The Listening and Learning about Early Learning Tour ends.
The U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Health and Human Services (HHS) have completed their Listening and Learning about Early Learning Tour, which involved meetings held this spring in four cities: Washington D.C., Denver, Orlando, and Chicago. Presentation materials from the expert presenters at each of the four meetings, written input, and blog entries are now available online from the tour, at:
http://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/earlylearning/tour.html
Understanding and addressing early childhood trauma.
Combining knowledge of child development, expertise in the full range of child traumatic experiences, and attention to cultural perspectives, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) serves as a national resource for developing and disseminating evidence-based interventions, trauma-informed services, and public and professional education.
http://www.nctsnet.org
Meeting the mental health needs of poor and vulnerable children in early care and education programs.
Policy makers and early childhood experts are focusing on implementing and evaluating a range of interventions designed to improve school readiness for young children living in poverty. This article provides an overview of the various factors that threaten optimal development of young children living in poverty and that place them at risk for emotional and behavioral problems. The article then addresses the challenges to meeting the needs of these children and their families in early care and education settings.
http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v12n1/azzi.html
Early intervention for children supports healthy development and improves family life.
According to a new report released by SAMHSA, behavioral and emotional problems decreased among nearly one-third (31%) of young children with mental health challenges within the first 6 months after entering services through systems of care program. The report, Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Young Children and Their Families, describes the academic, social, and emotional performance outcomes of children ages 8 and younger receiving services in systems of care. http://www.samhsa.gov/children/docs/MH_Needs_Children_Families.pdf
Reading the intentionality of young children.
Through six video clips and accompanying commentary, this article describes how, by carefully observing how very young children play, adults can gain insight into their high-level thinking and their knowledge, as well as the implications that their strategies hold for their assumptions, theories, and expectations. Adults can then become more protective of children's time during play, more skillful in making a parallel entry into their world, and more effective in helping them extend or reconsider their assumptions about how the social and physical world works. http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v12n1/forman.html
The State of Preschool 2009: 7th annual yearbook released.
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) has released its 7th annual State Preschool Yearbook profiling state-funded prekindergarten programs in the U.S.
http://nieer.org/yearbook/
Introductory materials on the new Home Visiting Program.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Administration on Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released introductory materials related to the new Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, which was created as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act earlier this year. To learn more, go to:
http://www.nectac.org/~docs/enotes/home_visiting.doc
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
May 13 News in the field...
Assistive Technology for Teachers of Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: An Opportunity for Hands-On Training, Monday July 12 – Thursday July 15, 2010 at Dominican College. This workshop will provide an overview of assistive technology for students K-12 who are blind or visually impaired, and will include ‘hands-on’ experience with braille, print, and speech technologies. The workshop is designed for students enrolled in Dominican College’s program for Teachers of Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, and is open to others in the community, for credit (1 graduate credit) or for personal and professional development. See attached for more information and registration form.
2) AFB Announces New Webcast on College Preparation – earn CEUs!
The American Foundation for the Blind's CareerConnect program and AT&T are pleased to present two new, free online seminars that provide a great opportunity to receive continuing education units that are approved by ACVREP or CRCC .
You may watch one or two webcasts and complete a short evaluation. Everything can be accessed through your work or home computers. The two 90-minute sessions will be available through AFB CareerConnect.
Session 1: What's Next...Postsecondary Training Preparation for Students with Visual Impairments will be released on June 15, 2010.
Session 2: Technology and Visual Impairment in Higher Education will be released on June 16, 2010.
The sessions will be available in video or as audio-only, which will be beneficial for people with slower Internet connections. Special bonus: register today for the opportunity to win an AFB Press book!
American Foundation for the Blind
AFB Career Connect presents two NEW free online seminars for professionals working with children and adults with visual impairments.
Session 1: What's Next... Postsecondary Training Preparation for Students with Visual Impairments.
Release Date: June 15, 2010. Length: 90-minutes.
Dr. Karen Wolffe, Career Counseling & Consultation, will discuss the available resources and critical skills that young adults with visual impairments need to acquire before graduation from high school to be successful in postsecondary training programs. A panel of young adults (and service providers) will join her for a discussion of self advocacy techniques.
Session 2: Technology and Visual Impairment in Higher Education
Release Date: June 16, 2010. Length: 90 minutes
Ike Presley, Project Manager, Professional Development, will discuss current trends in technology and implications for both high school and postsecondary training. Tips for the transition into postsecondary education will highlight technological solutions for everything from lectures to labs. Current students will join Ike to share their personal experiences and advice.
Both seminars will be available live on your computer. For more information, and to register for one or both webcasts today, visit www.afb.org/careerconnect/webcasts, or contact 1-800-232-5463 or careerconnect@afb.net.
Joe Strechay, CareerConnect Project Associate, American Foundation for the Blind
1000 Fifth Avenue, Suite 350, Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304-710-3029. Fax: 646-478-9260. e-mail: jstrechay@afb.net. Website: www.afb.org
CareerConnect Website: www.afb.org/cc
3) The May issue of AccessWorld is now available on AFB’s website.
This issue features:
· Editor's Page
· Can Android Make Your Mobile Phone Accessible? by Darren Burton—A look at Android's accessibility features
· A Review of Oratio: A Screen Reader for Blackberry, by Darren Burton—We review the Oratio screen reader for Blackberry cell phones/PDAs
· A Product for Taking the Blues Out of Your Green, by Deborah Kendrick—A new currency reader is now available
· Lighting Up Your World: A Closer Look at Illuminated Magnifiers, Part 2, by Morgan Blubaugh, Lee Huffman, and William Reuschel—A review of standing and handheld magnifiers from two manufacturers
· 24 Hours with the iPad, by Bradley Hodges—My first impressions of Apple's new iPad
· CSUN 2010 Highlights, by Bradley Hodges—A look at what happened at this year's CSUN conference
· Facebook Chat, by Marc Grossman—A guide to using Facebook's chat feature
· Home Appliance Update, by Bradley Hodges—A look at the latest in accessibility features for home appliances
· U.S. Access Board Meets to Begin Section 508 Revisions, by Bradley Hodges—An update on Section 508 deliberations
· AccessWorld News
AccessWorld® is the American Foundation for the Blind's technology magazine.
Be sure to sign up on the AccessWorld home page to receive AccessWorld Alerts, the e-mail announcement letting you know when new issues of AccessWorld are posted.
4) WinZoom USB is truly portable and will run on any Windows compatible computer with no software installation required. Simply plug WinZoom USB in and the autoplay function will launch the application immediately and let you use it without having to download any software or drivers. There is no administrative privileges required which is key when using a public computer, such as ones at a hotel, library, school or even at a friends house. When you are done, just unplug WinZoom and there is no trace left on the computer. Only $399!
Other Features
- XP, Vista and Windows 7 compatible (including 64 bit)
- 100% portable (USB Version) w Magnifier and Reader for one low price
- Provides magnification between 1.5x-36x
- Font smoothing for clear text w Zoom scroll bars
- Reduces glare
For additional information or a FREE TRIAL, go to www.getwinzoom.com or call (800) 575-1456 x204 or Email: ivu@clarityusa.com
5) A New Understanding of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Although ADD/ADHD has been recognized for over 100 years, it has usually been seen as essentially a behavior problem. Yet many with ADD/ADHD suffer not from behavior problems so much as from chronic problems with focusing their attention, organizing their work, sustaining their effort, and utilizing short-term memory. It's time for a new understanding of Attention Deficit Disorder! This website offers a new perspective on this disorder, one based on current clinical and neuroscience research. It presents a model of ADD/ADHD as essentially a problem with executive functions, the management system of the brain. It describes how a child or adult with ADD/ADHD can focus very well on a few activities that intensely interest them, yet be unable to focus adequately on most other tasks of daily life. It explains how ADD/ADHD often looks like a weakness in willpower, but isn't. http://www.drthomasebrown.com/index.html
2) AFB Announces New Webcast on College Preparation – earn CEUs!
The American Foundation for the Blind's CareerConnect program and AT&T are pleased to present two new, free online seminars that provide a great opportunity to receive continuing education units that are approved by ACVREP or CRCC .
You may watch one or two webcasts and complete a short evaluation. Everything can be accessed through your work or home computers. The two 90-minute sessions will be available through AFB CareerConnect.
Session 1: What's Next...Postsecondary Training Preparation for Students with Visual Impairments will be released on June 15, 2010.
Session 2: Technology and Visual Impairment in Higher Education will be released on June 16, 2010.
The sessions will be available in video or as audio-only, which will be beneficial for people with slower Internet connections. Special bonus: register today for the opportunity to win an AFB Press book!
American Foundation for the Blind
AFB Career Connect presents two NEW free online seminars for professionals working with children and adults with visual impairments.
Session 1: What's Next... Postsecondary Training Preparation for Students with Visual Impairments.
Release Date: June 15, 2010. Length: 90-minutes.
Dr. Karen Wolffe, Career Counseling & Consultation, will discuss the available resources and critical skills that young adults with visual impairments need to acquire before graduation from high school to be successful in postsecondary training programs. A panel of young adults (and service providers) will join her for a discussion of self advocacy techniques.
Session 2: Technology and Visual Impairment in Higher Education
Release Date: June 16, 2010. Length: 90 minutes
Ike Presley, Project Manager, Professional Development, will discuss current trends in technology and implications for both high school and postsecondary training. Tips for the transition into postsecondary education will highlight technological solutions for everything from lectures to labs. Current students will join Ike to share their personal experiences and advice.
Both seminars will be available live on your computer. For more information, and to register for one or both webcasts today, visit www.afb.org/careerconnect/webcasts, or contact 1-800-232-5463 or careerconnect@afb.net.
Joe Strechay, CareerConnect Project Associate, American Foundation for the Blind
1000 Fifth Avenue, Suite 350, Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304-710-3029. Fax: 646-478-9260. e-mail: jstrechay@afb.net. Website: www.afb.org
CareerConnect Website: www.afb.org/cc
3) The May issue of AccessWorld is now available on AFB’s website.
This issue features:
· Editor's Page
· Can Android Make Your Mobile Phone Accessible? by Darren Burton—A look at Android's accessibility features
· A Review of Oratio: A Screen Reader for Blackberry, by Darren Burton—We review the Oratio screen reader for Blackberry cell phones/PDAs
· A Product for Taking the Blues Out of Your Green, by Deborah Kendrick—A new currency reader is now available
· Lighting Up Your World: A Closer Look at Illuminated Magnifiers, Part 2, by Morgan Blubaugh, Lee Huffman, and William Reuschel—A review of standing and handheld magnifiers from two manufacturers
· 24 Hours with the iPad, by Bradley Hodges—My first impressions of Apple's new iPad
· CSUN 2010 Highlights, by Bradley Hodges—A look at what happened at this year's CSUN conference
· Facebook Chat, by Marc Grossman—A guide to using Facebook's chat feature
· Home Appliance Update, by Bradley Hodges—A look at the latest in accessibility features for home appliances
· U.S. Access Board Meets to Begin Section 508 Revisions, by Bradley Hodges—An update on Section 508 deliberations
· AccessWorld News
AccessWorld® is the American Foundation for the Blind's technology magazine.
Be sure to sign up on the AccessWorld home page to receive AccessWorld Alerts, the e-mail announcement letting you know when new issues of AccessWorld are posted.
4) WinZoom USB is truly portable and will run on any Windows compatible computer with no software installation required. Simply plug WinZoom USB in and the autoplay function will launch the application immediately and let you use it without having to download any software or drivers. There is no administrative privileges required which is key when using a public computer, such as ones at a hotel, library, school or even at a friends house. When you are done, just unplug WinZoom and there is no trace left on the computer. Only $399!
Other Features
- XP, Vista and Windows 7 compatible (including 64 bit)
- 100% portable (USB Version) w Magnifier and Reader for one low price
- Provides magnification between 1.5x-36x
- Font smoothing for clear text w Zoom scroll bars
- Reduces glare
For additional information or a FREE TRIAL, go to www.getwinzoom.com or call (800) 575-1456 x204 or Email: ivu@clarityusa.com
5) A New Understanding of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Although ADD/ADHD has been recognized for over 100 years, it has usually been seen as essentially a behavior problem. Yet many with ADD/ADHD suffer not from behavior problems so much as from chronic problems with focusing their attention, organizing their work, sustaining their effort, and utilizing short-term memory. It's time for a new understanding of Attention Deficit Disorder! This website offers a new perspective on this disorder, one based on current clinical and neuroscience research. It presents a model of ADD/ADHD as essentially a problem with executive functions, the management system of the brain. It describes how a child or adult with ADD/ADHD can focus very well on a few activities that intensely interest them, yet be unable to focus adequately on most other tasks of daily life. It explains how ADD/ADHD often looks like a weakness in willpower, but isn't. http://www.drthomasebrown.com/index.html
Sunday, March 7, 2010
News updates ...from National Braille Press and others...
Looking for the best Assistive Technology to address the needs of your students?
Take look at the searchable assistive technology listings at the Tech Matrix:
http://www.techmatrix.org/
National Braille Press Books
Just a short list of some books from the National Braille Press:
- Noah's Ark - Print/Braille Picture Book by book by five-time Caldecott Award-winner Jerry Pinkney that tells the story of the great flood; twelve delightful tactiles by tactile artist Ann Cunninghamhttp://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/NOAH.html
- Because Pictures Matter (BPM): A Guide to Using, Finding, and Creating Tactile Imagery for Blind Children by Deborah Kent
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/BPM.html?id=NJURAVc7
- Pathfinder Cards: Mazes (MAZES)
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/MAZES.html
- Touch and Learn Tactile Activity Book (TAC)
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/TAC.html
HumanWare Launches Victor Reader Stream CD Edition
HumanWare is pleased to announce a new model of its popular Victor Reader Stream portable DAISY, MP3 player and voice recorder. The Victor Reader Stream CD Edition combines the worldwide renowned VR Stream and a special CD player accessory. The Stream CD Edition is perfect for people who do not have a personal computer. It is the easiest way to transfer a DAISY book on CD onto one single, portable audio playback device without the use of a computer.
“We have heard from many people who like the portability of the Victor Reader Stream but who do not use computers”, says Gerry Chevalier, Victor Reader Product Manager at HumanWare. “These are customers who receive DAISY CD books in the mail from their library. They tell us they would like to be able to transfer their CD book to the Stream because the Stream would be an ideal player when they are traveling or on the go. However, they also tell us they do not have or want to use a computer. With the Stream CD Edition we are now pleased to offer them a solution.”
Key Benefits:
• Ideal for readers who listen to DAISY CD books and do not use a computer
• Easy to use. Just attach the CD drive to the Stream, load the CD book, and press a single button to copy it to the Stream
• A short Getting Started audio book explains the steps and plays automatically when you power on the Stream CD Edition.
• The Stream CD Edition has the full feature set of the standard Stream so if users want to go beyond just listening to their DAISY CD books they can enjoy other types of books and music and even use the voice recorder. All documentation and tutorials are supplied on the SD card.
What's in the package?
1. One VR Stream with all the usual accessories (rechargeable battery & charger, ear buds, USB cables, documentation CD and a 2Gb SD card)
2. One VR Stream CD player Accessory especially designed to be used with the Stream
The CD player accessory is also available for purchase by existing Stream users who may not have a computer and are relying on others to transfer their CD DAISY books. Only the CD player supplied by HumanWare should be used as other CD drives have been found not to be electrically compatible and can damage the Stream.
For more information visit http://www.humanware.com/streamcd or in the U.S.A.
Call toll free 1-800-722-3393 or (925) 680-7100 or Email: us.info@humanware.com
Free PDF Reader/Converter
(From Dean Martineau's Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday at http://www.flying-blind.com/tidbits2010.html)
Nuance has released a free pdf reader which allows you to convert pdf documents to Word, .txt. .xls or RTF format online, to complete forms and all this in a smaller and, they say, more secure package than Adobe Reader.
http://www.nuance.com/imaging/products/pdf-reader.asp
The Sky's Not the Limit: Astronomy for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(Also from Dean Martineau's Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday at http://www.flying-blind.com/tidbits2010.html)
Great resources for studying astronomy, from Fred's Head at:
http://www.fredshead.info/2005/11/skys-not-limit-astronomy-for-blind-and.html
Making Broadway Accessible for the Disabled
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/making-broadway-accessible-for-the-disabled/
Take look at the searchable assistive technology listings at the Tech Matrix:
http://www.techmatrix.org/
National Braille Press Books
Just a short list of some books from the National Braille Press:
- Noah's Ark - Print/Braille Picture Book by book by five-time Caldecott Award-winner Jerry Pinkney that tells the story of the great flood; twelve delightful tactiles by tactile artist Ann Cunninghamhttp://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/NOAH.html
- Because Pictures Matter (BPM): A Guide to Using, Finding, and Creating Tactile Imagery for Blind Children by Deborah Kent
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/BPM.html?id=NJURAVc7
- Pathfinder Cards: Mazes (MAZES)
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/MAZES.html
- Touch and Learn Tactile Activity Book (TAC)
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/TAC.html
HumanWare Launches Victor Reader Stream CD Edition
HumanWare is pleased to announce a new model of its popular Victor Reader Stream portable DAISY, MP3 player and voice recorder. The Victor Reader Stream CD Edition combines the worldwide renowned VR Stream and a special CD player accessory. The Stream CD Edition is perfect for people who do not have a personal computer. It is the easiest way to transfer a DAISY book on CD onto one single, portable audio playback device without the use of a computer.
“We have heard from many people who like the portability of the Victor Reader Stream but who do not use computers”, says Gerry Chevalier, Victor Reader Product Manager at HumanWare. “These are customers who receive DAISY CD books in the mail from their library. They tell us they would like to be able to transfer their CD book to the Stream because the Stream would be an ideal player when they are traveling or on the go. However, they also tell us they do not have or want to use a computer. With the Stream CD Edition we are now pleased to offer them a solution.”
Key Benefits:
• Ideal for readers who listen to DAISY CD books and do not use a computer
• Easy to use. Just attach the CD drive to the Stream, load the CD book, and press a single button to copy it to the Stream
• A short Getting Started audio book explains the steps and plays automatically when you power on the Stream CD Edition.
• The Stream CD Edition has the full feature set of the standard Stream so if users want to go beyond just listening to their DAISY CD books they can enjoy other types of books and music and even use the voice recorder. All documentation and tutorials are supplied on the SD card.
What's in the package?
1. One VR Stream with all the usual accessories (rechargeable battery & charger, ear buds, USB cables, documentation CD and a 2Gb SD card)
2. One VR Stream CD player Accessory especially designed to be used with the Stream
The CD player accessory is also available for purchase by existing Stream users who may not have a computer and are relying on others to transfer their CD DAISY books. Only the CD player supplied by HumanWare should be used as other CD drives have been found not to be electrically compatible and can damage the Stream.
For more information visit http://www.humanware.com/streamcd or in the U.S.A.
Call toll free 1-800-722-3393 or (925) 680-7100 or Email: us.info@humanware.com
Free PDF Reader/Converter
(From Dean Martineau's Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday at http://www.flying-blind.com/tidbits2010.html)
Nuance has released a free pdf reader which allows you to convert pdf documents to Word, .txt. .xls or RTF format online, to complete forms and all this in a smaller and, they say, more secure package than Adobe Reader.
http://www.nuance.com/imaging/products/pdf-reader.asp
The Sky's Not the Limit: Astronomy for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(Also from Dean Martineau's Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday at http://www.flying-blind.com/tidbits2010.html)
Great resources for studying astronomy, from Fred's Head at:
http://www.fredshead.info/2005/11/skys-not-limit-astronomy-for-blind-and.html
Making Broadway Accessible for the Disabled
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/making-broadway-accessible-for-the-disabled/
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Upcoming Workshops and News...
1) The Role of the ParaEducator: Enhancing the School Experience for the Child who is Blind or Visually Impaired, Including Those with Multiple Disabilities
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH PARAEDUCATORS, PARENTS, AND ADMINISTRATORS!
Monday, April 12, 2010, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
This workshop, sponsored by Perkins Training Center and presented by leaders in vision education, will examine the roles and responsibilities of the paraeducator working with students with visual impairment, including those with multiple disabilities. Sessions will provide an overview of visual impairment, and discuss ways to support students in academic and non academic activities. Although this workshop is designed for paraeducators, others are welcome to attend, including TVIs, parents, classroom teachers, and administrators.
The Role of the ParaEducator workshop is supported through a Perkins Training Center grant from the Starr Foundation and is offered at NO COST to schools and programs in New York State.
Presenters:
Rona Shaw, Ed. D., Coordinator, Program for Teachers of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Dominican College, NY
Joanne Russotti, M.S., Children’s Consultant, NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
Judy Strauss-Schwartz, M, Ed., C.O.M.S., Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments/Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Hosted By:
Monroe #1 BOCES, 41 O’Connor Road, Building 9/Upper, Fairport, New York 14450
At the completion of this workshop, participants will have increased knowledge in:
- The educational team’s role in supporting students with visual impairment
- Impact of visual impairment on learning and access to the general curriculum
- Ways to support students with visual impairment in social skills, orientation and mobility, activities of daily living, and adaptations for printed and tactile materials
Completed Registration form is due no later than April 1, 2010.
Submit Registration to:
Perkins Training Center, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472, perkinstrainingcenter@perkins.org, or Fax: (617) 972-7209
Questions, please contact: Rona Shaw, rona.shaw@dc.edu or (845) 848-4081
**Seating is limited to 40 participants**
For additional information on upcoming events, please see the Perkins Training Center Schedule.
Email: PerkinsTrainingCenter@Perkins.org Phone: 617-972-7712 Fax: 617-972-7209 Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00pm
2) A NeuroDevelopmental Perspective of Learning & Development in Children with Sensory Impairments
Free Community Information Presentation Thursday, March 25, 2010, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Hallowell House, Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Gain insight into understanding these challenges, and how HANDLE can help.
HANDLE — Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency — a non-drug, gentle alternative, appropriate for all ages and settings! A new paradigm for enhancing developmental outcomes!
Speaker: Kimberly Lauger, RN, began her studies of neurodevelopmental difficulties in order to meet the needs of her own children. Kim has one son who struggled with attention and learning difficulties, one son with CHARGE Syndrome and vision and hearing loss, and a daughter for whom learning and “being” is relatively easy. Kim’s professional background includes the fields of pediatric nursing, foster parenting, behavioral science, deafblindness, and neurodevelopment. Kim is the owner of ND Solutions and is a Certified HANDLE Practitioner and Instructor.
“Kimberly is the personification of the gentleness that is the trademark of HANDLE.” GeeGee Larrington, OTR/L
RSVP / Registration Information: Perkins Training Center (617) 972-7712 or email perkinstrainingcenter@perkins.org
Information about HANDLE: Kim Lauger 520-907-2842 or email klauger@comcast.net or visit www.handle.org
3) Barrier-free Web Design: An EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) online course starting February 1
EASI will take the jargon out of Web design and out of the technical requirements for Web accessibility. EASI will make creating accessible Web pages easier than you think! The course is based both on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2, WCAG 2), released in late 2008 and also in the Section 508 standards. Based in universal design principles, the lessons will enable participants to produce attractive pages that will reach a broad audience including those with disabilities using assistive technologies to access the Web. The course will be useful for Web designers, faculty, instructional and information designers, administrators, ADA compliance officials, librarians and anyone wanting to learn how to make their Web site conform to accessibility guidelines and standards. The course's 4 weeks are structured around the 4 major principles of WCAG 2: Principle 1 Perceivable, Principle 2 Operable, Principle 3 Understandable, Principle 4 Robust. You can read more and also register and pay online from:
http://easi.cc/workshops/easiweb.htm
(Discounts are available for students, overseas participants and for EASI Annual Webinar Members.)
Course 2010 schedule is February 1, June 7, Oct. 4.
“Once you choose hope, anything's possible.” - Christopher Reeve
4) New Enabling Devices Catalog Section for the Visually Impaired
Enabling Devices today announced that its 2010 catalog and website will feature a new section devoted entirely to products for the Visually Impaired. Assistive Technology is essential in today's world to enable people who are blind or visually impaired to participate fully in school, play, work, and life. Enabling Devices has Communicators, Switches, Adapted Toys and Kits specifically designed for children and adults with Visual Impairment and Blindness, including those with severe disabilities, at:
http://enablingdevices.com/catalog/products_for_the_visually_impaired
5) Need an accessible book?
Basic HTML-based books can be produced from NIMAS or DAISY file sets using the FREE TechAdapt Accessible Media Center (TAMC) product, available at http://accessiblemediacenter.techadapt.com/. The books are not self-voicing but they are easily accessible using any screen reader or reading system capable of displaying HTML, and the HTML includes features that allow the foreground/background colors and font sizes to be changed on the fly.
The upcoming release of TAMC also includes support for conversion from NIMAS to DAISY text-only digital talking books, and can run on both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems.
- Chris von See, Senior Geek, TechAdapt, Inc.http://www.techadapt.com chris@techadapt.com
6) National Federation of the Blind 2010 Scholarship Program
The National Federation of the Blind 2010 Scholarship Program is up and running, with its deadline coming up March 31, 2010. For the ins and outs of making an application, you can go to: http://www.nfb.org/scholarships to read the submission checklist and the FAQ; then fill out and submit the application form (online or in print).
7) Camp Eureka, a Natural Science Camp for Blind Kids
The Montana Association for the Blind and NFB are sponsoring Camp Eureka, a natural science camp for blind kids (Please see the attachment for details). This year, the kids will be studying the migration of the Snow Goose as the birds take off and land by the tens of thousands at Freeze Out Lake, near Great Falls, Montana from March 19th-21st.
We have made some changes that are not reflected in the attached flier. We are allowing out-of-state kids to participate, we have expanded the age range to ages 8-16, and we have also set an application deadline of February 20th. Transportation costs to and from Montana are the responsibility of the parent or the state affiliate. Arrival destinations in Montana will be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Once the kids are in Montana, we will cover all their cost (food, lodging, transportation). Please write with any questions. Thanks.
- Jim Reed, President, Montana Association of Blind Students
Call 406.371.5047 or email jim275_2@yahoo.com
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work." -Vince Lombardi
8) A Letter from AER's Executive Director re: Braille Certification:
AER supports high standards for vision professionals, and offers many different programs, professional development and networking forums to promote this. While we no longer certify professionals in our field, we do represent our membership on professional issues.
Braille Certification is an issue that affects several divisions within AER and over half of our total membership. The Chairs of AER’s Personnel Preparation, Itinerant, Education Curriculum and Multiple Disabilities Divisions met last week to discuss the implications for our members, both positive and negative, of the NCLB becoming a required certification test for TVI’s in all fifty states. That group decided to send a recommendation to AER’s Board of Directors regarding the NCLB.
AER’s Board met last weekend for a regularly scheduled business meeting and reviewed those recommendation; the board voted to accept the input from all our affected divisions and has authorized the following:
1. An AER Task Force is being formed to evaluate the NCLB.
2. The Task Force plans to meet with NCLB representatives to share areas of concern and discuss solutions.
3. The Task Force will recommend a position for AER to adopt on the NCLB.
Members of AER’s Personnel Preparation Division will be represented on this Task Force, as will our other divisions; if you have recommendations or would like to serve on this Task Force yourself, please contact your Division Chair offline. The current discussion with Ed Bell on your divisions Listservs is very informative and I’m sure will be included in the Task Forces review. The work of the Task Force will be transparent and shared frequently with all of AER’s stakeholders.
Jim Gandorf, CAE Executive Director, AERjgandorf@aerbvi.org, www.aerbvi.org 703.671-4500 x205, fax 703.671.63911703 N. Beauregard St, Ste 440, Alexandria VA 22311
9) Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities is a downloadable brochure that is free from the federal government: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH PARAEDUCATORS, PARENTS, AND ADMINISTRATORS!
Monday, April 12, 2010, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
This workshop, sponsored by Perkins Training Center and presented by leaders in vision education, will examine the roles and responsibilities of the paraeducator working with students with visual impairment, including those with multiple disabilities. Sessions will provide an overview of visual impairment, and discuss ways to support students in academic and non academic activities. Although this workshop is designed for paraeducators, others are welcome to attend, including TVIs, parents, classroom teachers, and administrators.
The Role of the ParaEducator workshop is supported through a Perkins Training Center grant from the Starr Foundation and is offered at NO COST to schools and programs in New York State.
Presenters:
Rona Shaw, Ed. D., Coordinator, Program for Teachers of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Dominican College, NY
Joanne Russotti, M.S., Children’s Consultant, NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
Judy Strauss-Schwartz, M, Ed., C.O.M.S., Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments/Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Hosted By:
Monroe #1 BOCES, 41 O’Connor Road, Building 9/Upper, Fairport, New York 14450
At the completion of this workshop, participants will have increased knowledge in:
- The educational team’s role in supporting students with visual impairment
- Impact of visual impairment on learning and access to the general curriculum
- Ways to support students with visual impairment in social skills, orientation and mobility, activities of daily living, and adaptations for printed and tactile materials
Completed Registration form is due no later than April 1, 2010.
Submit Registration to:
Perkins Training Center, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472, perkinstrainingcenter@perkins.org, or Fax: (617) 972-7209
Questions, please contact: Rona Shaw, rona.shaw@dc.edu or (845) 848-4081
**Seating is limited to 40 participants**
For additional information on upcoming events, please see the Perkins Training Center Schedule.
Email: PerkinsTrainingCenter@Perkins.org Phone: 617-972-7712 Fax: 617-972-7209 Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00pm
2) A NeuroDevelopmental Perspective of Learning & Development in Children with Sensory Impairments
Free Community Information Presentation Thursday, March 25, 2010, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Hallowell House, Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Gain insight into understanding these challenges, and how HANDLE can help.
HANDLE — Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency — a non-drug, gentle alternative, appropriate for all ages and settings! A new paradigm for enhancing developmental outcomes!
Speaker: Kimberly Lauger, RN, began her studies of neurodevelopmental difficulties in order to meet the needs of her own children. Kim has one son who struggled with attention and learning difficulties, one son with CHARGE Syndrome and vision and hearing loss, and a daughter for whom learning and “being” is relatively easy. Kim’s professional background includes the fields of pediatric nursing, foster parenting, behavioral science, deafblindness, and neurodevelopment. Kim is the owner of ND Solutions and is a Certified HANDLE Practitioner and Instructor.
“Kimberly is the personification of the gentleness that is the trademark of HANDLE.” GeeGee Larrington, OTR/L
RSVP / Registration Information: Perkins Training Center (617) 972-7712 or email perkinstrainingcenter@perkins.org
Information about HANDLE: Kim Lauger 520-907-2842 or email klauger@comcast.net or visit www.handle.org
3) Barrier-free Web Design: An EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) online course starting February 1
EASI will take the jargon out of Web design and out of the technical requirements for Web accessibility. EASI will make creating accessible Web pages easier than you think! The course is based both on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2, WCAG 2), released in late 2008 and also in the Section 508 standards. Based in universal design principles, the lessons will enable participants to produce attractive pages that will reach a broad audience including those with disabilities using assistive technologies to access the Web. The course will be useful for Web designers, faculty, instructional and information designers, administrators, ADA compliance officials, librarians and anyone wanting to learn how to make their Web site conform to accessibility guidelines and standards. The course's 4 weeks are structured around the 4 major principles of WCAG 2: Principle 1 Perceivable, Principle 2 Operable, Principle 3 Understandable, Principle 4 Robust. You can read more and also register and pay online from:
http://easi.cc/workshops/easiweb.htm
(Discounts are available for students, overseas participants and for EASI Annual Webinar Members.)
Course 2010 schedule is February 1, June 7, Oct. 4.
“Once you choose hope, anything's possible.” - Christopher Reeve
4) New Enabling Devices Catalog Section for the Visually Impaired
Enabling Devices today announced that its 2010 catalog and website will feature a new section devoted entirely to products for the Visually Impaired. Assistive Technology is essential in today's world to enable people who are blind or visually impaired to participate fully in school, play, work, and life. Enabling Devices has Communicators, Switches, Adapted Toys and Kits specifically designed for children and adults with Visual Impairment and Blindness, including those with severe disabilities, at:
http://enablingdevices.com/catalog/products_for_the_visually_impaired
5) Need an accessible book?
Basic HTML-based books can be produced from NIMAS or DAISY file sets using the FREE TechAdapt Accessible Media Center (TAMC) product, available at http://accessiblemediacenter.techadapt.com/. The books are not self-voicing but they are easily accessible using any screen reader or reading system capable of displaying HTML, and the HTML includes features that allow the foreground/background colors and font sizes to be changed on the fly.
The upcoming release of TAMC also includes support for conversion from NIMAS to DAISY text-only digital talking books, and can run on both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems.
- Chris von See, Senior Geek, TechAdapt, Inc.http://www.techadapt.com chris@techadapt.com
6) National Federation of the Blind 2010 Scholarship Program
The National Federation of the Blind 2010 Scholarship Program is up and running, with its deadline coming up March 31, 2010. For the ins and outs of making an application, you can go to: http://www.nfb.org/scholarships to read the submission checklist and the FAQ; then fill out and submit the application form (online or in print).
7) Camp Eureka, a Natural Science Camp for Blind Kids
The Montana Association for the Blind and NFB are sponsoring Camp Eureka, a natural science camp for blind kids (Please see the attachment for details). This year, the kids will be studying the migration of the Snow Goose as the birds take off and land by the tens of thousands at Freeze Out Lake, near Great Falls, Montana from March 19th-21st.
We have made some changes that are not reflected in the attached flier. We are allowing out-of-state kids to participate, we have expanded the age range to ages 8-16, and we have also set an application deadline of February 20th. Transportation costs to and from Montana are the responsibility of the parent or the state affiliate. Arrival destinations in Montana will be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Once the kids are in Montana, we will cover all their cost (food, lodging, transportation). Please write with any questions. Thanks.
- Jim Reed, President, Montana Association of Blind Students
Call 406.371.5047 or email jim275_2@yahoo.com
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work." -Vince Lombardi
8) A Letter from AER's Executive Director re: Braille Certification:
AER supports high standards for vision professionals, and offers many different programs, professional development and networking forums to promote this. While we no longer certify professionals in our field, we do represent our membership on professional issues.
Braille Certification is an issue that affects several divisions within AER and over half of our total membership. The Chairs of AER’s Personnel Preparation, Itinerant, Education Curriculum and Multiple Disabilities Divisions met last week to discuss the implications for our members, both positive and negative, of the NCLB becoming a required certification test for TVI’s in all fifty states. That group decided to send a recommendation to AER’s Board of Directors regarding the NCLB.
AER’s Board met last weekend for a regularly scheduled business meeting and reviewed those recommendation; the board voted to accept the input from all our affected divisions and has authorized the following:
1. An AER Task Force is being formed to evaluate the NCLB.
2. The Task Force plans to meet with NCLB representatives to share areas of concern and discuss solutions.
3. The Task Force will recommend a position for AER to adopt on the NCLB.
Members of AER’s Personnel Preparation Division will be represented on this Task Force, as will our other divisions; if you have recommendations or would like to serve on this Task Force yourself, please contact your Division Chair offline. The current discussion with Ed Bell on your divisions Listservs is very informative and I’m sure will be included in the Task Forces review. The work of the Task Force will be transparent and shared frequently with all of AER’s stakeholders.
Jim Gandorf, CAE Executive Director, AERjgandorf@aerbvi.org, www.aerbvi.org 703.671-4500 x205, fax 703.671.63911703 N. Beauregard St, Ste 440, Alexandria VA 22311
9) Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities is a downloadable brochure that is free from the federal government: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Welcome to News and Views
Welcome to News and Views ... Look to this space for news, links, points of interest and useful information related to the fields of Vision, Education and Rehabilitiaton. All of us at John J. Kelly Vision Consulting, LLC look forward to communincating with our clients, students and their families!
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