Trunk and Fashion Show for Professionals on the GO! Kara Hackney, M.A., COMS, CLVT Margaret Tomasik, COMS, CLVT

Abstract As rehabilitation professionals, many of us spend our days on our feet, traveling from place to place, in all kinds of weather and with all kinds of teaching materials. This hands-on presentation is designed to provide professional tips, tricks, and thoughts on how to stay organized, prepared, and comfortable no matter what the environmental elements. Trunk & Fashion show included…come have fun!

Objectives Participants will exchange ideas and gather resources in order to keep rehabilitation materials organized in their car.

Participants will exchange ideas and gather resources to be prepared for inclement weather conditions for themselves and their students.

Participants will determine what type of clothing to wear in order to stay dry and comfortable in all types of weather.

Participants will experience hands-on examples of all weather gear, items to have when working with clients/students, and how to have it available as the need arises

Participants will receive a resource list of items, clothes, and organizational tools for the work environment of an itinerant rehabilitation worker.

Bios Kara Hackney Kara Hackney is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Certified Low Vision Therapist. She currently works as an itinerant O&M instructor for Allied Instructional Services and the Virginia School for the Deaf & Blind. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas (O&M) and Salus University (Low Vision). She has recently returned to Virginia after working in Alaska and Philadelphia where she learned the importance of being prepared for all types of extreme cold and heat while being on her feet all day. Her current work has helped her learn how the car can become one’s second home and how important it is to be organized and prepared for anything and everything.

Margaret Tomasik Margaret Tomasik is a Teacher of Children who are Blind and Visually Impaired, an Orientation & Mobility Specialist, and a Certified Low Vision Therapist. She currently is an independent contractor employed by Allied Instructional Services, Franklin Co Public Schools, and Central Virginia Training Center. Margaret has an undergraduate degree in Orientation & Mobility from Cleveland State University, and a Masters degree from Salus University in Low Vision Therapy. She was once ordered by a Deputy Sherriff to find a way to reorganize all her teaching materials, and store them safely in the trunk of her car. Contact Information Kara Hackney VSDB & AIS 7202 Plank Rd Afton, VA 22920 540-430-3381 [email protected]

Margaret Tomasik 8524 Martins Creek Rd Roanoke, VA 24018-5874 (540) 774-6872 [email protected]