Amazon S3



-73758616436100 2019 NCCVIB SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE MARCH 3-5, 2019Sunday, March 36:00 pm - 9:00 pm Early Registration Laurel FoyerMonday, March 4 7:00 am - 11:00 am Onsite Registration Laurel FoyerTimeK-12 StrandPisgah RoomPreschool StrandFoxfire RoomRehab StrandPilot RoomPETS StrandBlue Ridge RoomO&M StrandDogwood RoomSession 18:00 am – 9:30 am1A. Starts at 8:15 am: Optimizing Productivity and Participation of Blind Students in the Classroom with Joel Zimba & Jack Mitchell1B. What Do I Do Now? The Child with CVI in the PreK Classroom with Becky Lowrey & Paula Roten1C. Starts at 8:15 am: Ergonomics – An Introduction to Considerations & Solutions with Steve Brink1D. Starts at 8:15 am: Finding Your Future with CFNC with Laura Misner1E. Starts at 8:15 am: Off-Road O&M with Jay HardwigSession 29:45 am - 11:15 am2A. AT Unbound: Delivering Remote Assistive Technology Instruction with Jay Hardwig & J. Rehmatullah 2B. CNIB's Manual & Pilot Program: VoiceOver for Young Students with Diane Brauner2C. Head-Borne Technology: Orcam & Iris Vision with Nancy Hearn2D. Sometimes, We All Need a Reality Check! with Jeff Rosenthal2E. Crossing the Street: Information or Tactile Guidance - What Helps? with Janet Barlow11:30 am - 12:30 pm BOXED LUNCH Pilot/Pisgah Rooms (boxes sorted by regular, vegan and gluten-free)NOTE: During lunch, AER will have a meeting in the Blue Ridge Room. Contact Shannon Pruitt.Session 312:45 pm - 2:00 pm3A. Data Verbalization with Doug Schepers3B. Using iPads and Switches with Students Working on Cause & Effect & Choice Making with Julie Bardin & Kelly Myers3C. Free Equipment! The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program with Alex Velez, J. & C. Rehmatullah3D. Ways to Pay for College with Laura Misner3E. Dog Guides at NCCU with Jennifer ThurmanSession 42:15 pm – 3:30 pm4A. What's in Your FVA/LMA Kit? with Julie Bardin & Kelly Myers4B. Using Expanded Core Curriculum-based Mobile Games to Maximize Educational Outcome by Teaching Skills Specified in Each Student’s IEP with Marty Shultz4C. Data Tools for Job Counseling & Placement with Jeff Rosenthal4D. Empowering Blind Students to Identify & Obtain Access to Technology Through Mentoring, Advocacy, & Problem-Solving with Maurice Peret4E. Use of Augmented Reality to Support O&M Instruction with Sean Tikkun & Jack MitchellSession 53:45 pm – 5:00 pm5A. Virtual School - Making it a Reality! with Traci Wilkerson, Olivia Wilkerson, & Evan Wilkerson5B. Hands-on Literacy, Making/ Adapting Books for the Blind & Deafblind with Wendy Barber & Elizabeth Privette5C. Ends at 5:15 pm: Essential Tech Tools for College-Bound Students with VIB with Ed Summers & Diane Brauner5D. Mentorship in an Age of Virtual Connection with Abigail Shaw5E. O&M Screenings for the TVI, Including an FVA with Crystal Patrick4:30 pm - 6:30 pmVENDORS EXHIBITION Roan/Mitchell Rooms Please visit all vendors2019 NCCVIB SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCEDay 2 – Tuesday, March 5, 20197:00 am – 11:00 am Onsite Registration Laurel FoyerTimeK-12 StrandPisgah RoomPreschool StrandFoxfire RoomRehab StrandPilot RoomPETS StrandBlue Ridge RoomO&M StrandDogwood Room8:00 am - 9:15 amGENERAL SESSION - Dr. Karen Blankenship, Keynote SpeakerPisgah/Pilot RoomsSession 69:30 am - 11:00 am* 6A. Screen Reader Essentials for Teachers of the Visually Impaired with Ed Summers & Diane Brauner* 6B. Screen Reader Essentials for Teachers of the Visually Impaired with Ed Summers & Diane Brauner6C. Apps for the Blind & VI with Joe Biberman6D. Refreshing Price on a Braille Device: Learn About the Orbit Reader 2.0 with Karen Blake, Cheryl Bitting, & Miriam Dixon6E. Bluetooth Beacon Technology Deployments - A Review of Existing Use with Sean Tikkun11:15 am - 12:15 pm SEATED LUNCH Updates from the Field & AER’s Rachel Rawls Award. (NOTE: Place your special meal request card on table for servers to see. Make sure you get card at registration) Roan/Mitchell RoomsSession 712:30 pm - 1:45 pm** 7A. The Learning Media Assessment, Including Technology with Sean Tikkun** 7B. The Learning Media Assessment, Including Technology with Sean Tikkun7C. Technology Helps Hunters Get ‘Back in the Woods Again’ with Deanna Jones7D. Transition Training: Accessibility Using iPads with Brittany Greer, Gail Roby, & Demetria Nickens7E. Deafblindness: Practical Implications for Orientation and Mobility Instruction withAmber Stefanski* This is a joint session in Pisgah for both the K-12 and Preschool strands. For this session, do not go to Foxfire; go to Pisgah.** This is a joint session in Pisgah for both the K-12 and Preschool strands. For this session, do not go to Foxfire; go to Pisgah.44386501143000793750102870NOTE: Password for Hotel Wi-Fi: avlss0NOTE: Password for Hotel Wi-Fi: avlssSee information on NCCVIB at: is NCCVIB?NCCVIB is a statewide collaborative effort of the:Early Learning Sensory Support Program for Children with Visual Impairment (ELSSP/VI)Friends of the North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically HandicappedGovernor Morehead School for the Blind (GMS)North Carolina Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCAER)North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Visual Impairment Teacher Training ProgramNorth Carolina Division of Services for the Blind (NCDSB)North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Sensory Support and Assistive Technology (NCDPI)North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically HandicappedUNC Department of Allied Health SciencesThe Eye Retreat (serving as fiscal agent for the Conference)Conference HistoryThe conference was first held in 2002 on the campus of The Governor Morehead School (GMS) in Raleigh. Prior to that, the various agencies held their own independent conferences. The VI agencies decided to combine their efforts towards a single collaborative venture and used the GMS venue at first, but the Conference quickly outgrew the GMS space. Since 2014, the conference has been held in conference hotel venues that can accommodate attendees and presenters in a highly convenient manner. Secondly, holding the conference in various venues across the state allows organizations/businesses, such as those who are here at the 2019 NCCVIB conference, to showcase their efforts in serving the visual impairment community. PETS strand: In this Conference, we continue the PETS strand first offered at the 2018 conference. PETS, or Pre-Employment Transition Services, is the bridge between education and independence and employment for students between the ages 14-21. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA), requires the collaboration between local educational agencies and designated Rehabilitation and Workforce entities in meeting the service needs of eligible or potentially eligible students with disabilities. These needs are met through the provision of Pre-Employment Transition Services which include Job Exploration Counseling, Counseling on Higher Education Opportunities, Workplace Readiness Training, Work-based Learning Experiences, and Self-Advocacy Instruction to include peer mentoring. This year’s NCCVIB PETS strand proposals have been carefully selected to support educational and rehabilitation professionals in building a stronger PETS-friendly bridge.Professional Development CreditsThis year’s conference “Technology Now!” will have Continuing Education Credits available for Orientation and Mobility Specialists, Preschool-12th Grade Educators, Infant Toddler Family Specialists, Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, Low Vision Specialists, and Rehabilitation Counselors. Participants seeking multiple credits will need to complete and submit the requirements for each type of credit requested. Forms for CRCC/ACVREP are available at the registration desk.To Receive CRCC / ACVREP Credits (Contact: Stephanie Johnson) In the "Attendee Tracking Form" provided, fill in the “Start Code” and “End Code” for each session. These codes will be announced at the start and end of each session by the session facilitators. This form must be turned in to get Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) and Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) credit. Those receiving CRCC or ACVREP credit?must?provide contact information, including a mailing address, so the Credit Certificate can be sent to you after verification. After the conference, go to Sheryl Dotson at the Laurel Foyer conference registration area. Stephanie Johnson (stephanie.johnson@dhhs.) coordinates the issuing of CRCC / ACVREP Credits. Sheryl Dotson is the onsite substitute for Stephanie at the Conference.To Receive Infant Toddler Credits (Contact: Becky Lowrey)Two of the Preschool Strand sessions (1B, 4B) will be eligible for Infant Toddler Credits. We can offer a total of 2.75 credits this year. Make sure you put your name and email address on the “Sign In” sheets that will go around during the sessions in that strand. The number of credits to be awarded will depend on the number of sessions attended that are eligible for Infant/Toddler credits. I/T credits will be emailed after the conference to the individuals who signed the “Sign In” sheets during eligible sessions. Becky Lowrey (Becky.lowrey@esdb. dpi.) coordinates the issuing of Infant Toddler Credits. To Receive CEUs ONLY (Contact: Crystal Patrick) The ONLY way to get PreK-12 Continuing Education Unit credits (CEUs) is to complete the Google Link at: bit.ly/NCCVIB_2019. You must enter your start and end codes throughout the day; they will be checked. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Crystal Patrick (Crystal.Patrick @dpi.). Once all information is entered, you will receive your certificate electronically at the email you indicated on your Google form.North Carolina Conference on Visual Impairment and Blindness 2019 Planning CommitteeThe NCCVIB is a committee of professionals representing various vision impairment related state agencies and organizations.NAMEE-MAILAFFILIATIONROLEDr. Alan Chaseaachase1@Tennessee School for the Blind; Eye RetreatConference CoordinatorDr. Jerry Jailalljerry.jailall@esdb.dpi. nc. govDPI / Education Services for the Deaf & Blind/GMSAssistant Conference CoordinatorBarbria Baconbarbria.bacon@esdb. dpi.Superintendent, ESDB / DPI/ GMSDoor Prizes, Program Book, & PrintingNAMEE-MAILAFFILIATIONROLEAvis Chandleravis.chandler@dhhs. DHHSPETS Strand ChairJennifer ThurmanJthurma8@nccu.eduNCCUO&M Strand ChairBecky LowreyBecky.lowrey@esdb. dpi.DPIEarly Childhood Strand ChairStephanie Johnson stephanie.johnson@ dhhs.DSBCredits and Rehabilitation Strand ChairCrystal PatrickCrystal.patrick@dpi. DPICredits and K-12 Strand Chair Dr. Judy Schmidtjudy_schmidt@med. unc.eduUNC Chapel HillCall for ProposalsJermaine Milledgejermaine.milledge@ dhhs.DSB & NCAERWebsite and RegistrationSarah Milledgesmilledge@Metrolina Association for the BlindFood and HospitalityEddie Weaverdweaver43@nc.Friends of NC Library for the Blind & Physically HandicappedVendors and SponsorsLatisha Dozierlatisha.dozier@dhhs. DSBRegistration La Veta Davidson-Wallerlaveta.davidson.waller@dhhs.DSBConference Bags and RegistrationHeather Bradford heather.bradford@ esdb.dpi.DPIRegistration NCCVIB thanks all the Planning Committee members for their ongoing dedication and unwavering commitment to the success of the conference. Your work makes us proud. The NCAER is the gracious website host of the Conference Registration process. Jermaine Milledge served faithfully as our website manager. Thanks to the Eye Retreat for serving as the Conference Fiscal Agent. Our thanks to Michelle Cross and Dr. Jerry Jailall of the Governor Morehead School for their work on the Program Book.NCCVIB Conference AgendaSUNDAY, MARCH 3, 20196:00 pm – 9:00 pm Early Registration – Laurel Foyer AreaDAY 1 (MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2019)7:00 – 11:00 amOnsite Registration (Laurel Foyer Area)8:00 – 9:30Session 1 Breakouts9:30 – 9:45Break9:45 – 11:15Session 2 Breakouts11:15 – 11:30Break11:30 – 12:30Boxed Lunch, Networking & AER Meeting12:30 – 12:45Break12:45 – 2:00Session 3 Breakouts2:00 – 2:15Break2:15 – 3:30Session 4 Breakouts3:30 – 3:45Break3:45 – 5:00Session 5 Breakouts4:30 – 6:30Vendors Exhibition – Please Visit All Vendors!DAY 2 (TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2019)7:00 – 11:00Onsite Registration, Laurel Foyer8:00 – 9:15General Session with Keynote Speaker9:15 – 9:30Break9:30 – 11:00Session 6 Breakouts11:00 – 11:15Break11:15 – 12:15Seated Lunch Program – Updates from the Field & AER’s Rachel Rawls Award12:15 – 12:30 Break12:30 – 1:45Session 7 Breakouts1:45 – 2:15Professional Development Credits – Submit Forms for CRCC / ACVREP CreditsMONDAY, MARCH 4, 20197:00 – 11:00 am – Onsite Registration Location: Laurel Foyer8:00 – 9:30 Session 1 – Concurrent Breakouts1A. Optimizing Productivity and Participation of Blind Students in the Classroom (Starts at 8:15 – 9:30)Presenters: Joel Zimba and Jack MitchellLocation: PisgahThe effective use of braille correlates closely with academic success as well as achieving career goals. This is especially true with STEM subject matter. Critical to these subjects is the ability to read and write advanced mathematical notation. This session will show how braille equations can be visually rendered for teachers and classmates, as well as graphed both tactilely and visually. Additionally, this presentation will show how blind students, equipped with the proper tools, can work with the same documents, use the same apps and complete assignments at the same time as their sighted peers. Increasingly, this includes access to collaborative environments such as Google ClassRoom, DropBox and Google Drive.1B. What Do I Do Now? The Child With CVI in the PreK Classroom (8:00 – 9:30)Presenters: Becky Lowrey and Paula RotenLocation: Foxfire This presentation will focus on working with preschool age students, diagnosed with cortical visual impairment within the natural environment of the preschool classroom. The presentation will provide an overview of CVI (definition, diagnosis, characteristics, The CVI Range, CVI Phases, and intervention strategies). Emphasis will be placed on embedding intervention strategies within the preschool classroom in the student's natural routine, as well as working collaboratively with classroom staff and service providers so that interventions are embedded throughout the student's school day.MONDAY, MARCH 4, 20198:00 – 9:30 Session 1 – Concurrent Breakouts1C. Ergonomics – An Introduction to Considerations and Solutions(Starts at 8:15 – 9:30)Presenter: Steve BrinkLocation: Pilot This session is about understanding basic ergonomic principles and how to apply them to ourselves, our clients and co-workers. We will study how to approach ergonomic issues and methodically address the aches and pains that can accompany our everyday tasks. Attendees will have a better awareness of the issues related to determining the root causes of ergonomic discomfort in the workspace, and will be exposed to various solutions and products to help individuals comfortably interact with their workspace.1D. Finding Your Future with CFNC (8:15 – 9:30)Presenter: Laura MisnerLocation: Blue RidgeTake students from finding themselves to finding their future in this 75-minute whirlwind tour of CFNC. Discover all the FREE career and college resources, take a career assessment on your personal laptop or phone and then find the college degree needed to achieve it. Learn about the hottest careers in the state, the most highly paid degrees for both the university and community college, and how to find the right college fit. 1E. Off-Road O&M (Starts at 8:15 – 9:30)Presenter: Jay HardwigLocation: Dogwood This collaborative session will tackle the unique challenges for orientation and mobility students and providers when there's no pavement beneath your feet. From hiking to kayaking to guidewires, ziplines, and riding lawnmowers, we'll discuss tips, tricks, and techniques for life beyond the sidewalk. This presentation was offered at the SOMA 2018 Conference in Tampa. 9:30 – 9:45 BreakMONDAY, MARCH 4, 20199:45 – 11:15 Session 2 – Concurrent Breakouts2A. AT Unbound: Delivering Remote Assistive Technology Instruction (9:45 – 11:15)Presenters: Jay Hardwig and Joseph Rehmatullah Location: PisgahEver want to hand off that JAWS lesson to someone else? Many TVIs know their students need top-notch AT instruction, but don't always feel prepared to provide it. Join our panel as we discuss models for remote instruction in assistive technology, and the possibilities provided by connecting students with expert users of JAWS, ZoomText, braille notetakers, and more.2B. CNIB’s Manual and Pilot Program: Voiceover for Young Students (9:45 – 11:15)Presenter: Diane BraunerLocation: FoxfireTechnology is an integral part of kindergarten classrooms in the US; most students are exposed to tech at home and are successful in navigating and opening their favorite story, song or game on a smart phone or tablet. What about young students who are/will be braille readers? How successful are these kids with technology as preschoolers and in early elementary school? The Canadian National Institute for the Blind fully supports technology used for educational purposes in the classroom. Learn about CNIB’s project for teaching 3 to 8-year old children how to use an iPad running VoiceOver. This session will share information about the Pilot Program and how this manual has made an impact on these young students, their families and their teachers. The Pilot Program included students who are/will be braille readers, dual media learners, and students with low vision who may benefit from a screen reader later in upper grades. Information about the manual itself and its availability will also be shared. MONDAY, MARCH 4, 20199:45 – 11:15 Session 2 – Concurrent Breakouts2C. Head-Borne Technology: Orcam and Iris Vision (9:45 – 11:15)Presenter: Nancy HearnLocation: PilotSession goals are to introduce and explore the pros and cons of two head-borne assistive technology devices - the auditory output device - the Orcam, and the visual output device - the Iris Vision, and to demonstrate live the effectiveness of each device in performing various tasks under different conditions.2D. Sometimes, we all Need a Reality Check! (9:45 – 11:15)Presenter: Jeff RosenthalLocation: Blue RidgeThis session will introduce people to Reality Check- a tool the NC Department of Commerce developed to help people estimate the required income they will need to make to support their chosen lifestyle. This tool can help everyone understand how much it costs to be self-sufficient, and can help students in job exploration and preparing for higher education or vocational training or going straight to work from high school. This session will also share other tools or suggestions for helping students on a pathway towards employment and careers. MONDAY, MARCH 4, 20199:45 – 11:15 Session 2 – Concurrent Breakouts2E. Crossing the Street: Information on Tactile Guidance – What Helps? (9:45 – 11:15)Presenter: Janet BarlowLocation: DogwoodPresenter will discuss two research projects - one that provided detailed intersection descriptions through added information in an accessible GPS system, and another, looking at the use of guidance surfaces at difficult or skewed street crossings. She will discuss situations where the intersection descriptions were not adequate and the possibilities for combined information resolving problems. 11:15 – 11:30 - Break489063640706800020574011:30 – 12:30 - Boxed Lunch & NetworkingLocation: Pilot/Pisgah Rooms(During Lunch, AER Meeting in Blue Ridge Room)011:30 – 12:30 - Boxed Lunch & NetworkingLocation: Pilot/Pisgah Rooms(During Lunch, AER Meeting in Blue Ridge Room)12:30 – 12:45 – BreakMONDAY, MARCH 4, 201912:45 –2:00 Session 3 – Concurrent Breakouts3A. Data Verbalization (12:45 –2:00)Presenter: Doug SchepersLocation: PisgahBeing able to read and create charts, graphs, and diagrams are critical for success in many jobs, but these are usually inaccessible. This talk will describe how new technologies make charts just as accessible as text documents. This can be especially important for educators, who need to make content for their students to use in preparation for further education and employment. Attendees will learn some technical background and best practices, and overview of specific tools and products from different vendors that can be used to create accessible data content.3B. Using iPads and Switches with Students Working on Cause and Effect and Choice Making (12:45 –2:00)Presenters: Julie Bardin and Kelly MyersLocation: FoxfireStudents that are working on cause/effect and basic choice making can benefit from the use of iPads combined with switches. The presenters will share apps, equipment, and strategies for engaging students that can be challenging to engage with conventional strategies.3C. Free Equipment! The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (12:45 –2:00)Presenters: Alexander Velez, Joseph Rehmatullah, Cheryl RehmatullahLocation: PilotThe National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program – NDBEDP (also known as ) was mandated by the 21st Century Communication and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 and is provided by the Federal Communications Commission. MONDAY, MARCH 4, 201912:45 –2:00 Session 3 - Concurrent BreakoutsSession 3C – Description continuedThe North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing administers the NDBEDP in NC to ensure low-income individuals who are deaf-blind have access to the telephone, advanced communications, and information services. The Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) is a collaborative partner in implementing this program. DSB Deaf-Blind Specialists assess consumer equipment needs, coordinate training, capture the service in BEAM as a comparable benefit and communicates with VR staff what equipment has been provided through the program. Come learn from a program assessor, a trainer and a recipient about this program.3D. Ways to Pay for College (12:45 –2:00) Presenter: Laura MisnerLocation: Blue RidgeFiguring out how to pay is the number one reason given by students for dropping out of college. This 75-minute session will demystify the financial aid process and ways to pay for college. Participants will learn about finding and receiving scholarships, different types of students loans, avoiding scams, federal and state grants, residency determination, and free resources to help pay for college.3E. Dog Guides at NCCU (12:45 –2:00) Presenter: Jennifer ThurmanLocation: DogwoodLearn about how North Carolina Central University is incorporating dog guides in the orientation and mobility program.2:00 – 2:15 BreakMONDAY, MARCH 4, 20192:15 – 3:30 Session 4 - Concurrent Breakouts4A. What’s in Your FVA/LMA Kit? (2:15 – 3:30)Presenters: Julie Bardin and Kelly MyersLocation: PisgahCreating a kit for Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessments can be a daunting task. This session will be a discussion and show/tell style opportunity for participants to collaborate on what items to put in an assessment kit and how to maximize their usage. This presentation is functional and requires audience participation.4B. Using Expanded Core Curriculum Based Mobile Games to Maximize Educational Outcome by Teaching Skills Specified in Each Student’s IEP (2:15 – 3:30)Presenter: Marty ShultzLocation: FoxfireObjectiveEd is publishing games that are designed to teach visually impaired preK through 12th grade students skills outlined in the ECC. ObjectiveEd is a new company, building on what Blindfold Games learned from working with teachers and specialists. Each game operates uniquely, based on the objectives and skills that you want your student to learn and practice. Your student’s progress is tracked in a secure, private cloud, available to you and the IEP team through a web-based dashboard. You will learn why students acquire skills faster and achieve objectives sooner by “gamifying” education with mobile devices. MONDAY, MARCH 4, 20192:15 – 3:30 Session 4 - Concurrent Breakouts4C. Data Tools for Job Counseling and Placement (2:15 – 3:30)Presenter: Jeff RosenthalLocation: PilotThis session will showcase - a toolbox the North Carolina Department of Commerce developed to help people use labor market information to learn about career options and potentially find jobs. We will discuss different tools from such as Star Jobs, Occupational Profiles, the Career Clusters Guide, Staffing Patterns and Reality Check, as well as other helpful job and career resources. This session will conclude with a discussion of helpful tools and features for development.4D. Empowering Blind Students to Identify and Obtain Access Technology Through Mentoring, Advocacy, and Problem Solving (2:15 – 3:30)Presenter: Maurice PeretLocation: Blue RidgeAccess to digital and information technology is a foremost challenge to blind and low-vision transition age youth today. Graduating high school seniors are disproportionately ill-prepared to advocate for appropriate access technology, and too many blindness professionals are inadequately informed to provide the tools students need for success. From the concept of each one teach one, the NFB Career Mentoring Program offers a matrix of several successful blind role models per blind or low-vision student to share ideas, suggestions, and experience in the successful use of appropriate access technology in school and on the job. The presenter will discuss modules used in the NFB career mentoring relationships to empower transition-age youth to gain hands-on knowledge of and tools to identify and advocate for appropriate nonvisual and low-vision technology solutions. Session addresses some means of empowering blind and low-vision youth to engage in problem-solving strategies and techniques to explore and try out available access technology solutions.MONDAY, MARCH 4, 20192:15 – 3:30 Session 4 - Concurrent Breakouts4E. Use of Augmented Reality to Support O&M Instruction (2:15 – 3:30)Presenters: Sean Tikkun and Jack MitchellLocation: DogwoodGames and consumer apps are making use of Augmented Reality (AR) to give individuals an added layer of information or interactivity to everyday life. For roughly 10 years, an application has been available for teachers to leverage these tools. ARIS is an instructional tool designed for educators that can be leveraged by O&M instructors to potentially improve instruction. Participants will engage in a sample lesson and explore the tools and design necessary to employ ARIS for instruction.3:30 – 3:45 Break3:45 – 5:00 Session 5 - Concurrent Breakouts5A. Virtual School – Making it a Reality! (3:45 – 5:00)Presenters: Traci Wilkerson, Olivia Wilkerson, and Evan Wilkerson Location: PisgahHave you wondered how to make a virtual school setting a reality for visually impaired students? Well, we are a family that has made that happen! We learned a lot of technology in a very short amount of time. On a daily basis, we use almost every tool there is in the toolbox. We complete lessons on the school platform and connect to live classes; we also still receive TVI & O&M services. Technology Now! is the theme in our daily lives to complete our school day. Olivia and Evan are currently 6th and 8th graders.MONDAY, MARCH 4, 20193:45 – 5:00 Session 5 - Concurrent Breakouts5B. Hands-on Literacy, Making/Adapting Books for the Blind and Deafblind (3:45 – 5:00)Presenters: Wendy Barber and Elizabeth PrivetteLocation: FoxfireBuilding and maintaining a hands-on, tactile library is essential for our students with visual impairments and deaf-blindness to help promote an understanding of language, basic concepts and simple enjoyment of having a book to read. Having a variety of books and being able to choose a book that has been made accessible will help foster a love for reading.5C. Essential Tech Tools for College Bound Students With VIB (3:45 – 5:00)Presenters: Ed Summers and Diane BraunerLocation: PilotSupport for students with VIB on a college campus is vastly different than K-12. Are your students going to crash and burn? Or, will college be a launchpad for success? This presentation will survey digital tools that are essential for students with VIB to succeed in college and career.5D. Mentorship in an Age of Virtual Connection (3:45 – 5:00)Presenter: Abigail ShawLocation: Blue RidgeLearning Ally, formerly RFB&D, launched the College Success Program for blind and visually impaired college students in 2015. After many decades of producing accessible audiobooks for those with print related disabilities, the organization has maintained a national program that provides mentorship, peer support, resources to address all facets of college life, and audiobooks all via the use of technology and apps.MONDAY, MARCH 4, 20193:45 – 5:00 Session 5 - Concurrent Breakouts5E. O&M Screenings for the TVI, Including an FVA (3:45 – 5:00)Presenter: Crystal PatrickLocation: DogwoodThere has been great discussion around the topic of O&M screenings. There is an importance for them to be part of Functional Vision Assessments. This session will look at some screening tools specifically designed for the Teacher of the Visually Impaired. The tools will serve as data to drive the conversation with the teams if an evaluation is needed for a student. Objectives: Given information, TVIs will be more prepared to enter O&M screening information into their FVA and share more information with IEP Teams.394525562731004:30 – 6:30 pm - Vendors Session (Please visit and support all our Vendors)Location: Roan / Mitchell Rooms 41542152333Note: AllSight Solutions will be demonstrating the following new devices from HIMS:? “QBraille XL” 40-cell Hybrid BRAILLE Display, “Taptilo” interactive Braille learning and teaching tool, and the BrailleSense Polaris (32-cell) and BrailleSense Polaris-mini (20-cell) Braille notetakers0Note: AllSight Solutions will be demonstrating the following new devices from HIMS:? “QBraille XL” 40-cell Hybrid BRAILLE Display, “Taptilo” interactive Braille learning and teaching tool, and the BrailleSense Polaris (32-cell) and BrailleSense Polaris-mini (20-cell) Braille notetakersDAY 2: TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2019Onsite Registration: 7:00 – 11:00 amLocation: Laurel Foyer510159012817310002038358:00 – 9:15 General Session - Dr. Karen Blankenship, Keynote SpeakerLocation: Pisgah / Pilot Dr. Karen Blankenship has been a teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired (TVI) since 1976. She has been a vision resource room teacher as well as serving students on an itinerant basis. After nine years as a professor at VanderbiltUniversity in the Program for Visual Disabilities she is currently the special education coordinator at Tennessee School for the Blind. She completed both her undergraduate degree and her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt studying with Dr. Randal Harley and Dr. Anne Corn. In addition, she is the professional co-chair of the National Agenda, past president of the Tennessee AER chapter, past chair of the Education and Curriculum Division of AER, and past chair-elect for the Personnel Preparation division of AER. Her research and passion has been focused on transition and instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). 08:00 – 9:15 General Session - Dr. Karen Blankenship, Keynote SpeakerLocation: Pisgah / Pilot Dr. Karen Blankenship has been a teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired (TVI) since 1976. She has been a vision resource room teacher as well as serving students on an itinerant basis. After nine years as a professor at VanderbiltUniversity in the Program for Visual Disabilities she is currently the special education coordinator at Tennessee School for the Blind. She completed both her undergraduate degree and her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt studying with Dr. Randal Harley and Dr. Anne Corn. In addition, she is the professional co-chair of the National Agenda, past president of the Tennessee AER chapter, past chair of the Education and Curriculum Division of AER, and past chair-elect for the Personnel Preparation division of AER. Her research and passion has been focused on transition and instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). 9:15 – 9:30 BreakTUESDAY, MARCH 5, 20199:30 – 11:00 Session 6 - Concurrent Breakouts6A and 6B. Screen Reader Essentials for Teachers of the Visually Impaired (9:30 – 11:00)Presenters: Ed Summers and Diane BraunerLocation: PisgahNOTE: This is a joint session in Pisgah for both the K-12 (Session 6A) and Preschool (Session 6B) strands. For this session, do not go to Foxfire; go to Pisgah.Screen readers are an enigma for many sighted people including Teachers of the Visually Impaired. As a result, many students with visual impairments or blindness have major gaps in their knowledge of this fundamental tool. During this session, you will learn some screen reader essentials from an expert screen reader user. The objective of the session is to share concepts and skills that will help you build your knowledge so you can instruct your students. Please bring questions.6C. Apps for the Blind and Visually Impaired (9:30 – 11:00) Presenter: Joe BibermanLocation: PilotEmployment solutions . . . apps on personal devices. Bring your smartphone or tablet for this interactive session about apps for iDevices, android devices and windows computers. The session will highlight specific employment-related issues and solutions. Better yet . . . most of the apps are free!TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 20199:30 – 11:00 Session 6 - Concurrent Breakouts6D. Refreshing Price on a Braille Device: Learn About the Orbit Reader 2.0 (9:30 – 11:00) Presenters: Karen Blake, Cheryl Bitting and Miriam DixonLocation: Blue Ridge There is finally an affordable refreshable braille display that is available through APH with quota funds. In this session, there will be a short demo of the device paired with both a Chromebook and an Apple device. Participants will have an opportunity for a hands-on experience with the Orbit. 6E. Bluetooth Beacon Technology Deployments - A Review of Existing Use (9:30 – 11:00) Presenter: Sean TikkunLocation: DogwoodThe use of Bluetooth beacon technology is growing to support orientation and mobility for individuals who are visually impaired. This presentation will share a review of existing sites and the strengths and weaknesses of these deployments. A theoretical approach to deploying beacons will be shared and a demonstration will be deployed at the conference site.11:00 – 11:15 Break11:15 – 12:15 – Seated Lunch Program, Updates from the Field, & Rachel Rawls Award by NCAER285751968500The Rachel Rawls Award was established by the NCAER in 1989 to honor Dr. Rawls and to recognize her achievements in the field of work with the blind and visually impaired. For more information on Rachel Rawls, please go to this link. : Roan/Mitchell Rooms12:15 – 12:30 BreakTUESDAY, MARCH 5, 201912:30 – 1:45 Session 7 - Concurrent Breakouts7A and 7B. The Learning Media Assessment, Including Technology (12:30 – 1:45)Presenter: Sean TikkunLocation: PisgahThe learning media assessment (LMA) has been a core assessment to delivering appropriate materials to students with visual impairments. With changes in school materials and the emergence of tablet level devices, we have seen significant shifts in how materials are presented to K-12 students. This presentation will look at adding and adapting the LMA to address the needs of our current educational environment. Discussion will also include materials teachers are engaging in the schools.NOTE: This is a joint session in Pisgah for both the K-12 (Session 7A) and Preschool (Session 7B) strands. For this session, do not go to Foxfire; go to Pisgah.7C. Technology Helps Hunters Get ‘Back in The Woods Again’ (12:30 – 1:45)Presenter: Deanna JonesLocation: Pilot"Back in the Woods Again" is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide a safe hunting environment for individuals of all ages with physical challenges including visual impairments. We will share details on how a collaborative effort of one small community has led to the largest inclusive hunting event in the country. Learn about the equipment and assistive technology used to accommodate hunters and the amazing relationships of volunteers, guides and hunters that have been created since the event began eight years ago. TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 201912:30 – 1:45 Session 7 - Concurrent Breakouts7D. Transition Training: Accessibility Using iPads(12:30 – 1:45)Presenters: Brittany Greer, Gail Roby, & Demetria NickensLocation: Blue RidgeClass provides some of the tools necessary to access learning when visually impaired and blind. Presenters will demonstrate how each required Pre-ETS service can be connected to an iPad application; talk about and demonstrate the realities of learning the iPad itself, and then adding apps to the process. 7E. Deaf-blindness: Practical Implications for Orientation and Mobility Instruction (12:30 – 1:45)Presenter: Amber StefanskiLocation: DogwoodSession addresses practical implications for Orientation and Mobility instructors based on HKNC's Hybrid course. Come learn more about haptics, practical communication, street crossing cards, social-emotional implications, tips for collaboration with related service providers, and interpreter etiquette.1:45 – 2:15 Apply for CRCC / ACVREP credits at the Registration Area.THANKS TO ALL OF OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS!PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSOR-962534126400Invision Services: Seeing Solutions Beyond Sight. Since 1992, Invision has enriched the lives of visually impaired students and adults across North Carolina and the country. A private practice founded by John Higgins (COMS), to meet the specialized education and rehabilitation needs of people with vision loss and other disabilities, Invision’s two-fold mission provides accessible special education and vision-related services of the highest quality for public school systems and adult consumers and employs the finest educators and rehabilitation professionals. Invision’s team approach and win-win service philosophy serves the needs of clients while serving each other’s professional growth. Seeing solutions beyond sight, Invision employs and provides a deep bench of seasoned, experienced professionals. -3619593980The Governor Morehead School for the Blind (GMS) located in Raleigh, NC has been serving students, ages five to twenty-two years, since 1845. GMS offers full academic, prevocational and independent living programs. GMS also offers short term sessions throughout the school year and a summer enrichment program. GMS instructs on areas in the expanded core curriculum: orientation and mobility, social interaction, recreation, career education, assistive technology, and self-advocacy skills. For more information on enrolling your student at GMS, please contact 919-733-6192 or visit 00The Governor Morehead School for the Blind (GMS) located in Raleigh, NC has been serving students, ages five to twenty-two years, since 1845. GMS offers full academic, prevocational and independent living programs. GMS also offers short term sessions throughout the school year and a summer enrichment program. GMS instructs on areas in the expanded core curriculum: orientation and mobility, social interaction, recreation, career education, assistive technology, and self-advocacy skills. For more information on enrolling your student at GMS, please contact 919-733-6192 or visit PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSOR-571507874000The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is charged with implementing the state's public-school laws and the State Board of Education's policies and procedures governing pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public education. The elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction leads the Department and functions under the policy direction of the State Board of Education-1503952477501841 Capital BoulevardRaleigh, North Carolina 27635Phone: 919-733-4376Fax: 919-733-6910The Friends is a membership-based organization that provides monetary and advocacy support to the NC Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Through the annual fees members pay, as well as donations and bequests, the Friends are able to provide tangible support to existing Library programs and promote several projects and advocacy activities designed to engage and support the blind and visually impaired community in literacy. Reading is what the Library is all about, and the Friends support that cause wholeheartedly. Go to and join us today!embers pay, as well as donations and bequests, the Friends are able to provide tangible support to existing Library programs and promote several projects and advocacy activities designed to engage and support the blind and visually impaired community in literacy. Reading is what the Library is all about, and the Friends support that cause wholeheartedly. Go to and join us today!001841 Capital BoulevardRaleigh, North Carolina 27635Phone: 919-733-4376Fax: 919-733-6910The Friends is a membership-based organization that provides monetary and advocacy support to the NC Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Through the annual fees members pay, as well as donations and bequests, the Friends are able to provide tangible support to existing Library programs and promote several projects and advocacy activities designed to engage and support the blind and visually impaired community in literacy. Reading is what the Library is all about, and the Friends support that cause wholeheartedly. Go to and join us today!embers pay, as well as donations and bequests, the Friends are able to provide tangible support to existing Library programs and promote several projects and advocacy activities designed to engage and support the blind and visually impaired community in literacy. Reading is what the Library is all about, and the Friends support that cause wholeheartedly. Go to and join us today!GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR.4219575825817500-546107810500As part of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) strongly supports the department’s mission, which is, in collaboration with its partners, to protect the health and safety of all North Carolinians and provide essential human services. DSB provides specialized and individualized services to help enable individuals who are blind, visually impaired and deaf-blind to achieve their goals of independence and employment. DSB offers an array of programs and supportive services statewide including but not limited to the DSB Career and Training Center for the Blind, Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living and Medical Eye Care Programs, in addition to orientation and mobility, low vision, assistive technology, and deaf-blind services. For more information, please visit: dsSILVER LEVEL SPONSORS-1327151569720The Bryce Martin Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports blind and visually impaired children. We sponsor the Exploration Learning Center which strives to provide an engaging social atmosphere?for toddlers living with visual impairments. We offer enrichment programs such as art, braille, yoga and music classes for all ages. In addition, we?help families?fund items such as: glasses, therapy equipment, braille and technology tools, and?college scholarships. Contact: 9321 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613; ; info@00The Bryce Martin Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports blind and visually impaired children. We sponsor the Exploration Learning Center which strives to provide an engaging social atmosphere?for toddlers living with visual impairments. We offer enrichment programs such as art, braille, yoga and music classes for all ages. In addition, we?help families?fund items such as: glasses, therapy equipment, braille and technology tools, and?college scholarships. Contact: 9321 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613; ; info@-9525472440000`3800475562927500Accessibyte software is built from the ground up to meet the needs of students who are blind or visually impaired...and their teachers. Online and offline software covers touch typing, studying and games. All Accessibyte software is designed and developed by a COMS, CVRT, CATIS working in the field of assistive technology. ; contact@; support@1443136477000The Envisioning Youth Empowerment Retreat is a nonprofit tax exempt organization. It is organized, managed, and evaluated by individuals with visual impairments themselves. A Board of Directors oversees the policies, budget, and staffing of the organization. All of these individuals volunteer their time and service each year to make sure participants have a great experience. None of our staff are full time. The EYE Retreat was founded in 2009 and operated from 2009 to 2015 under the fiscal agent of The Governor Morehead School Alumni Association, a nonprofit tax exempt organization, before seeking and obtaining its own Articles of Incorporation and nonprofit approval in 2015. Contact Dr. Alan Chase, Founder, President, & Executive Director; alan.chase@CONFERENCE PARTNERS66174959802204720933450044875451876425004330065590550064670363343600NC DPI Sensory Support & Assistive TechnologyEarly Learning Sensory Support Program for Children with Visual Impairment (ELSSP/VI)94180464500North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically HandicappedUNC Department ofAllied Health Sciences5168575414200CONFERENCE VENDORSAccessibytecontact@AllSight Solutions, LLCPO Box 692Kingston, TN 37763-0692info@Bryce Martin Foundation9321 Leesville Road Raleigh, NC 276131-800-909-7086Carolina Low Vision/Enhanced Vision/Freedom ScientificBob Cook, James Bailey8454 Mossy Cup TrailHarrisburg, NC? 28075704-819-7817; 800-957-7079bob@Envisioning Youth Enrichment RetreatAlan Chasealan.chase@eSightNikki Nathanielsz / Dr. Mary SedgwickeMPOWER Program Advisor Tel:?855.837.4448?x268Web:?Equal Eyes Vision Services341 Kilmayne Dr., Suite 104Cary, NC 27511Phone: 919-480-8800 of the NC Library for theBlind and Physically HandicappedEddie Weaver, Gina Powell1841 Capital BoulevardRaleigh, NC 27635919-900-8780info@Governor Morehead School for the Blind303 Ashe AvenueRaleigh, NC 27606Phone: 919-733-6192Fax: 919-715-0192 Logix, LLC3135 Tyree Springs RdHendersonville, TN 37075615-822-3465Industries of the Blind920 West?Gate City Blvd.Greensboro, North Carolina 27403Main Office 336-274-1591Invision Services, Inc.960 Corporate Drive, #203 Hillsborough, NC 27278919-643-7640NC Chapter of AERShannon Pruitt, Acting PresidentSdpruitt99@NC Division of Services for the BlindDonna Wiggins2601 Mail Service CenterRaleigh, NC 27699-2601919-527-6762 donna.wiggins@dhhs.Quintex Low VisionFrank Beard, Edna Beard101 Charles Ridge RoadAsheville, NC 28805828-299-9151edna@Vispero17757 US Hwy 19NSuite 560Clearwater, FL 33764727 803 8000info@PRESENTERS (Arranged by First Name) – Our Thanks to Everyone!Abigail Shaw began working for Learning Ally as a part time mentor for the College Success Program in 2015. She now acts as the mentorship coordinator in addition to helping produce high quality audiobooks for the organization. She received her Bachelor of Science from Appalachian State and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work from Fordham University.Alex Velez is a Deaf-Blind Specialist with the NC Division of Services for the Blind at the Raleigh District Office. Mr. Velez completed his Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling with Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Business Administration from East Carolina University. Co-presenters: Joseph Rehmatullah and Cheryl Rehmatullah.Amber Stefanski has been an educator for ten years, first beginning as an Exceptional Children's teacher before specializing in Blindness and Low Vision. She incorporates her teaching experience along with her own personal journey with hearing and vision loss to exhibit a student-minded, project-based approach to education and instruction. In addition to Braille, she is fluent in American Sign Language, haptics and tactile communication. She holds a Master’s degree and works for Insightful Student Solutions, LLC.Becky Lowrey has been working as a TVI for over 20 years. She received her B.A. in Music from Agnes Scott College; a Master’s in Music Education from UGA; a Master’s in Special Education from Appalachian State University, and VI licensure through North Carolina Central University. She has worked as an early childhood TVI and K-12 TVI. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Exceptional Children/Visual Impairment, a Certified NC Early Intervention Infant, Toddler and Family Specialist, as well as a Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsee. Brittany Greer is a Transition Rehabilitation Counselor in Wilmington, NC. She has been with the NC Division of Services for the Blind as a counselor since 2014 and received her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Career Counseling at East Carolina University. She works with students in New Hanover, Onslow, Brunswick and Pender Counties. Crystal Patrick has 20 years of experience in education. Crystal first started as a substitute teacher when she was still in college. She has worked in a variety of settings and with all 14 eligibility classifications according to IDEA. She found her niche with her students who were Visually Impaired. Crystal is currently the Education Consultant for DPI serving the western half of the state of NC.Deanna Jones is a Business Relations Representative for Vocational Rehabilitation in Central North Carolina. Deanna enjoys the outdoors with her family and friends, and she serves as a co-organizer with “Back in the Woods Again.”Demetria Nickens is working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor II, Winston Salem District Office, NC Division of Services for the Blind since November 2012. She has a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, and works with adults and student populations in Alamance, Caswell, Randolph, and Rockingham counties. Diane Brauner is an educational accessibility consultant collaborating with various educational app developers and agencies. She splits her time between managing the Perkins eLearning website, Paths to Technology, presenting workshops on a national level and working on accessibility-related projects. Diane’s personal mission is to support developers and educators in creating and teaching accessible educational tools which enable students with visual impairments to flourish in the 21st century classroom. Diane has 25+ years as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, working primarily with preschool and school-age students.Doug Schepers is a software developer who defined Web technologies and standards at W3C for a decade, where he launched or worked on fundamental Web technologies, and started the W3C developer relations program. Working with the accessibility community at W3C inspired Doug to found Fizz Studio, an accessible data visualization startup in Chapel Hill, NC, USA.Ed Summers is a blind software engineer and an accessibility specialist. He has a B.S. in Computer Science and 25 years of professional experience as a software developer and a development manager. Ed’s personal mission is to enable people with disabilities to realize their full potential in the classroom and the 21st century knowledge economy. He fulfills that mission as Director of Accessibility at SAS, the market leader in statistical analysis software, and a leader in disability-related not-for-profit organizations. Gail Roby is a Transition Rehabilitation Counselor currently assisting students in Forsyth and Guilford Counties. She has worked for the Winston-Salem District Office, NC Division of Services for the Blind since 2011, with the state of North Carolina for 10 years, and has many years of experience providing vocational rehabilitation counseling services to injured workers. She received her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Janet Barlow is a COMS with a long history of teaching travel techniques, conducting research into O&M issues, focusing on access to the built environment, and furthering the interaction of the O&M field with the traffic engineering community.Jay Hardwig is the coordinator of IFB Solutions' pilot program providing free remote AT instruction to students in North Carolina. A TVI since 1999, he was only too happy to hand off JAWS instruction to others when he had the chance. He currently manages enrichment and educational programs for IFB Solutions in Asheville. Co-presenter: Joseph Rehmatullah.Dr. Jeff Rosenthal is a Senior Workforce Analyst with the Labor & Economic Analysis Division, NC Department of Commerce. His research interests include work and workforce development, and his projects include developing lists for Star Jobs, studying employer needs, Labor Market Information training, and industry and occupational projections. Previously, he worked for the US Census Bureau and Wake Forest University. He has a MA and PhD in Sociology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and a BA from Northwestern University.Jennifer Thurman is a Clinical Assistant Professor at NCCU. She is a certified orientation and mobility specialist as well as a qualified guide dog mobility instructor. She has 17 years of experience in O&M/Guide Dog Mobility.Joe Biberman has worked in the field of Assistive Technology since the early 80s in Pennsylvania, California, Florida and North Carolina. Throughout his 35-year career in the Assistive Technology field, he has worked with people of all disabilities in different settings and seen many changes in the field. Mr. Biberman has been employed as an Assistive Technology Consultant, Fayetteville District Office, NC Division of Services for the Blind since 2010.Joel Zimba has a background in software engineering. Over the past ten years, he has worked as an Assistive Technology trainer, accessibility advocate and project manager of an award-winning mobile app designed for the blind. Joel believes his facility with Braille, coupled with a solid foundation in the alternative skills of blindness are vital to his own professional journey. As a Blindness Product Specialist for HumanWare USA, he provides tools and strategies allowing blind students to realize their full potential. Co-presenter: Jack Mitchell.Julie Bardin is a teacher of students with visual impairments and serves students throughout the state with Invision Services. Julie received her VI training at Florida State University and has a passion for making learning meaningful, but fun for students.Kelly Myers is a teacher of students with visual impairments and serves students throughout the state with Invision Services. Kelly received her VI training at North Carolina Central University. Laura Misner has been with College Foundation for 17+ years. She has an undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University and an MS from Western Carolina University. She enjoys networking, gardening and playing with her four grandchildren.Marty Schultz is a co-founder of ObjectiveEd, a new company whose mission is to maximize educational outcomes. Marty is a mentor-speaker, angel fund investor, award-winning innovator and has bootstrapped and grown over five companies in his career. His current hobby is building accessible audio games for the blind. His company, Blindfold Games, has released over 80 games that promote learning through gamification. The games are enjoyed by over 25,000 people from 7 to 70 years old, and recently surpassed the 500,000th download. Marty holds degrees from Carnegie-Mellon University and a certificate from Harvard Business School. Maurice Peret is the coordinator of career mentoring programs at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute (NFB) - a national program providing pre-employment transition services to blind and low-vision students. Before joining the NFB, Mr. Peret worked with, trained, and educated blind youth and adults as a lead O&M instructor and rehabilitation projects coordinator and, before that, as a rehabilitation outreach coordinator for Blind Industries and Services of Maryland Rehabilitation Department. He is a member of the National Orientation and Mobility Certification Training Committee, as well as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research. Mr. Peret served as NFB’s base camp communications manager for the 2001 NFB /Allegra Mt. Everest expedition.Nancy Hearn is the Low Vision Program Specialist for the State of NC, Division of Services for the Blind. She is an RN, BSN with a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Teaching with a certificate in Low Vision Therapy. Nancy is dually certificated by the ACVREP as a Low Vision Therapist and a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. Nancy is passionate about her work and teaching her low vision clients to maximize their ability to use their remaining vision.Dr. Sean Tikkun is an assistant professor at North Carolina Central University. He explores emergent technology and is interested in advancing best practices in the use of consumer technology to improve the lives of individuals with visual impairments. Sean is an ACVREP Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist. Co-presenter for Session 4e. is Jack Mitchell.Steve Brink graduated with an engineering degree from Clemson University, and then went on to work for 7 years in the industrial materials and quality control fields. He left that to establish a non-profit organization and pursue a career working with at-risk youth, in both Illinois and NC. He has worked for the NCDHHS for the last 13 years - 6 years as a Rehabilitation Engineer and the last 7 years in his current role as the Vocational Rehabilitation Program Specialist for the Engineering Program. He has a certification from NC State in Office Ergonomics and is his agency’s lead ergonomic evaluator and troubleshooter in office ergonomics.Paula Roten has been a TVI since 1998. She has her undergraduate and Master’s degree from Appalachian State University and received VI licensure through NC Central University. Paula is a National Board Certified teacher in Exceptional Needs/Visual Impairment, as well as a certified NC Early Intervention Infant, Toddler and Family Specialist. Paula became the first teacher in N.C. to become a Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsee. She has undertaken several courses through Perkins eLearning on Cortical and Cerebral Visual Impairment.Traci Wilkerson is the mother of two visually impaired children. She has been an active part of the community since her children were enrolled in Gov. Morehead Preschool. She has been on the NC-APVI (now disbanded) board and is currently serving on the Bryce Martin Foundation board. Olivia Wilkerson, 14, and Evan Wilkerson, 12, both have LCA (Leber's Congenital Amaurosis) and share a passion for reaching the Paralympics in swimming and playing Euphonium and Trumpet in a local homeschool band. They have attended Space Camp (SCIVIS), Surf Camp, SEE Outdoor Camp & SEE H2O Camps. Co-presenters: Olivia Wilkerson, Evan Wilkerson.Wendy Barber became a Certified Braille Transcriber through the Library of Congress in 1997 and worked as a Braillist for Craven County Schools while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Special Education, General Curriculum and Reading K-12 from East Carolina University. She obtained licensure in Teaching the Visually Impaired at NC Central University. Mrs. Barber continues to work as an Itinerant Teacher of the Visually Impaired for Craven County Schools where she started as a teacher assistant in 1992 and is now in her 26th year of service. Co Presenter: Elizabeth Privette holds a BA in Special Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing K-12 from Lenoir-Rhyne University. After training at the NC School for the Deaf in Morganton, she taught in the NCSD satellite program in Asheville, NC, identifying and teaching preschool Deaf/HH children. She arrived in Eastern NC via sailboat in 2010 and joined Craven County Schools in 2013 as an interpreter/language facilitator and is currently an Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville-819150145883004110003537585004800600822007500 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download