Invitation to Mobility Matters, 2024
Hello O&M group,
You are invited to attend our virtual Mobility Matters summit which will be hosted on February 29th, 2024. We have a fabulous line-up of presenters and panelists- covering topics on AI, tactile art, tech communities of practice, inclusive library programs, and transportation.
The event will be captioned and ASL interpreting will be provided.? WA Clock hours and ACVREP credits are available.
Check out our??website and register today!??Registration will close on February 27th at 5 PM PST.?
Walk down memory lane?
?As we eagerly anticipate the conference, we wanted to provide you with access to previous summit's websites. These resources contain a wealth of information, including?speaker bios, presentation videos, presentation slides, and more! Feel free to explore these materials at your convenience to get a sense of the scope and vision of Mobility Matters. Hope you can join us!
Amy T. Parker, EdD & COMS Associate Professor Coordinator, Orientation and Mobility Program Portland State University,?College of Education Vanport Building-VB 423-K 8610 SW 5th AvenuePortland,?OR?97201,?US503-725-4695 tel
Mailing Address: 630?SW Mill St. Portland, OR 97201
pronouns: ?she/her/hers
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It's not that TVIs can't teach O&M, it's that TVI's must be dual-certified (as a TVI and a COMS) to also teach O&M. While I can't find an exact quote to explain it, I found the following from several different places: "Orientation and mobility was included the first time as a related service, with the passage
of IDEA 1997. Originally developed by the Veteran’s Administration to assist war-blinded veterans, the profession of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) has expanded to
include training from early childhood through adulthood. This service is provided by
individuals who are formally educated to assist persons who are blind/visually impaired
attain their O&M goals."? (from? )
From website:
A Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS), is a highly trained expert who specializes in working with individuals who are blind, low vision or who have functional visual limitations, and empowers them to achieve their life goals for education, employment, avocation and independence. A COMS may be blind, partially sighted or sighted. COMS are engaged in a comprehensive approach to orientation & mobility addressing nonvisual, visual, physical, cognitive, and psycho-social aspects related to mobility training for individuals of all ages, as well as diverse needs and abilities. They are educated in a range of instructional techniques and how to recognize which approach is best suited to a particular learner. These techniques include, but are not limited to, inquiry-based learning, expeditionary learning, differentiated instruction, and direct instruction. COMS recognize that there is no single instructional strategy that would be best for everyone. COMS teach skills to meet the current and future orientation and mobility needs of their clients, accounting for each client’s goals, travel environments, and visual prognoses. They use a guided exploration and problem-solving approach that is customized to the goals and skills of each learner. Methods and strategies include the use of non-visual techniques (auditory and tactual) and visual techniques including the optimization of reliable remaining vision . Strategies and problem-solving skills are taught with the goal to develop independent travelers with a high level of self-confidence. The COMS has completed an extensive educational program and successfully completed a 350+ hour internship under the supervision of an experienced COMS. Furthermore, the COMS has met a rigorous standard by meeting the educational requirements, supervised fieldwork experiences in their internship and passing the certification exam. The exam was developed in collaboration with PhD level psychometricians following scientific, best practices standards for certification exams. A COMS will recertify every five years to ensure that they maintain current knowledge. COMS Certification Handbook
Also, the description from?differentiates between the licensure:? "It is required that TVIs have graduated from an accredited college/university
training program, and have Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Licensure
#825. It is required that O&M Specialists have graduated from an accredited
college/university training program, in addition to having a DPI #826 License."?
I hope that info is helpful!?
Can anyone give me an “official” resource where it is specifically stated that a TVI doesn’t teach higher level O&M skills? This has become an issue in
several districts that currently do not have a COMS. We stress that the TVI can teach basic concepts and limited pre-cane skills such as trailing and protective techniques and can support the COMS by reinforcing skills, however, we have been asked where it
is specifically stated that a TVI cannot teach cane skills. We’ve all heard it and its common knowledge for most in our field, but we cannot find any source that specifically states this. We have found numerous “roles and responsibilities” and other
articles and sources that say what each does, but none specifically states that the TVI cannot teach higher-level O&M skills.
?
Thanks in advance for your help!
?
-- Joanna Credeur, M.Ed., M.A., COMS
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike ??Nashville, TN 37214
O: (615) 231-7443 ??F: (615) 871-9312
C: (337) 842-8977
Joanna.Credeur@...
?
![]()
?
“Creating Contributing, Participating Members of Society”
?
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Coby hear from the community of deafblind, and retired CVRT and ?occupational therapy.
Thank you Justin for those great resources.?
I am also wondering where the TDI of school system has her/his ethics and scope of practice documents, outlining responsibilities, of special education teacher?
Thank you.
?Coby livingstone
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Feb 21, 2024, at 11:41?AM, Kaiser, Justin T. via groups.io <Justin.kaiser@...> wrote:
?
I ?found this specifically explained in Chapter 1 of
Partners in O&M: Supporting Orientation and Mobility for Students Who Are Visually Impaired?by Rona L. Pogrund and Nora Griffin-Shirley
Under Roles of the Teacher of the Visually Impaired?
“Other responsibilities may include co-teaching the use of orientation aids (e.g., tactile maps), optical devices
(e.g., telescopes, magnifiers), and sensory training (e.g., auditory training) (Fazzi, 2014; Griffin-Shirley & Trusty, 2017). However, teaching the use of the long cane, adaptive mobility devices, and electronic travel aids, along with complex travel in the
community, is the sole responsibility of the O&M specialist.”
Additionally the position papers from AER and CEC on Roles and Responsibilities of TVI would say what TVI's are qualified to do.?
The attached O&M Scope of Practice Paper from AER would say what qualifications someone should have to teach O&M skills.?
Justin
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You don't often get email from joanna.credeur@....
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CAUTION:
External Sender
Can anyone give me an “official” resource where it is specifically stated that a TVI doesn’t teach higher level O&M skills? This has become an issue
in several districts that currently do not have a COMS. We stress that the TVI can teach basic concepts and limited pre-cane skills such as trailing and protective techniques and can support the COMS by reinforcing skills, however, we have been asked where
it is specifically stated that a TVI cannot teach cane skills. We’ve all heard it and its common knowledge for most in our field, but we cannot find any source that specifically states this. We have found numerous “roles and responsibilities” and other
articles and sources that say what each does, but none specifically states that the TVI cannot teach higher-level O&M skills.
?
Thanks in advance for your help!
?
--
Joanna Credeur, M.Ed., M.A., COMS
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike ??Nashville, TN 37214
O: (615) 231-7443 ??F: (615) 871-9312
C: (337) 842-8977
Joanna.Credeur@...
?
?
“Creating Contributing, Participating Members of Society”
?
|
I ?found this specifically explained in Chapter 1 of
Partners in O&M: Supporting Orientation and Mobility for Students Who Are Visually Impaired?by Rona L. Pogrund and Nora Griffin-Shirley
Under Roles of the Teacher of the Visually Impaired?
“Other responsibilities may include co-teaching the use of orientation aids (e.g., tactile maps), optical devices
(e.g., telescopes, magnifiers), and sensory training (e.g., auditory training) (Fazzi, 2014; Griffin-Shirley & Trusty, 2017). However, teaching the use of the long cane, adaptive mobility devices, and electronic travel aids, along with complex travel in the
community, is the sole responsibility of the O&M specialist.”
Additionally the position papers from AER and CEC on Roles and Responsibilities of TVI would say what TVI's are qualified to do.?
The attached O&M Scope of Practice Paper from AER would say what qualifications someone should have to teach O&M skills.?
Justin
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
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You don't often get email from joanna.credeur@....
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|
CAUTION:
External Sender
Can anyone give me an “official” resource where it is specifically stated that a TVI doesn’t teach higher level O&M skills? This has become an issue
in several districts that currently do not have a COMS. We stress that the TVI can teach basic concepts and limited pre-cane skills such as trailing and protective techniques and can support the COMS by reinforcing skills, however, we have been asked where
it is specifically stated that a TVI cannot teach cane skills. We’ve all heard it and its common knowledge for most in our field, but we cannot find any source that specifically states this. We have found numerous “roles and responsibilities” and other
articles and sources that say what each does, but none specifically states that the TVI cannot teach higher-level O&M skills.
?
Thanks in advance for your help!
?
--
Joanna Credeur, M.Ed., M.A., COMS
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike ??Nashville, TN 37214
O: (615) 231-7443 ??F: (615) 871-9312
C: (337) 842-8977
Joanna.Credeur@...
?
?
“Creating Contributing, Participating Members of Society”
?
|
I’m not sure if this train of thought will help, but maybe approach the question from a different perspective. Each discipline’s handbook states the responsibilities and scope of practice outlining
what is taught by each discipline instead of what it does not teach.
?
I’m not sure there is a document that states specifically that TSVIs
cannot teach O&M skills any more than there is a document stating that TSVIs and COMS cannot teach OT, PT, speech, and so on (unless licensed/certified by that field’s certifying body to do so). By nature, there are crossover skills within some skills
set, but each discipline has its own set of skills that are specific and unique to their scope of practice for which these professionals have been trained and certified/licensed to teach.
?
I hope this helps!
Blessings,
Debbie Fussell, M.Ed.
Certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Mansfield Independent School District
1016 Magnolia Street
Mansfield, Texas 76063
debrafussell@...
O) 817-299-4311
F) 817-548-2175
C) 214-264-8747
?
Confidentiality Notice:?This
email may contain confidential information.? All information is intended only for use of the named recipient.? If you have received this email in error, do not read the information. Please immediately notify sender by telephone or by email reply.?
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Joanna Credeur
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 11:42 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [OandM] TVI vs O&M
?
WARNING: This email originated from
outside of Mansfield ISD.
Do not click links or open attachments
unless you recognize the sender & are expecting the message.
Can anyone give me an “official” resource where it is specifically stated that a TVI doesn’t teach higher level O&M skills? This has become an issue in
several districts that currently do not have a COMS. We stress that the TVI can teach basic concepts and limited pre-cane skills such as trailing and protective techniques and can support the COMS by reinforcing skills, however, we have been asked where it
is specifically stated that a TVI cannot teach cane skills. We’ve all heard it and its common knowledge for most in our field, but we cannot find any source that specifically states this. We have found numerous “roles and responsibilities” and other
articles and sources that say what each does, but none specifically states that the TVI cannot teach higher-level O&M skills.
?
Thanks in advance for your help!
?
--
Joanna Credeur, M.Ed., M.A., COMS
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike ??Nashville, TN 37214
O: (615) 231-7443 ??F: (615) 871-9312
C: (337) 842-8977
Joanna.Credeur@...
?
 ?
“Creating Contributing, Participating Members of Society”
?
|
Can anyone give me an “official” resource where it is specifically stated that a TVI doesn’t teach higher level O&M skills? This has become an issue in
several districts that currently do not have a COMS. We stress that the TVI can teach basic concepts and limited pre-cane skills such as trailing and protective techniques and can support the COMS by reinforcing skills, however, we have been asked where it
is specifically stated that a TVI cannot teach cane skills. We’ve all heard it and its common knowledge for most in our field, but we cannot find any source that specifically states this. We have found numerous “roles and responsibilities” and other
articles and sources that say what each does, but none specifically states that the TVI cannot teach higher-level O&M skills.
?
Thanks in advance for your help!
?
-- Joanna Credeur, M.Ed., M.A., COMS
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike ??Nashville, TN 37214
O: (615) 231-7443 ??F: (615) 871-9312
C: (337) 842-8977
Joanna.Credeur@...
?
?
“Creating Contributing, Participating Members of Society”
?
|
New seminar in DeafBlind history!
Dear everyone, John here: ? I am pleased to announce a new three-week email-group seminar, “Before Helen Keller: Hidden DeafBlind Histories, 1850-1903.” It has been argued that most communities’ historical periods—during which enduring discourses and habits are set into cyclical motion—tend to be brief. The DeafBlind community’s period of formation is no exception. It unfolded with astonishing speed, and a literature emerged immediately. The course brings us into contact with key primary sources that tell us this remarkable story. ? Everyone is welcome to consider joining us on this adventure! Continuing Education Units are available for members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. ? Dates: April 1-19, 2024 ? RID CEUs: 3.0 ? Reigstration fee: $250 ? Registration deadline: March 20, or when full ? Description: ? This discussion-intensive seminar is an introduction to early DeafBlind community history, primarily through writings left behind by DeafBlind people. When and how did the community begin to form? How did early DeafBlind historical figures articulate their identities? What affordances did they seize on to launch networks? Several concepts will help us attempt to listen to the understories that have long eluded hearing and sighted historians. These include distantism, deaf-blind associations, retroactive reading, Emerson’s “perspiration,” Whitehead’s “attack,” and Manning’s “bodying worlds, worlding bodies.” ? Instructor: ? John Lee Clark is a DeafBlind poet, essayist, historian, translator, and Protactile educator. His collection of poems “How to Communicate” won the Minnesota Book Award and was a finalist for the National Book Award. His latest book, “Touch the Future: A Manifesto in Essays,” is the first book coming out of the Protactile movement to be published. He makes a home in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his partner, the ASL Deaf artist Adrean Clark, their three kids, and two cats. ? To apply: ? Contact me at jlc@... ? Interpretek is an approved RID Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. The seminar is offered for 3.0 CEUs in Professional Studies. No prior knowledge is required. ? Feel free to spread the word.? Thank you! ? Looking forward to digging together— John ?
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Re: Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Fri, Feb 9, 2024 at 2:19?PM Kerrigan, Patricia via <pkerrigan= [email protected]> wrote: Yes, congratulations Freda!?
P. Maurie Kerrigan
Orientation and Mobility Specialist COMS
Low Vision Therapist CLVT
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services
801 Market St., 6th floor, Suite 6034, Philadelphia, PA 19107
cell 215-268-2872
pkerrigan@...
________________________________
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Coby Livingstone via <coby.livingstone=[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 3:12 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Cc: O&M AER listserv <oandm@...>; AER EAC <aer-eac@...>
Subject: [External] Re: [OandM] Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
ATTENTION: This email message is from an external sender. Do not open links or attachments from unknown senders. To report suspicious email, use the Report Phishing button in Outlook. <<>>
?Congratulations!
Thank you.
?Coby livingstone
> On Feb 9, 2024, at 1:05?PM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
>
> ?Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Freda Tepfer receive an "Advocate Extraordinaire" Award from Penn Future at their 2024 Environmental Advocacy Celebration for her persistent advocacy for environmental accessibility -- congratulations, Freda!
>
> It's so fitting that you are acknowledged for your tireless work, especially by such a respected environmental and social justice organization as Penn Future -- the Conservation Voters of PA! Someone in the audience chimed in to note that you have made a huge difference in their community in Erie, PA.? Way to go!
>
> -- Dona
> -------------------------------
>
> Dona Sauerburger, COMS
> Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
> ahttps://
>
>
>
>
>
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Re: sexual abuse and molestation insurance?
Thank you, Dona! I’m in a similar situation as Maya - except it’s to become a vendor for a state agency.
Really appreciate your advice!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Feb 9, 2024, at 4:15?PM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
?
How strange, Maya!? Kind of gives me the creeps, don't know why,
I'll have to think about that.
Anyway, Tim Grover at <tim@...> may be
able to find something for you -- he is the broker who's been
finding professional liability policies for those of us who are
not satisfied with the one offered through AER, and as a broker he
actually has many insurance agencies to shop around for.?? If he
can't find what you want, I'd bet anything that it doesn't exist.
-- Dona
Hi
folks, I have a question for my fellow independent
contractors out there.
I work for myself, not an
agency. I’ve always had professional liability insurance,
and that’s been enough for all of the school districts I’ve
ever worked for. I was approached about doing a contract
with a new school district, and they are requiring
comprehensive liability insurance, sexual abuse and
molestation insurance, as well as Professional liability
insurance. Which I’m happy to get, but for the life of me, I
can’t find an insurance agency that offers the levels that
they are requiring that aren't prohibitively expensive. Has
anyone found an insurance company that will provide sexual
abuse and molestation insurance for an individual education
contractor for the following levels?
Sexual Abuse and Molestation
Insurance limits of $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000
Aggregate.
As well as Comprehensive or
Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits of at
least $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000 Aggregate.
(note, I’ve easily found comprehensive, the challenge is the
sexual abuse Insurance at that high level.)
I have found a stand alone
sexual abuse and molestation insurance policy that is $5500
year, which is prohibitively high. There has got to be
something more affordable out there. Any suggestions? I have
tried FTJ, hiscox, hub, next insurance, and countless
others, to no avail. I live in California.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Maya
--
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
Re: sexual abuse and molestation insurance?
How strange, Maya!? Kind of gives me the creeps, don't know why,
I'll have to think about that.
Anyway, Tim Grover at <tim@...> may be
able to find something for you -- he is the broker who's been
finding professional liability policies for those of us who are
not satisfied with the one offered through AER, and as a broker he
actually has many insurance agencies to shop around for.?? If he
can't find what you want, I'd bet anything that it doesn't exist.
-- Dona
Hi
folks, I have a question for my fellow independent
contractors out there.
I work for myself, not an
agency. I’ve always had professional liability insurance,
and that’s been enough for all of the school districts I’ve
ever worked for. I was approached about doing a contract
with a new school district, and they are requiring
comprehensive liability insurance, sexual abuse and
molestation insurance, as well as Professional liability
insurance. Which I’m happy to get, but for the life of me, I
can’t find an insurance agency that offers the levels that
they are requiring that aren't prohibitively expensive. Has
anyone found an insurance company that will provide sexual
abuse and molestation insurance for an individual education
contractor for the following levels?
Sexual Abuse and Molestation
Insurance limits of $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000
Aggregate.
As well as Comprehensive or
Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits of at
least $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000 Aggregate.
(note, I’ve easily found comprehensive, the challenge is the
sexual abuse Insurance at that high level.)
I have found a stand alone
sexual abuse and molestation insurance policy that is $5500
year, which is prohibitively high. There has got to be
something more affordable out there. Any suggestions? I have
tried FTJ, hiscox, hub, next insurance, and countless
others, to no avail. I live in California.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Maya
--
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
sexual abuse and molestation insurance?
Hi folks, I have a question for my fellow independent contractors out there.
I work for myself, not an agency. I’ve always had professional liability insurance, and that’s been enough for all of the school districts I’ve ever worked for. I was approached about doing a contract with a new school district, and they are requiring comprehensive liability insurance, sexual abuse and molestation insurance, as well as Professional liability insurance. Which I’m happy to get, but for the life of me, I can’t find an insurance agency that offers the levels that they are requiring that aren't prohibitively expensive. Has anyone found an insurance company that will provide sexual abuse and molestation insurance for an individual education contractor for the following levels?
Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance limits of $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000 Aggregate.
As well as Comprehensive or Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 Per Occurrence / $2,000,000 Aggregate. (note, I’ve easily found comprehensive, the challenge is the sexual abuse Insurance at that high level.)
I have found a stand alone sexual abuse and molestation insurance policy that is $5500 year, which is prohibitively high. There has got to be something more affordable out there. Any suggestions? I have tried FTJ, hiscox, hub, next insurance, and countless others, to no avail. I live in California.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Maya
|
Re: Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
Yes, congratulations Freda!? P. Maurie Kerrigan Orientation and Mobility Specialist COMS Low Vision Therapist CLVT Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services 801 Market St., 6th floor, Suite 6034, Philadelphia, PA 19107 cell 215-268-2872 pkerrigan@... ________________________________ From: [email protected] < [email protected]> on behalf of Coby Livingstone via groups.io <coby.livingstone@...> Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 3:12 PM To: [email protected] < [email protected]> Cc: O&M AER listserv <oandm@...>; AER EAC <aer-eac@...> Subject: [External] Re: [OandM] Congratulations, Freda Tepfer! ATTENTION: This email message is from an external sender. Do not open links or attachments from unknown senders. To report suspicious email, use the Report Phishing button in Outlook. <<>> Congratulations! Thank you. Coby livingstone On Feb 9, 2024, at 1:05?PM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
?Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Freda Tepfer receive an "Advocate Extraordinaire" Award from Penn Future at their 2024 Environmental Advocacy Celebration for her persistent advocacy for environmental accessibility -- congratulations, Freda!
It's so fitting that you are acknowledged for your tireless work, especially by such a respected environmental and social justice organization as Penn Future -- the Conservation Voters of PA! Someone in the audience chimed in to note that you have made a huge difference in their community in Erie, PA. Way to go!
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
a
|
Re: Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
Congratulations!
Thank you.
Coby livingstone
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Feb 9, 2024, at 1:05?PM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
?Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Freda Tepfer receive an "Advocate Extraordinaire" Award from Penn Future at their 2024 Environmental Advocacy Celebration for her persistent advocacy for environmental accessibility -- congratulations, Freda!
It's so fitting that you are acknowledged for your tireless work, especially by such a respected environmental and social justice organization as Penn Future -- the Conservation Voters of PA! Someone in the audience chimed in to note that you have made a huge difference in their community in Erie, PA. Way to go!
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
awww.sauerburger.org
|
Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Freda Tepfer receive an "Advocate Extraordinaire" Award from Penn Future at their 2024 Environmental Advocacy Celebration for her persistent advocacy for environmental accessibility -- congratulations, Freda!
It's so fitting that you are acknowledged for your tireless work, especially by such a respected environmental and social justice organization as Penn Future -- the Conservation Voters of PA! Someone in the audience chimed in to note that you have made a huge difference in their community in Erie, PA.? Way to go!
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
awww.sauerburger.org
|
visual motor activities for a visually impaired toddler
Hello all? I understand this may be a little off topic but I have a toddler who is delayed in visual motor activities e.g. using markers, identifying pictures, etc. She also has severe depth perception problems. She has vision in one eye only. She also has a very short attention span. I would greatly appreciate any sources for appropriate activities to develop visual motor skills and depth perception for this little one.??
thank you so much
Rosemary Gribbin
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Registration now open for Bravo Summer Camps in NC
Registration is now open for Bravo Summer Camps!
We have two camps available this summer:? our Bravo Asheville Day Camp (July 15-19) and our Bravo Nantahala Adventure Camp (July 21-25).? You can find out more at .? Details about our celebrated Adventure Camp are also posted below.
Bravo Nantahala Adventure Camp
Where:? Nantahala Gorge, near Bryson City, North Carolina
When: Sunday, July 21 through Thursday, July 25, 2024
What: An overnight outdoor adventure camp for kids who are blind or have a significant visual impairment, and who are ready to stretch their legs and hit the trail.? We plan to hike, raft, climb, swim, and zip in and around the Nantahala Gorge in Western North Carolina.? We’ll stay in the Group Lodge at Wildwater Nantahala, and spend some time at the Nantahala Outdoor Center too.? There are 12 spaces available for the 2024 camp.
Who: ?Campers are rising 9-12 graders with blindness or low vision.? Instructors include certified Teachers for the Visually Impaired and Orientation & Mobility Specialists, along with a few other adventurous souls, both blind and sighted.? 2024 is our ninth year hosting an outdoor adventure camp for the blind.
You can learn more about our eligibility guidelines and registration process at
Contact: ?For more information, contact Jay Hardwig at jay@... (preferred) or by calling or texting or 828-335-1136.
?
-- Jay Hardwig, MA, COMS, NBCT Executive Director BRAVO: Blue Ridge Adventures ~ Vision Optional
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Registration for Feb 20 webinar Understanding Modern Signals
Hi everyone!? Registration for the webinar I told you about last
week (described below) is ready.?
If you are an AER member, you can . ??
If you're not an AER member, you can register by
contacting Tiffany McCoy at tiffany@... and set
up an account.? As I understand it, there is no cost, but if you
want ACVREP credit you'll need to pay unless you are an AER
member.
Here is the description:
----------------------------------------------------
Join
us on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET.
?
Title:
Understanding Modern Signals?
?
Description:
Through an interactive presentation, learners will gain an
understanding of modern traffic signals and the practical skills
and concepts our students need to effectively navigate
intersections that use them.?
?
Earn 1.5
continuing education credits, available through ACVREP!
?
Presenters:
Dona Sauerburger, Jack Mitchell, and JoAnne Chalom
?
Learning
Objectives:
?
1. Learners will
be able to understand how signal traffic patterns are
implemented and their significance for pedestrians' rights of
way.
2. Learners
will be able to understand concepts of actuation and the
importance for pedestrians to use the pushbutton and WALK
signal.
3. Learners
will be able to understand how a blind person without access to
the pedestrian signal can press the pedestrian button to predict
the probable onset of the WALK signal.
?
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Re: AER /EAC webinar on signalized crossings 7-8:30 EST February 20!
Wow, Gina -- yes, that sounds like it!? I'm embarrassed I didn't
know it was up - I'll be glad to see you there!?
This webinar will be open to everyone, AER and the O&M
Division's Environmental Access Committee think it's important for
this information to be available to all who need it, so as soon as
we know how that registration will be handled we can let you
know.? Meanwhile, AER members can sign up now!
Thanks again!
On 1/28/2024 3:40 PM, Schmid, Gina J
wrote:
I signed up already and looking forward to it Dona!? I signed up
on the AER Learning- is that the right place? It was called
Understanding Modern Signals on 2/20.?
Gina?
Certified
Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS)
CAUTION:
This email originated from outside of the organization. Do
not click links or open attachments unless you recognize
the sender and know the content is safe.
?
Hi everyone! ?JoAnne Chalom, Jack Mitchell and I are very
excited about doing a webinar for O&Ms on crossing at
modern signalized intersections! ?It’s sponsored by the
Environmental Access Committee of AER’s O&M Division, and
it’s free and open to everyone, offering ACVREP credit.?
We plan to have FUN while learning, and ask each of you
to go back in history to when O&M began and our
street-crossing strategies were developed, and put
yourselves in the shoes of the traffic engineers who
created the complex signals we have today so you can
understand them.
After learning all about the traffic patterns and
timing and how pedestrians and blind folks can navigate
them, we’ll talk about what you can ask engineers to do
when there are problems with the signal that make it
difficult to cross.
We'll send registration information as soon as its
available.
Enjoy!
— Dona
—————————
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation
and Mobility Specialist for the blind
--
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
Re: AER /EAC webinar on signalized crossings 7-8:30 EST February 20!
I signed up already and looking forward to it Dona!? I signed up on the AER Learning- is that the right place? It was called Understanding Modern Signals on 2/20.?
Gina?
Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS)
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Dona Sauerburger via groups.io <dona@...>
Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2024 3:18 PM
To: AER EAC <aer-eac@...>; O&M AER listserv <oandm@...>; aernet@... <aernet@...>; O&M Open International listserv <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [OandM] AER /EAC webinar on signalized crossings 7-8:30 EST February 20!
?
CAUTION: This email originated from outside
of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
?
Hi everyone! ?JoAnne Chalom, Jack Mitchell and I are very excited about doing a webinar for O&Ms on crossing at modern signalized intersections! ?It’s sponsored by the Environmental Access Committee of AER’s O&M Division, and it’s free and open to everyone,
offering ACVREP credit.?
We plan to have FUN while learning, and ask each of you to go back in history to when O&M began and our street-crossing strategies were developed, and put yourselves in the shoes of the traffic engineers who created the complex signals we have today so
you can understand them.
After learning all about the traffic patterns and timing and how pedestrians and blind folks can navigate them, we’ll talk about what you can ask engineers to do when there are problems with the signal that make it difficult to cross.
We'll send registration information as soon as its available.
Enjoy!
— Dona
—————————
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
AER /EAC webinar on signalized crossings 7-8:30 EST February 20!
Hi everyone! ?JoAnne Chalom, Jack Mitchell and I are very excited
about doing a webinar for O&Ms on crossing at modern signalized
intersections! ?It’s sponsored by the Environmental Access Committee
of AER’s O&M Division, and it’s free and open to everyone,
offering ACVREP credit.?
We plan to have FUN while learning, and ask each of you to go
back in history to when O&M began and our street-crossing
strategies were developed, and put yourselves in the shoes of
the traffic engineers who created the complex signals we have
today so you can understand them.
After learning all about the traffic patterns and timing and
how pedestrians and blind folks can navigate them, we’ll talk
about what you can ask engineers to do when there are problems
with the signal that make it difficult to cross.
We'll send registration information as soon as its available.
Enjoy!
— Dona
—————————
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and
Mobility Specialist for the blind
|
Jay Hardwig