Feeling like a failure because I keep using matches when trying to build bridges
Dr. Grace Ambrose-Zaken, COMS
Dear Blind Babies:
I am writing this note to apologize to you. You asked me to explain for you that, "Even though you are blind, you dislike running into walls."? I took this mission on, because I am an abuse survivor and I thought it would be a pretty easy sell. But, I
fear I have failed you and for that I am deeply sorry. I don't have a good excuse; except to admit that I may not be equal to the task you have set before me. In spite of my failings, please allow me to continue to try. I would do anything to keep working
on your behalf.
I understand now, that we can only change minds with more help. Everybody agrees with the need to reduce unavoidable blind baby bruises, the killers of self-confident exploration. And, you have taught me that blind babies can learn to interpret tactile/haptic
feedback that comes from wearing baby cane arc. Now you want everyone to know that it works to wear your canes. Yet, to achieve this change of heart, we need help from grown-ups, people who are well-equipped to build bridges through collective action, not
fire-brand debate.
If you'll allow me, I would like to continue to work with you to achieve our mutual goals for blind babies. If we all work together, I know we will find ways to make safe mobility baby cane arc fully accessible to all blind babies, even during these exceptionally
troubling times.
Please let me know, OK?
Sincerely,
Grace
Dr. Grace Ambrose-Zaken, Certified O&M Specialist
Project Coordinator RT and O&M Programs
Hunter College CUNY
695 Park Ave 1140W
New York, NY 10065
212-772-4741
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Survey input requested...
Sharing on behalf of Stephen F. Austin University (SFA) graduate student... Dear Fellow Professional, ? You have been asked to participate in a research project studying how individuals in the visual impairment field discovered the profession. The purpose of this study is to collect information pertaining to how people chose the profession dealing with teaching students who are blind or are visually impaired and identify opportunities to develop strategies to improve the recruitment process. As a current or future professional in the field, you were selected to be a possible participant in this research. This study is being undertaken by Baldomero Ramos, a Master’s candidate at Stephen F. Austin State University and is overseen by the faculty of the Visual Impairment Program at Stephen F. Austin State University. It is not funded, and your participation is strictly voluntary. If you agree to participate with this study, click on the link below and complete the survey. The survey contains questions in various formats and is expected to take approximately 10-15 minutes. ? Click here to begin the survey:? ? IRB: AY2019-3005 ? Thank you, Baldomero Ramos O&M Graduate Student
— Chris Tabb
chris@... Mobile: 512.660.2750
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ObjectiveEd and Microsoft Help Students Practice Braille During Pandemic
Thanks to a grant from Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility program, ObjectiveEd has developed Braille AI Tutor – an innovative system to enable students to improve their braille literacy through a combination of speech recognition and engaging games. The system is specifically geared to facilitate learning braille from home or in a distance learning environment. 
, and Braille AI Tutor is a highlight of this digital curriculum. While hundreds of apps and online distance learning systems are available for most students, there are much fewer choices for students with disabilities, especially those who are blind or have low vision. ObjectiveEd is working to ensure that these students have the same educational opportunities and programs as their peers without disabilities. According to Kim Charlson, Executive Director of the Perkins Library and former chair of the American Council of the Blind, “Braille AI Tutor is a great way for students to continue their braille literacy when they cannot meet face to face with their braille instructor.” “Braille is essential to developing literacy and it levels the playing field; it allows students who are blind or visually impaired learn at the same pace as their sighted peers, so there are no limits on their potential,” said Dr. Kirk Adams, president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). “With the Braille AI Tutor, ObjectiveEd has created an inventive, creative solution for students to continue learning this invaluable skill in a distance learning environment as a result of these unprecedented times.” Marty Schultz, president of ObjectiveEd, noted that “Kirk and the AFB were instrumental in facilitating the relationship between Microsoft and ObjectiveEd”. To use Braille AI Tutor, a teacher uses the ObjectiveEd web-dashboard to create a lesson, such as a short story.? Braille AI Tutor sends one sentence at a time to a refreshable braille display, and the student speaks the sentence as she reads it.? Using Microsoft AI Speech Recognition, the child’s speech is converted into text, and Braille AI Tutor compares the original sentence to the text.? If the speech and the text are the same, then the student has decoded and spoke the words correctly, and scores points in a Treasure Hunt game. ?Braille AI Tutor is compatible with Freedom Scientific and HIMS refreshable braille displays. “It’s never been more important to lean on technology to bridge learning gaps, and we’re thrilled with how ObjectiveEd is using Azure tools to ensure braille education is available to students from the safety of their homes,” said Mary Bellard, Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility program lead. ObjectiveEd’s distance learning system is free for the remainder of the 2019/2020 school year for schools, and the digital curriculum includes Orientation and Mobility skills, Assistive Technology skills and Braille literacy skills. Teachers can sign up at:?
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Employment Opportunities at Invision
Dear Colleagues,?
Invision seeks qualified applicants for full and part time TVI and COMS positions as well as dual-certified to meet the increasing demands for our services in the Winston-Salem, Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, Charlotte, and Northeast coastal areas of North Carolina in the 2020-21 school year and beyond.?
Join our team of experienced VI professionals and grow with us in our 28th year of service. ?
To apply visit:??
We offer a competitive salary/benefits, entrepreneurial spirit, flexible scheduling, professional development opportunities, and a supportive network of colleagues. ?Signing bonuses up to $5000.?
Best to all,?
John Higgins
Founding Director, COMS
960 Corporate Dr, Suite 203
Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-643-7640 Office
919-810-4458 Cell
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FW: PBIC Messenger: Upcoming Webinar Series to Explore Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility
Free webinars that should be of interest to O&Mers.
Janet
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PBIC
offers free,
public
webinars
approximately
every
month.?To
register for
upcoming
webinars and
to access
archived
presentations,
please visit?.
Follow
the?PBIC on
and
and join the
discussion
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Since
its inception
in 1999,
PBIC's mission
has been to
improve the
quality of
life in
communities
through the
increase of
safe walking
and bicycling
as a viable
means of
transportation
and physical
activity. The
Pedestrian and
Bicycle
Information
Center is
maintained by
the University
of North
Carolina
Highway Safety
Research
Center with
funding from
the U.S.
Department of
Transportation
Federal
Highway
Administration
and National
Highway
Traffic Safety
Administration.
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Breaking down barriers – Aiding airport travelers with disabilities
It's my understanding that this webinar is being offered for free.?
--
JoAnne Chalom, COMS, Ed.S.??
In Focus Mobility
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Top 5 Questions about ObjectiveEd Free Distance Learning for BVI students
Is it really free – is my school obligated to purchase after the current school year? ?Yes, it’s free through the end of the 2019/2020 school year.? There is no obligation to purchase. Are there any privacy issues? ??We do not believe there are any privacy issues because we recommend that you use just enough information to identify your student within the ObjectiveEd system, such as the child’s first name, school numeric id, or “gamer-tag” (made up name).? We don’t ask for any other personally identifying information, such as email address, date of birth, gender, city, etc. ?We only store the child’s progress in acquiring the skills that you have set for their goals.? We do not sell any information. What devices does it work on? ?For students to play the educational games, they use iPads or iPhones. We will be adding more devices in the future, such as the Chromebook.? When teachers set up curriculum or view the student’s progress in the web-dashboard, most browsers or tablets work well. Why must the USAGE AGREEMENT be signed? ?The USAGE AGREEMENT that a school administrator signs protects both the school and ObjectiveEd, because there are strict legal issues when student data is stored online. ?If the school administrator does not have a printer at home, we can arrange for that administrator to electronically sign the document.? We do that with DOCUSIGN – send us the administrator’s name and email, and we will send them a web link. What age range is it best for? ?We provide skill-based games that start with children as young as pre-K:?Simon, for example, is great for teaching swiping and tapping, and?Sound Search?can be set up to have one item on the left column to match with one of two items on the right column. All of the games can be customized and configured to the needs of the child, including those not developmentally at grade level, or have mobility limitations. For higher grades, the O&M and Assistive Tech games are best through 5th?grade, although teachers have told us older students still have gaps in their navigation concepts.??Wayfinder, for example, is a lot of fun for both young and old students. With students learning braille, Braille Sheets is focused on early braille learners, and Braille AI Tutor helps older students improve their contractions and reading speed. Some vision rehabilitation therapists use our distance learning with adults.
?To use our system with your students at no cost, click this link: What are other teachers saying about us? ?
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Re: Webinar April 15 - teaching street crossings with simulation / distance-based?
Kelly Phillips wrote:?
Dona can
you send me the info for the webinar?
Sure,
Kelly!? I’m copying the announcement below.? I’m REALLY excited
because Monday I’ll use the APH program to remotely teach a new client some
advanced concepts and skills for uncontrolled crossings.? Tomorrow I go
look at the crossing he has been dealing with and if it looks like a suitable
site, he and his wife will go there later and measure his crossing time so he
can begin the training remotely Monday.? He’s a pioneer, and agreed to come
to the webinar Wednesday and demonstrate how we do it, and explain what the
process was like from his perspective.? Cross your fingers that it goes
well!
?
-----------------------(original message)-----------
Hi everyone!? I’m really excited to tell you
about a free, 3-hour webinar “”!? Dr. Amy Parker at the Portland State O&M program
organized the webinar, hosted by the American Printing House for the Blind
(APH), which will include a discussion of distance-based O&M consultation
with students.? ACVREP credit is available.
?
Date and Time:
Wednesday, April 15, 2020, 10 am-1 pm EST
?
Description:?
APH’s “Crossings With No Traffic Control” software provides simulation
experiences and information that help instructors teach students to analyze
situations at street crossings where there is no traffic control, including
recognizing when they don’t have enough warning of approaching vehicles
(“Situations of Uncertainty”). This field-tested tool can assist with building
confidence and competence with young and older clients through instruction and
coaching.?
?
The presenters will provide an overview of this
multimedia product, along with case studies for its use.? Experienced
O&M panelists will also explore the ethical use of this product for
distance-based consultation with specific clients and students, with a question
and answer discussion from the attendees.
?
Instructors:?
Laura
Zierer,
Independent Living Project Leader at
APH;?
Dona
Sauerburger,
COMS;?
Stephanie
Carmicheal,
COMS at Vermont Association of the Blind and Visually
Impaired;?
Amy Parker, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of O&M Program at Portland
State University (moderator)
?
More information is at ? including a
.? Hope to see you there!
--
Dona
________________________________________
Dona Sauerburger, COMS
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
for the blind
Website:?
________________________________________
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Re: URGENT - If you've used APH's street-crossing program, please contact me!
Donna can you send me the info for the webinar?
Kelly
On Fri, Apr 10, 2020, 5:43 PM Dona Sauerburger < dona@...> wrote:
Hi everyone!? We are looking for any O&M who has used APH’s
computer program “Crossings with no Traffic Control” with their students.?
?
Most of you know that this coming Wednesday, we’re doing a webinar about
using the program remotely to teach concepts and skills needed for street
crossing.? We’d like to get the perspective of those of you who have used
the APH program with your students (in person) and, if possible and you’re
willing, have you share your experiences as a panelist in the webinar.
?
Thanks!
--
Dona ________________________________________ Dona Sauerburger,
COMS Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind Gambrills, Maryland
dona@... /
301-858-0138 ________________________________________
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URGENT - If you've used APH's street-crossing program, please contact me!
Hi everyone!? We are looking for any O&M who has used APH’s
computer program “Crossings with no Traffic Control” with their students.?
?
Most of you know that this coming Wednesday, we’re doing a webinar about
using the program remotely to teach concepts and skills needed for street
crossing.? We’d like to get the perspective of those of you who have used
the APH program with your students (in person) and, if possible and you’re
willing, have you share your experiences as a panelist in the webinar.
?
Thanks!
--
Dona
________________________________________
Dona Sauerburger,
COMS
Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
Gambrills, Maryland
dona@... /
301-858-0138
www.sauerburger.org
________________________________________
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My sister sent me this article about Social Distancing and people who are visually impaired
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?U.S. Access Board Extends Comment Period for Update of Rail Vehicle Guidelines
 The U.S. Access Board has extended the deadline for comments on its update of accessibility guidelines for rail cars to allow the public and interested parties more time to submit feedback. As indicated in a??published in today's?Federal Register, an additional 60 days is being added to the comment period.
In February, the Board initiated rulemaking through an??to update requirements in its ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles that apply to rail cars, including those used in rapid, light, commuter, and intercity rail systems. The notice outlines the Board's plan to update these guidelines according to recommendations from an advisory panel it chartered, the Rail Vehicles Access Advisory Committee. The advance notice seeks comment on the committee recommendations to enhance provisions that cover vehicle communications, boarding and alighting, on-board circulation, seating, and rooms and spaces. It also poses a number of questions from the Board on specific topics.
Comments are now due July 14, 2020, instead of May 14. The advance notice, which includes instructions for submitting comments, is posted on??(Docket ATBCB-2020-0002). For more information, contact Juliet Shoultz at?(202) 272-0045?or?shoultz@...?for technical questions or Wendy Marshall at?(202) 272-0043?or?marshall@...?for legal questions.
?
-- JoAnne Chalom, COMS, Ed.S.?? In Focus Mobility
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Registration REOPENED for Webinar April 15 - teaching street crossings with simulation / distance-based?
Hi everyone!? A few days ago, the registration
for this webinar was closed because it maxed out at 500, and folks started
asking if they can get on a waiting list.?
?
I’m VERY pleased to report that APH scrambled and
was able to open registration for another 500, HURRAY!? So you can go ahead
and register – the description and link to more information and registration is
below.? I look forward to seeing you there!
--
Dona
________________________________________
Dona Sauerburger,
COMS
www.sauerburger.org
________________________________________
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From:
Dona
Sauerburger
Sent: Friday, April 3, 2020 7:55
PM
Subject: Webinar April 15 - teaching
street crossings with simulation /
distance-based?
?
Hi everyone!? I’m really
excited to tell you about a free, 3-hour webinar “Street Crossings with No Traffic
Control”!? Dr. Amy
Parker at the Portland State O&M program organized the webinar, hosted by
the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), which will include a discussion
of distance-based O&M consultation with students.? ACVREP credit is
available.
?
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 15, 2020,
10 am-1 pm EST
?
Description:? APH’s “Crossings With No
Traffic Control” software provides simulation experiences and information that
help instructors teach students to analyze situations at street crossings where
there is no traffic control, including recognizing when they don’t have enough
warning of approaching vehicles (“Situations of Uncertainty”). This field-tested
tool can assist with building confidence and competence with young and older
clients through instruction and coaching.?
?
The presenters will provide an
overview of this multimedia product, along with case studies for its use.?
Experienced O&M panelists will also explore the ethical use of this product
for distance-based consultation with specific clients and students, with a
question and answer discussion from the attendees.
?
Instructors:?
Laura
Zierer,
Independent Living Project Leader at
APH;?
Dona
Sauerburger,
COMS;?
Stephanie
Carmicheal,
COMS at Vermont Association of the Blind and Visually
Impaired;?
Amy Parker, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of O&M Program at
Portland State University (moderator)
?
-- Dona
________________________________________
Dona
Sauerburger, COMS
Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the
blind
Gambrills, Maryland
dona@... /
301-858-0138
www.sauerburger.org
________________________________________
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How one teacher uses ObjectiveEd for Distance Learning
Diane “DC” Colburn just contacted me last week saying that she’s using our system with several of her students. ?Diane (MS, CVRT) is the Program Services Supervisor-Instructor at the Lighthouse of Southwest Florida. ?I met Diane, and a dozen other teachers from the counties in southwest Florida just before the pandemic changed our lives. 
Diane just finished a remote session with Riley (Riley’s mom gave us permission to use her photo). ?It was a success: Riley had a great time, and practiced several of her skills. ?Diane is using the ObjectiveEd web-dashboard to control the lessons. Elsa (Riley’s mom) said that she loves it and can’t wait to play more games. ?She also loves feeding and petting the lizard/dragon animal.?These are just two parts of the ObjectiveEd distance learning system to increase student motivation. To start using ObjectiveEd’s distance learning system with your students, visit:
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Re: Webinar April 15 - teaching street crossings with simulation / distance-based?
The only time you need a full subscription of Zion is if you are hosting a meeting. Before I signed up, I didn’t have an account and I was attending a bunch of Zoom meetings. Hope that helps. Jen
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 7, 2020, at 11:58 PM, keithford1957@... wrote: Will the webinar require a full subscription to zoom?
--
Keith C. Ford
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Re: Webinar April 15 - teaching street crossings with simulation / distance-based?
Will the webinar require a full subscription to zoom?
--
Keith C. Ford
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New O&M Pamphlet from OMSA
Posting on behalf of Orientation and Mobility Association (OMSA)…
When OMSA came into being In December 2018 our goals were:
“To Promote, Shape, and Advance the Profession of Orientation and Mobility”.
These goals grew out of a concern, expressed by many O&Mers, that we were not recognized as a profession. That neither the public nor even other professionals knew that our profession existed or what it is that we do.??OMSA?is working to change that.
Today we are glad to announce our first product, a pamphlet targeted at the person recently diagnosed with a severe and uncurable visual impairment, to be made available to them by the professional delivering the bad news, their Ophthalmologist or Optometrist.
This pamphlet points the person who has received that shocking diagnosis towards the allied professions; first and fore-most the Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
Eye care professionals who have seen the pamphlet are relieved to have a tool available to them to help them to address that most difficult moment, and point people towards the future.
Please have a look at the Pamphlet on our site:??.
Download it for free
Print it
Use it!
And let us know what you think. Then join?OMSA?while you are there!
By the way,?our next project?will be targeted at Universities where Optometrists and Ophthalmologists are trained. It’s a big country! We will need help! Consider helping us?Promote, Shape and Advance the Profession of Orientation and Mobility!
The OMSA Board.
— Chris Tabb
Mobile: 512.660.2750
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We are here to help-short survey
The O&M Division of AER would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes and tell us how we can help you. Thank you in advance for taking time to complete this very short questionnaire.
JoAnne Chalom, COMS, Ed.S.?? In Focus Mobility
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Re: resend: SPECIAL SESSION COVID-19 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Access to programs and services
On Monday, April 6, 2020, 2:24:35 PM EDT, Jen <jenandnixon@...> wrote:
This is the same one that came through ... twice. :). Double check your junk folder however, this server is set up that you always get a copy of the email yourself I liken the old list.?
On Apr 6, 2020, at 10:56 AM, Freda Tepfer via < fstepfer@...> wrote: I am resending. I did not get this but I sent it.
? SPECIAL SESSION COVID-19 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Access to programs and services
Thursday, April 9, 2020
2:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
From ADA National Service Centers
?
Register here:
Description
Join
us for this session as representatives from the U.S. Department of
Justice, Disability Rights Section, address issues impacting persons
with disabilities and the current COVID-19 pandemic. Access to programs
and services of state and local governments and businesses is critical
for persons with disabilities during the current health crisis. Our
speakers will look at common questions regarding effective
communication, health care services, transportation, modifications in
policies and procedures, eligibility criteria, access to programs and
services and more.
?????
Speakers:
, Accessibility Specialist , Disability Rights Section, U.S. Department of Justice
, Attorney Advisor, Regulations, Interpretations, and Coordination Group , Disability Rights Section, U.S. Department of Justice
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Re: resend: SPECIAL SESSION COVID-19 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Access to programs and services
This is the same one that came through ... twice. :). Double check your junk folder however, this server is set up that you always get a copy of the email yourself I liken the old list.?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 6, 2020, at 10:56 AM, Freda Tepfer via < fstepfer@...> wrote: I am resending. I did not get this but I sent it.
? SPECIAL SESSION COVID-19 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Access to programs and services
Thursday, April 9, 2020
2:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
From ADA National Service Centers
?
Register here:
Description
Join
us for this session as representatives from the U.S. Department of
Justice, Disability Rights Section, address issues impacting persons
with disabilities and the current COVID-19 pandemic. Access to programs
and services of state and local governments and businesses is critical
for persons with disabilities during the current health crisis. Our
speakers will look at common questions regarding effective
communication, health care services, transportation, modifications in
policies and procedures, eligibility criteria, access to programs and
services and more.
?????
Speakers:
, Accessibility Specialist , Disability Rights Section, U.S. Department of Justice
, Attorney Advisor, Regulations, Interpretations, and Coordination Group , Disability Rights Section, U.S. Department of Justice
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Chris Tabb
Keith Ford