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AGENDAThe National Council of State Agencies for the BlindSpring 2021 ConferenceMay 4 – 7 & 11, 2021Conference Theme: “Resilience and Reinvention”Each day will begin with 5 minutes of general housekeeping announcements facilitated by Max West and Sue Luzenski at 12:55pmAll times are EasternTuesday, May 4, 2021 Focus: A Study in Resilience and Reinvention1:00 pm Conference Kickoff, Welcome, Introductions, Remarks Featuring William Robinson, III, NCSAB President1:10 pm - 2:30 pmA Study in Resilience and Reinvention Featuring Brian Sigman, Director of the Connecticut Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind; and Juan Ortiz, Training Center Director, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. This panel explores the hybrid model of return to work for vocational rehabilitation agencies. Participants share information on how their agencies are optimizing the use of virtual technology, while addressing state reopening guidelines. Facilitated by William Robinson III, President, NCSAB and Director, Michigan BSBP with Q&A facilitated by Dacia Johnson. 2:30 pm - 2:40 pmLeader Dogs for the Blind - Networking Opportunity with Exhibitors2:40 pm – 2:50 pmEschenbach- Networking Opportunity with Exhibitors2:50 pm - 3:00 pmBreak3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Independent Living and Older Blind: Sharing the Best with All the Rest Featuring a Panel Discussion. This panel discussion focuses on trends and innovation in delivery of IL/ILOB services. Sylvia Perez, Director OIB-TAC, NRTC: Emerging Trends in Remote ILOB Service Delivery:? Sylvia will be sharing data and trends in remote ILOB service delivery gathered from administrators and providers across the country.Elyse Giordano, Rachel Pichette, and Candra Kennedy with New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired discuss Mobility Monday: Decreasing Social Isolation Across the Life Span. Mobility Monday is a training series implemented by New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which addresses concerns around technology consumers faced during the pandemic. The training forums fulfilled the need many seniors had to socialize and be interact with their peers. Mobility Monday offers mobility & skills training for daily living, with consumers assisting in determining topics for instruction while participating in diverse group interactions.Homa Marashi and Lelia Knight with North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind, discuss Realizing the Possibilities of Remote Group Learning. How in-person classes morphed into remote or virtual classes. Staff learned how to adapt or demonstrate many of the class subjects. Planning for classes took a long time: purchasing, organizing, and delivery of class materials required incredible forethought. We fully expect that every client will have to wait until after the pandemic is over prior to closure so that a hands-on review of goals can be reviewed in home.Kay McGill, Program Manager, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency/Project Independence: Georgia Vision Program for Adults Age 55 and Over, and Wendy Mons, Director of the Visually Impaired Foundation of Georgia, present The Resilience of the Seniors and the Reinvention of the Low Vision Exam. In this pandemic time, a comprehensive remote low vision evaluation conducted with the low vision doctor and certified low vision therapist was developed that allows seniors who are unable to get to a clinic, cannot locate transportation, or are too vulnerable or sick to travel to a location to participate in this very important service. Protocols have been developed that detail the process. Georgia has found this remote method to be successful and embraced by ophthalmologists, who refer to Project Independence and VIFGA for this service.Moderated by Sylvia Perez and Facilitated by Cynthia Speight, Director, Division of Services for the Blind, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services with Q&A facilitated by Tracy Brigham4:30 pmAdjournWednesday, May 5, 2021Focus: Data and Pre-Employment Transition ServicesEach day will begin with 5 minutes of general housekeeping announcements facilitated by Max West and Sue Luzenski at 12:55pmAll times are Eastern1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Data Elements Featuring Christopher Pope, Chief, Data Collection and Analysis Unit Rehabilitation Services Administration, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education; Natasha Jerde, Director of State Services for the Blind, Minnesota; and Rachel Anderson, VRTAC-QM Program Director, San Diego State University. Panelists provide updates on data and performance measures, while addressing other measures that matter. Facilitated by Dacia Johnson, Executive Director, Oregon Commission for the Blind with Q&A facilitated by Lea Dias2:30 pm - 2:40 pmVispero - Networking Opportunity with Exhibitors2:40 pm – 2:50 pmPerkins School for the Blind – Networking Opportunity with Exhibitors2:50 pm - 3:00 pmBreak3:00 pm - 4:30 pmTransitions in Transition Featuring Melissa Diehl, VRTAC-QMand George Washington University, Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education; and Brenda K. Simmons, Senior Technical Assistance and Research Analyst, The George Washington University Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education (CRCRE), for the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C), and the VR Technical Assistance Center on Quality Management (VRTAC-QM). This session discussion explores best practices and resources for pre-ETS programs and the impact of COVID. Facilitated by Carlos Serván, J.D., Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Executive Director with Q&A facilitated by Lea Dias.Thursday, May 6, 2021Focus: Business, Employment, and TechnologyEach day will begin with 5 minutes of general housekeeping announcements facilitated by Max West and Sue Luzenski at 12:55pmAll times are Eastern1:00 pm - 2:30 pmThe Hybrid Model Going Forward – Reinventing Our Work Featuring a Panel Discussion. This panel focuses on how remote technology drives our day to day service provision and how tech improves our recruitment and retention of counselors. Scott McCune, Deputy Division Director for Program Operations, Vocational Rehabilitation Division Texas Workforce Commission. Learn what Texas has in practice with technology for frontline staff in casework and with processes in taking applications virtually, signing IPEs, and etc. Update provided on how to manage your team virtually.Rod Alcidonis, Esquire, Director, Labor & Industry, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services. BBVS/Pennsylvania's approach in leveraging technology and complementary administrative systems to enable frontline staff to manage their caseloads in a telework environment.Michael Gretchokoff, Student and Criminal Justice Major, Hinds Community College, Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air PatrolAmanda Meares, Director/Technology Concierge, Tackle Technology, will briefly discuss the evolution of Assistive Technology Services as modern technology continues to offer many options for personalization. Tackle Technology attempts to put the focus on training a user how to navigate the capabilities and customizability of commonly used technology, rather than placing a focus on a user’s potential limitations. With the evolution of video calls, many trainings can be completed virtually. Sharon Giovinazzo, President/CEO, World Services for the Blind, discusses disruptions: work from home, work from anywhere, this is how we do!! Matt Ater, Vice President, Vispero, discusses remote technology training, updates, and resources for day to day services Facilitated by Dorothy Young, Director, M.S., C.V.S., Director, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services with Q&A facilitated by Tracy Brigham2:30 pm - 2:40 pmLeader Dogs for the Blind - Networking Opportunity with Exhibitors2:40 pm – 2:50 pmEschenbach- Networking Opportunity with Exhibitors2:50 pm - 3:00 pmBreak3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Getting the Gig in the Gig Economy - Reinventing Work for Our Consumers Featuring a Panel Discussion. Participants discuss remote work job opportunities, experience as an Amazon warehouse worker, the Eye2Eye phone based, peer support program for persons with visual loss, and innovations in gig work. Panelists include:DeCosta Lewis, AmazonMariagrazia Buttitta, Peer Support Specialist, Eye2Eye Peer Support Program for Vision LossAlicia Lukachko, Ph.D., Research Associate III, Eye2Eye Peer Support Program?Amanda Gerson, Coordinator of Vocational Rehabilitation and Transition Services; New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually ImpairedJay Mills, Supervisor, Business Relations Unit, NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Ida Behreini, Software Engineer, JP Morgan/ChasePetr Kucheryavyy, Senior Manager, Accessibility Center of Excellence, Charter Spectrum, presents Accessibility and Success in Remote Collaborations. Petr will share the success that he, as well as other blind/visually impaired members of his team have been able to have, working remote during the pandemic. One of these successes was developing a brand spot for their newest Spectrum Access product. Learn how working with the Director, producer, Actors and others was made possible using remote tools. Robert Doyle, III, Director, Division of Blind Services, Florida Department of EducationFacilitated by Shirley Robinson, MS, CRC, Coordinator of Blind Services, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services with Q&A facilitated by Dorothy Young4:30 pmAdjournFriday, May 7, 2021Focus: Randolph-SheppardEach day will begin with 5 minutes of general housekeeping announcements facilitated by Max West and Sue Luzenski at 12:55pmAll times are Eastern1:00 pm – 1:45 pmRSA Randolph Sheppard Update Featuring Corinne Weidenthal, Chief, Service Programs Unit, RSA/OSERS, U.S. Department of Education, and Jesse Hartle, Randolph-Sheppard Specialist, RSA. RSA will share updates on activities such as the Financial Relief and Restoration Payments Appropriation, GSA permit status, RSA requirements in the BEP State rules process, the RSA-Ability One MOU, and other general information.Facilitated by Curtis Glisson, Blind and Deaf Services, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services with Q&A facilitated by Catriona Macdonald1:45 pm – 2:30 pmSLA Director Panel: Innovative COVID Survival Practices Featuring:William Merchant, Director, Mississippi Business Enterprise Program, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation ServicesDorothy Young, Director, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation ServicesRebecca Turner-Cunningham, Business Counselor, Business Opportunities for the Blind (Virginia RS Program)Carol Jenkins, Deputy Director of Services, Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually ImpairedRaven Pulliam, Administrator, Business Enterprise Program for the Blind, IllinoisThis panel discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the Randolph Sheppard facilities and how organizations have pivoted to meet new demands through use of technology. Facilitated by Curtis Glisson, Blind and Deaf Services, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services with Q&A facilitated by Catriona Macdonald2:30 pm - 2:40 pmVispero - Networking Opportunity with Exhibitors2:40 pm – 2:50 pmPerkins School for the Blind – Networking Opportunity with Exhibitors2:50 pm - 3:00 pmBreak3:00 pm – 4:00 pmActive Participation Featuring Terry Smith, Director, Randolph-Sheppard Training & Technical Assistance, National Association of Blind Merchants, NFB. Facilitated by John Gordon, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Blind Services, Illinois Dept. of Human Services with Q&A facilitated by Catriona Macdonald4:00 pm – 4:30 pmNational Update Featuring Catriona Macdonald, President,Linchpin Strategies. Facilitated by John Gordon Bureau Chief, Bureau of Blind Services, Illinois Dept. of Human Services with Q&A facilitated by Dorothy Young4:30 pmAdjournTuesday, May 11, 2021Focus: Business Meeting & RSA Live Q&AEach day will begin with 5 minutes of general housekeeping announcements facilitated by Max West and Sue Luzenski at 12:55pmAll times are Eastern1:00 pm - 1:25 pmNCSAB Business Meeting & Committee ReportsBusiness Meeting AgendaCall to Order, William Robinson III, President, NCSAB, and Director, Michigan Bureau of Services for the BlindTreasurer’s Report - Tracy Brigham, Division Administrator, Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Oklahoma Rehabilitation ServicesCommittee ReportsEmployment – Shirley RobinsonTransition – Carlos ServánIndependent Living/Training/OIB – Cynthia SpeightRandolph-Sheppard – Curtis GlissonTechnology – Dorothy Young1:25 pmBusiness Meeting Adjourns1:25 pm – 1:35 pmUpdate from VRTAC Quality Employment with Malachy Bishop, Ph.D., CRC, Norman L. and Barbara M. Berven Professor of Rehabilitation Psychology and Co-Investigator1:35 pm – 1:45 pmUpdate from VRTAC Quality Management Featuring Carol Pankow, Project Director, George Washington University, VRTAC-QM. Participants will hear updates from the VRTAC-QM with current statistics, tools developed, and a website overview.1:45 pm - 2:15 pmPolicy Update Featuring Fredric K. Schroeder, Ph.D., Policy Consultant, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind2:15 pm - 2:30 pmConference Break2:30 pm - 4:15 pmRSA Federal Partner Update and Live Q&A Featuring Rehabilitation Services Administration, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education, including:Carol Dobak, Acting Deputy CommissionerDavid Steele, Chief, Fiscal UnitSuzanne Mitchell, Chief, Vocational Rehabilitation Program UnitRoseann Ashby, Chief, Technical Assistance UnitChristopher Pope, Chief, Data Collection and Analysis UnitFacilitated by Dr. Bernice Davis, President-Elect and Chair, NCSAB Conference Planning Committee and Executive Director of New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) with Q&A facilitated by Robert Doyle, III4:15 pm - 4:30 pmClosing Comments by William Robinson III, President, NCSAB,and Director, Michigan Bureau of Services for the Blind4:30 pmCONFERENCE ADJOURNS Speaker BiosRod Alcidonis, Esq.Mr. Alcidonis currently serves as the Director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS). Prior to his appointment as BBVS Director, Mr. Alcidonis was the Executive Director of the Self-Determination Housing of Pennsylvania where he was responsible for administering accessible housing programs and initiatives for Pennsylvanians with disabilities on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, and other organizations. Prior to this role, Mr. Alcidonis spent close to ten years litigating civil cases as an attorney in the greater Philadelphia area on behalf of under-represented individuals, including those with disabilities.Through two gubernatorial appointments, Mr. Alcidonis had the pleasure of serving as the Chairperson for the Pennsylvania Advisory Committee for the Blind for seven years, and as a member of The Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities for three years.In addition to his legal background, Mr. Alcidonis is a self-taught computer programmer, with extensive expertise in the design and deployment of enterprise software applications to manage business operations and strategic programming, and Internet of Things Technology implementations (IOT) in a variety of settings.Mr. Alcidonis earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Plattsburgh State University of New York, and his Juris Doctorate degree from Roger Williams University School of Law.Rachel AndersonRachel Anderson has had the pleasure of working with individuals with disabilities in a variety of capacities over the past 20 years, including 10 years in which she worked for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Rachel is currently a Program Director with the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Management (VRTAC-QM) at San Diego State University (SDSU), providing national consulting and training for VR administrators, counselors, and other staff. Rachel’s passion is improving services and employment opportunities for both youth and adults with the most significant disabilities and is committed to helping VR agencies showcase their remarkable services and impact through data. She is a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), a Certified Benefits and Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP/Y-WIP), and a Licensed Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (LVRC).?RoseAnn AshbyRoseAnn Ashby is the Chief of the Technical Assistance Unit in RSA. She has been with the agency for over 30 years, holding varying positions along the way. She started her career in an independent living center in Miami, Florida.Matt AterMatt is the Vice President of Vispero, working to support customers across all brands within the Vispero family of products and services. He brings over 25 years of experience in accessibility support services. Matt began his career in training employees with disabilities (EWD) on the use of assistive technology, including developing premiere training programs at the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind in Washington, DC. Matt ran the EWD Support Services for the Social Security Administration (SSA), supporting over 2,500 EWD at SSA. Matt joined Freedom Scientific, a Vispero company, in 2014 to develop a consulting practice, and ran the combined services arm, TPG, until 2018. Matt currently runs corporate business development and software engineering for Vispero. Vispero is the worldwide leader in accessibility solutions for the blind and low vision. Ida BehreiniIda is a 24 year old software engineer living and working in New Jersey. She graduated in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and now works full-time for JP Morgan Chase. Ida also volunteers her time to mentor high school students, and serve on the State Rehabilitation Council.Tracy BrighamTracy Brigham is the statewide Division Administrator for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. As Administrator, Brigham leads staff who provide services in career counseling, vocational education and training, medical, assistive technology and independent living required for clients to achieve their career and/or independence goals, as well as the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and the Oklahoma Business Enterprise Program.? Brigham has been employed with ODRS for over 21 years.? Prior to being selected as administrator, she had primary responsibility for ODRS’ statewide workforce system planning and coordination with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which focuses on helping jobseekers find high-quality careers and employers hire and retain skilled workers. Brigham also has experience as a rehabilitation counselor, a Programs Manager, a vocational evaluator, a mental health therapist in the private sector and as an adjunct instructor.? She earned a Master of Behavioral science degree and holds a license as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and is also an LPC Supervisor. Originally from Covington, OK she currently resides in Oklahoma City.? She has one daughter, Shaelyn, who is a Physical Therapy doctoral student at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, MN. ?In her spare time, Brigham is a Realtor? and is involved in organizations drilling for and providing clean water to villages in remote locations in Guatemala, and also with Compassion International, which is a Christian child sponsorship program focusing on holistic child development worldwide.Mariagrazia ButtittaA native Sicilian-Italian speaker, Mariagrazia Buttitta is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), an author, a motivational speaker, a peer support specialist at Eye2Eye, a wellness and health enthusiast, and a passionate mental health and disability advocate. Mariagrazia holds a master’s degree in Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of New Jersey. Mariagrazia — the author of,?Now I See: How I Battled Blindness, Mental Illness, an Espresso Habit and Lived to Tell the Tale,?has also been featured on the?Huffington?Post,?Medium,?Writers Digest, and?Counseling Today?(a publication of the American Counseling Association), to name only a few outlets. Mariagrazia is a tireless advocate who regularly educates and speaks to college students and organizations about her blindness and her long-term battle with depression and anxiety. When not working, Mariagrazia loves spending quality time with her mother, family and friends, writing, riding her bike, meditating, hiking, exercising, cooking, baking, shopping, hanging out with her furry friend, Happy, and embarking on life’s adventures. Her one true weakness—espresso … and lots of it.Learn more about Mariagrazia by visiting, Follow Mariagrazia onTwitter:?@eyeonacureInstagram:?@embracingdifferenceseyeonacure or @mariagrazia.buttitta Facebook:?embracingyourdifferencesYouTube: Mariagrazia ButtittaDr. Bernice Davis Dr. Bernice Davis is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI). In this capacity she is responsible for the overall administration and operations of the Commission, the single state authority charged with providing education, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, assistive technology, and eye-health services for the estimated 259,000 residents of the state, who are blind, deaf-blind or visually impaired.Dr. Davis, who joined the CBVI staff in 2005, also served as the Acting Executive Director and the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director.? As Executive Assistant she was responsible for the coordination of the Commission’s community education and outreach activities, ensuring the agency’s compliance to state and federal policies and regulations, including HIPAA, OPRA and other monitoring entities, and strategic collaborations with executive team members, state officials and community based shareholders to assess and fulfill the needs of CBVI consumers.?From January 2003 through July 2005, Dr. Davis was the Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, North Jersey Developmental Center (NJDC). In this role she was second in command of a residential facility that provided a wide range of habilitation, behavioral and medical services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. Prior to that appointment she also served NJDC as Acting Director of Professional and Residential Services (2002 – 2003); Supervisor of Professional and Residential Services (2001 – 2002); and as a Clinical Psychologist 1 (1995 – 2001).Dr. Davis earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 1993, and her B.S. degree in Applied Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago with a minor in Anthropology. She is a licensed psychologist, as well as a certified American Management Associate, who has over 21 years of experience as a clinician and public administrator.?Melissa DiehlMelissa Diehl has over 25 years of experience and expertise working in the State VR Program, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and as a National Technical Assistance and Continuing Education provider. Her work with the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), Rehabilitative Services Administration (RSA) as a Vocational Rehabilitation Program Specialist for the State Monitoring Program Improvement Division offered invaluable experience in understanding how the Federal VR program administers and provides assistance to State VR agencies in understanding the Federal regulatory requirements as they are incorporated into each States’ VR program.?Melissa currently works for the George Washington University Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education (CRCRE) as the GW team’s project lead for the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C). Melissa also serves as a TA provider for the VR Technical Assistance Center on Quality Management. ? ? ?Carol DobakCarol Dobak joined the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) in November 2000 and is the agency’s Acting Deputy Commissioner. She also serves as the Director of RSA’s State Monitoring and Program Improvement Division, a role she has occupied since February 2017. Prior to her current positions, Ms. Dobak served as the Chief of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program Unit and the program specialist responsible for RSA’s advocacy programs. Ms. Dobak is a member of the Maryland bar and holds a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law.Robert DoyleRobert L. Doyle, III is the director of the Division of Blind Services at the Department of Education. Director Doyle oversees services to Floridians who are blind or visually impaired through ten district offices, including the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, the Braille and Talking Books Library and local community rehabilitation programs. Prior to joining the Division of Blind Services, Director Doyle served as director for the Division for the Visually Impaired with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. He has over 20 years of experience in human services and education and holds a bachelor’s degree in political studies and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Illinois. Director Doyle serves as the Region IV representative for the southern states and is past president for both the?Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.Amanda GersonAmanda Gerson, M.S., Ed.S. - an alumnus of The College of New Jersey (B.A. in Clinical/Counseling Psychology) and of the University of North Carolina – Greensboro (M.S., Ed.S. in Community Counseling and Couple and Family Counseling), always with a focus on wellness, Amanda began her career in Higher Education student services programming. In 2011, she started with NJ CBVI as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor working with transition-age students, and later as Supervisor of Assistive Technology Services. Since 2016, Amanda has served as the Coordinator of Vocational Rehabilitation and Transition Services; in this role she is responsible for VR policy, program development, and compliance, and management of the agency’s two specialized VR units - Statewide Transition and Deaf-Blind Services, and Business Relations Services.Elyse GiordanoElyse began her career in 2010 as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired for a school district in New Jersey.? While there she traveled throughout the school district working 1:1 with students who were blind and visually impaired as well as working with teachers on how to best instruct students with visual impairments.? In 2017 she began working with the NJ Commission for the Blind as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor.?She works with consumers of all ages in various settings instructing them on the best practices for travel for an individual who is blind or visually impaired. Elyse graduated from Kutztown University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Elementary Education. ?In 2013 she went on to receive her master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility at Salus University and is ACVREP certified.? Elyse resides in Southern New Jersey alongside the Delaware River where she enjoys camping and boating with her fiancé Wade, her 6 month old daughter Stella, and their Pitbull Brucie.Curtis GlissonCurtis Glisson has over 30 years of experience in the field of vocational rehabilitation and is currently the Assistant Commissioner for Blind and Deaf VR Services in Alabama. He has served as chairman of the NCSAB Randolph Sheppard Committee for the past 5 years.John GordonJohn Gordon is currently the Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Blind Services with the Division of Rehabilitation services in the State of Illinois. Prior to 2015, I was a licensed Blind Vendor for over 30 years and was the Chairman of our elected committee in Illinois for 20 years. Michael Gretchokoff Michael Gretchokoff, 19, is a Criminal Justice major at Hinds Community College and an Air Force auxiliary in the Civil Air Patrol. Currently, Michael has a 3.9 GPA. During his fall freshman year, Michael earned the Dean’s list maintaining a 3.8 GPA while completing 21 hours. Before entering college, he was the 2020 valedictorian at MS School for the Blind, graduating with a 3.2 GPA. Michael shares his journey on how he persevered through the challenges of life and adjustment to his loss of sight; beginning with his suicide attempt at the age of 15 years old. After matriculating through graduate school, Michael plans to be an emergency dispatcher. His hobbies include music production and recording, homework, drinking coffee in truly concerning amounts, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and working on his duties as a senior member in the Civil Air Patrol.Jesse HartleJesse Hartle, Randolph-Sheppard Specialist for the Rehabilitative Services Administration, is a well-known figure in the Randolph-Sheppard community. After working at the National Federation of the Blind headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, Jesse joined the Department of Education to focus on Randolph-Sheppard program issues. Jesse’s deep knowledge and dedication to the Randolph-Sheppard are well known throughout the country, and NCSAB welcomes him back to share his insights and expertise. Carol JenkinsI have been with the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired for almost 12 years. I am currently the Deputy Director of Services and oversee the Nebraska Business Enterprises Program, but also served as the previous Nebraska Center for the Blind Supervisor as well as was a former Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Natasha JerdeNatasha Jerde is the Department of Employment and Economic Development- State Services for the Blind Director. She proudly carries out the mission to facilitate the personal and vocational independence of Minnesotans who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind. She is a University of Wisconsin-Stout alum where she received a bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and vocational evaluation. She has a certification in DeafBlindness from Northern Illinois University. Natasha started her career as a vocational evaluator and DeafBlind rehabilitation counselor at State Services for the Blind. She went on to become a vocational rehabilitation supervisor and then the Director of Policy and Program Administration, overseeing policy development, training, quality assurance, and data analytics. For several years, Natasha was also the adjunct sign language instructor at UW-Stout. Dacia JohnsonUnder the leadership and direction of a Governor-appointed seven-member Commission, Dacia Johnson leads the Oregon Commission for the Blind, a state agency of specialized staff working to maximize the employment and independent living opportunities for Oregonians who are blind. Dacia began her career at a job training program in Southern Oregon where she helped displaced and economically disadvantaged job seekers re-enter the workforce. She went on to specialize in the field of Vocational Rehabilitation and, for more than twenty years, has been working to improve employment outcomes and independent living services for individuals with disabilities. Prior to becoming Executive Director of the Commission for the Blind in 2013, Dacia was the Director of the agency's Rehabilitation Services program. She previously worked in public Vocational Rehabilitation with the Oregon Department of Human Services as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Training Specialist/Policy and Planning Coordinator.Dacia holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Western Oregon University and a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Portland State University. Dacia holds the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential.Dacia currently serves as President of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) in 2020 and is the current President- Elect for the Council of State Administrators in Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR).Candra KennedyCandra Kennedy is an Orientation and Mobility specialist who has worked at the Commission for the Blind for 8 years, serving all populations. She lives in Philadelphia, where she also provides contract services for the School District of Philadelphia and the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services. Lelia KnightMy name is Lelia Knight, Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor, II with North Carolina Services for the Blind. I have lived in NC and worked with NCSDSB for 13 years. Prior to working with NCSDSB, I lived and worked in New York State. I worked with North Country Association for the Visually Impaired for 12 years; with Adirondack Tobacco Free Network for three (3) years, and with Mountain Vision Center for 1 year.I have a SWK degree from the University of New York State at Plattsburgh and an MSW from McGill University in Montreal Canada. As well as a RT Certificate from the Lighthouse for the Blind in New York City.My most recent accomplishment is getting through 2020!My targeted interest is working with my horse and being outside in the woods listening to birds.Petr Kucheryavyy Petr Kucheryavyy is the Senior Manager of Outreach for Spectrum’s Accessibility team. Petr helps lead physical and virtual accessibility initiatives to improve and optimize accessibility for both employees and customers.Born in Ukraine, just two months prior to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion, Petr began losing his vision at age nine, shortly after his family immigrated to the United States. By age 10, Petr was declared legally blind. Petr eventually found work in the construction industry after dropping out of school due to his inability to read printed text. Determined to go beyond the apparent limitations, Petr was able to find resources and training that would open a path of opportunity in education, and eventually a dynamic career. His career journey began in hospice care, after which he went on to teach “It’s Your Health,” an innovative approach to health and wellness at Emory University, his alma mater. He also earned a Wellness Coaching Certification with Wellcoaches Corporation and worked with clients to transform their approach to health and wellness. Peter’s experience includes rehabilitation and training roles in adult and senior programs at the Colorado Center for the Blind.From hiking to camping, Petr loves being outdoors and traveling. He also enjoys volunteering with blind seniors in the community.DeCosta LewisMy name is DeCosta Lewis. I am married and a father of three, ages 10, 15 and 17. I was a supervisor for McLane Company which is a distributor for WAWA. After working there for approximately 12 years, I lost my vision due to a combination of health issues. I became a client of “the Commission for the Blind in 2016. Once I started working with them, they helped restore my confidence, taught me mobility, braille and how to continue doing everyday tasks which started me on my path for my new “normal”. After I graduated from the Joseph Kohn Training Center in 2018, I went through all the procedures to procure my service dog, “Jessie” from the Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ.Once all of this was accomplished, I started my search for new employment. I had a lot of disappointments along the way until I became a participant in a pilot program with the Commission and VISIONS of New York. Through them, I applied and was in the process of being hired at AMAZON in March of 2020…then the pandemic happened and everything was put on hold. Eight months later, things started falling into place and I started at AMAZON two weeks before thanksgiving. It took a few tries, and some intervention from the Commission and VISIONS, but they finally found a position for me. AMAZON had some trepidation at first, but I persevered and convinced them to give me a chance and show them what I could do. I love my job, I am very hands on and my co-workers are very supportive. I have developed a new motto;“it’s not what you can’t do, but what you CAN ”Alicia Lukachko Alicia Lukachko, DrPH, MSW, LSW joined Eye2Eye in January 2020 to act as program coordinator. She received her doctorate from Columbia University in public health, specializing in the field of psychiatric epidemiology, and later earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from Rutgers University. Alicia is a licensed therapist and has extensive experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation. At Eye2Eye she oversees daily operations and is responsible for grant writing, program planning and development efforts. Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time with her three children and travelling (or at least dreaming of it!).Catriona MacdonaldCatriona Macdonald has served as an NCSAB policy advisor since 2005, advising State Licensing Agencies and the organization on Randolph-Sheppard issues. She is the President and Founder of Linchpin Strategies, a boutique public policy firm that was recognized by National Journal as one of Washington, DC’s top women-owned government relations providers. Ms. Macdonald graduated with a master’s degree in public policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.Homa MarashiMy name is Homa Marashi, Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor II with North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind. I am originally from Iran but have lived in the United States most of my life. I have a BA in Psychology from Northeast Louisiana University and a MA in Mental Health Counseling from University of Louisiana at Monroe. I have been living in North Carolina for the last 19 years and working as an Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor for DSB for the last 18 years. My passions and interests include learning to play piano and reading books. Scott McCuneScott McCune is the Deputy Division Director for Program Operations for the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services Division. He has been in public service for almost 21 years, starting his career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Scott has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology/Pre-Healthcare from Baylor University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He has a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Texas. Scott is a graduate of the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute and the Governor’s Executive Development Program and is a certified Rapid Process Improvement Practitioner.Kay McGillKay McGill graduated from the University of Kentucky (UK) with a Bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in Psychology and Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Public Manager. She has been with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) her entire career serving in numerous roles and receiving various awards during this time. After retirement, she was asked to return to the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) to serve as the GVRA Older Blind Program Manager – Project Independence: Georgia Vision Program for Adults Age 55 and Over, where she continues in this role.Amanda MearesAmanda Meares, MS, ATP, Director of Tackle Technology, is a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). She has been teaching individuals about technology and customizing devices to meet individual needs since 2007. Amanda focuses on teaching people how technology can help accomplish individual goals. She specializes in working with people who have physical and/or cognitive limitations.William MerchantI was hired with rehab services in 1994 as the BEP trainer and have been the BEP Director for the last 7 years.Jay MillsI am a lifelong New Jersey resident. I graduated from the College of New Jersey (then called Trenton State) with a degree in Psychology. At the time of my graduation, I was a store manager and decided to stay in retail for the next 26 years. I then decided I needed a career change and chose public service. I started with the Commission in 2001 as a field representative for the Business Enterprise Program where I recruited, trained and over-saw legally blind individuals to operate various types of food service or vending locations. Three years ago I became the supervisor of the Business Relations Unit, a new unit that focuses on outreach to community and businesses. In this unit we provide information to the public about our agency and services and offer various trainings as well as trying to match our consumers with employment opportunities.In my off hours, I enjoy baking and playing with my new grandson. I love to eat and can’t wait to get back to dining out!Suzanne MitchellSuzanne Mitchell has been employed with the Rehabilitation Services Administration since 2003 and currently serves as Chief of the VR Program Unit. She holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Southern University and has a diverse management background spanning over four decades in rehabilitation that includes work in the private sector and at the State level as the former Director of Blind Services for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.?Wendy MonsWendy Mons, is a Certified Low Vision Therapist and the founder and Director of the Visually Impaired Foundation of Georgia. She holds a degree in education of the visually impaired from the University of Texas. She has worked in the low vision field for over 50 years and in three different countries. In Georgia, she worked at the Center for the Visually Impaired and facilitated the development of Emory University’s Low Vision Clinic in the 1990s. Since 1987 she has worked with doctors and their low vision patients throughout rural South Georgia. Her company works primarily with the Older Blind Program – Project Independence. Juan OrtizJuan F. Ortiz is the Director of the Training Center for the Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons located in Kalamazoo, MI. Juan has spent his entire adult career in the service of others through his various professional positions in healthcare and state government with a total of 24-years of experience combined. He has served on various non-profit boards as well as the Western Michigan University Family Sciences Advisory Board. He was previously a National Guard Youth Challenge Mentor and has mentored young adults through Big Brothers Big Sisters. He currently serves on the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Career and Community Training Advisory Board and is an active member of the Kalamazoo County Adult Literacy Collaborative. Juan holds a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, minor in Chemistry, Master’s in Business Administration, and is a certified Project Management Professional. Juan has received various recognition awards throughout his career in both State Government and Healthcare. Juan has experience with Lean Process Improvement completing various projects with successful outcomes. He has a hands-on-deck approach, working together as a team to help bring quality services and training to dual customers. Carol PankowCarol is the Project Director for the George Washington University team on the VRTAC-QM. As a former state director of Minnesota Blind and most recently assistant commissioner with DEED in Minnesota. Carol brings over three decades of professional experience in working with the disability community.Carol holds a master’s degree in the management of rehabilitation services from DePaul University in Chicago and a B.S. from Mankato State University.She also served as president of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind and Committee Chair of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation.Rachel PichetteRachel Pichette is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. She has been serving the?Commission for the Blind?in Cherry Hill, New Jersey for the past eleven years. She expertly and passionately teaches orientation and mobility skills to?children and adults who are blind or have visual impairments. Through her teaching, she enables them to achieve their individual goals and dreams for greater independence.?Previously,?Rachel served,?young children with multiple disabilities,?as a Certified Therapeutic and Recreation Specialist, at Weisman Children's Rehabilitation Hospital.?Rachel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation at Temple University and a Master of Science Degree in Orientation and Mobility at Salus University.?She lives in New Jersey with her husband, three daughters and her new baby son. ??Christopher PopeChristopher Pope is Chief of the Data Collection and Analysis Unit at the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the U.S. Department of Education. Since joining RSA in 2012, Mr. Pope has partnered with State agencies to assist individuals with disabilities achieve competitive integrated employment and full integration in the community, and led RSA’s interagency implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act with its Federal partners. Prior to his appointment with RSA, Mr. Pope served as a Rehabilitation Specialist at the U.S. Department of Labor. He began his career as a Rehabilitation Counselor with the New York State Education Department. Mr. Pope holds a Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in Rehabilitation Counseling and he is Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. He lives with his wife in Washington, DC. Raven PulliamRaven has been at the helm of the Illinois Business Enterprise Program for the Blind for over 13 years. He also worked as the Foodservice Supervisor and Blind Vendor Culinary Instructor prior to becoming the Administrator for the program. Raven attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York as well as Johnson Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island in the 80’s. Raven earned the title of Certified Executive Chef. He started his culinary career working at country clubs, hotels and private restaurants. His last chef job was at the University if Illinois in Springfield for 17 years. While being the Executive Chef at the University, he also was the Lead Culinary Instructor at Lincoln Land Community Collage for 9 years in the evenings. Raven is a long-distance cyclist and a long-time fly fisherman. He lives in Springfield Illinois with his loving wife of 35 years Dee. William A. Robinson, IIIIn Feb 2001, Mr. Robinson was accidentally shot by a fellow hunter. A Life Flight to the Macon Georgia Trauma Center saved his life, however, the accident left him without sight in his left eye and limited sight in his right eye. Mr. Robinson never lost faith, hope, or the support of family. An accomplished C-Suite Executive, Mr. Robinson’s employer chose to trigger his severance. Unfamiliar with vocational rehabilitation (VR) or the skills of blindness, Mr. Robinson embarked on a journey of restoration of his roles as husband, parent, business, and community leader. Mr. Robinson began serving the State of Michigan as Director of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) in September 2016. He is responsible for the State agency that provides vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and employment training services to Michigan’s blind, deaf/blind and visually impaired residents through seven offices located throughout the State, the Business Enterprise Program, a 24/7 residential Training Center, the Braille and Talking Book Library, and a Youth Low Vision Program. Mr. Robinson began his career in 1981 with Price Waterhouse (known today as PricewaterhouseCoopers). Mr. Robinson served as VP Taxes and Executive Committee Member of the RTM Restaurant Group from 1989 to 1997. From 1997 until Feb 2001, Mr. Robinson lead National Service Industries as a member of Management Committee, VP Mergers and Acquisitions and CFO and Sr. VP of National Linen Service. He currently serves as the President of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) and as a member of WIOA IT Steering Committee. He held previous leadership positions with the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR). Mr. Robinson has served on VR workgroups with the U.S. Dept. of Ed. Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). In 2017, Robinson received the Beacon Award from the Michigan Council of Rehabilitation Services in recognition of his dedication to providing the highest quality of vocational rehabilitation services to Michiganders with low vision and blindness. In 2019, Robinson completed the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute Executive Leadership Seminar in Rehabilitation Administration. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BS in Business Administration and major in Accounting. Fredric K. Schroeder, Ph.D.Dr. Schroeder serves as a policy consultant for the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB). In 1994, President Clinton appointed Dr. Schroeder commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Schroeder is also a research professor with the San Diego State University Research Foundation. He is a nationally recognized expert in the area of disability employment policy and conducts training in leadership and public policy for senior level executives of state vocational rehabilitation programs. From 1986 to 1994, Dr. Schroeder served as the Executive Director of the New Mexico Commission for the Blind. Dr. Schroeder is the President of the World Blind Union (WBU). The WBU represents the interests of the estimated 253 million blind and partially sighted people around the world. It works to expand access to education, employment and social integration for blind and partially sighted people. Carlos ServánCarlos R. Serván was born in Lima, Peru. When he was 20 years old, he was blinded and lost his right hand in an explosion while training with the Peruvian police. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1989 to receive training on blindness techniques and soon after found his passion in serving people with disabilities. He had to learn English and then he earned a bachelor in Political science and later a dual graduate obtaining a M.P.A. and a J.D. His disability, together with his immigrant and minority status, have given Mr. Serván a deep, personal understanding of the challenges facing children and adults with disabilities, especially those from minority backgrounds. He knows what it is to be disadvantaged; to face discrimination, and he knows what it takes to succeed. From 2017-present, Mr. Serván has been the Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. His work was recognized by the National Rehabilitation Association with its “E.B. Witten Silver Medallion Award” in October, 2020 for demonstrated leadership in improving the lives of people with disabilities. From 1998-2017 Mr. Servan was the Deputy Director for Services for the Nebraska Commission for the Blind. His work was recognized with the Manager of the Year award by Governor Mike Johanns in 1999 and again by Governor David Heinemann in 2011. Before coming to work in Nebraska, from 1992-1998, Mr. Serván coordinated transition from school to work programs in New Mexico. He developed a model of training and work experience for blind youth, including those with multiple disabilities and minority backgrounds, based on a model of high expectations. The program he developed became nationally recognized as a model for other transition training programs across the country. The program demonstrated that early intervention by vocational rehabilitation in coordination with the public school system increases the chances for integrated high-quality employment for blind youth. Some of Mr. Serván’s leadership positions are: 1995-1996 served as President of the National Association of Blind Students, in 2000-2003 President of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, from 2000-2003 member of the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind, 2000-2010 City of Lincoln Diversity Committee, 2002-2006 President of the National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals, 2008-2016 member of the Board of Directors of Disability Rights Nebraska, and from 2018-present member of the Executive Committee of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.Brian SigmanBrian began his tenure with the CT Board of Education and Services for the Blind (now the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind) in 1987 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. He moved into the Program Supervisor position two years later and became the State Director in 1996. Brian is a Past-President of NCSAB as well as CSAVR. He has chaired the Human Resources Development and Direct Client Services committees of CSAVR. Brian is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Brenda K. SimmonsBrenda K. Simmons, M.S., currently serves as a Senior Technical Assistance and Research Analyst with The George Washington University Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education (CRCRE), for the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C), and the VR Technical Assistance Center on Quality Management (VRTAC-QM). Brenda has worked for The George Washington University for four ? years providing training and technical assistance to state VR agencies and their education partners to collaborate and successfully implement pre-employment transition services and transition services requirements of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by WIOA. Ms. Simmons previously worked as the Director of Transition Services for Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation where she had been employed for the past 30 years.Terry Smith Terry Smith, a graduate of the University of Tennessee and is the former Director of Tennessee Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired where he served for 28+ years and built what many would argue is the best business enterprises program for the blind in the country. Terry served as the President of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind and chaired that organization’s Randolph-Sheppard Committee for more than a decade. Since retiring in 2011, Terry has led the National Association of Blind Merchants’ Blind Entrepreneurs Initiative which has emerged as a national leader in the Randolph-Sheppard field. He focuses on providing training and technical assistance on the state level and advocacy on the national level. Terry is married to Kerry Smith who owns her own State Farm Insurance Agency in Chattanooga. They have two sons and 4 grandchildren who affectionately refer to him as Pops. Cynthia SpeightCynthia Speight is the Director of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Services for the Blind (DSB). Cynthia is passionate about DSB’s mission to provide essential, high-quality services that help individuals who are blind, deafblind or have low vision achieve their employment and independent living goals. She has worked in the human services field for more than 35 years.? Cynthia was appointed Division Director in 2017 and has been dedicated to expanding services, resources and opportunities for consumers and building stronger collaborative partnerships with communities, businesses and organizations in support of DHHS’ and DSB’s mission.Throughout her employment with the division, Cynthia has served on various committees and boards that most recently include the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation Executive Committee, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind Executive Committee, Center for Innovative Training in VR Advisory Board, OIB-TAC Advisory Council and the NC Reading Service Board.? Cynthia received both her Bachelor of Science in psychology and Master of Science in rehabilitation counseling from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. David SteeleDavid Steele has served as the Fiscal Unit Chief for the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration for 9 years.? He is responsible for the financial oversight of approximately 400 grant awards and more than three billion dollars in Federal funds.? David has worked for the Department of Education for 15 years and has specialized in the financial management of grant awards.? David received a Master of Arts in Public Administration from The Ohio State University John Glenn School of Public Affairs and a Master of Social Work with a specialization in administration.? David is a Certified Grants Management Specialist.David also has practical experience in grants management.? Prior to his work with the Department of Education, David was the Part C Coordinator for the State of South Carolina under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.? Sylvia Stinson-PerezSylvia Stinson-Perez is the Director of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (OIB) Technical Assistance Center (OIB-) and the Vision Specialist graduate certificate program at the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University. Sylvia has Master’s degrees in Social Work, Visual Disabilities Rehabilitation, and Business Administration. She is a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. She was the CEO of the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind in New Port Richey Florida from 2008-2018 and has been at the NRTC since January 2019. Sylvia is also blind. Rebecca Turner CunninghamRebecca Turner Cunningham, MBA RDN, joined Business Opportunities for the Blind 3 years ago as a Business Counselor for the Virginia Randolph Sheppard Program. Prior to joining Business Opportunities for the Blind, Rebecca spent 12 years in food service management working at individual unit and corporate levels. She also just completed her 20th year as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.Corinne WeidenthalCorinne Weidenthal joined the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) in January 2019. She is Chief of the Service Programs Unit, Training and Service Programs Division, in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). Corinne oversees the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program, as well as the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program. Prior to joining RSA, she was a program specialist in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and was on the Secondary Transition, Postsecondary Team in the Research to Practice Division for 12 years. Prior to joining OSERS, she directed an OSEP-funded doctoral leadership program at George Washington University (GWU). She received a doctoral degree at GWU and focused her research on transition practices for youth with disabilities and their families. Corinne began her career as a special education teacher and has 18 years’ experience teaching in a variety of settings to include Department of Defense schools overseas.Dorothy YoungMs. Dorothy L. Young is a graduate of Alcorn State University (B.S.); The University of South Alabama (M.S.in Counselor Education and Minor in Rehabilitation Counseling); and Belhaven University (Master in Management). Her case study at Belhaven presented a historical overview of the kinds of relationships that should exist between vocational rehabilitation counselors and individuals with disabilities. In 2000, Ms. Young began work as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind. In this position, she was responsible for working with blind and or visually impaired clients to regain, advance, or maintain employment. It was during this time, that she experienced the many challenges one would face because of their physical or mental limitations. One of the biggest hurdles with successful job placement was the attitudes of other people that created barriers. Ms. Young began to coordinate and connect different businesses around the state in order to change the tendency not to hire a person with a disability. These connections enhance the abilities and skills of people with disabilities by bringing awareness and access to job site accommodations at no cost, blindness awareness training, and introduction with businesses, disability advocacy groups, and the community. Since then, Ms. Young has continued to work her way throughout the agency with various management promotions using her skills and knowledge in connecting, coordinating, and starting initiatives around the state/nationally for people with disabilities. Several highlights of her career that involved working predominately in the community with people with disabilities: She wrote Mississippi first Technology Act State Plan. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services applied and received the first Model Demonstration Grant from RSA for recycling assistive technology during her tenure as the Director of Project START. The Mississippi Re-Use Program saves the state well over $200,000.00 each year. Ms. Young started the agency’s first computer recycling program that targets the fourteen poverty counties in Mississippi. Ms. Young started the agency first assistive technology partnership with the MS Department of Education providing hands on training, loaning and demonstrating assistive technology to our great teachers and families. In the 2013, Ms. Young was promoted to the Director position for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind Services, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. During this tenure, she started the agency first Summer Internship Program for students with disabilities and the first partnership with the Governor’s Job Fair Network. Both initiatives are ongoing and has helped place people with disabilities with businesses, state and federal agencies hiring year around people with disabilities. Dorothy L. Young serves on the National Executive Leadership team as the Technology Chair for the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind. She is elected by her peers around the country for this position. ................
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