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Re: Active Shooter Response
We had a meeting a couple of months ago to have a presentation from a local police officer about active shooter incidents.? In our case, not for a school, but for Industries of the Blind, here in Greensboro, where I am the O&M.? We haven't had a follow up meeting about it, but I suspect we will sometime soon.? Have any of you out there that work at a Lighthouse organization or other organizations with a large number of BVI adults already?been a part of making a plan for what to do in an active shooter situation?
On Tue, May 2, 2023 at 11:17?AM Meg Robertson via <mobilitymeg= [email protected]> wrote:
Training the student on different exits within the buildings and ares of campus the student frequents.
Well this is a bit tricky depending on where the student travels to around campus & how aware are he/she is of how the campus or buildings are set up.
Discuss with campus security options that are unique to the student- Can he/she call security (maybe have a specialized number that would be answered) so the student can indicate location where he/she are & get more information on where to travel to or to get sighted assistance.
Review entire campus map so the student would know where the location is of the possible active shooter, to be able to change route to a more secure location.
Teach student how to lock classroom doors.
Teach student location of windows, to be able to relocate away from them.
Review these guidelines with the student to decide what he/or she could do:?ACTIVE SHOOTER – PLAN AHEAD AND CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:- Do you know what rooms lock in your work or living area? Where might you hide?
- A shelter in place location identified for weather may not be an appropriate shelter spot for an active shooter event.
- What are some alternate escape routes to get out of your building that you don’t commonly use?
- What objects could you use to barricade yourself in a space?
- What might you have on your person or office/classroom/room to use as a weapon to throw at an active shooter? (Hint: You can use almost anything! – Stapler, pens, mugs, tennis ball, anything that will distract the shooter and cause them to lose their focus.
I’m interested what other ?ideas or suggestions that you get as well.
Meg Robertson COMS
On May 1, 2023, at 4:59 PM, Cindi < cindi@...> wrote:
I’m working with a college student who is blind (NLP). The campus recently had an active shooter “red alert” (false alarm, thankfully). The student was on her way to a meeting with Disability Services. Thankfully, they watched for and unlocked the building to let her in, but generally this wouldn’t be the case.?
Students outside a building are advised to run/try to move away from potential areas of danger / hide if necessary. Either of these could be difficult to do for this student.?
Here is an example of the guidance:?
Both the student and university have requested guidance on how to handle this sort of situation with regard to vision loss.?
Any suggestions or examples of guidelines?
Thanks!
-- Jack Mitchell, M.S.Ed.,?COMS, CVRT
Vision Technology Specialist
Orientation & Mobility Specialist Indigo Logix, LLC ? Local Office: 109 E Maynard Ave
Durham, NC 27704
919-260-8580
jack@indigo-logix.com ? Business office: 3135?Tyree Springs Rd
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615-822-3465
615-822-2090 (fax)
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From: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association <oandmassociation@...>
Subject: OMSA May Town Hall
Date: May 19, 2023 at 12:20:11 PM PDT
To: Christopher Tabb <chris@...>
Reply-To: <oandmassociation@...>
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?
Join us for our next
OMSA?Town Hall Meeting!
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
7PM (Eastern Time)
The OMSA board is interested in staying current on what is happening in the O&M world, and in exploring how best to advocate for our members and the O&M community. Issues brought up?at the Town Hall meetings may be discussed at upcoming board meetings.?Members may request that OMSA take action on issues and may be asked to present to the OMSA board on issues of concern.
?OMSA Town Hall
May 31, 2023? Topic: OMSA Town Hall Time: May 31, 2023 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) ? Join Zoom Meeting ? ? Meeting ID: 824 0300 0657 Passcode: 683802 One tap mobile +13052241968,,82403000657#,,,,*683802# US +13092053325,,82403000657#,,,,*683802# US ? Dial by your location ????????+1 305 224 1968 US ????????+1 309 205 3325 US ????????+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) ????????+1 646 876 9923 US (New York) ????????+1 646 931 3860 US ????????+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) ????????+1 564 217 2000 US ????????+1 669 444 9171 US ????????+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) ????????+1 689 278 1000 US ????????+1 719 359 4580 US ????????+1 253 205 0468 US ????????+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) ????????+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) ????????+1 360 209 5623 US ????????+1 386 347 5053 US ????????+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) ????????+1 507 473 4847 US Meeting ID: 824 0300 0657 Passcode: 683802 Find your local number:?
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More suggestions-Parkinson's Disease, Totally Blind Cane User
? There are other adults and some suggestions at? — Dona ————————— Dona Sauerburger, COMS www.sauerburger.org/Dona — Dona ————————— Dona Sauerburger, COMS www.sauerburger.org/Dona
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On May 20, 2023, at 2:02 AM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
? ? ? <sigh> ?I just saw an interview with Michael J Fox, my heart goes out to your client.
I have used ambutech’s alternative mobility device with many adults, and it sounds like the perfect solution for your client. ?Ha - ?I just spent this afternoon driving to a client to bring his AMD back, I’m attaching a picture I took of him with it 6 years ago, he had returned it because he thought he didn’t need it any more but now thinks he’ll be more confident with it. — Dona ————————— Dona Sauerburger, COMS www.sauerburger.org/Dona — Dona ————————— Dona Sauerburger, COMS www.sauerburger.org/Dona On May 20, 2023, at 12:35 AM, Dawn Werner <dawnfw@...> wrote:
? Hi,
Does anyone have experience?with someone who's always been blind ?and a cane user who has developed Parkinson's Disease?? O&M skills have gone to pot: shuffles, cane is lethargically moved with an arc of less than 6 inches (usually on the right side), ?time distance awareness is basically non-existent, relies mostly on sighted guide.
What about elderly individuals using Ambutech AMD? ?
??Recommendations, musings and advice are all welcome.
Thanks,
Dawn
Dawn Werner, OMS (retired)
 — Dona ————————— Dona Sauerburger, COMS www.sauerburger.org/Dona
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Re: Parkinson's Disease, Totally Blind Cane User
? ? <sigh> ?I just saw an interview with Michael J Fox, my heart goes out to your client.
I have used ambutech’s alternative mobility device with many adults, and it sounds like the perfect solution for your client. ?Ha - ?I just spent this afternoon driving to a client to bring his AMD back, I’m attaching a picture I took of him with it 6 years ago, he had returned it because he thought he didn’t need it any more but now thinks he’ll be more confident with it. — Dona ————————— Dona Sauerburger, COMS www.sauerburger.org/Dona — Dona ————————— Dona Sauerburger, COMS www.sauerburger.org/Dona On May 20, 2023, at 12:35 AM, Dawn Werner <dawnfw@...> wrote:
? Hi,
Does anyone have experience?with someone who's always been blind ?and a cane user who has developed Parkinson's Disease?? O&M skills have gone to pot: shuffles, cane is lethargically moved with an arc of less than 6 inches (usually on the right side), ?time distance awareness is basically non-existent, relies mostly on sighted guide.
What about elderly individuals using Ambutech AMD? ?
??Recommendations, musings and advice are all welcome.
Thanks,
Dawn
Dawn Werner, OMS (retired)
 — Dona ————————— Dona Sauerburger, COMS www.sauerburger.org/Dona
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Parkinson's Disease, Totally Blind Cane User
Hi,
Does anyone have experience?with someone who's always been blind ?and a cane user who has developed Parkinson's Disease?? O&M skills have gone to pot: shuffles, cane is lethargically moved with an arc of less than 6 inches (usually on the right side), ?time distance awareness is basically non-existent, relies mostly on sighted guide.
What about elderly individuals using Ambutech AMD? ?
??Recommendations, musings and advice are all welcome.
Thanks,
Dawn
Dawn Werner, OMS (retired)
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Re: Teaching eccentric viewing -- NEW VIDEO!
Dona, this is exciting and I’m so glad you’re still finding ways to improve services in our field! Always onward and upward!??
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On May 16, 2023, at 11:54 PM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
?Hi guys! I'm VERY excited to be sharing a video of training a woman with macular degeneration how to view eccentrally, AND following it up with training to use that skill with street-crossing. It's at (which also has a video I made about 10 years ago showing the process - using my husband as the "student")
For this recent video, I grabbed my iphone to capture how delighted the client was to be learning this. The next lesson, I came prepared with a video camera.
In the 3rd or 4th lesson, I tried something I've never done before. She was no longer able to see the signal, and couldn't see approaching vehicles till they were almost beside us, and I wasn't sure if it was because she wasn't looking in the right direction. So i videotaped the signal and the traffic so we could put our fingers on where she was looking. We both learned a LOT from that!
I'm copying Dr. Greg Goodrich because I have him to thank for all this. About 50 years ago, when I was a newbie and (wo)manning the exhibit table for AAWB (one of AER's predecessors), Greg came by and talked with me about the amazing work he was doing in studying how to teach people to view eccentrally. I was so honored that someone as accomplished as he was would take the time to explain it to someone like me, AND I was really impressed with the strategy. They were using expensive equipment so I tried to figure out how I could do it out in the field. And the rest is history.
Enjoy!
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
www.sauerburger.org
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Re: guide dog resources for o and m professionals
Much thanks to everyone who helped me with my guide dog questions..? ?I appreciate the useful suggestions.?
Rosemary Gribbin
Spread the word about the ISLAND CONFERENCE 2023 At PRINCETON UNIVERSITY in October.
You can attend online or in person.
STEM OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BLIND.
On Mon, May 15, 2023 at 3:13 PM Chris Tabb < chris@...> wrote: Here are a few pages to explore….
Leader Dogs for the Blind has several O&M videos; just scroll down the page
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And you may find other resources from Guide Dogs for the Blind at?
—
Christopher J. Tabb, M.A., COMS
chris@...Mobile: ?512.660.2750
Image: ACVREP Digital Badge for COMS
Hi all?
I have a question about guide dogs. I have? client who recently returned from training with his new guide dog. I don't have much experience working with a client and his guide dog. I was wondering if there were some resources?I can read/videos etc that will help me to help him..?
any tips, suggestions, etc also appreciated..??
thank you
Rosemary Gribbin
--
--
Keith C. Ford
Re: guide dog resources for o and m professionals
Spread the word about the ISLAND CONFERENCE 2023 At PRINCETON UNIVERSITY in October.
You can attend online or in person.
STEM OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BLIND.
On Mon, May 15, 2023 at 3:13 PM Chris Tabb < chris@...> wrote: Here are a few pages to explore….
Leader Dogs for the Blind has several O&M videos; just scroll down the page
|
And you may find other resources from Guide Dogs for the Blind at?
—
Christopher J. Tabb, M.A., COMS
chris@...Mobile: ?512.660.2750
Image: ACVREP Digital Badge for COMS
Hi all?
I have a question about guide dogs. I have? client who recently returned from training with his new guide dog. I don't have much experience working with a client and his guide dog. I was wondering if there were some resources?I can read/videos etc that will help me to help him..?
any tips, suggestions, etc also appreciated..??
thank you
Rosemary Gribbin
--
--
Keith C. Ford
Re: guide dog resources for o and m professionals
Just provide instruction as you normally would with a? cane traveler.
Orient them to new travel environments.
Hi all?
I have a question about guide dogs. I have? client who recently returned from training with his new guide dog. I don't have much experience working with a client and his guide dog. I was wondering if there were some resources?I can read/videos etc that will help me to help him..?
any tips, suggestions, etc also appreciated..?? thank you
Rosemary Gribbin
--
Keith C. Ford
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Teaching eccentric viewing -- NEW VIDEO!
Hi guys!? I'm VERY excited to be sharing a video of training a woman with macular degeneration how to view eccentrally, AND following it up with training to use that skill with street-crossing.? It's at (which also has a video I made about 10 years ago showing the process - using my husband as the "student")
For this recent video, I grabbed my iphone? to capture how delighted the client was to be learning this.? The next lesson, I came prepared with a video camera.
In the 3rd or 4th lesson, I tried something I've never done before.? She was no longer able to see the signal, and couldn't see approaching vehicles till they were almost beside us, and I wasn't sure if it was because she wasn't looking in the right direction.? So i videotaped the signal and the traffic so we could put our fingers on where she was looking.? We both learned a LOT from that!
I'm copying Dr. Greg Goodrich because I have him to thank for all this.? About 50 years ago, when I was a newbie and (wo)manning the exhibit table for AAWB (one of AER's predecessors), Greg came by and talked with me about the amazing work he was doing in studying how to teach people to view eccentrally.? I was so honored that someone as accomplished as he was would take the time to explain it to someone like me, AND I was really impressed with the strategy.? They were using expensive equipment so I tried to figure out how I could do it out in the field.? And the rest is history.
Enjoy!
-- Dona
-------------------------------
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
www.sauerburger.org
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Re: guide dog resources for o and m professionals
Hi Rosemary.?
if you have specific question, I may be able to help. I am a former qualified GDMI, now COMS. Each school generally has slight differences in their training and how they may instruct their clients/consumers to handle their guides or how to reinforce behaviors, but the goal is the same. I would echo others advice of no interaction with the dog. And as opposed to O&M work where there is flexibility of your location to the traveler, with guide dog teams it’s best to stay behind and to the opposite side the dog is on.?
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Re: guide dog resources for o and m professionals
Good day. ?I would highlight Michael’s comments. ?If this is a replacement guide dog, ask the handler, how they want you to give instruction? ?Human guiding, on to preview the route, with the dog on lease, Verbal guiding, standing next to a landmark or tapping on landmark, etc.? ?If the handler is a new guide dog user, find out how they were being familiarized to new routes at the guide dog school. ?If you can, ?stand or walk outside the view of the dog. ?I have had many guide dogs look back at me, when the handler gives a command to double check if it is correct-even when I’m across the street behind, trying to observe the team, the dog has looked over to me. ?The dogs, always know when there is an ‘instructor or COMS” around. ?Depending on the dog, you might change your verbal commands to words the dog won’t get, not to enable them doing the command for you vs ?before the handler gives the proper command. ?(I hope that makes sense.)
I have had some guide dogs, review a route once, no problem. ?Others we have to work on the route for awhile. ?Sometimes the dog is smarter than us, anticipating changes in the route, we don’t pick up. ?Don’t interrupt too soon (unless there is a safety issue), if you think the dog is doing something ‘wrong’. ?
No matter how long I am in the field, guide dogs were always a challenge, since they always learned differently from another guide dog. ?I always, had to rethink how to work with them, since most of COMS work was with cane users. ?
Sometimes, it might also take a few lessons to see how the team is working, to be able to taylor your instruction to their needs.
You can also call the guide dog school for some tips on who individual OM instruction worked best.
Best of luck & keep asking questions!
Meg Robertson COMS
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On May 15, 2023, at 12:47 PM, Michael Byington <ByingtonCOMS@...> wrote:
Rosemary, Terrie and Chris have given you what you need to know, but I want to emphasize particularly a couple of points. The O&M Specialist should not in any way interact with, or distract, the dog or the relationship between handler and dog. The O&M specialist usually works behind the right shoulder of the handler, but how closely behind depends on the needs of the handler. If the specialist being too close on the right is causing a dog distraction, the Specialist needs to move back, still within easy hearing of the handler, but all commands and controls of the dog must remain with the handler.? Michael Byington, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist President of Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc. Treasurer for Friends In Art of the American Council of the Blind 712 S. Kansas Avenue Suite 414D-F Topeka, Kansas 66603 (785) 221-7111 ? ? ? ? Hi all? I have a question about guide dogs. I have? client who recently returned from training with his new guide dog. I don't have much experience working with a client and his guide dog. I was wondering if there were some resources?I can read/videos etc that will help me to help him..? any tips, suggestions, etc also appreciated..??
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Re: guide dog resources for o and m professionals
Hi Rosemary-
I know you are looking for some quick help at the moment. When you have more time, you might consider one of the O&M professional seminars that are offered free of charge by many of the dog guide schools. There is one coming up at Leader Dogs May 31-June 1 which is already full, but they offer this opportunity every year at no cost to the COMS. I attended one of these seminars several years ago and they did an awesome job teaching us what we needed to know to support our dog guide users.?
Here is the link to their current offering:?
Rikilynn?
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Re: guide dog resources for o and m professionals
Rosemary, Terrie and Chris have given you what you need to know, but I want to emphasize particularly a couple of points. The O&M Specialist should not in any way interact with, or distract, the dog or the relationship between handler and dog. The O&M specialist usually works behind the right shoulder of the handler, but how closely behind depends on the needs of the handler. If the specialist being too close on the right is causing a dog distraction, the Specialist needs to move back, still within easy hearing of the handler, but all commands and controls of the dog must remain with the handler. Michael Byington, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist President of Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc. Treasurer for Friends In Art of the American Council of the Blind 712 S. Kansas Avenue Suite 414D-F Topeka, Kansas 66603 (785) 221-7111 ByingtonCOMS@... ? ? ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Rosemary Gribbin Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 2:07 PM To: O&M Open International listserv < [email protected]> Subject: [OandM] guide dog resources for o and m professionals ? Hi all? I have a question about guide dogs. I have? client who recently returned from training with his new guide dog. I don't have much experience working with a client and his guide dog. I was wondering if there were some resources?I can read/videos etc that will help me to help him..? any tips, suggestions, etc also appreciated..??
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Re: Updated...Re: [OandM] guide dog resources for o and m professionals
The Seeing eye also has videos that they made for Owen and M instructors. I saw one of the videos when I was in training and thought it was very well done. I’ve had six dogs over 50 years and have worked with several ONM instructors. Although you will get better advice from other instructors, perhaps, I can say that the Owen M instructor walks behind the student and slightly to the right, just off the students right shoulder. This position will, be the best for not confusing the dog. And you give information about the route or orientation, but not so much about what the dog is doing. The student has been taught to manage the dogs behavior and to interpret it. Hope this helps. I hope you find resources on the webpages others have mentioned and atseeingeye.org.?
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On May 15, 2023, at 3:18 PM, Chris Tabb <chris@...> wrote:
? Forgot to share Partners in Travel from Seeing Eye…
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—
Christopher J. Tabb, M.A., COMS
chris@...Mobile: ?512.660.2750
<Certified_Orientation_and_Mobility_Special ist_(COMS(C)) SMALL IMAGE.png>
Image: ACVREP Digital Badge for COMS
On May 15, 2023, at 2:13 PM, Chris Tabb <chris@...> wrote:
Here are a few pages to explore….
Leader Dogs for the Blind has several O&M videos; just scroll down the page
And you may find other resources from Guide Dogs for the Blind at?
—
Christopher J. Tabb, M.A., COMS
chris@...Mobile: ?512.660.2750
Image: ACVREP Digital Badge for COMS
On May 15, 2023, at 2:06 PM, Rosemary Gribbin <jumbiee9740@...> wrote:
Hi all?
I have a question about guide dogs. I have? client who recently returned from training with his new guide dog. I don't have much experience working with a client and his guide dog. I was wondering if there were some resources?I can read/videos etc that will help me to help him..?
any tips, suggestions, etc also appreciated..??
thank you
Rosemary Gribbin
Updated...Re: [OandM] guide dog resources for o and m professionals
Forgot to share Partners in Travel from Seeing Eye…
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—
Christopher J. Tabb, M.A., COMS
chris@...Mobile: ?512.660.2750
Image: ACVREP Digital Badge for COMS
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On May 15, 2023, at 2:13 PM, Chris Tabb <chris@...> wrote:
Here are a few pages to explore….
Leader Dogs for the Blind has several O&M videos; just scroll down the page
And you may find other resources from Guide Dogs for the Blind at?
—
Christopher J. Tabb, M.A., COMS
chris@...Mobile: ?512.660.2750
Image: ACVREP Digital Badge for COMS
On May 15, 2023, at 2:06 PM, Rosemary Gribbin <jumbiee9740@...> wrote:
Hi all?
I have a question about guide dogs. I have? client who recently returned from training with his new guide dog. I don't have much experience working with a client and his guide dog. I was wondering if there were some resources?I can read/videos etc that will help me to help him..?
any tips, suggestions, etc also appreciated..??
thank you
Rosemary Gribbin
Re: guide dog resources for o and m professionals
Here are a few pages to explore….
Leader Dogs for the Blind has several O&M videos; just scroll down the page
|
And you may find other resources from Guide Dogs for the Blind at?
—
Christopher J. Tabb, M.A., COMS
chris@...Mobile: ?512.660.2750
Image: ACVREP Digital Badge for COMS
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On May 15, 2023, at 2:06 PM, Rosemary Gribbin <jumbiee9740@...> wrote:
Hi all?
I have a question about guide dogs. I have? client who recently returned from training with his new guide dog. I don't have much experience working with a client and his guide dog. I was wondering if there were some resources?I can read/videos etc that will help me to help him..?
any tips, suggestions, etc also appreciated..??
thank you
Rosemary Gribbin
guide dog resources for o and m professionals
Hi all?
I have a question about guide dogs. I have? client who recently returned from training with his new guide dog. I don't have much experience working with a client and his guide dog. I was wondering if there were some resources?I can read/videos etc that will help me to help him..?
any tips, suggestions, etc also appreciated..?? thank you
Rosemary Gribbin
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Re: Thoughts on Ambutech 8 fiberglass section telescopic cane and durability
Since the cane is made out of fiberglass how stiff is it?
The last time I used, fiberglass with NFB telescoping cane . It was bouncy, so I came to prefer the carbon fiber that was stiffer like graphite.
Thanks,
Sean
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Re: Thoughts on Ambutech 8 fiberglass section telescopic cane and durability
My husband uses the Ambutech 8 section cane with the ceramic tip. He is very impressed with it. He’s never had to replace the tip.
Dawn
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On May 14, 2023, at 4:00 PM, Sean moore <seanmoore87@...> wrote:
?Considering buying the Ambutech eight section fiberglass, telescopic cane with the ceramic or metal glide tip . Has anyone used this a daily cane or occasional use?
I'll also have my six § section graphite cane with roller mushroom or ceramic tip.
I'm primarily a guide dog user but use my cane every so often if my dog gets me turned around..
Thanks,
Sean
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Chris Tabb
Keith Ford