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For updates or comments about this page email Kate Hurst.
2008 VI Assistive Technology Sessions
Location: Region 13 ESC Training and Technology Center, 5701 Springdale Road, Austin, TX
Registration fee: $60 go to www.esc13.net, click on workshops and after log-in type in su0811988 for Thursday, August 7th session and/or su0811990 for Friday, August 8th sessions.
Thursday session options include: JAWS with MS Word and Power Point, Duxbury and Scientific Notebook, BrailleNote Intermediate, AT Assessment, and MIVI and DB Low Tech Solutions
Friday session options include: JAWS with Internet Explorer, Excel, and Access, ZoomText, PacMate, BraileNote Beginner, and MAGic.
For more information contact: Debra Leff at 512-919-5354 or debra.leff@esc13.txed.net
Getting Your Protege Up and Running TETN #30902
Presenter: Chrissy Cowan, Mentor Program Coordinator, TSBVI Outreach
Time: 12:15-4:30 PM
Credits: ACVREP 3 3/4, CPE 3 3/4
This workshop is for TVI/COMS mentors who will be mentoring protégés with a caseload of visually impaired students. Participants will learn the most critical areas that should be addressed with their protégés during the first 3 months of the academic year. Topics include mentoring tips and strategies for organizational techniques, scheduling, role(s), and effective consulting. Mentors will be given the opportunity to share forms they find useful for documenting VI services.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Screen Access Using ZoomText Session ID 333864
Location: Region 4 ESC, Houston, TX
Presenter: Cecilia Robinson
Time 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Credit: CPE 6
Registration Fee: $35
Contact: Cecilia Robinson, crobinson@esc4.net
Evision Conference: A multi-disciplinary low vision rehabilitation and research conference
Location: Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX
Registration: $425 until July 25th then $525
Credit: CEs available through COPE, ARBO, AOTA, ACVREP, CRCC
Audience: OT, Optomertrists, Doctors, COMS, LVT, VRT, TVI
Contact: Michael Epp, michael.epp@envisionus.com or 316-425-7119
JAWS Training
Presenter: Marci Tamez, Christal Vision
Location: Region 8 Education Service Center, Mt. Pleasant, TX
Time: 9:00 AM -3:00 PM
Credit: CPE 5
Participants will learn to navigate the Windows environment using JAWS commands.
Contact: Dawn Adams, 903-572-8551 or dadams@reg8.net
Evaluation of Reading Abilities of Students with Visual Impairments - Session ID 316423
Presenter: Debra Sewell, Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Curriculum Department
Location: Region 4 ESC, Houston, TX
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Credit: ACVREP 5.25, CPE 6
Registration Fee: $35
Contact: Suzanne Scannell, sscannell@esc4.net
Texas Charger's Retreat
Texas Charger’s Retreat is a weekend camp experience for the whole family. The retreat will be held in the beautiful hill country at Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, TX. This site includes a pool, petting zoo, nature walk, a sports lake, putt-putt golf, ropes course, & more.
Friday Night - Welcome, Registration, State Agencies Introductions, Dinner and Movie
Saturday – A day of FUN!! Children of all ages will break into groups with volunteers to enjoy exciting activities throughout camp. This year we will have several breakout groups including a parent panel, father’s forum, grandparent’s group, moms chat & sib shop. We are excited to have Dr. Tim Hartshorne as our speaker this year. He is a professor of psychology at Central Michigan University. He has spoken numerous times at the National CHARGE Syndrome Conference & written several articles on behavioral issues in CHARGE. Most importantly he has a 19 year old son with CHARGE. We can all learn from his professional & personal experience with CHARGE Syndrome. We will end the day with dancing & smores at the hoedown. This weekend is full of opportunities to visit with many professionals, families & individuals with CHARGE Syndrome & learn from their life experiences.
Sunday Morning –A light breakfast followed by checkout.
Travel assistance is available. This retreat is provided free of charge to families, including all meals and snacks. Travel assistance is also available for families to cover the cost of gas.
Accommodations are provided for families at no charge. PLEASE BRING ALL BEDDING & SUPPLIES
PROFESSIONALS may attend for a $50 registration fee (payable with check to Texas Chargers, INC). This includes Saturday’s meals and activities.
For more information or to download the registration form go to Texas Chargers Retreat
Visually Impaired Transition Discussion Group - TETN #30903
Presenters: Eva Thompson-Lavigne and David Wiley, Transition Consultants, TSBVI Outreach
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Credit: ACVREP 1 3/4, CPE 1 3/4
This TETN is the first in a series of two facilitated discussions on transition issues facing students with visual impairments and deafblindness. The focus of this first transition TETN will be on transition issues, strategies, and tools for working with students who are multiply impaired. A process for Person Centered Planning will be shared with examples of action plans and IEP 's developed through the process. Teachers, TVIs, COMS, and parents can learn and share ideas for helping to work for more successful outcomes in the adult transition from school to adult life. We ask participants to come prepared to share what is working in their area. If you have an interest in how to improve the transition process for your students who are visually impaired or deafblind, please join in on this informal discussion group.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Texas Visually Impaired Network Meeting
Location: Region 11 ESC, Ft. Worth
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact: Olga Uriegas, 817-740-7567 or ouriegas@esc11.net
Family Leadership Training
Presenters: TSBVI Outreach Staff and Invited Guests
Location: Region 12 Education Service Center, Waco, TX (enrollment limited for families outside of Regions 12 and 6)
This workshop series is for families who are interested in learning how to become family leaders in the area of blindness and deafblindness. Training topics include parenting a child with visual impairments, decision-making, advocacy skills related to visual impairments, quality educational programs for students with visual impairments, and peer mentorship. Participants complete an action plan and carry out activities related to the information they learn in the training.
Contact: Jean Robinson, TSBVI Outreach, 512-206-9418 or JeanRobinson@tsbvi.edu
Introduction to the Audio Graphing Calculator - Session ID 333867
Presenter: Susan Osterhaus, TSBVI Outreach
Location: Region 4 ESC, Houston, TX
Contact: Cecilia Robinson, crobinson@esc4.net
Credit: CPE 6
Registration Fee: $35
Routines for Visually Impaired and Deafblind Students - TETN #30904
Presenters: Sara Kitchen and Chris Montgomery, Educational Consultants, TSBVI Outreach
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Credit: ACVREP 1 3/4, CPE 1 3/4
This special two-part broadcast will help you create routines like the pros do! Learn how to develop fun interactive routines that infuse language development, communication, and functional skills. The first of this two-part broadcast will take you through the process for creating a routine.
Contact: Your local Education Service Center, Distance Learning coordinator to schedule your participation.
Introduction to Intervener Team Model
Presenters: Texas Deafblind Outreach
Location: DoubleTree Guest Suites, Houston, TX
Interveners have training in specialized skills related to deafblindness, in order to provide one-to-one instructional support (supervised by the IEP team) to students who are deafblind. The Texas Deafblind Project at TSBVI is pleased to offer this workshop for those individuals who are newly assigned in the role as an intervener or for current interveners who have not yet had the opportunity to attend this introductory training. Interveners should attend this training with a professional from the educational team. A family member is also welcome as a member of the team.
This workshop is free. Limited funds are available, as needed, to assist
districts with the costs of substitutes, travel, lodging and meals. Each team
member who plans to attend this training should complete a copy of the
registration form at
http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/NewIntervenerTeamModelRegistration.doc.
Deadline for registration is September 4, 2008. Attendance is limited on a
first come, first served basis.
Contact: Brian Sobeck, 512-206-9225 or briansobeck@tsbvi.edu
VI Math Access to the General Curriculum- Elementary
Presenter: Laura Lemaster
Location: ESC Region 10, Spring Valley Building, Hunt Room
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Contact: Laura Lemaster, 972-348-1606, laura.lemaster@esc10.org
Using Infused Skills Assessment Leading to Routine Development - TETN #30905
Presenters: Sara Kitchen and Chris Montgomery, Education Consultants, TSBVI Outreach
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Credit: ACVREP 1 3/4, CPE 1 3/4
Learn how to develop fun interactive routines that infuse language development, communication, and functional skills. In the second part of this two-part broadcast, we will discuss using the Infused Skills Assessment as part of the collaborative process to guide instruction.
Contact: Your local Education Service Center, Distance Learning coordinator to schedule your participation.
Texas VI Network Meeting - TETN
Time: 12:30-4:00 PM
Contact your local Education Service Center, Distance Learning contact to schedule your participation.
What's New? TSBVI Products - TETN #30912
Presenter: Debra Sewell, TSBVI Curriculum Department
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Credit: ACVREP 1 3/4, CPE 1 3/4
Want to learn more about the exciting new products available from Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired? Tune into this special TETN as Debra Sewell, Curriculum Coordinator, shares information about some of the newest products including Empowered, An Activity-Based Self-Determination Curriculum; and EVALS, A five -part publication of evaluations for ECC and Practical Academics Curriculum; and Better Together, Building Relationships with People Who Have Visual Impairment and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Contact your local Education Service Center, Distance Learning contact to schedule your participation.
Sensory Learning Kit for Students with Visual and Multiple Impairments - Session ID 305458
Presenter: Millie Smith, Independent Consultant in Visual Impairments
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Credit: ACVREP 10.5, CPE 12
Registration Fee: $70
Contact: Suzanne Scannell, sscannell@esc4.net
Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas (DBMAT) 36th Annual Family Conference: We Have a Voice - See Us, Hear Us
Location: Camp John Marc, Meridian, TX
This learning weekend is for adult family members and service providers. In order for both
parents and extended family members to attend and participate in the program sessions,
exceptional onsite childcare is available for your children with disabilities and their siblings.
Children have their own planned fun activities separate from the adult learning sessions and
activities. So, come prepared to learn, participate, have fun, make friends and enjoy the
weekend.
To register for this event go online to download the form (http://www.dbmatx.org/newsletters/documents/DBMAT_Conf_Reg_2008Finaldoc.pdf) and return it by
September 5th, 2008 to our Conference Registrar:
Christine Givens 22910 Briarhorn Dr. Spring, TX. 77389
If your child is a client of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services,
(DARS), Division for Blind Services, please contact your child’s Program Specialist
prior to registration to see if you are eligible for travel assistance to this event. Registration Fees:
$ 30.00 per each immediate family member,
$50.00 per each extended family member,
$ 75.00 per professional.
Conference contact numbers are: Christine: 281-370-8195 and Steve: 512-336-7859
Positive Connections Line: 432-264-6780 Rosa: 915-595-3853 (Spanish Speaking)
Registration and conference information go to http://www.dbmat-tx.org/
Introduction to the BrailleNote - Session ID 333871
Presenter: Cecilia Robinson
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Credit: CPE 6
Registration Fee: $35
Contact: Cecilia Robinson, crobinson@esc4.net
Sports Extravaganza
Time: Friday - Goalball Tournament (5-10 PM), Saturday - Individual Events (8:30 AM-4:30 PM)
Location: Nimitz High School, 100 W. Oakdale, Irving, TX 75060
Participants: Students ages, birth to 22
Cost: There are no entry fees, but families will need to pay their own expenses for transportation and lodging if needed. (Some financial assistance may be available from your local DARS-DBS or Lions Club.) Lunch on Friday will be provided by Lions Club International, District 2-X1 and 2 E-2.
Hotel: The Drury Inn, Irving, TX
For more information contact Christy Householter 972-348-1634 or christy.householter@region10.org or go to Sports Extravaganza
Low Incidence Disability Meeting
Time: 4:30-6:30 PM
Location: Austin, Texas
Contact: Mary Scott at Region 3 Education Service Center
Routines and Calendar Workshop
Presenters: Sara Kitchen and Chris Montgomery, Education Consultants, TSBVI Outreach
Location: TSBVI Conference Center, Austin, TX
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Credit: ACVREP 6, CPE 6
Join Sara and Chris for an all-day interactive workshop that will help you set up your classroom communication systems and develop fun and functional interactive routines. Through calendars and routines a process is formed that helps establish meaning, memory, concept formation, and representation. Calendars, thought of as communications systems, can be used as vehicles for teaching time, self comcept, interaction and conversation, and bonding and security. Routines provide real, relevant experience through which students can learn skills and concepts about which they may communicate.
Registration Fee: $50 (includes the cost of the book, Calendars for Students with Multiple Impairments Including Deafblindness). Limited travel assistance funds may be available from TSBVI for both professionals and family members. Please contact Kate Hurst 512-206-9224 to learn more.
Contact: Carrie Keith, 512-206-9314 or CarrieKeith@tsbvi.edu
10th Annual Virginia Sowell Center Distinguished Lecture Series
Time: 1 PM-5 PM (10/24) and 9 AM-5PM (10/25)
Location: English/Philosophy Building, Room 001, Basement, Texas Tech, Lubbock, TX
Keynote speaker is Ella L. Taylor, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor in the Teaching Research Institute at Western Oregon University. She will present on cochlear implants and its impact on people with deafblindness or are hard-of-hearing. Also, on October 24, 2008 from 12:00 – 5:00, Dr. Roseanna Davidson will be providing training on the Functional Hearing Inventory, an observational instrument used by professionals who are trained to observe a wide variety of behaviors and responses in children to sound in the environment. The training will validate the FHI protocol training manual and the training activities. Attendees will also learn how to administer the FHI tool, use a sound level meter, measure environmental sounds and voices. The training is free to the first 40 people who register for the Sowell Center lecture. This training is only open to 40 participants.
For further information contact Robin Rekieta at (806)742-1997 ext. 251 or robin.rekieta@ttu.edu.
Mentor Center
Presenter: Chrissy Cowan, Mentor Coordinator, TSBVI Outreach and Invited Guests
Location: Conference Center, Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Austin, TX
Time: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Participants in the TSBVI Mentor Program qualify for a trip to Austin to attend a Mentor Center—an opportunity to serve experienced VI professionals at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and in the Austin Independent School District. During a Mentor Center, participants will spend two days observing several TVIs and COMS as they work with students, attending concurrent mini-sessions on relevant topics, and visiting the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center. This event occurs 3 times during the academic year (February 22-24, 2009 and April 19-21). Reservations are required.
Contact: Chrissy Cowan at chrissycowan@tsbvi.edu or 512-206-9367.
Functional Hearing Assessment - TETN #30922
Presenter: Jim Durkel, TSBVI Outreach
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Credit: ACVREP 1 3/4, CPE 1 3/4
Due to changes in the Deafblind Census, students may be listed as in need of further testing for only one year. Students can be reported as having documented functional hearing impairments. This session will review several ways that such a functional loss could be documented.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Tactile Graphics: We All Have Room for Improvement
Presenters: Ann Adkins and Pat van Geem, TSBVI Outreach
Location: Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Conference Center, Austin, TX
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Credit: ACVREP 6, CPE 6
This workshop targets teachers of the visually impaired and braille production professionals. It will provide an overview of the range of tactile graphics needed by students. Participants will learn strategies for teaching students to make and use tactile graphics. The afternoon presentations will focus on computer generated tactile graphics and their production.
For more information please contact Carrie Keith at 512-206-9314 or CarrieKeith@tsbvi.edu.
Low Vision 101
Presenter: Anna Bradfield, Ph.D.
Location: Region 8 Education Service Center, Mt. Pleasant, TX
Time: 9:00 AM -3:00 PM
Credit: CPE 5, ACVREP credit pending.
Participatns will gain an understanding or revie the functional implications of problems with various parts of the visual system. Time will be given to discussing the implications for using various types of low vision devices such as magnifiers, monoculars, etc.
Contact: Dawn Adams, 903-572-8551 or dadams@reg8.net
Using Duxbury and Microsoft Word to Prepare Braille Files - Session ID 334387
Presenter: Susan Christensen, Independent Consultant
Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Credit: CPE 6
Registration Fee: $35
Contact: Cecilia Robinson, crobinson@esc4.net
Intermediate MegaDots for Braille Production - Session ID 332389
Presenter: Susan Christensen, Independent Consultant
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Credit: CPE 6
Registration Fee: $35
Contact: Cecilia Robinson, crobinson@esc4.net
2008 SWOMA Conference: Orientation and Mobility Moving Into the Future
Presenters include: Jo Mascarro, Denise Gobart, Ed Gervasoni, Dan Brown, Melanie White, Olga Uriegas and others.
Session topics include: BrailleNote GPS, Trekker GPS, Trekker Breeze, Actuated Signalized Intersections, O&M assessment and instruction for MIVI/DB, balance issues, legislative policy updates, TEKS alignment and more.
Location: Radisson Downtown Market Square, San Antonio, Texas
Registration fee: $125 professionals, $100 for students. Fee includes happy
hour, dinner dance, luncheon, and snacks. SWOMA Registration Form 
(92 kb)
Credit: ACVREP 13.5, CPE 13.5
Contact: Beth Bible, 512-206-9103 or BethBible@tsbvi.edu
Active Learning for Students with Visual and Multiple Impairments - Session ID 318347
Presenters: Gigi Newton and Stacy Shafer, Early Childhood Consultants, TSBVI Outreach
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Credit: ACVREP 10.5, CPE 12
Contact: Karen Crone, kcrone@esc4.net
Registration Fee: $70
Using Drawing with Low Vision Deafblind Students - TETN #30907
Presenters: Kate Hurst and Chris Montgomery, TSBVI Outreach
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Credit: ACVREP 1 3/4, CPE 1 3/4
Dr. Jan van Dijk suggests that drawing is one strategy to consider for developing communication skills in students who are deafblind with residual vision. Pictures and drawing can be efficient communication tools and also serve as a way to improve conversation and interactions. This broadcast will look at specific strategies for using and developing drawing skills in students with deafblindness in the classroom, home, and community.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Addressing the Needs of Students Labeled Deaf and Low Functioning, At-Risk or Deafblind Conference
Location: Intercontinental Houston Hotel next door to the beautiful Galleria, Houston, TX
This conference will be the fifth such conference which brings people together from across the nation to address the unique needs of persons who are deaf or deafblind and have additional challenges to reaching their life goals. With an expected 500 attendees coming to this event, it will be an opportunity to learn from those who work directly with this population, to network and exchange ideas, strategies and resources with others and to acquire new skills. Presenters will include Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, Dr. Greg Long, Dr. Neil Glickman and Dr. Mike Kemp. Come to Houston to learn, shop for the holidays and network with others.
Registration materials will be available by the end of June, 2008 and can be obtained by contacting Theresa Johnson at tjohnson@esc4.net.Tactile Graphics for Science, Social Studies and Mathematics
Presenter: Diane Spence, Region 4 Education Service Center
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Credit: CPE 6
Registration Fee: $35
Contact: Cecilia Robinson, crobinson@esc4.net
Tools to Assist in Recruiting VI Professionals - TETN #30932
Presenter: KC Dignan, Professional Preparation Program Coordinator
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Credit: ACVREP 1 3/4, CPE 1 3/4
As the need for VI professionals continues to increase at a rapid
rate, it is important for all VI professionals to be highly skilled
recruiters. This INTERACTIVE broadcast will provide participants
with an opportunity to increase their skills at advocacy
communication. Advocacy communication, whether for recruitment
or other purposes, is easy to learn and use with a little practice.
In addition to practicing conversational skills, we will also explore
techniques for developing a flyer, brochure or other printed
recruitment tools. While no one will be expected to develop a
finished product, participants will be given an opportunity to outline
a flyer for future use. Participants can expect to interact with
others during the broadcast and to participate in the creative
process. This will be an INTERACTIVE broadcast, not just a “sit and
listen” event.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Tactile Graphics Guidelines Update and Overview - Session ID 334430
Presenter: Diane Spence, Region 4 Education Service Center
Time: 1:00-4:00 PM
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Credit: CPE 3
Registration Fee: $20
Contact: Suzanne Scannell, sscannell@esc4.net
Introduction to JAWS for Windows - Session ID 333875
Presenter: Cecilia Robinson, Region 4 ESC
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Credit: CPE 6
Registration Fee: $35
Contact: Cecilia Robinson, crobinson@esc4.net
Using JAWS for Windows - Session ID 333935
Presenter: Patrick van Geem, TSBVI Outreach
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Credit: CPE 6
Registration: $35
Contact: Cecilia Robinson, crobinson@esc4.net
Recreation and Leisure for Visually Impaired Students - TETN #31688
Presenter: Mark Gronquist, Recreation Director, TSBVI
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Credit: ACVREP 1 3/4, CPE 1 3/4
One of the most critical areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum is Recreation and Leisure. Without skills to participate in physical, social and recreational activities, the life of a student with visual impairments is diminished. This is often the way friends are made, employment connections are made, and overall health and functioning are improved. This broadcast will offer ideas for adapting recreational and leisure activities so that students with visual impairments may participate more fully in these activities.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Game of Life: Introduction
Location: American Foundation for the Blind, Dallas, TX
Presenters: TSBVI Outreach Staff, AFB Staff and Mentors
This is a special by-invitation-only training for transition-aged students 14-22, their parents, and VI staff. In this special training series participants will attend two face-to-face workshops at the American Foundation of the Blind Center for Low Vision in Dallas and participate in various distance learning training activities. Students will participate in “reality challenges” focused on career skills, daily living skills, and skills needed to apply for and attend college. Some of these challenges will be “virtual” challenges utilizing the web, blogs, email and online discussion. Other challenges take place in the “real world” during the face-to-face workshops and in the student’s local community. Each student will be paired with a mentor and connected to peers for sharing and support, primarily through use of their computers and other technology. Parents and educators will receive information and training to learn how to support their student’s pursuit of adult independence.
The goals of this workshop are (1) to help students have opportunities to learn and practice skills of independence in safe and supportive environments, and (2) to give parents and teachers tools and support to more comfortably move into the role of “doing with, NOT for” the young adult who is learning to become independent. Participants must commit to attending all four training events in order to participate.
If you are interested in receiving more detailed information about this event or would like to request an invitation to participate, please contact Kate Hurst at 512-206-9224 or KateHurst@tsbvi.edu.
Instructional Strategies for Video magnifiers and Audio-Assisted Reading - Session ID 334383
Presenter: Ike Presley, American Foundation for the Blind
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Credit: 2.5
Contact: Cecilia Robinson, crobinson@esc4.net
Collaboration Skills and the Role of the Itinerant VI Teacher
Presenters: Ann Adkins and Other TSBVI Outreach Staff
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Conference Center, Austin, TX
Credit: ACVREP 6, CPE 6
Registration Fee: $50 (includes a copy of Laurel Hudson's, Classroom Collaboration)
Effective collaboration between TVIs and general education teachers can assure “access to the general curriculum” for Visually impaired students and promote greater success in core curriculum subjects. In this workshop we will examine the roles of TVIs and general education teachers to identify effective strategies for supporting visually impaired students in inclusive settings.
For more information contact Carrie Keith, 512-206-9314 or CarrieKeith@tsbvi.edu
Introducing the Mountbatten Brailler, Changing the Way Students Write Braille in the 21st Century!
Presenter: Tim Connell, Quantum Technology Pty, Ltd
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Registration Fee: ???
Contact: Suzanne Scannell, sscannell@esc4.net
Game of Life: Follow-up for Parents and Visually Impaired Professionals - TETN #30920
Presenters: Sharon Nichols, Technology Specialist and Eva Thompson-Lavigne, Transition Specialist
Time: 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
This follow-up event to the Game of Life will help the adult participants to prepare to support the student acquire skills that lead to independence.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Cortical Visual Impairment: Identification, Assessment, and Intervention - Session ID 325636
Presenter: Diane Sheline, Independent Consultant
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Credit: ACVREP 5.25, CPE 6
Contact: Suzanne Scannell, sscannell@esc4.net
Spotlight on Technology: What's new for Students with Visual Impairments - Session ID 334016
Presenters: Various vendors
Location: Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, TX
Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Credit: ACVREP 5.25, CPE 6
Registration Fee: $35
Contact: Cecilia Robinson, crobinson@esc4.net
2009 Texas Symposium on Deafblindness
DoubleTree Austin, Austin, TX
This two-day conference is held on a bi-annual cycle alternating
years with Texas Focus. The 2009 Texas Symposium on Deafblindness
includes both general and breakout sessions focusing on educational
issues and strategies, transition issues, early intervention
needs, as well as information on specific syndromes and conditions
leading to combined vision and hearing loss. Student needs representing
the full range of students with deafblindness will be discussed.
This includes students born with profound vision and hearing
loss and other disabilities who will require extensive life-long
supports, students with acquired deafblindness who may be more
independent but require extensive modification to their curriculum
and environment and those moving towards a college track and
complete independence in the community as adults.
Presentations will be offered by state, national and international
speakers including adults with deafblindness and family members as
well as experts in the fields of education and rehabilitation. Opportunities
are provided throughout the Symposium for both professionals
and family members to network with peers .
Special funding is available to assist families, professionals and interveners/paraprofessionals with conference costs. These funds are limited and are provided on a “first come, first served” basis. For further information and registration, please contact Brian Sobeck at (512) 206-9225; BrianSobeck@tsbvi.edu.
Hands-on Learning Stations for Teaching Math to Visually Impaired Students
Presenters: Susan Osterhaus and TSBVI Outreach Staff
Location: Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Conference Center, Austin, TX
Time: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Credit: ACVREP 6, CPE 6
Registration Fee: $50
Want to learn some great strategies and tools for teaching math to students
with visual impairments? In this workshop participants will learn to identify
and use a variety of adaptive math tools and technology, which will allow
their students to draw, construct, measure, and graph independently. They
will also learn to identify and perform basic functions on an accessible
scientific calculator, an accessible graphing calculator, and other math
technology software and hardware.
This workshop is designed to be a very “hands-on” event. Participants will
rotate through learning stations and have ample opportunities to ask
questions and practice using the tools and strategies that are shared. This is
ideal for a TVI and math teacher to attend as a team.
For more information please contact Carrie Keith at 512-206-9314 or CarrieKeith@tsbvi.edu.
Literacy and the Student with Deafblindness - TETN #30913
Presenters: Holly Cooper, Deafblind Consultant, Deafblind Outreach
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
All students with deafblindness should have a meaningful literacy medium whether it is Braille, pictures, print or even objects. This broadcast will explore the range of literacy media for various levels of learners and discuss instructional strategies that can be considered for the student with deafblindness.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Canceled Visually Impaired Transition Discussion Group - TETN #30906
Presenter: Eva Thompson, Transition Specialist, and David Wiley, Transition Specialist, TSBVI Outreach
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
This TETN is the second in a series of two facilitated discussions on transition issues facing students with visual impairments and deafblindness and focuses on transition issues, strategies, and tools for preparing the more academic student for life after graduation. Teachers, TVIs, COMS, and parents can learn and share ideas for helping to work for more successful outcomes in the transition from school to adult life. If you have an interest in how to improve the transition process for your students who are visually impaired or deafblind, please join in on this informal discussion group.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Evaluation of Reading Abilities of Students with Visual Impairments, Session ID 316423
Presenter: Debra Sewell, TSBVI
Time: 9:00-4:00
CANCELLED-- Game of Life for Parents & VI Professionals - TETN #30909
Presenters: Sharon Nichols, Technology Specialist and Eva Thompson-Lavigne, Transition Specialist
Time: 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
This TETN is the second of two broadcasts for adults participating in the Game of Life. Strategies will be shared with the adults about ways to support the student in the “reality” challenges.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Sensory Integration and the Visually Impaired Student - TETN #30914
Presenter: Lisa Ricketts, OTR, TSBVI
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
This broadcast presents an OT review of sensory integration theory including the role vision plays in motor development. Lisa will discuss how the tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems work. She will also discuss imbalances of the sensory systems and activities we can use to help decrease disorganization and defensiveness.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Turning Functional Vision Evaluation Data into Practical Recommendations - Session ID 334381
Improve your skills in conducting Functional Vision Evaluation (FVE) for students with visual impairments. This presentation will review techniques for conducting FVEs for students with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on interpreting data and other information collected during the evaluation to plan optimum interventions addressing areas in the Core and Expanded Core Curricula. Session and materials costs are partially funded through state or federal grants.
Presenter; Amanda Lueck. Ph.D., San Francisco State University
Time: 9:00 - 4:00 PM
Credit: ACVREP 5.25, CPE 6.
Registration Fee: $35
Contact: Cecilia Robinson, crobinson@esc4.net
Using A Braille Display with Screen Readers - TETN #30921
Presenters: Sharon Nichols and Pat van Geem, Technology Specialists, TSBVI Outreach
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
This session will provide basic level training on using a Braille display with screen readers and offer instructional strategies for working with the Braille reading student.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Session 1: Lifelong Learning in Career Education
Dr. Karen Wolffe, Director, Professional Development and CareerConnect, will discuss the career education model, how to help move children and adults through the appropriate stages of the model, the activities and resources available to instruct children and adults with visual impairments in career education, and more.
The seminar will broadcast live to your computer. For more information, and to register for the webcast today, visit www.afb.org/careerconnect, or contact 888-824-2184 or careerconnect@afb.net.
Session 2: Determining Current and Future AT Needs
Ike Presley, Project Manager, Professional Development, will show attendees how to create a "toolbox" for success by presenting the tools needed to access and create printed and electronic information. This session will also feature professionals with visual disabilities discussing the career planning techniques and assistive technologies that have helped them compete in the workplace and advance their careers.
The seminar will broadcast live to your computer. For more information, and to register for the webcast today, visit www.afb.org/careerconnect, or contact 888-824-2184 or careerconnect@afb.net.
O&M for Multiply and Visually Impaired and Deafblind Students- TETN #30923
Presenter: Ruth Ann Marsh, O&M Consultant, TSBVI Outreach
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
This broadcast will focus on the O&M skills critical to students who are visually impaired and have additional disabilities or deafblindness. Ruth Ann will discuss a number of important instructional strategies to improve body and spatial awareness, techniques for motivating movement and developing purposeful movement, and task analysis to help break down activities so skills can be infused into teachable moments.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Visually Impaired Students with Vestibular Issues - TETN #30910
Presenters: Kate Hurst, Statewide Staff Development and invited guest speakers
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Many visually impaired students have conditions and syndromes that result in vestibular issues. This broadcast will review the literature on the educational issues related to vestibular problems and suggest best practice approaches in instruction to address the students needs brought about by this condition. Special guest speakers will be included in this broadcast.
Please contact the Distance Learning Consultant at your local education service center to access this broadcast.
Game of Life: The Final Challenge to Independence a Face-to-Face Workshop at AFB in Dallas
Presented by TSBVI Outreach Staff, AFB Staff, and Adult Mentors
This is a special by-invitation-only training for transition-aged students, their parents, and VI staff. In this special training series participants will attend two face-to-face workshops at the American Foundation of the Blind Center for Low Vision in Dallas and participate in various distance learning training activities. Students ages 14-22 will participate in “reality challenges” focused on career skills, daily living skills, and skills needed to apply for and attend college. Some of these challenges will be “virtual” challenges utilizing the web, blogs, email and online discussion. Other challenges take place in the “real world” during the face-to-face workshops and in the student’s local community. Each student will be paired with a mentor and connected to peers for sharing and support, primarily through use of their computers and other technology. Parents and educators will receive information and training to learn how to support their student’s pursuit of adult independence.
The goals of this workshop are (1) to help students have opportunities to learn and practice skills of independence in safe and supportive environments, and (2) to give parents and teachers tools and support to more comfortably move into the role of “doing with, NOT for” the young adult who is learning to become independent.
Participants must commit to attending all four training events in order to participate. If you are interested in receiving more detailed information about this event or would like to request an invitation to participate, please contact Kate Hurst at 512-206-9224 or KateHurst@tsbvi.edu.
Cancelled!! Appropriate Communication Assessment for Babies with Deafblindness (A Special Parent/Child workshop)
Location: TSBVI Conference Center, Austin, Texas
Presenters: Gigi Newton and Texas Deafblind Outreach Staff
This training is intended to help parents of children birth-three who have combined vision and hearing loss or deafblindness understand and assess their child's communication skills. This workshop will help parents take a look at the ways their child is currently communicating and help them to build on their child’s strengths based on his/her developmental needs. Through discussion and modeling participants will learn strategies and techniques for improving communication both in the home setting and the school/day care setting. Enrollment limited to 12 families.
For further information and registration, please contact Brian Sobeck at (512) 206-9225, briansobeck@tsbvi.edu .
Texas Assistive Technology Regional Conference
There is still time to submit a proposal to present. Please consider presenting. We value presentations from district staff/practitioners, and we need presentations to make a strong VI strand.
To submit a proposal, please click the following Web link: http://www.texasat.net/
Then, click Call for Presenters and Exhibitors link, and follow directions from thereon to submit a proposal. If you proposal is accepted, then you and your co-presenters (up to 2 co-presenters max) can attend the conference at no charge. There are other goodies for all presenters as well.
Please let me know if you have questions. In a separate email, we will send professional development offerings for the summer.
Thanks,
Cecilia Robinson
Education Specialist, Special Education Services
Region 4 Education Service Center
7145 West Tidwell Road
Houston, Texas 77092-2096
Phone 713.744.6379
Fax 713.744.6311
Email crobinson@esc4.net
Orientation & Mobility for Students Identified with Autism
Identify effective methods for teaching Orientation & Mobility (O&M) to students identified with autism. Gain skills for more accurate assessment and develop interventions to use during O&M training. Discuss strategies to enhance and facilitate a child’s active exploration that will allow for learning from the environment. Session and materials costs are partially funded through state or federal grants.
Audience: Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, Orientation & Mobility Specialists, Teachers of Students with Autism, Parents
Registration Fee: $70.00
Dates/Times: June 23-24, 2009
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Session ID: 359875
Registration: 713.744.2723 (fax)
Location: Crowne Plaza Brookhollow Hotel
12801 NW Freeway
Houston, TX 77040
Presenters: Marilyn and Jay Gense, Independent Contractors
Texas Parent to Parent's 5th Annual Parent Conference
Many Hearts, Shared Dreams - One Voice
Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark, Austin, Texas
4140 Governor’s Row, Austin, TX 78744
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) 2009 Annual Conference
in Detroit. Go to www.nfb.org for conference
information or contact NOPBC President Carrie Gilmer at carrie.gilmer@gmail.com.
More information about the conference
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Last Revision: April 9, 2009