CALIFORNIA TRANSCRIBERS and EDUCATORS for the BLIND and VISUALLY IMPAIRED 56Th Annual Conference
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CALIFORNIA TRANSCRIBERS AND EDUCATORS FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED 56th Annual Conference
March 19-22, 2015 San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel Information San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront 1800 Old Bayshore Highway Burlingame, California 94010 Phone: 1-650-692-9100 Toll Free Reservations: 1-888-236-2427
Web Link: https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=11657889
Hotel Room Rate: $159.00 per night Transportation: Transportation to/from SFO airport Free 24-hour shuttle to/from the airport and BART station Estimated taxi fare: $20.00 USD (one way) Parking: (Be sure to mention CTEBVI to receive this discounted rate) Self-Parking: $23.00 daily Valet Parking: $28.00 daily Amenities: Free wireless internet connectivity is available in the public areas. Internet is available in guest rooms for $7.95 per day for limited access or $14.95 per day for premium access Beautiful guest rooms have new high-definition and flat-screen TVs. Many guest rooms have beautiful water views. 24-hour fitness room and pool and spa are open until 11 pm. This hotel has a smoke-free policy. ADA-accessible guest rooms are available. Concierge Level offers upgraded amenities and services to guests. Additional amenities include concierge, valet, dry cleaning and room service. Dog Relief Area: A dog relief area will be designated. Please ask for the location when you check in. Car Rentals: On-Site Car Rentals Hertz: 1-650-692-0536 Restaurants: On-Site Restaurants Hangar Steak 1-650-552-3505 Flights 101 Lobby Lounge 1-650-552-3505 Starbucks Coffee 1-650-259-6588
Down the street on Old Bayshore Highway: Elephant Bar, Gulliver’s, Benihana, El Torito, and Max’s Opera Café. Information on these and other restaurants is available at the hotel concierge desk. On-Site Registration You may register at the Satellite Registration Desk. Please note that on-site registration is nonrefundable.
Thursday, March 19: 8 - 9:30 am & 5 - 7:00 pm
Friday, March 20: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday, March 21: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm Continuing Education: Units CEUs are again being offered with an ACVREP fee of $35, payable in advance with registration fee. This fee will allow CEUs for an unlimited number of workshops. You will get instructions for receiving certificates after conference. Please provide an email address where you wish the instructions sent. Silent Auction: For CTEBVI, as a nonprofit organization, this function is designed to curtail the cost of our annual conference and provide support for programs such as scholarships, advocacy, and many others. This event not only supports CTEBVI, but also provides you with the opportunity to take home some beautiful gifts. Please consider donating an item for the Silent Auction. For more information, contact Dawn Gross at [email protected] or 805-383-0187 x105. Silent Auction items must be claimed and paid for by 10:00 AM the following morning. Items not claimed will be offered to the next highest bidder. GOOD LUCK!!! Exhibit Hall: located in Grand Ballroom E Attendance is free to everyone. CTEBVI’s Exhibit Hall offers a large number of vendors presenting the latest in assistive technology, braille jewelry, and really neat toys. Special times have been set aside exclusively for the Exhibit Hall that will be listed in the Conference program. Announcement Board: at Registration Have an announcement or job opening? Please feel free to post it on the board that will be located near the Registration Desk. Volunteers Available: We’ll have people to assist vendors if you need a break, monitors for presenters’ workshops, and sighted guides.
Hospitality Suite: If you need a place to relax and rejuvenate, visit our Hospitality Suite for light snacks and beverages, and browse through photo albums of Conferences past. GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 CTEBVI Board Meeting Monterey Room 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Pre-Conference Workshop (registration in advance required) Smarter Balanced: How to Access the Test and Identify the Skills Your Student Needs to Succeed
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (includes 1 hour break for lunch on your own)
Location: Grand Ballroom Salon A-D
Cost: Free
The Smarter Balanced test requires all students to take the test online, from either their computer or tablet. Even those of you taking the test in paper braille format this year will need to teach your students prerequisite skills to take the test electronically in future years. In addition to thoroughly explaining the test from the perspective of the educational team of a student with a visual impairment, we will go over the technology skills needed by the student in order to access the electronic version of the test. We will also cover the prerequisite skills a student needs and present strategies and a timeline for when to teach these skills. Additionally we will present other functional uses of the technology required for the test and demonstrate how to use the embosser and braille display.
Presenters The technology team at the California School for the Blind provide technology training, assessment, and technical assistance on campus at CSB as well as throughout the state of California. We are credentialed teachers with the opportunity to specialize in technology in order to better support TVIs. Julie Manning is a psychologist at CSB responsible for organizing and implementing testing to students on campus. She has worked with representatives in the state department as well as Smarter Balanced to further understand and clarify issues of access for students with visual impairments. Share Your Vision in Our Changing Times Welcome Reception Time: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Bayside Ballroom II-III
Entertainment provided by: Wayne Siligo and the Cheeseballs featuring Ilan Ota
Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a No-Host Bar while you get to know your fellow conference attendees. FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015 Silent Auction Begins / Exhibit Hall Open 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Come to the Exhibit Hall to see all the great silent auction items. Welcome Luncheon Time: 12 Noon – 1:15 pm
Grand Ballroom F
Speaker: Dr. Sharon Sacks, Superintendent CSB,
“The Future of the California School for the Blind”
Luncheon will also include General Business Session, Part 1. Everyone is invited to attend whether or not you are registered for the meal. Separate seating will be provided for non-dining attendees. Share Your Vision Symposium Time: 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Location TBD
Six industry leaders from varied disciplines will share their visions of what lies ahead for students with VIB. We will identify the challenges and explore cutting edge projects, tools, and technologies to overcome those challenges.
Perspective from Higher Education Speaker: Roberto Gonzalez - Alternate Media Specialist, Berkeley City College Higher Education is further along the road towards digital classrooms than K12 so the higher ed. perspective provides a glimpse of the future. This component will define the skills and abilities that a rising college freshman with VIB must have to easily transition to the college classroom.
Images and Graphics Speaker: Anh Bui, Director of DIAGRAM R&D Center
This component will explore recent progress towards digital access to diagrams, images, and graphics.
Video Speaker: Josh Miele , Director of the Smith-Kettlewell Video Description R&D Center Josh will explore recent progress on the accessibility of video.
Digital Publishing Tools Speaker: Sarah Herrlinger, Product Manager of Accessibility at Apple Sarah will share tools that publishers, transcribers and educators use to create accessible digital content.
Glimpse of the Future: Digital Delivery of Instructional Materials Speaker: Cristin Lockwood, CEO of Liberty Braille, an Accessible Media Solutions provider for the Oklahoma State DOE This component will showcase a current program that leverages Bookshare and iPads to deliver accessible instructional materials to students with VIB.
Transcribers and Technology Speakers: Sharon Anderson, Dawn Gross, Jane Thompson, and Jonn Paris- Salb As technology becomes more prevalent and advanced, this component will explore the opportunities and challenges for career transcribers.
Exhibit Hall Open 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm Come to the Exhibit Hall to see all the great silent auction items
Exhibitors’ Reception 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Grand Ballroom E Take this dedicated time to visit with the exhibitors, ask questions about their products, get demonstrations and indulge in some delicious hors d'oeuvres. Don’t miss out on a chance to check out the Silent Auction items. SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Last Day for Silent Auction Time:9:30 am – 4:30pm Exhibit Hall - Exclusively Time: 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm This is the last chance to visit the Exhibit Hall. Browse the booths, talk with exhibitors, see demonstrations on the latest assistive technology, play with the toys, and more! Don’t forget to visit the Silent Auction table and place your bids for some really great items. President’s Reception Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer
Entertainment provided by: Wayne Siligo and the Cheeseballs featuring Ilan Ota
Meet your CTEBVI President, Tracy Gaines. Socialize and relax with your fellow conference attendees after an intense day of fun and informative workshops. Unwind, relax and enjoy! No-Host bar. Share Your Vision Banquet: Time 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Grand Ballroom F
Keynote Speaker: Stacy Cervenka “Braille in the Working World”
Get ready for a wonderful evening of good food, good company, and a captivating speaker. Silent Auction winners will be announced. Everyone is invited to attend whether or not you are registered for the meal. Separate seating will be provided for non-dining attendees.
Stacy Cervenka: Stacy Cervenka has been legally blind since birth due to optic nerve hypoplasia. She was included in a typical public school classroom throughout her childhood, first attending a school with a resource room for blind and visually impaired students and then being served by an itinerant teacher. She has worked as a Legislative Assistant to US Senator Sam Brownback, serving as the Senator’s advisor on adoption and foster care, labor, disability employment policy, and North Korean human rights. She has also worked as the Youth Programs Coordinator at the Sacramento Society for the Blind and as a California Legislative Fellow. She currently works as the Advisory Committee Analyst at the Department of Rehabilitation, where she works with the Blind Advisory Committee, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Committee, and the California Vendors Policy Committee. Stacy lives in Sacramento with her husband Greg DeWall and 1-yearold son Leo. SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015 SUNDAY FORUMS Come to learn, stay to discuss 8:00 am – 9:30 am Choose from 3 fabulous forums to share ideas, challenges, and solutions. Make the most of your last day at conference! (see a more detailed description on pages 33-34 ) Forum 1 Recap and Discussion of Symposium Moderator: Ed Summers Join several of the symposium presenters for coffee and a moderated open discussion about the impact of digital technology in the classroom. Bring your perspective and be prepared to share with the group. Forum 2 Balancing Smarter: The Sunday Morning Report Moderators: Julie Manning, PhD, Adrian Amandi, Stephanie Herlich , and Yurika Vu Accessing and taking the test, products and recommended purchases, prerequisites and potential lessons. Standardized tests will be online. Despite what you think, it’s not completely asinine. Want it in braille, audio, or large print? If you don’t set it up right, your kid will need to squint. Did you try to buy an embosser and an electronic display? If you did, your business manager probably started to sway. Have you questioned if your student has the right skills? You better start early because trying to catch up has no frills. In addition to thoroughly explaining the test, you’ll get a chance to see CSB at its best Forum 3 Transcriber's Forum: Change is Here--Where Are You? Moderator: Jana Hertz
Come share ideas, listen, and troubleshoot with your fellow transcribers. This will be a forum where any and all subjects pertaining to transcribing can be discussed.
Some topics might be:
1. UEB--Will YOU be transcribing in UEB? What challenges are you facing? Have you begun training? What are your agencies doing with regard to training? Are you a trainer?
2. Common Core is so visual, I would like to know how are other transcriber’s are dealing with the materials.
3. Employment issues for school employees and contract transcribers. School transcribers: What does your classification look like? Do you have ample time to complete your work? Do you have support from your school districts? Contract transcribers: Do you have enough work to keep you busy?
4. How do you work smarter or faster?
5. How do you get tactiles done?
6. Are transcribers becoming obsolete? What do you need help with? Can CTEBVI help? Please feel free to email me or bring other topics of discussion this workshop! Complimentary Sunday Brunch and iPad Drawing!!! Time: 10:00 am – 12 Noon
Location: Suites E-F
Our Conference concludes with a Complimentary Buffet Brunch (must be pre-registered to eat) and will include General Business Session, Part 2, and a Roundtable Discussion.
Richard Rueda will host a panel student panel on the topic of “Braille & Technology for school and Play” A thoughtful discussion with blind and low vision high school and college students providing their insight and impressions on how they are maximizing success in academics and during play with Braille and accessible technology (mainstream and proprietary)
Pre-register for the brunch and not only do you get to enjoy a FREE meal, but you will receive a ticket for a FREE chance to win our drawing. Transcribing Mariners, of Auburn, CA, has generously donated an iPad Mini that will go home with the lucky winner. You must be present to win.
Everyone is invited to attend the meeting whether or not you are registered for the meal. Separate seating will be provided for non-dining attendees. CONFERENCE MEAL CHOICES FRIDAY LUNCH : North Beach Buffet includes tea, Royal Cup dakota roast coffee and organic Bigelow tea Soup Seasonal Soup of the day
Salads Romaine Lettuce Salad Country Greek Salad with basil and anchovy vinaigrette, feta cheese and Kalamata olives Mediterranean Eggplant and Barley Salad
Entrees Chicken Marsala, seared chicken breast, mixed mushrooms, marsala wine sauce Baked Ziti Pasta with Italian sausage, ground beef, and spicy tomato ragu topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese Green Bean Caponata and Garlic Breadsticks
Desserts Chocolate Dipped Biscotti Almond Cream Cake SATURDAY DINNER: Entrée Choice: Grilled Chicken Breast with wild mushrooms, goat cheese polenta and natural au jus
OR Hangar's Cedar Wrapped Salmon with julienned leeks, shiitake mushrooms, coconut scented jasmine rice, baby bok choy
OR Vegetarian Option of Wild Mushroom, Potato and Grilled Vegetable Moussaka with a red ricotta glaze, served in a casserole dish
All meals come with Tricolor Salad with fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced Roma tomatoes, sliced avocado, balsamic vinaigrette and Chocolate Crisp Cake with caramelized hazelnuts, chocolate ganache and chocolate mousse SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET: orange juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice chef’s selection of freshly baked pastries with fruit preserves, butter, margarine and cream cheese variety of cold cereals fresh scrambled eggs smoke house bacon O’Brien potatoes with peppers and onions seasonal market style fresh sliced fruit Royal Cup dakota roast coffee and organic Bigelow tea
PRESENTERS: CURRICULUM VITAE Adrian Amandi Adrian Amandi is part of the technology team at the California School for the Blind which provides technology training, assessment, and technical assistance on campus at CSB as well as throughout the state of California. He is a credentialed teacher who enjoys the opportunity to specialize in technology in order to better support TVIs. Debbie Bacon Debbie Bacon has worked in the field of K-12 Education for 20 years with mainstream and Special Education students. She continued her support of blind and low vision students within the area of Rehabilitation Services for over ten years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Services and has been working as a Rehabilitation Counselor, MS/ QRP at the LightHouse for over three years. Maurice Belote Maurice Belote is a lead developer and reviewer on the Open Hands Open Access initiative and also serves on the initiative's Advisory Committee. He has been affiliated with California Deaf-Blind Services for 22 years, first as an Educational Specialist and, for the past 17 years, as Project Coordinator. Prior to joining California Deaf-Blind Services, he was a teacher of students with deaf-blindness in state special schools, numerous school districts, and non-public schools. Julie Bernas-Pierce Julie Bernas-Pierce holds a Master’s degree and California credential in Special Education/ Vision Impairment and has spent over 35 years as a TVI. She is currently Program Director and Executive Director of Blind Babies Foundation. Patty Biasca Patty Biasca has been transcribing for 25 years, both as a volunteer and a paid contract transcriber. With certifications in Literary Braille from NLS and Braille Textbook Formatting from the National BrailleAssociation, Patty has given many workshops over the years for both CTEBVI and NBA in varied areas of textbook formatting. Judi Biller Judi Biller has been brailling in the PK-12 school systems for 24 years and is a certified Literary Braille Transcriber. She also serves on the CTEBVI Board as Membership Chair and as Gifts and Tributes Chair. Megan Borella Megan Borella has worked as an intern at an accessible technology company. Megan is a high school student. Diane Brauner Diane Brauner, a COMS with 25+ years of experience, is a private contractor working primarily with preschool and school-age students. She holds degrees in Rehabilitation, Elementary Education, Visual Impairments, Hearing Impairments, and Orientation and Mobility. Diane also collaborates with the accessibility team at SAS on a variety of VI projects and provides iPad accessibility trainings.
Toya Bruce Toya Bruce launched her career as a Low-Vision Optician in 1984 at the Santa Monica, California-based Center for the Partially Sighted where she was trained by some of the top low-vision specialists in the country. While there she had the honor of working with Dr. Sam Genensky who co-developed and used the first CCTV. During her tenure Toya established the Center’s state-of-theart low-vision equipment store. She left CPS in 2004 accepting the position of Optician at the Valley Eye Center in Van Nuys, California where she spent the next few years submersed in the field of ophthalmology. She has since represented some of the leading global manufacturers of video magnification devices, and currently serves as HumanWare's Los Angeles Prodigi Account Manager. Laura Campana Laura Campana is Director of Infant and Early Childhood Program, Junior Blind of America. Mallory Carr Mallory Carr has been working with students with visual impairments for five years in PK-12 school systems. James Carreon James Carreon spent 35 years at the CA School for the Blind, the last 20 years as one of three assistive technology specialist. James is now retired. Thanh Chang Thanh Chang, Low Vision Coordinator, is a member of the California School for the Blind Assistive Technology Department, Low Vision Clinic and Assessment Program. Their wealth of experience and professional expertise will combine to answer your questions and offer resources that will enable educational teams to better serve blind and visually impaired students in the state of California. Joshua Coffee Joshua Coffee, co-founder and President of E.A.S.Y. LLC, graduated from the University of Vermont with a BSE in mechanical engineering. Josh participated in a senior capstone team design project sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind to develop improved tactile graphics technology, mentored by Drs. Rosen and Coleman. At E.A.S.Y., Josh has played a lead role in developing the inTACT Product line. Josh has expertise in product design, CAD, programming, electromechanical systems, 3D printing, hardware/software interfacing, business development, and sales/marketing. Gabrielle Cohen Gabrielle Cohen, TVI and O&M, is a member of the California School for the Blind Assistive Technology Department, Low Vision Clinic and Assessment Program. Their wealth of experience and professional expertise will combine to answer your questions and offer resources that will enable educational teams to better serve blind and visually impaired students in the state of California. Mike Coleman Mike Coleman, Ph.D, co-founder and Vice-President of E.A.S.Y., is also a lecturer in mechanical engineering at the University of Vermont. His areas of expertise are dynamics, computer simulation, and product design. He has significant experience using freehand drawing for engineering, science, mathematics, design, and the fine and commercial arts. His drawing expertise gives him a strong appreciation for the utility of graphical information in education, work, and play, and it could prove helpful in addressing constituent’s special needs. Mike also coordinates E.A.S.Y.’s development of curricular materials for teaching drawing to the BLV community, one of the company contributions to the tactile graphics fluency movement. Diana Dennis Diana Dennis holds a Master’s degree in Special Education/Early Childhood and is Director of Children’s Programs for Therapeutic Living Center for the Blind. Gaeir Dietrich Gaeir Dietrich is the director of the High Tech Center Training Unit (HTCTU) of the California community colleges and is very familiar with both OCRs (optical character recognition and the Office for Civil Rights). Gaeir is a member of the advisory boards for the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Bookshare, the Alternate Text Production Center (ATPC), and the Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC). She also serves as an expert to the board for the Access Text Network (ATN). In 2010–2011, she served as the chair for the federal Advisory Commission on Accessible Instructional Materials in Postsecondary Education. Faith Dunham-Sims Faith Dunham-Sims is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists at The Hatlen Center for the Blind. She teaches orientation and mobility as well as the financial management curriculum. Faith heads up the new Job Readiness Program. Jennifer Dunnam Jennifer Dunnam coordinates the administration of NLS courses leading to certification for transcribers and proofreaders. A life-long braille reader and a certified transcriber, she has taught braille to children and adults, and she coordinated alternate formats production at the University of Minnesota for ten years. She serves as the representative for the National Federation of the Blind on the Braille Authority of North America. Tony Fletcher Tony Fletcher is a 25 year employee of the LightHouse for the Blind and holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Orientation and Mobility Instruction. Tony has served in many roles for the LightHouse but is most recognized for his long tenure as the Director of Enchanted Hills Camp. Erin Foley Erin Foley, M.A., COMS is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists at The Hatlen Center for the Blind. She teaches orientation and mobility as well as the financial management curriculum. In addition, Erin also teaches living skills and is Hatlen Center resident expert on college preparation. Jeff Gardner Jeff Gardner has been working with people with disabilities for 22 years; six years working with homeless shelter programs and as a service provider for people with mental and physical disabilities; two years as Director of Special Olympics Oregon, Lane, Linn and Benton counties; 11 years as CEO of ViewPlus Technologies, braille printer manufacturer; three years as CEO of IRIE-AT, USA distributor of braille and related products (master US distributor for Index Braille printers, TactileView, Dolphin EasyConverter and ALVA Braille displays) Maureen Green Maureen Green, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Teacher Specialist in the Assessment Center at California School for the Blind. In addition to her work at CSB, she has worked as a speech pathologist at a community college in its program for students with disabilities. Gabe Griffith Gabe Griffith is a familiar and reassuring voice on HumanWare's Technical Support Team and regularly joins Outside Sales at conferences and events. He uses HumanWare products at work, and enjoys them at home. Gabe has contributed to the development of the Apex, the Brailliant and the Stream since their beginnings. Betty Henry Betty Henry, Ph.D, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, is a Teacher Specialist in the Assessment Center at California School for the Blind and former university coordinator and instructor. Stephanie Herlich Stephanie Herlich is part of the technology team at the California School for the Blind which provides technology training, assessment, and technical assistance on campus at CSB as well as throughout the state of California. She is a credentialed teacher who enjoys the opportunity to specialize in technology in order to better support TVIs. Jana Hertz Jana Hertz has worked in the field of visual impairment for 25 years. Jana is NLS-LOC certified as a literary braille transcriber, Australian-certified in UEB, and served as a braille transcriber/alternate media specialist for the Capistrano Unified and Saddleback Valley Unified School Districts, as well as an independent contractor. Jana volunteers with Braille Institute and assists with the Braille Challenge, at the local, regional, and national levels. Jana has co-taught the braille transcribing class in Orange County, CA for the past 13 years and serves with the National Braille Association as a Vice President, and Coordinator of the Skills Committees. Alea Holman Alea Holman, Ph.D. is a school psychologist at California School for the Blind where she provides therapeutic and assessment services, family support, and teacher consultation. Previously, she served as an individual and family therapist at WestCoast Children’s Clinic, which serves primarily lowincome children and families who have experienced complex trauma. Dr. Holman studied School Psychology at UC Berkeley. She completed her undergraduate studies in Human Biology and African American Studies at Stanford University, and completed a Masters of Public Health, with an emphasis in Health Promotion, at Columbia University. Sunggye Hong Sunggye Hong, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at San Francisco State University where he coordinates the program to prepare teachers of students with visual impairments. Cheryl Kamei-Hannan, M.A. is an Associate Professor, at CSULA. Dr. Kamei-Hannan Dr. Kamei-Hannan earned her Doctorate of Philosophy at the University of Arizona with a specialization in Visual Impairments and an emphasis in Language, Reading, and Culture. She also studied at San Francisco State University and earned her Master of Arts degree in Special Education with an Education Specialist Credential in Visual Impairment and Blindness and a Rehabilitation Services Credential in Orientation and Mobility. Dr. Kamei-Hannan has worked in the field of visual impairment and blindness in California and Arizona for over fifteen years in the capacity of personnel preparation coordinator, reading specialist, middle school language arts classroom teacher, itinerant teacher of the visually impaired, and a resource room teacher. Dr. Kamei-Hannan’s research agenda is focused on literacy issues with students who are visually impaired and the use of assistive technology to support access to the general education curriculum. Current research projects include leading a team of experts in creating the iBraille Challenge and comparing student performance in reading using iPad technology. Jerry Kuns Jerry Kuns is a retired technology specialist at California School for the Blind and a life-long learner who is visually impaired. He has worked actively throughout his career to help others increase their ability to live effectively with vision loss. Cindi Laurent Cindi Laurent has presented at several venues around the country (NBA, CTEBVI, APH, Region 4 in Texas, MN State Services for the Blind). Cindi is Certified in Literary, Nemeth, Formats, UEB (both in Canada and Australia); is coordinator for Volunteer Braille Services in Minneapolis, MN; a past member of the BANA board; and, a current BANA Formats Committee Chair. Patricia M. Leetz Patricia M. Leetz has a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Psychology and is a Staff Services Supervisor at the Department of Rehabilitation. Judith Lesner Judith Lesner is the mother of an independent adult son with low vision and other significant disabilities. She also worked for almost 30 years at the California School for the Blind. This means she has participated in a countless number of IEP meetings sitting on both sides of the table. She is well known in the Bay Area for her parent advocacy and her cheesecakes. Joshua Lucas Joshua Lucas, 25, from Pittsburgh, PA, graduated from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Exercise Science and MS in Adapted Physical Activity. At Blaze Sports, Joshua was a Certified Disability Sports Specialist for the National CPISRA (Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association) and a certified Special Olympics coach in MATP (Motor Activity Training Program). Joshua worked in disability sport for seven years teaching many different sports for different disabilities and coaching youth goalball. He coached the boys High School Goalball National Championship teams in 2011 and 2012. He currently coaches the girls team which finished second in the nation in 2013. Joshua loves playing, teaching, watching, and learning about sports for people -- with and without disabilities. Patti Maffei Patti Maffei has been the Program Director at The Hatlen Center for the Blind since 2006. She has lectured and presented workshops at professional conferences all over the nation in Expanded Core Curriculum content. She is the author of Quick and Easy Expanded Core Curriculum: The Hatlen Center Guide. Julie Maier Julie Maier is an Educational Specialist for the California Deaf-Blind Services. Julie Z. Manning Julie Z. Manning, Ph.D. is a School Psychologist for the California School for the Blind. Angela Martyn Angela Martyn is a member of the California School for the Blind Assistive Technology Department, Low Vision Clinic and Assessment Program. Angela brings a wealth of experience and professional expertise which will combine to answer questions and offer resources that will enable educational teams to better serve blind and visually impaired students in the state of California. Tara Mason Tara Mason, Ph.D., TVI holds a Ph.D. in Special Education specializing in visual impairment and assistive technology. She currently works with Boulder Valley School District in Colorado as the Lead Assistive Technology and Written Language Program Specialist. Tara has been invited to facilitate professional development nationwide regarding assistive technology and the new Common Core State Standards. She has previously worked for several years as a TVI at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Additionally, Tara is a certified special education and English Language Learners teacher. She is the founder and lead consultant for New Tech for Ed, an assistive technology consulting company facilitating professional development and program evaluation of technology programs for students who have visual and/or multiple impairments. Dr. Bennett McAllister Dr. Bennett McAllister, OD, FAAO graduated with Honors from California State University, San Bernardino with a degree in Social Science before attending graduate school at the University of California, Berkeley. There, in 1979, he received his B.S. degree in Physiological Optics and, in 1981, his doctorate in Optometry. His clinical background runs from general private practice and contact lenses to low vision care and surgical pre and post-op for cataracts and LASER surgery. While teaching senior interns one day a week at a specialty partially sighted clinic during the 1980s, he supervised the first program in the Los Angeles area fortreating vision loss from AIDS. Later, he helped establish a pediatric low vision clinic for multiple handicapped children with vision loss. Through the diversity of vision conditions, pathologies and patient ages, he maintains that he does not treat vision or eyes, but people. James McCarthy James McCarthy, who is low vision, will demonstrate the versatility of the eBot for looking at presentations from a distance, and keeping up with materials on a desk. He will also look at when to use OCR – and all on a screen of your choice. Diane Montgomery Diane Montgomery has a Masters in Education and twenty-years experience teaching various abilities. She has a Multi-subject credential and Special Ed certificates: Learning Disability, Mild to Moderate, Moderate to Severe. Diane has 15 years in Active Learning and was trained by Dr. Nielsen. She has worked within a classroom and is a Member of the Board of Directors for LilliWorks Active Learning Foundation. Beth Moore Beth Moore, TVI, has a MA in Education and is a Family Resource Specialist at the Center for the Partially Sighted. Yolanda G. Moreno Yolanda G. Moreno is Director of Multiple Disability Services, Inc. Nancy Niebrugge Nancy Niebrugge is the Associate Vice President of National Programs for Braille Institute. She has been leading The Braille Challenge for more than 10 years, helping grow the program from a regional Southern California event to a national contest that includes more than 1,000 contestants in more than 40 sites throughout North America. Dr. Linda Pang Dr. Linda Pang graduated from Southern California College of Optometry and pursued advanced training in low vision rehabilitation at the renowned Lighthouse. After residency, she joined the staff in a full- time capacity at Lighthouse International and served as an adjunct clinical faculty for SUNY College of Optometry. She has published a book, The Lighthouse Clinician’s Guide to Low Vision Practice. She has served as an advisory board member for Baruch College’s Computer Center for Visually Impaired People. Shetaught ophthalmology residents, optometry students, and residents. Currently, Dr. Pang is the Chief of the Vision Rehabilitation Service and an assistant professor at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Optometry. She spends most of her time in the Eye Care Center training optometry students about the humanistic approach to patient care and guest lectures in various didactic courses. She also provides low vision rehabilitation at Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation. When she’s not teaching, she works in a private practice in Burbank. Jonn Paris-Salb Jonn Paris-Salb has been an educator for 40 years; 20 years in the classroom, 12 years as a principal, and 8 years working for the California Department of Education (CDE). He is currently the Assistive Technology Consultant for the CDE, Ex-Officio trustee for American Printing House for the Blind, board member of CTEBVI, serves in the Assistive Technology Program for the Department of Rehabilitation and for the University of California, Davis MIND Institute. Sue Parker-Strafaci Sue Parker-Strafaci, M.A., ECSE holds a Master’s degree in Special Education/Early Childhood and has spent over 35 years in the field of Early Intervention as a Child Development Specialist. She has been the Director of Child Development Services for Braille Institute for the past eleven years Melissa Pavo-Zehr Melissa Pavo-Zehr is serving on the BANA Foreign Language Technical Committee and has been on the NBA Membership Committee since 2014. She is an experienced transcriber in FL materials since 2010. Melissa is the owner of Braille Source, Lowville, NY. Damian Pickering Damian Pickering serves as HumanWare's California Accounts Manager. As a 20-year veteran of the blindness industry, Damian relies on braille every day for work and pleasure. He believes it is a poor workman who blames his tools. Damian takes great pleasure in sharing tools that were not available when he was a blind student in school. With today's emphasis on STEM curricula and career paths, he sees Nemeth on a notetaker as one of the more significant breakthroughs. Karen J. Poppe Karen J. Poppe is the Tactile Graphics Project Leader at the American Printing House for the Blind. She has been a part of the Product/Research Department since 1986. Although she often develops educational products that address various educational areas (Math, Science, Recreation), her goal is to design and develop products that encourage the use and understanding of tactile graphics by students starting at an early age. Some of the products she has developed include Tactile Town, Flip-Over Concept Books, Carousel of Textures, and Tactile Treasures. Matthew Poppe Matthew Poppe joined APH in 2014 as a tactile graphic designer in the Accessible Textbook department. He oversees the Tactile Graphic Image Library, APH’s free online repository for tactile graphic templates, and designs and adds new graphics when they are requested. He also edits textbook graphics for braille transcribers, edits and quality reviews thousands of graphics per year and provides graphic training when requested. Rio Popper Rio Popper is an Eighth Grade student at Redwood City School District.
John Romeo John Romeo is the owner/operator of Full Cell Braille, Inc. He has been transcribing print to braille for over 20 years. John is certified in literary, textbook, and Nemeth codes. Mike Rosen Mike Rosen, Ph.D, co-founder and Vice-President of E.A.S.Y. LLC, is also a Research Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at University of Vermont. He has focused on developing and teaching the engineering design sequence, in particular the senior project course that partners with industry. Over a 40-year career in engineering, Mike has emphasized development of assistive technologies including adaptive devices for individuals with tremors, augmentative communication systems, interfaces for power mobility, and access products for the blind. Mike has held teaching, research and administrative positions at Mechanical Engineering at MIT, the Biomedical Engineering Department, and the Rehabilitation Center at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, and the Rehabilitation Engineering Department at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington D.C. At E.A.S.Y., Mike’s particular responsibilities are research and development, and production of the inTACT Sketchpad and Eraser. Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum L. Penny Rosenblum is a Professor of Practice at The University of Arizona. In addition to preparing teachers of students with visual impairment she is the Project Director for the AnimalWatch Vi Suite Project. She has been a teacher of students with visual impairments in Pennsylvania, Florida, South Carolina, and Arizona. Richard Rueda Richard Rueda has worked in the field of Blindness and Low Vision since 1992. He has worked with the Intercommunity Blind Center in Whittier, the Junior Blind of America in Los Angeles, Department of Rehabilitation as the statewide Transition Coordinator since 2001, and served as Director of Community Services at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco from 2010 through 2011. In the autumn of 2011, Richard returned to the Junior Blind of America where he is serving as their new Director of Transition Services for Northern and Central California. Richard hasfacilitated professional workshops and seminars for CTEBVI since 2004. Dr. Sharon Z. Sacks Dr. Sharon Z. Sacks is the Site Superintendent at California School for the Blind. She has been professor and coordinator of university programs preparing teachers to work effectively with students who have moderate -severe disabilities and/or visual impairment. Patty Salcedo Patty Salcedo is Co-Director of the Desired Results access Project, which provides access to the DRDP assessment for young children with IFSPs and IEPs. She has taught extensively in infant and preschool programs for children who are visually impaired, and holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration/Policy Studies. Patty is the mother of two adult daughters, one of whom is blind with additional disabilities. Tori Schladen Tori Schladen, MA Early Childhood Education, is Director, Family Resource Project, Center for the Partially Sighted. Kathy Schlimgen Kathy Schlimgen, MS Special Education, is National Board Certified in Exceptional Needs/Visual Impairment, TVI Early Intervention, LAUSD. Robert Schulenberg Robert Schulenberg taught for nine years at the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in the Elementary, Middle, and High School Departments. He left Arizona to join the Peace Corps where he worked on special education curriculum and policy development for Ministries of Education in Central America and the Caribbean. Returning to the states he now works for Junior Blind, a non-profit dedicated to positively impacting the lives of youth with visual impairment, assisting them in designing curriculum and workshops to serve Transition age youth in Central and Northern California. Cathy Senft-Graves Cathy Senft-Graves is a NLS Literary and Nemeth Certified Transcriber, and received her CNIB UEB Update Certification in June, 2014. She joined the APH Educational Product Research department in 2010 after transcribing the First Grade level of Building on Patterns(BOP). She worked with Eleanor Pester and the BOP team on the Second Grade level of BOP and is now the project leader for the revision of the program. Yue-Ting Siu Yue-Ting Siu is a TVI with 13 years of experience working with students aged birth to 65 with visual impairments, multiple disabilities, and deafblindness. Currently, she maintains a part-time itinerant caseload in Pleasanton and Dublin School Districts while completing her Ph.D in special education at UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University. Ting’s research focuses on improving training and professional development to support TVIs’ implementation of technology in the classroom. She also provides research and consulting support to organizations in order to bridge technology development and teachers’ adoption of tools essential to students’ success and access to information and education. Scott Smith Scott Smith, TVI and O&M, is a member of the California School for the Blind Assistive Technology Department, Low Vision Clinic and Assessment Program. His wealth of experience and professional expertise will combine to answer questions and offer resources that will enable educational teams to better serve blind and visually impaired students in the state of California. Bob Stepp Bob Stepp is a CTEBVI Life Member. He has been a braille software producer for 30+ years. Ed Summers Ed Summers is a blind software engineer and an accessibility specialist. He has a B.S. in Computer Science and 20 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. Ed leads the accessibility team at SAS, themarket leader in business analytics software and services that is used at more than 70,000 sites around the world. He is the Chairman of the North Carolina Commission for the Blind. He is also a member of the North Carolina State Board of Education Advisory Council for the Governor Morehead School for the Blind. Bob Sweetman Bob Sweetman honed his assistive technology skills during his 15 years as an attorney and as the technology instructor with Junior Blind of America and Sweetman Systems. He earned a BS from Stanford University, a JD from UC Davis, and an MS in Assistive Technology from Cal State Northridge. Sweetman Systems has been providing assistive technology to people with visual impairments since 1989. Sue Sweetman Sue Sweetman graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and spent 6 years as a high school agriculture teacher before transferring her passion for learning by doing to folks with visual impairments. Sweetman Systems has been providing assistive technology to people with visual impairments since 1989. Dr. Bill Takeshita Dr. Bill Takeshita, O.D., FAAO, FCOVD, is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Dr. Bill currently serves as the chief of optometry at the Center for the Partially Sighted and the consulting director of low vision education at the Braille Institute. He has lectured extensively on the topics of vision and learning. Georgeta Tanase Georgeta Tanase is Rehabilitation Counselor for the Department of Rehabilitation. Veronica Tran-O’Leary Veronica Tran-O’Leary, Project Coordinator with the Desired Results access Project, schedules training on the DRDP access assessment for new staff, and sets up local training teams. She offers interactive webinars on the DRDP access, supports a statewide network of Project LEA contacts and DRDP access trainers. Veronica appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from professionals who are making a positive difference in the lives of children with disabilities and their families. Joan Treptow Joan Treptow has been a Certified Braille Transcriber for 29 years and school transcriber for 25 years. Joan has served in many executive positions for CTEBVI and now is Large Print Specialist. Yurika Vu Yurika Vu is part of the technology team at the California School for the Blind which provides technology training, assessment, and technical assistance on campus at CSB as well as throughout the state of California. Yurika is a credentialed teacher who enjoys the opportunity to specialize in technology in order to better support TVIs. Anne Ward Anne Ward is the mother of an adult son with rod/ cone dystrophy and nystagmus and the grandmother of a boy with cerebral palsy and cerebral visual impairment. She is the Northern California Co- chairperson of California Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired (CAPVI). Dave Wilkinson Dave Wilkinson is a lifelong assistive technology user and braille advocate. He is Business Development Manager for HIMS, Inc. Dawn Wilkinson Dawn Wilkinson taught for 14 years, then began working at APH. She was fortunate to have tremendous support growing up as a braille reader, to have the joy of teaching students to read, and now to help guide the development of products for today’s children, educators, and parents. Robin Wingell has been a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments for 23 years. She is a Vision Specialist with the Santa Barbara County Education Office and has been a lead writer on the BOP team since 2004. She is also the author of Fun with Braille. Dr. Linda Wyatt Dr. Linda Wyatt holds a life credential in Special Education in the area of visual impairments. She was a TVI for many years before coming to work in the Special Education Division of the California Department of Education where she currently works as a consultant. Inthat capacity she deals with educational issues faced by students with low incidence disabilities. WORKSHOPS SCHEDULE After each workshop number is (are) the strand(s) the workshop is most likely to appeal to.
T = Transcriber, E = Educator, P = Parent Friday, March 20, 2015 8:00 am – 9:30 am 101 (T) Introduction to Linear and Spatial Equations Presenter: John Romeo Often transcribers for young math students need to know how to transcribe spatial problems; however, spatial material isn’t introduced until Lessons 15 and 16 of the Nemeth Instruction manual. This workshop aims to provide an understanding of spatial and linear problems for developing transcribers and the formatting involved to insure young Nemeth readers have a strong foundation based on proper technique and formatting. 102 (E, T) The Basics of UEB Presenter: Cindi Laurent What's different? What's the same? Come and learn the basics of this soon-to-be-implemented code. We'll look at contractions, emphasis, punctuation, and other things that you will need to know in order to read or transcribe materials presented in UEB. 103 (E, P) On the Go with eBot Presenter: James McCarthy The eBot is the first near/distance viewing video magnifier with OCR that can wirelessly connect to virtually anything with a screen including your iPad, Mac, PC, or it can connect via HDMI to any monitor. Its compact size, long battery life, and intuitive controls make it a natural for students anytime, anywhere. 104 (E) APH and UEB: Plans and Products Presenters: Cathy Senft-Graves, Robin Wingell This workshop will give participants information on the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) policies regarding Unified English Braille (UEB) transition in regard to textbooks, assessments, and products. Specific plans for the adaptation of the Building on Patterns program to allow teachers to use it while teaching UEB will be presented, as well as information on other products that are or will soon be UEB compliant. Questions and suggestions for other materials to assist teachers in the transition to and teaching UEB will be welcome. 105 (E) Wondrous World of Advanced JAWS Capabilities Presenters: Megan Borella, Adrian Amandi Have you ever wanted to get JAWS to look up your favorite book or movie with one keystroke? Have you ever had difficulty with utilizing the more complex features of Internet Explorer, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word? This presentation will teach you the finer arts of Google searches. You will learn skills in Word to improve your note-taking and formatting including navigation quick keys and inserting headings, tables, and pictures. In Powerpoint, we will cover animations and transitions. JAWS scripting, an advanced feature of JAWS that allows users to customize JAWS quick keys to suit their needs, will also be covered. Don't underestimate your students; they can do it! 106 (E) Finding The Right Technology for Your Visually Impaired Student Presenters: James Carreon, Jerry Kuns Is the computer going the way of the dinosaur? What about the integrated notetaker? Is the iPad the new queen of the classroom? Join the discussion as two old retired folks explore the state of current technology for blind and visually impaired students and try to peer into the future to find the most appropriate tools to support individual learning styles and academic needs.
With all the demands that are placed on students today, these tools are required to make them productive: access required text and images, create properly formatted documents, and efficiently interact with the cloud and electronic courseware. 107 (E) inTACT™ System for Production and Interactive Use of Tactile Graphics in School Presenters: Joshua Coffee, Mike Coleman, Ph.D., Mike Rosen, Ph.D. inTACT tactile graphics products let your students draw and edit what their classes require, and feel the results as they draw. Workshop participants will work with the Digital Sketchpad – a drawing tablet that also saves freehand tactile sketches as computer files; the Digital Eraser – a hand-held device for erasing parts of tactile drawings made on the Sketchpad and making corresponding changes in digital files; and interactive tactile graphics teaching materials such as graph paper. Participants will learn to create and save new tactiles, select and view digitally submitted graphical homework, and set up teamwork activities for BLV and sighted students. 108 (E, P) Quick and Easy Expanded Core Curriculum: The Hatlen Center Guide Quick and Easy Expanded Core Curriculum Presenter: Patti Maffei The Hatlen Center Guide written by Patti Maffei and contributors is now available through Federal Quota! In Dr. Hatlen’s forward for the book, he states, “The lessons in this book can be completed in short periods of time and provide critically needed curriculum for teachers in the local school systems and schools for the blind, as well as for parents. This book, simple as it is, will amaze you with its usefulness.” Participants will learn about the guide and one lucky participant will receive a copy of the guide in a drawing! 109 (E, P) Unique Optical Devices That Optimize Functionality for Visually Impaired Presenters: Dr. Linda Pang, Dr. Bennett McAllister During this workshop, we will identify the categories of custom prescribed optical devices (i.e. aspheric lenses, microscopic lenses, diffractive optical lenses, clip-on loupes, bioptic telescopes, full diameter telescopes, expanded field telescopes, etc.), intended purposes of each custom device for maximizing functionality, and provide hands-on demonstration of each device with the audience. 110 (E) Streaming Success Presenters: Damian Pickering, Gabe Griffith With direct access to NLS BARD, BookShare, podcasting and Internet Radio, the Victor Reader Stream digital book player and recorder is more powerful than ever. Bring your Stream and join us to learn how to take full advantage of the new wifi services and refresh your knowledge of the basics. Topics include downloading and searching texts and periodicals, creating bookmarks, and building a Wikipedia reference library on your Stream without using a computer. Our goal is that every participant will learn something new. This could be you! 111 (E, P) The BrailleSense U2: a Vital Classroom Tool Presenter: Dave Wilkinson The BrailleSense U2 offers many essential features for students and teachers. Full Nemeth support, function lock which allows for features to be locked out for testing, easy connectivity with tablets and computers, support for Excel spreadsheets, a virtually silent keyboard, and other features make the BrailleSense U2 a vital classroom tool while comprising a small footprint. Social apps such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube make the U2 an integral part of students’ online social presence. 112 (E) Use of an iPad and Tactile Graphics by 5th to 9th Graders Who Are Building Their Math Word Problem Solving Skills Presenter: Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum The presenter will introduce participants to the AnimalWatch Vi Suite app and accompanying materials being used by over 40 youths with visual impairments in the United States this school year. The app and materials are designed to build the math word problem solving skills of students in grades 5-9 to better prepare them for success in algebra classes. The app is fully accessible. The materials include a range of accessible graphics (e.g., bar charts, maps). Video clips of children will be shown throughout the session. Ample time for discussion will be provided. Friday, March 20, 2015 10:00 am – 11:30 am 201 (E, T) Guidelines for Using Nemeth and UEB Presenter: Cindi Laurent This workshop will present the guidelines established by BANA for using Nemeth and UEB together. We will look at several examples that demonstrate those guidelines and explore the ways the two codes are used together in transcriptions. 202 (T) Sharing Our Way of Making Books into PDF and for Sharing and Storage Presenters: Judi Biller, Mallory Carr This workshop will show how to take textbooks and novels and prepare them for scanning, the scanning process and how we store them to be shared with students, as well as how best to store them for future use over the years. If internet is available, bring your laptops and we can show you how to set up Dropbox for this purpose. This is our method of preparing books for students’ use on their iPads and tablets. This will be an open discussion and sharing of ideas is encouraged. This will be a Round Table/ Open Forum workshop. We can all learn from each other! 203 (T) Displayed Materials and Sidebars Presenter: Patty Biasca An understanding of what is displayed material, what is a sidebar, and what are marginal notes and labels will aid in arriving at good formatting decisions. This workshop will give many examples of both displayed materials and sidebars with an example of marginal labels thrown in for comparison. 204 (T) Large Print in the Classroom Presenter: Joan Treptow Demonstrate techniques for students who are large print readers but use tactile graphics and diagrams to assist in interpreting math materials. Expect hands-on practice with materials in this workshop. 205 (E, P) Holy BrailleNote Batman! CSB Is Revising the BrailleNote Guide Presenters: Stephanie Herlich, Adrian Amandi, Yurika Vu Computer and braille note-taker technology is an integral part of the common core and the expanded core curriculum. The Assistive Technology staff at CSB will share the program it uses on campus to teach technology during computer lab classes as well as the homework. The enhanced BrailleNote guide will be featured. We will discuss how to identify when and if a braille note-taker is appropriate and compare it to other products, including the computer and iOS devices. Hopefully this will result in your ability to use the BrailleNote as a piece of the technology puzzle rather than all of it. 206 (E, P) 21st Century Accessibility Skills Presenter: Jonn Paris-Salb Accessible technology is leveling the field in terms of access, participation, and presentation. The bar must be raised to prepare students for college and careers. This workshop discusses skills and tools and is meant for both special and general educators. It is also appropriate for parents whose children are enrolled in general education classes. 207 (E, P) The iBraille Challenge Mobile App Presenter: Nancy Niebrugge Braille Institute of America in partnership with California State Los Angeles is now in the pilot phase of an exciting new mobile app for K-12 students using idevices and braille displays. Come learn how this new tool, with innovative reading and writing assessments based on The Braille Challenge, will soon be available for teachers to identify and document strengths and weaknesses in literacy skills based on Common Core Standards (CCS). Individualized student profiles will help educators track multiple variables, including reading speed, error rate, and typical miscues. Additionally, the app includes fun, skillsbuilding activities that employ the best evidencebased reading practices. 208 (E, P) Prodigi: Intuitive and Efficient Reading Damian Pickering, Toya Bruce Prodigi is a versatile talking digital magnifier and reading system with multiple reading modes to allow students to read efficiently while concentrating on the content. Customize Prodigi to your student's visual diagnosis to help improve reading comprehension. With an intuitive interface and intelligent design, pages can be saved and read later on the Prodigi’s portable tablet. This revolutionary reading system meets the needs of individuals of all ages and visual acuities, from low-vision to no vision. Easy to install software updates insure Prodigi will evolve with you, making it a truly remarkable investment. Could it be clearer? See for yourself! 209 (E, P) Using a Braille Display for Reading and Writing Presenters: Sue Sweetman, Bob Sweetman As you use your computer to create documents or read internet content, how do you proofread carefully or check spelling? Using speech output only, how do you know if you have read (or written) there, their, or they’re? We will demonstrate how to know the difference and make corrections. 210 (E, P) Soft Skills, Motivation, and Hidden Curriculum-Best Practices in Designing for Independence Programming Presenters: Robert Schulenberg, Caleb van den Cline This presentation attempts to demystify some of the hottest topics in programming for Independent Living and Transition. Everyone knows that employers are looking for Soft Skills, but what are Soft Skills really? Probably the most commonly asked question by educators designing programming is ‘How do you teach Motivation?’ We will look at the surprising answers that allow us to plan for short term and long term motivation. This presentation also takes a look at how to effectively use Hidden Curriculum to generate constellations of desired outcomes from a single intervention. Q&A and discussion time is provided during the presentation. 211 (E, P) iPads as Multi-Device Assistive Technology: Implementation, IEP, and ECC Presenters: Tara Mason, Ph.D., TVI, Yue-Ting Siu, TVI In this workshop, participants will learn about becoming a more transformative TVI using iPads with their students who are blind, visually impaired, or have multiple disabilities. The workshop will provide resources for teachers and parents. They will learn strategies and teaching tools for using iPads linked to the Expanded Core Curriculum and students’ IEPs. The workshop will cover iPad lesson planning, evaluation, and advocacy. We will also compare iPads with other devices such as Kindles and Chromebooks, and suggest how to write AT goals for implementation and justification. 212 (E) The Evolving Paradigm of Low Vision Rehabilitation: Cause, Effect, Impact Presenter: Dr. Bennett McAllister, OD, FAAO The field of low vision rehabilitation is undergoing a paradigm shift with the merger of the medical model and the educational/vocation model. It is no longer considered sufficient to individually address the pieces of a visually impaired patient’s complex set ofcontributory factors. In a new conceptualization, the three categories of Cause, Effect, and Impact are used to guide the doctor and patient through the rehabilitation process in a rational and integrated fashion. This workshop introduces this interprofessional model and leads the participants in its implementation. 301 (E,P,T) SYMPOSIUM Friday, March 20, 2015 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm 301 (E, P, T) Share Your Vision Symposium Presenters: Ed Summers, Diane Brauner, Ting Siu, Roberto Gonzalez , Anh Bui , Josh Miele , Sarah Herrlinger, Cristin Lockwood, Sharon Anderson, Dawn Gross, Jane Thompson, Jonn Paris-Salb
Goals of the Symposium:
Define the challenges that are confronting students with VIB, transcribers, and educators as mainstream classrooms convert from paper to digital content.
Explore cutting edge projects, tools, and technologies that could be broadly adopted by students, transcribers, and teachers to overcome those challenges. Saturday, March 21, 2015 8:00 am - 9:30 am 401 (E, T) UEB and NLS Certification Presenter: Jennifer Dunnam This workshop will introduce the updated NLS course for new students of transcribing and proofreading. It will also cover the process of obtaining a Letter of Proficiency in UEB for transcribers and proofreaders who are already certified. 402 (E, P, T) UEB and Braille 2000 Presenter: Bob Stepp A basic introduction to UEB with emphasis on how to create UEB materials using Braille2000 software. The workshop will include techniques for the transcriber and non-transcriber (i.e., parent or teacher or teacher aide). This is not a UEB course and no prior knowledge of UEB is required. This is a workshop for anyone wanting beginning familiarity with Braille2000 for UEB transcription. 403 (E, T) Sharing Personnel and Funding Options Presenters: Dr. Linda Wyatt, Jonn Paris-Salb The purpose of this workshop is to conduct an indepth discussion about two critical issues facing TVIs. The first issue is the impact on current TVIs when fewer numbers of individuals than before enter this area of teaching. The goal is to develop an action plan that will include strategies for recruiting and keeping individuals entering and staying in the field. The second discussion will focus on the manner in which the California Department of Education allocates low incidence funds to SELPAs. In addition, guidelines for the use of the low incidence funds will be discussed. 404 (P) Overview of Cortical Vision Impairment Presenter: Dr. Bill Takeshita, O.D., FAAO, FCOVD Cortical vision impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of legal blindness among children. In this lecture, attendees will learn about the pathophysiology of CVI and understand how CVI affects functional vision. Attendees will also learn about the latest testing techniques to measure the child’s functional vision and visual intervention activities will be discussed. 405 (E, P, S) How to Survive Middle School and Remain MOSTLY Sane! (By Using Interpersonal Skills and Electronic Organization) Presenters: Adrian Amandi, Rio Popper STUDENTS, this presentation is for you! Parents and Educators, I suppose you're welcome too as everything we cover will be for the benefit of those you serve). We will be discussing how to survive Middle School and remain mostly sane using interpersonal skills (to get what you want). Unfortunately Adrian also wants to talk about electronic organization including file and folder management, Dropbox, and email (to impress his fellow grown-ups). We'll talk about friends, teachers, parents, grades, and, of course, survival! Middle School isn't heaven, but let's not make it… 406 (E, P) Open Hands Open Access: An Overview of New, Interactive Multimedia Learning Modules to Support and Train Educators Working with Children and Youth with Deaf-Blindness Presenter: Maurice Belote Practitioners and family members who support students who are deaf-blind often struggle when it comes to accessing local resources to meet the needs of this unique population. Open Hands Open Access (OHOA) is a federally funded online training initiative developed by the National Center on DeafBlindness designed to provide high quality, relevant learning materials to support interveners (i.e., oneon-one para-educators with specialized knowledge/ skills specific to deaf-blindness) and other team members at no cost to participants. This session will provide an overview of OHOA and include a demonstration of available OHOA modules and details on joining California and/or national training cohorts. 407 (E, P) Facing the Crowd Presenters: Julie Bernas-Pierce, Sue Parker-Strafaci, Julie Long This workshop will address the challenges families of children with visual impairments or other disabilities face when going into a public that is not always sensitive to the particular needs of their child. We’ll share and reference materials that document these issues, as well as discuss individual family stories. Perspectives and strategies that have helped families will also be highlighted. 408 (E, P) Visions of Your Future Presenters: Faith Dunham-Sims, M.A. COMS, Erin Foley Participants will learn about the free curricula on The Hatlen Center Website that pertains to transition- aged young adults with vision loss. Guidelines focusing on the necessary skill sets for all aspects of independent living will be discussed as a reference point for graduating seniors. The Transition and College Success curricula will be presented as a gateway to prepare high school seniors for postgraduation life. 409 (E) Work Adjustment for Transition-Aged Students Presenters: Tony Fletcher, Debbie Bacon The importance in this workshop is the firsthand experience attendees will gain by meeting LightHouse for Blind administrators and graduates of the agency’s Work Adjustment Training Program. Learn how the LightHouse prepares students to walk away with a new network of peers and develop a strong work ethic that they can apply to any leadership experience. The workshop will focus on the steps necessary to enter into the program and the types of training a student receives. 410 (E, P, T) Tactile Graphics for Science and Math Presenter: Jeff Gardner This workshop will focus on the TactileView Tactile Graphics Suite as a cost-effective method for producing quality tactile graphics for STEM (and other) subjects. The presenter will demonstrate new features of TactileView, including compatibility with Duxbury DBT and dot-view editing. The presenter will also show other special features of TactileView, like bitmap filtering, automatic chart creation, and translation of braille math codes from LaTex and MathType. 411 (E, P) Why Would Ziggy Want to Do That: Engaging the Significantly Delayed Learner Presenters: Maureen Green, Betty Henry How do we get from here to there when planning or implementing a program for a student with significant cognitive delays? We want to support progress; but, with so many choices for each decision, it can be easy to lose sight of some important basic concepts. Well-meaning team members can suggest goals that are way too challenging and then see offtask behavior as a lack of compliance rather than a reasonable response. This workshop will give participants the skills necessary to evaluate student intent, comprehension, and motivation and then use this information to increase student engagement. 412 (P) How to Raise a Curious Child: The Importance of Play and Exploration Presenter: Dr. Alea Holman Curiosity and exploration are vital activities toward social-emotional and intellectual development. For children with visual impairment, curiosity and exploration must be guided and encouraged. Childcentered play is a simple, yet essential way to support children’s growth. This interactive workshop will offer information and activities that parents can use to encourage curiosity, play, and exploration with children who are visually impaired. The knowledge and tools gleaned from this workshop will contribute to parents’ increased feelings of connectedness to their children and efficacy in their parenting. The workshop will also provide specific ways to foster children’s learning and emotional well- being. Saturday, March 21, 2015 10:00 am - 11:30 am 501 (E, T) UEB and Formats Presenter: Cindi Laurent The UEB code does not provide much guidance for formatting a textbook--does that mean that nothing will change in Braille Formats? This workshop will discuss what guidelines will need to be updated in order to comply with UEB. Proposed and/or approved changes will be discussed. Examples will be given and guidance will be provided. 502 (T) Introduction to UEB Foreign Language Transcription Presenter: Melissa Pavo- Zehr Gain understanding of the usage of modifiers, foreign language symbols and foreign code signs. Learn the basic concepts applicable to UEB with regards to FL and what references you will need. 503 (E, T) Education Code Changes that Affect You Presenter: Dr. Linda Wyatt The purpose of this workshop is to examine two sections of the California Education Code that affects the work of braille transcribers and teachers of students with visual impairments. The first is Education Code Section 3051.22 that deals with certification of braille transcribers. The second is California Education Code Section 3051.16 that deals with specialized services (such as braille transcription) and who can provide them. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to provide input into how these sections of the Education Code can be changed to ultimately better serve the needs of students with visual impairments. 504 (E, P, T) How to Help Students with Low Vision to Access Educational Materials Presenter: Dr. Bill Takeshita, O.D., FAAO, FCOVD This lecture will describe the latest in optical low vision aids, assistive technology, and adaptive aids for students with albinism, aniridia, coloboma, cataracts, Stargardts disease, and retinitis pigmentosa. Attendees will learn about the specific functional implications of each eye disease and how to help the students. 505 (E, P) Using the BrailleNote or BrailleSense and JAWS for Math Assignments Presenters: Sue Sweetman, Bob Sweetman We will use the BrailleNote and BrailleSense notetakers to write Nemeth code. We will cover how each device can be used to prepare documents that can be read by the teacher or transcriber. We will then demonstrate the new features of JAWS 16 that are helpful for educators, including use of JAWS to read math content in both Microsoft Word and on the Internet. 506 (E, P) Introducing Microsoft Windows: Suggestions for Getting Students of All Ages Started with the Computer Presenters: Yurika Vu, Stephanie Herlich, Adrian Amandi The computer is the cornerstone of the technology world, and Microsoft Windows is the biggest kid on the playground. Come to learn various ways to introduce the computer to your beginning and intermediate users (Low Vision and Blind). We’ll present ideas for daily computer tasks and provide access to resources including videos on how to complete these tasks using screen readers and magnifiers. If you are wondering whether this presentation is right for you, ask yourself this: Are your students using the computer? If they’re not, they should be. This presentation will help you with ideas to get started. 507 (E, P) What/How To Do When I Grow Up? Presenters: Anne Ward, Richard Rueda This panel of blind, successfully-employed adults will discuss how they came to be employed as they are today. What drove them? How did they decide on their path? What obstacles did they have to overcome? Anne Ward is the mother of a 31-year-old son with visual impairments. She has been involved with CAPVI for many years. She knows that quite often people with disabilities are perceived as having limited employment opportunities. This workshop is intended to dispel, at least in part, that perception. 508 (P) Giving Your Child The Home Team Advantage Presenter: Dawn Wilkinson Collaboration between parents and teachers results in a student who is confident, motivated, and independent. This presentation will explore exciting tools to insure positive communication, have fun, and create success together. 509 (E, P) Living on the Edge: Today's Multi-faceted Braille Display Presenter: Dave Wilkinson The traditional Braille display simply read what was on the screen of something else. But devices such as the Braille Edge 40 have added other functionality to Braille displays such as a notepad, appointment calendar, calculator, stopwatch, and timer. Now, HIMS adds a new dimension to braille displays with the introduction of a new 14-cell Braille display which eliminates delays and translation errors when connected to your tablet or computer. This workshop will help you decide which display is right for your students. 510 (E, P) App Rap Presenters: Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum, Dr. Sunggye Hong This is a show and tell presentation with high audience participation. We'll show you a few iPhone/ iPad apps we find valuable for people with VI but then it's your turn to show us your apps! We envision this as a sharing session with audience members bringing up their iPads and showing and telling us about the apps they have found beneficial for them and their students. Time will not allow for audience members to download and try the apps, but we envision everyone walking away with a list of apps they can download and try out following the session. 511 (E, P, T) Reach for the Stars: A Free Astronomy iBooks Textbook for Grades 4-8 Presenters: Ed Summers, Diane Brauner During this session, you will learn how to use Reach for the Stars: Touch, Look, Listen, Learn – the first mainstream digital science textbook that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of students with visual disabilities. To participate in the hands-on portion, install the book on your iPad prior to the session: 1. Install the FREE iBooks app from the App Store. 2. Launch iBooks. 3. Navigate to the iBookstore– tap the button on the left side of the toolbar at the top of the app. 4. Search the iBookstore for “Reach for the stars touch look listen learn” 5. Install the FREE book. 512 (E, P, T) Building Best Practices in Re/Classifying VI English Language Learners Presenter: Julie Manning, Ph.D. We will begin with a brief update from CDE regarding the assessment (initial and reassessment) of English Language Learners. In a moderated round table format, attendees will work together to share their beliefs, experiences, hopes, and concerns for the next generation of EL assessments. Collected information will be used to create a white paper suggesting Best Practices in Re/Classifying Visually Impaired English Language Learners. This is a great opportunity for parents, educators, and transcribers to share their vision and add their voice to what is sure to be a hot topic! Saturday, March 21, 2015 11:45 pm - 12:30 pm 601 (E, P) Annual Meeting of Birth to Five Vision Network and Northern CA Consortium Presenters: Julie Bernas-Pierce, Diana Dennis The meeting addresses areas of interest happening in California for Public and Non-Public agencies which provide Early Intervention Services to the blind, visually-impaired, and deaf-blind children throughout the state. Please bring your own lunch. 602 (E, P) CAPVI Annual General Meeting Presenter: Anne Ward This is the annual general meeting of CAPVI. Items discussed will include an update on the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments, recent events within CAPVI, any issues of concern regarding CAPVI, and the education of children with visual impairments within the state of California. Please bring your own lunch. Saturday, March 21, 2015 12:45 pm - 2:15 pm 701 (E, P, T) Braille Mathematical Literacy: A Guide To Its History and Merits Presenter: Bob Stepp Via comparative examples, we will explore braille math notations in EBAE, the Taylor math code, the Nemeth code, UEB, and NUBS. The study is that of the quality of the re-expression of print and the utility of the code to the blind scholar. It has been just over one year since the passing of Dr. Nemeth and most of us still do not appreciate why he arranged Nemeth as he did. Each code has strengths and weaknesses. It is now very timely that we all know just where UEB sits in such a comparison. 702 (E, P, T) Tactile Graphic Image Library: Start to Finish Presenter: Matthew Poppe This workshop will cover the process of making a tactile graphic from an online PDF template from beginning to end, consisting of an introduction to APH’s Tactile Graphic Image Library, followed by a practical demonstration of both digital and traditional tactile graphic production techniques. The workshop will begin by familiarizing attendees with the TGIL, covering how to register, how to search the library, and how to download graphics from the library. Attendees will then learn how to modify TGIL graphics with the freeware vector drawing program Inkscape. The newly modified template will then be used to produce a collage graphic. 703 (E, P) Cranmer Abacus Hands-On Practice Presenters: Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum, Dr. Sunggye Hong This is a hands-on session so bring your Cranmer abacus or download the UAbacus app for your iPad (free!) from the App Store. We'll touch on the different methods of abacus computation including the logic method, counting, and secrets. Next we'll review addition and subtraction using the logic method. Participants will be encouraged to share techniques they use to teach abacus computation to students. 704 (E, P) Strategies for Supporting Readers Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: A Guide to Reading Instruction Presenter: Cheryl Kamei-Hannan, Ph.D. For many people, reading evokes happy childhood memories of curling under the bedcovers with a favorite book full of adventures to faraway lands. Yet others cringe with thoughts of embarrassment and misery when recalling a childhood in which they struggled with learning to read. In this workshop, we describe the foundations for this fundamental skill that can elicit such vastly different yet powerful emotions. We provide suggestions for how to create an instructional plan including the types of assessments that lead to robust and comprehensive teaching. 705 (E, P) All You Wanted to Know About The Department Of Rehabilitation Services for Parents and Educators Presenter: Patricia M. Leetz, MS We will discuss the process and services of the department of Rehabilitation and how we can assist students who are blind transition to our services with the goal of leading to employment. 706 (P) Putting It My Way, But Nicely: How to Have a Great IEP Presenter: Judith Lesner Participating in a meaningful way at an IEP can be very stressful for parents. This workshop will focus on techniques to help parents play a more active role in determining the content of their child’s IEP. It will offer ideas to encourage parents to feel more confident about being a more equal partner in the IEP process. Parents will learn how to be the engine rather than the caboose on the IEP train. 707 (E, P) Seeing No Limits: An Adapted Sports Presentation Presenter: Joshua Lucas This presentation is a brief overview of the history of sports for people with disabilities, the difference between the Paralympics and the Special Olympics, why sports can be beneficial for people with disabilities, the media’s view of athletes with disabilities, and tips for starting your own grassroots adapted sports programs. 708 (E, P) Introduction to Active Learning Approach for Learners with Severe or Multiple Disabilities Presenter: Diane Montgomery Are you frustrated? Are you challenged to reach that child that has blindness, deafblindness, limited motion, and/or cerebral palsy? Active Learning (AL) is a specialized, alternate approach/curriculum used worldwide. AL reaches every learner functioning cognitively under 48 months, particularly those with the most severe and multiple disabilities. AL, established by Dr. Lilli Nielsen, is easily practiced at home, school, and clinic with everyday objects or with specialized equipment, which assists learners to learn concepts otherwise beyond them, and helps builds muscle and teach walking, sitting, grasping, and more. A live demo with a learner is planned. Parents are invited. 709 (E, P) From Theory to Practice for Students with CVI Presenters: Beth Moore, MA, TVI, Tori Schladen MA, Dr. Bill Takeshita, Diana Dennis, MA, ECSE, Sue Parker- Strafaci, MA, Kathy Schlimgen, MS Special Education, Laura Campana, Yolanda G. Moreno Under the leadership of Dr. Bill Takeshita, various agencies serving the Visually Impaired throughout the Southern California Region have formed a study group, The Southern California CVI Consortium, to explore how to implement best practices in serving children with Cortical Visual Impairment. The Center for the Partially Sighted’s doctors incorporated Rating II screening tool into their low vision exam on patients who are suspected to have CVI. The agency that serves that child then implements the instructional strategies that will correlate with that child’s assessment. Our panel will share the process that we have implemented. This presentation will include handouts and video clips of assessment and instruction for the purpose of demonstration to staff, families, and others. 710 (E, P) Supporting Braille for Students Using iPads and Computers Presenters: Damian Pickering, Gabe Griffith Today's students face an ever evolving landscape of mainstream word processors, Excel worksheets, and PowerPoint, as well as web-based standardized testing assessments and other online tools. Whether your student's class uses a computer or iPad, the Brailliant braille display, or the BrailleNote Apex provide braille output and an ergonomic braille keyboard to control both devices and applications. Early introduction to the powerful combination of braille and audio feedback, and mastery of HumanWare’s intuitive user interface, assures when students are put to the test, they can focus on the test content rather than a complex technology challenge. 711 (E, P) Smarter Balanced: How to Access the Test and Skills Your Student Needs to Have to Succeed Presenters: Adrian Amandi, Yurika Vu, Julie Manning, Stephanie Herlich The Smarter Balanced test requires all students to take the test online, from either their computer or tablet. Even those taking the test in paper braille format this year will need to be taught requisite skills to take the test electronically in future years. The test will be thoroughly explained from the perspective of the educational team. The technology skills needed to access the electronic version of the test will be covered, as well as the strategies and a timeline for when to teach these skills. Other functional uses of the technology required for the test will be presented, including the embosser and braille display. 712 (E, P) Dream vs. Reality: Is College All It's Cracked Up to Be? Presenters: Betty Henry, Maureen Green, Dr. Sharon Sacks, Jerry Kuns College provides a step towards independence for many students who are blind or visually impaired (BVI), but is not the best choice for everyone. California School for the Blind educators who have direct experience with college requirements, services, and challenges will present information to help with post high school planning. Topics will include: similarities/differences between high school and college for students with disabilities, skills needed for college success for students who are BVI, what a college program might look like, resources that are/are not available, challenges that might make college a poor choice, and alternatives that might be better. Saturday, March 21, 2015 2:45 pm - 4:15 pm 801 (T) Braille2000 Update: What's New in 90 Minutes Presenter: Bob Stepp A guide to getting the most out of Braille2000 V2. This workshop is for the Braille2000 transcriber although everyone is welcome. The focus of the presentation will be on print-to-braille translation of source documents, managing data tables, and the facilities for UEB and other braille codes. This is the place to ask questions about all aspects of Braille2000. 802 (E, T) Book to Computer: Scanning Basics and Using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Programs Presenter: Gaeir Dietrich Have you ever wondered if maybe creating e-text from hard copy material might speed up your transcribing job? Have you wanted to scan documents but been unsure how to go about it? Have you tried scanning but been unhappy with the results? Do you run an OCR program on what you’ve scanned and still spend hours editing? This workshop will answer all these questions and more. We will take you from the basics of auto scanning into the advanced territory of adjusting settings and handling unusual papers. 803 (E, T) The Interactive Nemeth Tutorial Presenter: Damian Pickering So, now your students can read and write Nemeth on the BrailleNote Apex and print to show their work. But how long has it been since you covered Nemeth? Not to worry. Bone up on the powerful Nemeth Tutorial developed by Illinois University and included standard on every Apex. It is a refresher for you and a self-paced lesson plan for your students. Please bring an Apex for this hands-on workshop if you can. Limited training units will be available, first come is first served. 804 (E, P) Sharing Our Services: How to Access Assessment at CSB Presenters: Angela Martyn, Betty Henry, Gabrielle Cohen, Scott Smith, Maureen Green, Adrian Amandi, Stephanie Herlich Educational Resource team members will describe the services available to districts, families, and students within California. This will include an overview and examples of consultation, training and assessment options, and an explanation of how to access and select within these possibilities. We will outline the assessment process relevant to academic and functional needs and will explain how our departments work to enhance student services.
The presentation will describe educational tools that every student needs to access the Common and Expanded Core Curriculum, including:
• Relevant social-emotional, cognitive, and communication issues
• Appropriate assistive technology and low vision devices
• Learning/reading media Living Skills 805 (E, P) I In Touch with Tactile Literacy: Providing Early and Positive Experiences with Raised-Line Graphics Presenter: Karen J. Poppe This workshop will demonstrate hands-on strategies and tools to cultivate a young child’s tactile literacy skills including exploratory skills, systematic scanning, spatial understanding, shape and texture discrimination, transition from three-dimensional objects to two-dimensional displays, understanding perspective, familiarity with tactile graphic methods and terminology, and independent creation of tactile graphics. These skills are essential in preparing young tactile readers for the interpretation of more complex graphics later encountered in textbooks and standardized tests. Fun activities and materials to inspire early, positive experiences with tactile graphics will be shared with teachers and parents. 806 (E, P) Ideas for Families and Teachers of Young Children for Meaningful Braille Engagement Presenter: Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum Preparing children to be engaged and successful braille readers and writers starts long before they are ready to learn what dots make the letter t. This session will give families and professionals ideas for making braille fun and meaningful for young children. Through videos and examples, the presenter will share many ideas that can be done at home, school, and in the community. Come with your ideas to share with others! Ample time for discussion will be provided. 807 (E, P, S) ACCESS: Resources for Transition Success Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond Presenters: Richard Rueda, Georgeta Tanase, Jonn Paris-Salb ACCESS has been a steadfast resource for decades, serving as a transition tool for students, teachers, and families in preparation for independent living, college, and career awareness. In 2015 ACCESS has been restructured as a comprehensive and vast online transition resource for blind and disabled transition-age populations throughout California. Presenters will unveil ACCESS and its new attributes as well as seek feedback on additions to the resource to assure its maximized use in beginning to advanced transition planning. High school students, educators, parents and rehabilitation professionals are encouraged to attend. 808 (E, P) Looking Toward the Future: How Can CSB Support Teachers, Transcribers, Families, and Students? Presenter: Dr. Sharon Z. Sacks As trends in education continue to change to meet the unique needs of students with visual impairments, so should the California School for the Blind. How should CSB view itself in the future? What programs need to be created to support professionals and families? How can CSB help to nurture statewide leadership and support for quality services? Participants are encouraged to bring questions and ideas to this open forum. 809 (E, P) Accessibility of the DRDP (2015) for Young Children with Visual Impairments Presenters: Patty Salcedo, Veronica Tran-O'Leary The California Department of Education is revising the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP). The new DRDP (2015) will be implemented in the fall of 2015. The DRDP is required for all infants and toddlers with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) reported in CDE’s CASEMIS system, and for all preschool-age children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This workshop addresses the accessibility of the DRDP (2015) for young children with disabilities including universal design, a system of adaptations, and a contemporary measurement model. Participants will explore the new instrument and its accessibility features as they apply to young children with visual impairments. 810 (E, P, T) Tools and Resources for Multimedia Accessibility in the Digital Classroom and Home Presenter: Yue-Ting Siu, TVI Today’s digital classroom presents information in a variety of media including print, images, and video. While there is greater potential for students to access electronic materials more independently and immediately, the digital landscape must be designed with specific considerations in order to enable students’ access. As schools begin to incorporate multimedia in classrooms, the provision of accessible instructional materials may pose challenges to the unprepared transcriber, teacher, and parent. This workshop will introduce free and currently available tools for image and video description and provide resources to support ongoing development of accessible multimedia. 811 (E, P) Travel like a Pro: Hi-Tech O&M Tips and Tricks from the Experts Presenters: Ed Summers, Diane Brauner Join a successful tech-savvy blind traveler and a veteran COMS as they share how to use technology to enable independent travel in a variety of specific real-world contexts. For example, finding bus stops, planning a route, building mental models, pedestrian travel in campus environments, etc. Technology topics will include accessible maps, GPS apps, and exciting new technology that provides accurate position of pedestrians inside of buildings. This session is ideal for both parents of children with visual disabilities and O&M instructors. You will learn strategies for nurturing curiosity and confidence in your young traveler. 812 (E, P) What's New in JAWS 16 for Students, Teachers, and Families Presenters: Sue Sweetman, Bob Sweetman This workshop will include discussions of the following:
• Using JAWS to read math content on the internet and in Word documents.
• JAWS command summary for easy look-up of commands.
• Enhanced OCR which allows recognition of entire pdf documents that are saved as images.
• Enhanced language support that allows you to create a separate language profile. For example, if a student is learning Spanish or French, you can have that language speak at a slower rate than the default (English) voice.
• Semi-auto forms mode on the internet which facilitates more efficient navigation.
• And more! Sunday, March 22, 2015 8:00 am - 9:30 am Share Your Vision Forums 901 (E, P, T) Recap and Discussion of Symposium Moderator: Ed Summers Join several of the symposium presenters for coffee and a moderated open discussion about the impact of digital technology in the classroom. Bring your perspective and be prepared to share with the group. 902 (E, P) Balancing Smarter: The Sunday Morning Report Moderators: Julie Manning, Adrian Amandi, Yurika Vu, Stephanie Herlich Accessing and taking the test, products and recommended purchases, prerequisites and potential lessons. Standardized tests will be online. Despite what you think, it’s not completely asinine. Want it in braille, audio, or large print? If you don’t set it up right, your kid will need to squint. Did you try to buy an embosser and an electronic display? If you did, your business manager probably started to sway. Have you questioned if your student has the right skills? You better start early because trying to catch up has no frills. In addition to thoroughly explaining the test, you’ll get a chance to see CSB at its best. 903 (T) Change is Here--Where Are You? Moderator: Jana Hertz Come share ideas, listen, and troubleshoot with your fellow transcribers. This will be a forum where any and all subjects pertaining to transcribing can be discussed. Some topics might be: UEB--Will YOU be transcribing in UEB? What challenges are you facing? Have you begun training? What are your agencies doing with regard to training? Are you a trainer? Common Core is so visual, I would like to know how are other transcriber’s are dealing with the materials.
Employment issues for school employees and contract transcribers. School transcribers: What does your classification look like? Do you have ample time to complete your work? Do you have support from your school districts? Contract transcribers: Do you have enough work to keep you busy?
How do you work smarter or faster?
How do you get tactiles done?
Are transcribers becoming obsolete? What do you need help with? Can CTEBVI help?
Please feel free to email me or bring other topics of discussion this workshop!