home and in the community. Acquire tips on addressing challenges that may not be easily noticed so that “getting by” can be avoided and students can continue to achieve. Learn how to support a student’s self-determination goals by working collaboratively as a team.


Grand Ballroom 3-4 Facilitating Self-Determination through Active Learning

Perkie Cannon, Education Consultant, Region 11 ESC, Ft. Worth, TX; Claire Heins, Programs Specialist, San Antonio Independent School District, San Antonio, TX; Dana Frankland, Education Consultant, Region 20 ESC; and Laura Hampton, TVI, Birdville, TX

Active Learning, based on the work of Dr. Lilli Nielsen, focuses upon the importance of play and the development of opportunities for students who have severe multiple disabilities to be active participants in their own learning rather than passive recipients. Utilizing Active Learning concepts and environmental designs provides these students with tools to engage in their environment. Two teams will discuss how they collaborated successfully to facilitate Active Learning to build self-determination in a classroom setting. We will explore the challenges of implementation and the myriad supports for school personnel and the student. Videos of student progress and other documentation create an awareness of the crucial value of the Active Learning approach to empower a student’s ability to be self-determined and inform participants about how to get the resources necessary to support implementation.

Apollo Health and Sexuality Panel - Let's Talk About Sex... in the 21st Century

Michael Clinkscales, Social Worker; Cristi Fleming, Health Teacher; Dori Senatori, EXIT Instructor; John Rose, Short-term Programs Teacher, Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Austin, TX

Finding an entry into this critical and private topic can be a challenge with students, families and administrators. Panelists will share their experiences in planning and providing lessons whether individually or in small groups for students of different ages and functioning levels. Presentation of the content is tailored to role of attendees.

Lone Star Using Yoga and Movement Activities to Increase Self-Determination Skills in Students with Visual Impairments

Kassandra Maloney, COMS, and Author of Yoga for Children with Visual and Multiple Impairments: Fun Movement Activities Inspired by Yoga, Austin, TX

Yoga and movement activities can have a profound effect on one's self-determination and self-efficacy abilities. In this session, you will discover how you can use fun activities like yoga and movement to increase your student's self-determination skills. Participants are encouraged to participate in the movement section of the class. Please come dressed in comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely.


10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Courtyard Break and Exhibits

10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Fourth Breakout Sessions

Grand Ballroom 1 Who Are My Child’s REAL Advocates?? Evaluating motives and skills of IEP team members and outside professionals – & your own!

Caroline Nelson, Attorney/Founder, MiddleWayLaw, Austin, TX

Are you sure you’re the most effective advocate possible for your child? Ever considered or brought an outside professional to an ARD/IEP meeting? Wondered about the motivations of school professionals? This session explores different advocacy styles, skills and perspectives, how to know when to use them and choosing or evaluating the impact -- good or bad -- your outside professionals are actually having.

Grand Ballroom 2 Self-Determination: Building Confidence in Our Babies / Starting Out the Right Way!

Elaine Robertson, Instructional Officer for Katy ISD; Irene Conlan, TVI, Katy ISD, and Carolyn Samson, TVI, Katy ISD, Katy, TX

Did you know you can start building self-determination starting at birth? Participants will learn strategies on how to start building self-determination by educating families of babies, birth to 3 years of age. Participants will also learn the importance of collaboration between family, teacher of students with visual impairments, orientation and mobility specialist, ECI agency and administration to ensure smooth transition from IDEA-C (ECI) to IDEA-B (school).


Perkie Cannon, Education Consultant, Region 11 ESC, Ft. Worth, TX; Claire Heins, Programs Specialist, San Antonio Independent School District, San Antonio, TX; Dana Frankland, Education Consultant, Region 20 ESC; and Laura Hampton, TVI, Birdville, TX

Active Learning, based on the work of Dr. Lilli Nielsen, focuses upon the importance of play and the development of opportunities for students who have severe multiple disabilities to be active participants in their own learning rather than passive recipients. Utilizing Active Learning concepts and environmental designs provides these students with tools to engage in their environment. Two teams will discuss how they collaborated successfully to facilitate Active Learning to build self-determination in a classroom setting. We will explore the challenges of implementation and the myriad supports for school personnel and the student. Videos of student progress and other documentation create an awareness of the crucial value of the Active Learning approach to empower a student’s ability to be self-determined and inform participants about how to get the resources necessary to support implementation.


Apollo Why O&M?

Sandy Baker Olphie, M.Ed., COMS, and Naia Subedar, B.S., HCL Contractor at USAA, San Antonio, TX

Sandy and Naia will share their O&M journey and experience from the perspectives of the instructor and the student. They will show a video they made of young adults using their O&M skills and discussing the impact of O&M instruction during elementary through high school upon their college lives. Naia will discuss how she has applied her O&M skills to everyday life now as a career woman. The audience will participate in discussing challenges and solutions in convincing stakeholders the value of O&M instruction to students' future lives.


Kassandra Maloney, COMS, and Author of Yoga for Children with Visual and Multiple Impairments, Austin, TX

Yoga and movement activities can have a profound effect on one's self-determination and self-efficacy abilities. In this session, you will discover how you can use fun activities like yoga and movement to increase your student's self-determination skills. Participants will be asked to participate in the movement section of the class. Please come dressed in comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely.

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Courtyard Check-out and visit Exhibits

Take time to check-out, load-up and visit the exhibitors before lunch.

12:30 p.m. Grand Ballrooms

Luncheon

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Grand Ballrooms

Building a Healthy Brain! The Foundation of Lifetime Health & Well-Being

Judy Lee Cameron, Ph.D., Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Dr. Cameron will provide an overview of how neural circuits in the brain a built over the course of development and how important experiences are in shaping brain architecture that helps children adapt to their environments and individual needs. She will cover the basics of brain development, adaptations to disabilities, the impact of life stresses and how to strengthen resilience to stress. She will utilize interactive educational materials to enhance traditional educational materials such as slides and videos.


Continuing Education Credits

This year’s Texas Focus has been approved by ACVREP and SBEC for continuing education credits. In order to receive these CEUs and get a certificate you MUST do the following things:

Step 1:

Sign the roster at the beginning of each day of the conference.

Step 2:

Get a code at the END of each session you attend and keep track of it in your session guide.

Step 3:

Complete the evaluation online within 60 days (or by April 29th) and submit the codes for each of the sessions you attend. You will receive an email with the link to the online evaluation within a week of the conference. IF YOU DO NOT receive the link within a week, please contact Brian Sobeck at [email protected].

Step 4:

After you complete the evaluation and enter the correct codes you can go to http://txtsbvi.escworks.net, sign into your account and click on “Registration History/Certificates” in the left-hand navigation to print out your certificate. If the hours are not correct, please contact Brian Sobeck at [email protected] .

mailto:[email protected]

http://txtsbvi.escworks.net/



Figure 1 Photo of the Administration Building at TSBVI.

TSBVI Outreach Program Honors Texas Fellows Recognizing VI Professionals in their Role as Recruiters

2019-2020

Texas Fellow Candidate

Shelly Sumner Emily DuPree

Kenny Johnson Alyson Bailey

Trina Heim Danielle Gonzalez

Marie Heidemann Lorraine Harriott-Jones

Alecia Self Donita Potts

Lannette Burlingame Lisa Castle

The Texas Fellows program acknowledges the individual recruiters (Texas Fellow) and welcomes the new VI professional (Candidate) to the field. You are eligible to be a Texas Fellow if you were a significant person in the candidate’s recruitment. To be eligible for the program during the 2019-2000 school year, candidates must have started their training after May 15, 2019.

Texas Fellows and Candidates receive the following recognitions:

• The names of the Texas Fellows and the candidates are published in the Texas SenseAbilities newsletter.

• Texas Fellows and the candidates receive special acknowledgement at all statewide TSBVI-sponsored activities.

AND

• One of TSBVI’s most popular publications OR

• Registration assistance for an upcoming TSBVI sponsored conference.

For more information about the Texas Fellow Program or working as a VI professional contact: Mary Shore at [email protected]; 512-206-9156.



Exhibitor Information

We thank the following exhibitors for their time and support of the 2020 Texas Focus Conference. Additionally, we appreciate their sponsorships and door prizes.

Ability2Access

Julie Akers

[email protected]

Allied instructional Services

Karen Vay Walker

[email protected]

Christal Vision

Ed Christal

[email protected]

Computers for the Blind

Christy Householter

[email protected]

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Jane Flower

[email protected]

Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Michael Goehring

[email protected]

HHSC Blind Children's Program

Gay Speake

[email protected]

HIMS Inc.

Jenn Gibble

[email protected]

HumanWare

Emmanuelle Caya

[email protected]

Irie-AT

Kayleen Gardner

[email protected]

The Lighthouse of Houston

Melissa Cannon-Smith

[email protected]

LVI America

Kimberly Cline

[email protected]

OrCam

Anat Nulman

[email protected]

Paths to Literacy

Charlotte Cushman

[email protected]

Thriving Blind book-signing

Kristin Smedley, Author

[email protected]

Travis Association for the Blind

Angelic Hall

[email protected]

TSBVI Publications

Debra Sewell

[email protected]

TSBVI Outreach Programs

Mary Shore – Personnel Preparation

[email protected]

Randall McAlister – APH Materials

[email protected]

Vispero

Pauline Damery

[email protected]






















Ready for support from a team that understands your profession?

Want a job where you are valued for your knowledge and expertise?

Are you passionate about and dedicated to your field?

Do flexible hours appeal to you?

Then AIS is the place for you!

Teachers for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Orientation and Mobility Specialists

BUILDING

BRIGHTER FUTURES

Please contact Karen Vay Walker at [email protected] for more information...

804-368-8475 | www.Alliedlnstructional.com

Figure 2 Allied Instructional Services (AIS) Ready for support from a team that understands your profession? Want a job where you are valued for your knowledge and expertise? Are you passionate about and dedicated to your field? Do flexible hours appeal to you? Then AIS is the place for you! We are currently recruiting for Teachers for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Orientation and Mobility Specialists. Building Brighter Futures. Please contact Karen Vay Walker at [email protected] for more information…804-368-8475 | www.AlliedInstructional.com

We Are Currently Recruiting For•••

Figure 2 AIS logo - Allied Instructional Services ™


http://www.alliedlnstructional.com/


http://www.alliedinstructional.com/


Figure 3 APH American Printing House, APH.org. Find your way. There is no greater satisfaction than doing something yourself. That’s why, at APH, we’re creating new products for children with low vision and blindness to live better lives. Looking for a way to strengthen orientation and mobility skills? APH’s Tactile Town and O&M Trivia on Google Home and Alexa are great tools to empower your child to find their way. Welcome everyone.


Figure 5 HumanWare ad: more than a simple digital magnifier Reveal 16i is intuitive, smart and unique. View documents and objects at distance, browse the internet or even video chat thanks to this all-in-one solution. Easy to fold, carry and store, the Reveal 16i is the ideal tool that adapts to your needs. Reveal your true potential. Reveal the World. HumanWare: see things. differently. Image of woman using Reveal 16i.

Figure 4 Image of a dog guide. Guiding Eyes for the Blind GuidingEyes.org. "She has instilled in me confidence unlike anything I have ever experienced and she continues to exceed my expectations." - 2019 Guiding Eyes Graduate. 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, 800-942-0149, [email protected]. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is proud to offer a variety of programs. Our students receive the training that best suits their needs, with support every step of the way: Residential Training, Home Training, Specialized Training, ACTION (Accelerated Client Training Option), Running Guides.



While our primary guide dog

programs serve adults, Guide

Dogs for the Blind also seeks

out ways to engage youth who

are blind or visually impaired

wherever possible. We have

several FREE programs that

provide youth and their families

an opportunity to explore the

guide dog lifestyle starting at a

young age.

K9 BUDDY PROGRAM: We believe that a dog can

make a remarkable difference in any child’s life by

fostering a sense of caring, companionship, and

responsibility through the human/animal bond. Our K9

Buddy Program matches specially selected dogs to

become wonderful pets and buddies to children and

young adults who are blind or visually impaired. A dog

can contribute to heightening of sensory development,

motivating a child to learn, and enhancing self-esteem.

CAMP GDB: Every year GDB invites youth ages 14-17

who are visually impaired to apply for our camp program.

Participants explore the companionship, independence,

and responsibility of having a guide dog.

FREE Guide Dog Lifestyle Workshops: Hands-on workshops

for youth interested in guide dog mobility.

To learn about these and other programs, please visit our website at

guidedogs.com, or call us at 800.295.4050.

Figure 6 Guide Dogs for the Blind logo. A photo of a young girl and her Guide Dog is shown at the top of the page.


Figure 7 HIMS Lifestyle Innovation. www.hims-inc.com, 888-520-4467, [email protected]. QBraille XL: The braille display you never knew you always wanted. Why you want the QBraille: easier & faster when training students; works with Windows, Mac, iOS, & Android; compatible with all popular Screen Readers. Why students want the QBraille: no need for laptop keyboard; connects to 6 devices with easy switching; full QWERTY benefits with Perkins efficiency.

Figure 8 Teacher and student use tactile symbols. Paths to Literacy for students who are blind or visually impaired. Perkins School for the Blind and Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired logos. Find strategies and resources for teachers and parents at PathsToLiteracy.org



Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired

www.tsbvi.edu/publications

Figure 9 Wildcat head.

Curricula & Resource Guides to assist the TVI, COMS, and families in assessment,

instruction, and adaptations in the Core Curriculum and

Expanded Core Curriculum areas.

Essential Tools of the Trade: A “How To” Guide for Completing Functional Vision, Learning Media and ECC Evaluations Essential Tools of The Trade is a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to assist Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) in performing legally mandated evaluations for students with visual impairments.

This publication will support TVIs and COMS in making informed and deliberate decisions, guiding instruction and identifying strategies for intervention. ETT includes a template for Functional Vision Evaluations, forms to complete the Learning Media Assessments and guidance for conducting ECC evaluations. This publication also comes with a flash drive that includes the template and many of the forms.

Texas 2 STEPS (Successfully Teaching Early Purposeful Skills)

Texas 2 STEPS is an early intervention orientation and mobility evaluation tool and a curriculum of supporting activities and routines. It is specifically designed to determine and address the orientation and mobility needs for students with visual impairments from birth through 5 years of age. Both the evaluation and curriculum are also appropriate for students who have additional disabilities and can be implemented in all settings including home, daycare, school and community.

A Paraeducator’s Handbook for Working with Students with Visual Impairments, 2nd Edition

This publication provides information regarding the paraeducator’s unique role in educational programming for students with visual impairments. Included are: Chapters addressing Social Interaction and Self-Determination Skills, Independent Living Skills, Orientation and Mobility Skills, Assistive Technology, other areas of the ECC, Adapting Learning Materials and Working with Students with Visual and Multiple Impairments, The paraeducator’s role in these areas of instruction, Suggestions for working with students, Resources for Adapted Materials and Equipment, and Print Resources

Figure 10 Essential Tools of the Trade cover.

Figure 11 Texas 2 STEPS cover

Figure 12 A Paraeducator's Handbook cover

http://www.tsbvi.edu/publications


Floor Plan for Hyatt Regency Hotel Houston Intercontinental

Sessions are held on the Banquet Level of the hotel, one floor downstairs from the Lobby. All general sessions take place in the Grand Ballroom. During breakout sessions, the Apollo and Lone Star rooms will also be used. They are located off the Courtyard area down adjoining hallways.

Figure 14 Lobby Level Floor Plan

Figure 13 Banquet Level Floor Plan

FLOOR PLAN

Lobby Level


Agenda-at-a-Glance

Use this form below as a quick and easy place to find the sessions you want to attend and the room where they are located.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Courtyard Conference Sign-in

11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Grand Ballrooms 3-4

Lunch-and-Learn for Families

1:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Grand Ballrooms 1-2



General Session

Music for Self-expression and Self-Advocacy

2:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Courtyard Break


General Session, continued

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Creating with Blind Abandon: Creating an Accessible Art Program for Visually Impaired Students

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Accessing the Arts: Teaching Self-Determination through Advocacy

Friday, February 28, 2020

7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Courtyard Registration

7:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Courtyard Exhibits

7:45 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Wildflower Family hospitality room open

9:00 a.m.-9:15 a.m. Grand Ballrooms


9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Grand Ballrooms

General Session

SEE Differently

10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Courtyard Break and Exhibits


10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Grand Ballrooms

General Session

Finding Wheels: Strategies to Build Independent Travel Skills for Those with Visually Impairments

12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch on Your Own

1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. First Breakout Sessions

Grand Ballroom 1 The Foundations of Self-Determination for Young Learners with Significant Disabilities (Part 1)

Grand Ballroom 2 Utilizing the Technology Tool Box to Complement Traditional O&M Skills

Grand Ballroom 3-4 Thriving Blind: A Parent's Secret Sauce to Guide Blind Children to Their Greatness

Apollo Disclosing a Can-Do List

Lone Star Self-Determination: Relationship-Based Programming from Theory to Practice

3:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Courtyard Break and Exhibits

3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Second Breakout Sessions

Grand Ballroom 1 The Foundations of Self-Determination for Young Learners with Significant Disabilities (Part 2)

Grand Ballroom 2 Interactive Activities to Strengthen Brain Pathways in the First Eight Years of Life

Grand Ballroom 3-4 My Reflection Matters

Apollo Health and Sexuality Panel - Let's Talk about Sex... in the 21st Century

Lone Star From Picasso to Einstein: Making Accessible Experiences

5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. After Hours Optional Activities

Sam Houston Family Social

Veranda App’y Hour


Saturday, February 29, 2020

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Courtyard Sign-in and Continental Breakfast

7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wildflower Family hospitality room open

7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Courtyard Exhibits

8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Third Breakout Sessions

Grand Ballroom 1 Interactive Educational Strategies to Enhance Stress Resilience in Children from 0 to 25 Years Old

Grand Ballroom 2 Writing and Implementing Self-Determination Goals: Give it a Try, Don't Just "Get By."


Apollo Health and Sexuality Panel - Let's Talk About Sex... in the 21st Century


10:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Courtyard Break and Exhibits

10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Fourth Breakout Sessions

Grand Ballroom 1 Who Are My Child’s REAL Advocates??

Grand Ballroom 2 Self-Determination: Building Confidence in Our Babies / Starting Out the Right Way!

Grand Ballroom 3-4 Facilitating Self-Determination Through Active Learning

Apollo Why O&M?


11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Courtyard Check-out and visit Exhibits

12:30 p.m. Grand Ballrooms Luncheon

1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. Grand Ballrooms Building a Healthy Brain! The Foundation of Lifetime Health & Well-Being


Notes


CEU Code Form

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Time Session Code CEU

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. General Session: Music for Self-expression and Self-Advocacy

1

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Creating with Blind Abandon: Creating an Accessible Art Program for Visually Impaired Students

1

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Accessing the Arts: Teaching Self-Determination through Advocacy

1

Maximum Total for Thursday 3

Friday, February 28, 2020

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. SEE Differently 1

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Finding Wheels: Strategies to Build Independent Travel Skills for Those with Visually Impairments

1.25

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. First Breakout Sessions 1.5

3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Second Breakout Sessions 1.5

Maximum Total for Friday 5.25

Saturday, February 29, 2020

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Third Breakout Sessions 1.5

10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Fourth Breakout Sessions 1.5

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Building A Healthy Brain! The Foundation of Lifetime Health & Well-Being

1.25

Maximum Total for Saturday 4.25

Don’t forget! You MUST complete your online evaluation within 60 days (by April 29, 2020) in order to receive

ACVREP and/or SBEC credit. If you do not receive an email with the evaluation link within 7 days, please

contact Brian Sobeck at [email protected] or Toni Ericson at [email protected].

Sign into your account at http://txtsbvi.escworks.net and go to Registration History/Certificates to download

your certificate after you complete the evaluation. If you attend all sessions including the pre-conference, you

will receive a total of 12.5 CEUs.



self-determination...a family hospitality room hosted by texas association for parents of children...

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