March 30-April 1, 2017 · 2019. 11. 19. · Aubrey Boyd Tipps Memorial Award 2017 – Laurie Adams 2016 – Juanita Baker 2015 – Laynette Phillips 2013 – Elizabeth El Aiady

March 30-April 1, 2017

Save the Date

2018 Conference

Fort Worth Marriott Hotel 3300 Championship Parkway

Fort Worth, TX 76177

Welcomes attendees of the TAER Annual Conference.We have provided special rates during your stay.

Event Dates: April 12-14, 2018Special Rate: $149.00/ night or current government rateBook By: March 28, 2018

Welcome to the 2017 TAER Conference The 2016-2017 TAER Board of Directors would like to welcome each of you to the 2017 conference, ECC: It’s A Game Changer. We are once again concentrating mostly on the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), with emphasis on Rec/Leisure and Independent Living Skills. With a total of over 50 sessions, our objective is to provide a variety of topics that should interest all professionals in the field of visual impairments, as well as the families of our students. A conference schedule is included in your program. Please be sure to visit the exhibit/vendor area to see the latest and greatest technology, instructional materials, and other special resources. The vendors will be set up in the Corpus Christi Ballroom A and foyer from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon. There will be multiple opportunities to visit all the exhibitors as breaks and breakfast will be located in the exhibit area. The silent auction will also be set up in the exhibit area. Please come support our efforts to raise money for scholarships and awards by bidding on these fabulous items. Thursday afternoon, during Session 2, there will be 7 breakouts offered. The seventh session, “Toes in the Sand with Rec” will be outdoors. Please meet at the hotel bus entrance in front of the Corpus Christi Bay View Room, first floor. The President’s Reception will be Thursday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. in the Corpus Christi Bay View Room on the first floor. This is an opportunity to socialize with friends and colleagues. There will be delicious appetizers and a cash bar. On Friday, start your day with an old TAER tradition, the Fun Run/ Walk. Meet friends and colleagues in the Omni lobby at 6:50 and proceed to the bayside for the official 7 AM start. Participants will have the choice to either run or walk along the bay and for those with a competitive spirit, winners will be recognized at the luncheon. After the Fun Run, get your breakfast in the vendor room and join us tin Ballroom B for “Breakfast with Lou and Joe.” Lou Tutt, AER Executive Director, and Joe Catavero, AER President, will talk with us about what’s going on in AER. Four different division/interest group meetings will also be held on Friday and ACVREP credit will be given. Please check TAER Divisions page for times and locations. Variety is the spice of life and this is no exception on Friday, during Session 4 from 10:45 AM to 12 PM. To accommodate preparation for the awards luncheon,

one session will meet at the bus entrance/ Corpus Christi Bay View Room on the first floor to go outdoors and another will be in the vendor room. For those who wish to learn in depth what the vendors are offering and receive ACVREP credit while doing so, be sure to check in at the vendor door this session. The Awards Luncheon will be Friday from 12:15 – 2:00 in Corpus Christi Ballrooms B and C. Please join us as we honor outstanding individuals in our field. We will be introducing a new award, the Patrick Van Geem Assistive Technology award, in memory of Pat Van Geem and are hoping his family will join us for this special event. On Saturday morning, please join us at the TAER Business Meeting while having a BYOT (Build Your Own Taco) breakfast. All attendees are welcome! Session 8 is our final session of the conference, and you might even discover that waiting has hidden benefits! Session and conference evaluations should be completed and turned in at the registration table at the end of the conference. When that is finalized, you will receive a certificate of attendance/completion. Thank you so much for attending the conference this year. We hope that this conference has been a game changer for each of you both personally and professionally. Marj ie Wood

Marjie Wood Conference Chair, Past President P.S. When you see the following people, please thank them for their contribution to the success of this conference: Shay Utley; Tracy Hallak; Shannon Darst; Gema Nelson; DJ Dean; Hillary Keys; Becky Browning; Kathi Garza; Brenda Lee; Debra Sewell and staff; Edwina Wilks; Kellee Costello, Julie Wilson; and, Sara Saenz and Omni Hotel staff.

2016-2017 Board Members

Marjie Wood – Conference Chair, Past President

Shay Utley – President

Tracy Hallak – President Elect

Gema Nelson – Secretary

Shannon Darst – Treasurer

DJ Dean – Member-At-Large

Hillary Keys – Member-At-Large

Becky Browning – Member-At-Large

Kathi Garza – Member-At-Large

www.txaer.orgClickcontactonmenubar

DropdowntoE-list

TAER Division

Administrative

Vocational Rehabilitation, Counseling & Employment

Multiple Disabilities and Deafblind –

Meeting – Session 3 – Laguna Madre

Psychosocial Services

Information Technology –

Meeting – Session 7 – Copano

Business Enterprises Program

Low Vision

Infant & Preschool

Orientation & Mobility –

Meeting – Session 7 – Laguna Madre

Education Curriculum

Rehabilitation Teaching

Division of Aging

Itinerant Personnel

Personnel Preparation

International Services and Global Issues

Physical Activity and Recreation

Braille and Adaptive Materials Interest Group –

Meeting – Session 7 – Matagorda

The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired is a 3,500-member group of professionals who provide education and rehabilitation services to people with visual impairments. AER provides Orientation & Mobility Specialists, Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Low Vision Therapists, and others with:

• Professional growth & development • Career advancement • Education enrichment • Networking through meetings & conferences • News & research information

Join or Renew Today at www.aerbvi.org

Mark Your Calendar July 19-22, 2017 – AER International Orientation & Mobility Conference & Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA USA

July 25-29, 2018 – AER International Conference 2018, Reno, NV USA

July, 2020 – AER International Conference 2020, St. Louis, MO USA

Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired 1703 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 440, Alexandria, VA 22311 USA (703) 671-4500 • www.aerbvi.org

TAER Award Recipients 2012 - 2017 Texas Chapter Award 2017 – AVIT 2016 – Chrissy Cowan2015 – Tom Westerman2014 – Representative Elliott Naishtat & Rudy Becerra 2013 – Dr. Kory Cummings 2012 – Senator Judith Zaffirini, Representative Rob Eissler Sammie K. Rankin Memorial Award (Outstanding Member) 2017 – Belinda Rudinger 2016 – Valerie Alvarez2014 – Martha Juliette “Julie” Glover 2013 – Olga Ellis 2012 – Brenda LeeAubrey Boyd Tipps Memorial Award 2017 – Laurie Adams 2016 – Juanita Baker2015 – Laynette Phillips2013 – Elizabeth El Aiady2012 – Bonnie Notargiacomo Julia L. Young Award 2017 – Sherry Airhart 2016 – Julie Prause2015 – Kara Chumbley2014 – Sharrie Lyon 2013 – Mellanie Myers 2012 – Hannah Holmes Natalie Barraga Award 2017 – Victoria ISD Vision Services Department 2016 – SFA Braille and Cane Club 2014 – Camp Abilities, Merkel Middle School Life Skills Class2013 – Mansfield ISD Vision Department2012 – Weimar Elementary School Educational Team, West Texas Cluster

TAER Award Recipients 2012 -2017

Virginia Bishop Award 2017 – 2015 – Donna Clopton2014 – Michelle Garrett 2013 – ESC 11 COMS (Susan Phillips, Shay Utley, Jill Brown, Gema

Nelson, Michelle Garrett, Tracy Hallak, Steffani Leuteneker)2012 – Al’an Kesler Phil Hatlen Award 2017 – Bill Daugherty 2016 – Michael Munro2015 – Debra Sewell2014 – Dr. KC Dignan 2013 – Ann Adkins2012 – Tricia Lee Outstanding Parent of the Year 2017 – Lee Sonnenberg 2016 – Veronica Alvarez2015 – Karen Whitty2013 – Mary Alexander 2012 – Tammy & Michael Durrett

Outstanding Student of the Year

2017 – Kofi Sarkodie 2016 – Rebecca Baumgarten2015 – Ivy Harris2014 – Patrick Doing2013 – Kaitlyn Kellermeyer 2012 – Janelle van Benthem

TAER Award Recipients 2012 -2017 Jim Durkel Para-Professional/Worker of the Year

2017 – 2016 – Patty Ashley2015 – Sue Mattson2014 – Sarah Spence2013 – Angela Schumacher 2012 – Joanne Dion, NLC Certified Braille Transcriber, Lewisville ISD O&M Bob Bryant / Bill Bryan Leadership Award

2017 – Chris Tabb 2016 – Jill Brown O&M Best Practices Award

2017 – Jill Richards2014 – Rebecca Kilian-Smith2013 – Bernsteen (Bernie) Smith2012 – Ruth Ann Marsh2011 – Diane Barnes Mike Shirley O&M Student Award 2017 – Jillian Daigle

Pat Van Geem AT Award

2017 – Sue Mattson

TAER Scholarship Award Recipients 2012 -2017 Student with a Visual Impairment Scholarship

2017 – Emily Eagle 2016 – Su Park2015 – Nicole Lyssy, Oya Karamehmetoglu 2014 – Jaxsen Day 2013 – Amber Lee Lester 2012 – Davion Jones, Pedro Steven Navarro, Jr Professional Preparation Scholarship

2017 – Laura Kiefer 2016 – Dori Senatori2015 – Heather Munro, Angela Pozzuoli2014 – Abagail Blackwell2013 – Tara Mason 2012 – Shannon Darst

EXHIBITORSTAER wishes to thank the following exhibitors for participating in this year’s conference. We hope that you will take time during the conference to stop and visit each exhibitor. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the latest and greatest in our field! Shay Utley, Exhibits Committee Chair for 2017Alyssa’s Beads for Life20163 Westlake PkwyGeorgetown, TX [email protected] American Printing House for the Blind (provided artwork for bags)1839 Frankfort AvenueLouisville, KY 40206-00851-800-223-1839www.aph.org Bookshare/Benetech480 S. California Avenue, Suite 201Palo Alto, CA 94306-16091-409-679-0680 www.bookshare.org www.benetech.org

Christal Vision106 Evans Oak Ln.San Antonio, TX 782601-800-299-0700 FAX: 1-210-662-7559www.christal-vision.com

Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center4800 N. Lamar Blvd.Austin, Texas 787561-800-628-5115 FAX: (512) [email protected] http://www.twc.state.tx.us/jobseekers/criss-cole-rehabilitation-center

EXHIBITORS

Eschenbach Optik 22 Shelter Rock LaneDanbury, CT 068101-800-487-5389 FAX: 1-(888) 799-7200www.eschenbach.com Guiding Eyes for the Blind611 Granite Springs Rd.Yorktown Heights, NY 105981-914-245-4024 FAX: 1-914-245-1609 www.guidingeyes.org

HIMS, Inc. 4616 Howard Lane, Suite 960Austin, TX 787281-888-520-4467 FAX: 1-512-837-2011www.hims-inc.com HumanWare 1UPS WayChamplain, NY 129191-800-722-3393 FAX: 1-888-871-4828www.humanware.com Stephen F. Austin State University (Donated Water)Nacogdoches, TX www.sfasu.edu

EXHIBITORS Texas Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (TAPVI)3315 San Mateo Dr.Austin, TX [email protected] Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired1100 West 45th StreetAustin, TX 787571-512-206-9383 FAX: 1-512-206-9244www.tsbvi.edu VFO: Freedom Scientific; Ai Squared; and, Optelec brands11800 31st Court NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 337161-800-444-4443 Ext. 1122 M 469-360-1143 FAX: 1-727-803-8001 [email protected] ViewPlus Technologies, Inc.1965 SW Airport Ave.Corvallis, OR 973331-503-706-6566www.viewplus.com Vision Associates 3505 Broad St McHenry, IL 60050 P. (815) 355-6804 F. (815) 363-7919 [email protected] www.Visionkits.com

WHERE AM I GOING? To keep track of which sessions you want to attend.

Session Time Title Room

1 2:45 – 4:00

2 4:15 – 5:30

3 9:00 – 10:15

4 10:45 – 12:00

5 2:15 – 3:30

6 3:45 – 5:00

7 5:00 – 6:15

8 9:15 – 10:30

AgendaataGlance

Thursday, March 30, 2017 8:00 - 4:00 Registration 9:00 - 11:00 Pre-conference: Self-Determination and

Independent Living Activities 9:30 - 11:30 Pre/Early Conferences Session

11:30 - 1:00 Lunch on your own 1:00 - 5:00 Exhibits open 1:00 - 2:00 Welcome and Keynote Address 2:00 - 2:30 Board Nominations & Announcements 2:45 - 4:00 Session 1 4:00 - 4:15 Break 4:15 - 5:30 Session 2 6:00 - 8:00 President’s Reception

Friday, March 31, 2017

7:00 - 7:30 Fun Run/ Walk 7:30 - 4:30 Registration 8:00 - 4:00 Exhibits Open 8:00 - 9:00 Plated Breakfast- “Breakfast with Lou & Joe” 9:00 - 10:15 Session 3

10:15 - 10:45 Exhibit Visiting Time/Break 10:45 - 12:00 Session 4 12:15 - 2:00 Luncheon and Awards

2:15 - 3:30 Session 5 3:30 - 3:45 Break 3:45 - 5:00 Session 6 5:00 - 6:15 Session 7 6:30 - 7:30 TAPVI Social

Saturday, April 1, 2017

7:30 - 8:30 Registration 8:00 - 9:00 TAER Business Meeting and

“Build Your Own Taco” Breakfast 9:15 - 10:30 Session 8

Thursday, March 30, 2017 Early Conference 9:00-11:00

Strand Room Title and Description Presenter(s)

ECC – ILS

Ballroom B

Learning that My Reflection Matters

Valerie Alvarez

An interactive session that will include ideas and techniques in helping students and young adults who are visually impaired/blind learn skills and tips for applying makeup, hygiene for both males and females, how to establish personal and professional relationships and general self-advocacy skills.

ECC –Self-Deter-mination

Ballroom C

Making Switches Accessible-A Make It and Take It

Jill Brown & Michelle Johnson

Participants in this session will discuss the purpose of cause and effect learning using switches to access battery operated toys. Then, using everyday available materials, participants will be able to make a battery interrupter and pressure switch. This will allow a single switch battery operated toy to be accessible for those children who are not able to independently activate toys. Follow up group discussion to investigate for various sites and activities to incorporate switch learning.


ECC –Rec-Leisure

Laguna Madre

Loom Knitting for Leisure or Work? Neva Fairchild

*9:30–11:30This hands-on session will teach the basic stitches used in loom knitting, demonstrate casting on and off, and share resources for learning the craft through other blind loom knitters. Samples of loom knitted items will be shown. Necessary organizational skills and the social benefits of crafting will also be discussed. Sign up at Registration Table.

Thursday, March 30, 2017 Keynote Address 1:00 – 2:00


TAER 2017 Keynote Address

Corpus Christi

BallroomB & C

Blind Ambition: Life Story of Discovering a Pediatric Brain Tumor At the Age of 5 to then

Become a Paralympian

Patricia Walsh

Patricia Walsh was hospitalized in 1986 for the removal of a pediatric brain tumor that was the cause of her vision loss. She was ill as a result of the tumor for most of her young life. Patricia then lost the remaining partial vision at the age of 14 due to complications of the previous surgery that were not correctable. She later became a successful engineer, athlete, and avid volunteer. Patricia believes her willingness to take on challenges at the risk of failure is what enabled her to overcome the trauma of losing her sight.

Key Takeaways:

- Next level leadership; seeing strengths in others - Practice self-awareness - Move forward with a growth mindset.

Thursday, March 30, 2017 Session 1 2:45 – 4:00


ECC – Career Ed. Aransas

Customized Employment- We Can Do It!

Lynne McAlister &

Eva Thompson-

Lavigne

This session will share the customized employment process and show examples of how customized employment strategies have led to successful employment for students who traditionally may not have found it. This session will include video and pictures of students in all phases of the customized process as well as parent perspective. Learn more about how customized employment can work for you!

ECC – ILS

Laguna Madre

The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of Its’ Parts: Integrating Family System Models in the Provision of Educational and Counseling Services for Students Who are Blind and Visually Impaired (Part 1 of 2)

Janice Moran

This presentation offers professionals a holistic and systemic approach to service provision for students who are blind and visually impaired. We will explore how to further integrate family systems in such a way that students’ independence and individuality are not compromised, but become more enhanced.

ECC – Braille &TG Matagorda

Braille and Tactile Graphics- Part I Sue Mattson

Translating math worksheets into the Nemeth code within a UEB context is addressed in this hands-on two-part session. Both sessions will use the latest versions of software. The first session will focus on braille formatting of mathematics and the second will focus on tactile graphic production.MUST ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS (Part 1 of 2)



ECC – Assistive

TechnologyCopano

Bookshare: A Free & Easy Solution for Students with

Reading Barriers

Jeanie Bell

This presentation will highlight Bookshare while showing various technology tools that provide access. Bookshare is a free resource for students and can be accessed through computers, iPads/iPods, Android Devices, Braille Devices, etc. Students with visual impairments can have access to over 500,000 books including texts, literary works, books for pleasure, and other resources.

ECC –O&M

BallroomB O&M For Older Adults

Dr. Nora Griffin-Shirley

& Anita Page

An interactive presentation where 30 participants simulate visual impairment and the aging condition. Challenges and instructional strategies for teaching O&M to older adults with visual impairments will be discussed.

ECC – Rec Leisure

MIVIO&M

BallroomC

Leisure & Recreation Ideas for MIVI and Deafblind

Hillary Keys &

Shelby Walker

This interactive session will include sharing of ideas for Recreation and Leisure activities for MIVI/DB population. Pictures from and information about past ECC related events for MIVI/DB hosted by Region 10 ESC's ECC Planning Committee will be a jumping off point for interactive ways they might be scaled down for home/classroom. The audience is also encouraged to share ideas/activities that have worked for them. If time allows, we also will discuss resources that may be available in your own area and how to access them.


ECC – Braille

Aransas

APB: Aidan’s Path to Braille (or an Alternative Path

to Braille)

Ann Adkins & Sherry Airhart

Join us for an exciting session that will encourage you to “think outside the box” and explore new ways to provide braille and pre-braille instruction to students. TVI Sherry Airhart will share her innovative materials and strategies that have helped Aidan learn many of the literacy skills he will need on his “path to braille”. You will be energized and amazed at how a non-traditional approach to instruction can make all the difference in a child’s life.

ECC –ILS

LagunaMadre

The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of Its’ Parts: Integrating Family System Models in The Provision of Educational and

Counseling Services for Students Who Are Blind

and Visually Impaired Part 2 of 2

Janice Moran

This presentation offers professionals a holistic and systemic approach to service provision for students who are blind and visually impaired. We will explore how to further integrate family systems in such a way that students’ independence and individuality are not compromised, but become more enhanced.

ECC – Braille & TG Matagorda

Braille and Tactile Graphics- Part 2

Sue Mattson

Translating math worksheets into the Nemeth code within a UEB context is addressed in this hands-on two-part session. Both sessions will use the latest versions of software. The first session will focus on braille formatting of mathematics and the second will focus on tactile graphic production. MUST ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS (Part 2 of 2)


Strand Room Title and Description Presenter(s)ECC –

Rec/Leisure

Bus Entrance Toes in the Sand with Rec

Heather Munro & DJ Dean

This session will be hands-on fun with beach related rec activities, such as beach volleyball, Frisbee golf, building sand castles, etc. We will cover steps from teaching the game to your students through playing the game. Participants will use occluders/blindfolds during portions of this session.

ECC – AT

Copano Using Braille and Speech to Access Google Classroom

Peter Tucic

Google Classroom is used widely by schools as a platform to create, distribute and grade assignments. Access to Classroom with braille has been limited thus far. This presentation will highlight how students can use braille and the BrailleNote Touch to complete math and language arts assignments within Google Classroom.

ECC – O&M

Ballroom B

Practice Session Using the VISSIT to Determine

Service Intensity

Dr. Rona Pogrund & Dr. Shannon Darst

The Visual Impairment Scale of Service Intensity (VISSIT) is a tool developed to help TVIs determine the appropriate type and amount of service for a student with a visual impairment based on needs identified in the evaluation. Attendees will have hands-on experience in completing a VISSIT on a case-study student.

ECC – Compenatory

Ballroom C Writing Tasks: Tools and Tips

Neva Fairchild

This hands-on session will allow participants to explore a wide variety of writing options for different levels of vision and age groups. From braille to tablets and bold line pens to iOS, you will be able to explore the world of writing from a different perspective and take away samples.

Friday, March 31, 2017 Session 3 9:00 – 10:15


ECC – Compensatory

Aransas Reading Options for Students with Visual Impairments Renee Toy

Come learn about the vast array of reading options now available for large print, audio and braille. Organizations such as Bookshare, Texas Talking Book Program, BARD, and Learning Ally will be covered as well as hands on opportunities to explore the variety of assistive technologies that work with these services.

ECC –MIVI

Laguna Madre

Issues and Solutions in Serving Students with Multiple

Impairments

Kate Moss Hurst & Hillary

Keys

There are many issues for the VI professional associated with serving students with visual impairment and multiple disabilities including deafblindness. This highly interactive session will focus on identifying these issues and exploring potential solutions. If you are interested in ways to improve services for these individuals, please join us for this session. If you belong to Division 3 you don't want to miss it.

ECC –Rec /

LeisureMatagorda

Visual Art for the

Visually Impaired Scott

Baltisberger

Blind and visually impaired students are often discouraged or excluded from participating in fine arts classes. This session will provide information and discussion regarding benefits of and barriers to more full and meaningful inclusion as well as possible ways to address these issues.



ECC – AT Copano

The New Paradigm in Notetakers: The Playing Field has Never

Been This Accessible!

Damian Pickering

We have bridged the gap between blindness-specific and mainstream programs in a single device. This notetaker capitalizes on the strength of the Polaris Office suite of programs used by millions of people worldwide on their Android tablets while maintaining unprecedented access to blindness-specific features such as Nemeth and UEB math entry.

ECC –O&M

BallroomB

Autonomous Vehicles: They're Coming!

Implications for Safety, Ethics, Policy and Pedestrians

with Visual ImpairmentsPart 1 of 2

JoAnneChalom

Technology and features of autonomous vehicles (AV), intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and connected vehicles (CV) become more mainstream many issues arise, especially for individuals with visual impairments. How will all three components impact strategies pedestrians who are blind? The answers are being contemplated, but the discussion must start before all parts are fully engaged.

ECC – ILS

BallroomC

Extreme Home Makeover: VI Edition

Cindy Bachofer & Kathi Garza

Every student dreams of what “my place will look like when I’m on my own,” This presentation will cover general principles for setting up a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space. The focus includes adaptations for low vision as well as strategies for managing typical tasks within the home.



ECC – Braille/

CompensatoryAransas

Reinforcing Math Concepts While Teaching Nemeth Code to

Students in Grades PK-3

Tina Herzberg & Susan

Osterhaus

Come and join us to learn fun and easy ways to use games, manipulatives, and free materials to reinforce math concepts while teaching Nemeth Code to students in grades PK-3.

ECC –MIVI

EI Laguna Madre

Serving Infants and Toddlers with Deafblindness

And Multiple Impairments

Dr. Holly Cooper &

Sara Kitchen

In this session, we will share strategies for intervention in a home setting to address the needs of infants and toddlers with deafblindness or visual impairment with additional disabilities. Suggested frequency and duration of home visits, topics to address with caregivers, and direct intervention with babies and infants will be discussed.

ECC – Sensory Matagorda What’s New From APH Sue Enoch

New materials available within the last year from the American Printing House for the Blind will be shown and demonstrated so participants can have some hands-on familiarity with them. An attempt will be made to have teachers who are currently using or field-testing these materials to share their evaluation.

ECC – Rec/Leisure

Bus Entrance

Adapted Sports for Visually Impaired

Joe Paschall, Christine

Seljenes &Dr. Carlos Cervantes

Join us to learn how we have made adaptations for 4 sports that include the blind and visually impaired: tennis; aquatics and competitive swimming; beep kickball; and golf. Resources, demonstration of games, and equipment usage will be presented.



ECC –Compensatory Copano

NOAH SchoolKit: A Resource for Educators and Families

of Students with Albinism

Kathi Garza & Chrissy Cowan

The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) has a website dedicated to providing rich information and resources for students, families, and educators affected by albinism. The SchoolKit is a new tool divided into sections that include documents parents and educators can use as a springboard to collaborate on visual needs within the home, school, and community.

ECC – O&M Ballroom B

Autonomous Vehicles: They're Coming!

Implications for Safety, Ethics, Policy and

Pedestrians with Visual Impairments

Part 2 of 2

JoAnneChalom

Technology and features of autonomous vehicles (AV), intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and connected vehicles (CV) become more mainstream many issues arise, especially for individuals with visual impairments. How will all three components impact strategies pedestrians who are blind? The answers are being contemplated, but the discussion must start before all parts are fully engaged. This Session will be from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

ECC – Activities

Ballroom AVendor Room

Helping Parents & Professionals Navigate

the Newest Technologies, Services and Programs

Vendors

Participants will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about new and cutting edge innovative devices and programs from various vendors in small group settings.



ECC – AT/O&M Aransas

Uncovering the Hidden Population in Low Vision: A 5-Year Look at a

Student-Parent Program on Driving with Low Vision and

It’s Multiple Benefits

Cindy Bachofer

Driving is a teenager’s dream and having low vision may get in the way of that dream. TSBVI developed a student-parent program focusing on this topic and discovered unexpected benefits in bringing this population together. The presenter gives an overview of the program model, participant feedback, and range of benefits.

ECC – ILS

LagunaMadre

L.I.F.E. (Living Independently in a Functional Environment)

Edwina Wilks, Kellee Costello & Julie Wilson

L. I. F. E. is a new, non-profit organization focused on addressing the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) needs of the children with a visual impairment in East Texas. We will share our process of becoming a non profit in Texas, past and future L. I. F. E. events, and how we plan to address the ECC needs in a rural setting.

ECC –Compensatory Matagorda

Supporting Tactile Learning and Nemeth Code in Math

Jeri Cleveland,

Debra Sewell,Susan

Osterhaus & Janet Bean

Do you support a tactile learner in math? Centered around the new publication, Nemeth At A Glance, presenters will address needs in early math development, essential evaluations, collaboration, the Nemeth rule for modified expressions, comparisons signs and spatial arrangements. In addition, participants will be guided through interlining practice of Nemeth within UEB. MUST ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS (Part 1 of 2)



ECC –AT Copano

Using Zoomtext 11 and JAWS 18 Effectively Together

What Is New at VFO!Kimberly

Cline

Come learn about the effectiveness of using Zoomtext 11 and JAWS 18 together. . This session will also discuss what’s new at VFO as well as the merger of Freedom Scientific, Optelec and Ai Squared and the power of these three companies working together as one!

ECC – Self-

Determination

Ballroom B

Fun Ways To Teach

ECC ConceptsKathie Preece

Finding time to teach Expanded Core Curriculum Skills to students of all ages and abilities can be daunting. However, there are many ways to use one lesson to teach academic skills, life skills and ECC skills. All ages and abilities can use these activities that are simple to plan for, require few materials and are engaging and fun for students and instructors.

ECC –Compensatory

Ballroom C

Using an Active Learning Approach with Learners with Significant Challenges

Charlotte Cushman & Kate Hurst

Find out what Active Learning is all about! This approach, which was created by Dr. Lilli Nielsen, is designed to support learners with the most significant multiple disabilities to actively engage in the world around them. Learn how to select materials and equipment, and explore the Active Learning Space website.



ECC – MIVI Aransas CHARGE Syndrome…Our Son, His StoryAmandaBowdoin

Amanda Bowdoin who is a Visually Impaired Teacher is also a mother of JD who has CHARGE Syndrome. You will learn about what is CHARGE and how it impacts parents and siblings. She will also talk about the Medical side that plays a part and the Education. The last 20 minutes her daughter, Olivia who is JD twin will be speaking about how she communicates to JD and how having a brother with CHARGE has helped her and educate others.

ECC –Braille/AT/

CompensatoryLaguna Madre

How Refreshable Braille Display Affects Computer Skills

Sharon Nichols

Will a refreshable braille display help my student? This session will demonstrate how refreshable braille displays allow students tactile reinforcement to complement aural skills. Braille displays paired with a screen reading program build tactile reading literacy!

ECC –Compensatory Matagorda

Supporting Tactile Learning and Nemeth Code in Math

Part 2

Jeri Cleveland,

Debra Sewell, Susan

Osterhaus & Janet Bean

Do you support a tactile learner in math? Centered around the new publication, Nemeth At A Glance, presenters will address needs in early math development, essential evaluations, collaboration, the Nemeth rule for modified expressions, comparisons signs and spatial arrangements. Also, participants will be guided through interlining practice of Nemeth within UEB. MUST ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS (Part 2 of 2)



ECC – Sensory

Efficiency/Low

Vision

CopanoTeacher Preparation in Assistive Technology

CompetenciesDr. Beth Jones & Belinda Rudinger

Lack of training in assistive technology for teachers has been cited as a primary obstacle in the successful use of AT by students with disabilities. This presentation will review a research study conducted at the AT Lab at Texas A&M University at Commerce with pre-service teachers regarding AT competencies.

ECC – Transition

Ballroom B

TSBVI Transition Programming: An Overview of the

EXIT and Post Secondary Program (PSP)

and the Ways that TSBVI Helps Prepare Students for a Sustainable Adult Life

Tad Doezema, Maribeth Betton

Linda Locke, & Tyler

Thompson

TSBVI Assistant Principal and Transition Coordinator will detail efforts to more effectively prepare students (age 14+) for adult life. These efforts include increased collaboration with all stakeholders in the Transition planning process. PSP Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator will provide an overview of current PSP Programming and Transition Planning practices.

ECC – Rec/Leisure

Ballroom C

How Paths to Literacy Helps You Support ECC Instruction

Andrew Bernet

Many people have heard about beep baseball. Most people however don’t realize how the game has grown up just like our students do with time. This presentation will illustrate the new face of beep baseball, how it can be used to incorporate all areas of the ECC, and practice strategies.



ECC –Compensatory

Matagorda Braille and Adapted Materials Interest Group Meeting

Sue Mattson

Looking for an exciting opportunity to be a part of the beginnings of a new Division? If you create or use braille, tactile graphics, large print, DAISY files, and/or 3D printed materials then please come to this meeting and help us begin to lay the foundation for a new AER Division. We will discuss the general purpose of AER Divisions and how this group can achieve those goals through training, research, sharing information, promoting best practices, and collaboration with other Divisions within AER.

ECC – O&M

LagunaMadre

O&M Division Meeting

Heather Munro

O&M business meeting. Attendees are eligible to receive ACVREP credit for this session.

ECC – AT Copano

IT Division Meeting

Belinda Lane

What’s so great about the Apple Watch anyway? Join us to learn about exciting new technology and upcoming division activities. Come get involved to share knowledge and promote the application of assistive technology at work and school.

Saturday, April 1, 2017 Session 8 9:15 – 10:30


ECC –Compensatory

Aransas Collaboration: It’s a Game Changer!

ElizabethEagan

With the abolishment of DARS, how do you maintain successful relationship with HHSC, TWS, and school districts? From referral to services, how you can work together to meet the needs of the student.

ECC – Compensatory

Ballroom B

What’s New in Short-TermPrograms

Sara Merritt

Texas School for the Blind’s (TSBVI) Short-Term Programs department is offering new and exciting opportunities for students to receive the individualized instruction they need in academics and in the ECC. Through online learning and individualized instruction classes, teachers are serving students and collaborating with TVIs in a whole new way.

ECC – AT/O&M

Ballroom C

How Technology Can Enhance Spatial Cognition

Chris Tabb

What can be done to prevent challenges with spatial cognition? Are there tools that can be used to facilitate greater awareness of one's current travel environment? We will connect resources that are presently available as well as technologies that are just on the cusp of development.

Saturday, April 1, 2017 Session 8 9:15 – 10:30

Strand

Room

Title and Description

Presenter(s)

ECC –Career/

TransitionCopano

Connecting Low-Vision Students to Classroom

Coursework with Prodigi/Connect 12

Jim Sullivan

Connecting to course content, classroom activities and learning management tools is essential in enabling low-vision student to compete with their sighted peers. This session will explore various ways Prodigi Connect 12 empowers low-vision students to complete reading assignments, access cloud- based materials, make classroom observations and submit written assignments.

ECC – O&M Nueces A

By Popular Demand… Student Panelists Return!

Heather Munro, Michael Munro,

Trenton Rowland, Abby Blackwell &

Jillian Daigle

A trio of veteran panel members—college students with visual impairments reveal their latest developments, struggles, and achievements. These young adults (all of whom are now O&M majors; one going for dual-certification TVI) are eager to share their stories, and look forward to a lively “Q & A” with audience members. Come and explore how we can utilize this post-transition feedback to best meet the present and future needs of our students.

ECC – Compensa-

tory Nueces B

FVE/LMA Experience for the New TVI: A Sensible

Approach for Our PTVIN(Precious TVI Newbies)

to the FVE/LMA

Debbie “Cricket” Cady

Are you a fairly new TVI? How do you feel about doing all of those FVE/LMAs that are in your future? Do you Find yourself Viewing the Encounter as Less than a time of Merriment and something you'd like to Avoid? Well, come take a journey with "Cricket" and let's explore some Fun and Valuable ways to Explore how you can leave those adverse thoughts behind, so that you Might be able to end up feeling Accomplished, instead! If you have your own personal "FVE/LMA Kit,” bring it along!

Documents

March 30-April 1, 2017 · 2019. 11. 19. · Aubrey Boyd Tipps Memorial Award 2017 – Laurie Adams 2016 – Juanita Baker 2015 – Laynette Phillips 2013 – Elizabeth El Aiady