10:10 10:50Corey & Laquita Staten, Teaching Artists

WEDNESDAY, MARCH21, 2012

10:00 – 10:15Opening Session Empire Room

Welcome: Julie Kay, VA AER President

Housekeeping: Gail Henrich, Conference Chair

10:10 – 10:50Corey & LaQuita Staten, Teaching Artists

Atumpan-The Talking Drums

Interactive educational fun session with Corey the Talented Blind Guy. Learn about the geography of Africa through storytelling, and songs. Hear tales from West Africa that encourage people to use their creative talents to conquer obstacles while giving a boost their morale along the way.

11:00 – 12:45VA AER Luncheon and Business Meeting Westminster

Our Past, Present and Future: VA AER Board Ballroom

Nominations for New Board: Michael Triplett

VA AER Awards: Bruce Rudd

12:50 – 1:50 Concurrent Breakout Session A

1. Ike Presley,Empire A

National Project Manager, American Foundation for the Blind

Determining Assistive Technology Needs of People

who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Part I

Too often technology is purchased for individuals that ends up not being used because it’s not the “right tool for the job.” In the 3 sessions for Part I, participants will receive an overview of the technologies available for assessing the AT needs of individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Wednesday, Part I - Overview of AT

What does AT provide?

Tools for Accessing Printed Information, Electronic Information, Written Communication, and Producing Materials in Alternate Formats –

Visually, Tactually, Auditorally

Dr. Frances Mary D’Andrea, Educational Consultant Empire C

Early Success with Braille, Part 1

This presentation is the first of three connected presentations regarding braille instruction and assessment. In this session, we will consider good practices for emergent literacy and promoting early formal instruction in braille reading and writing.

3. Dr. Holly M. Lawson, PhD, COMS, CLVTJamestown

Coordinator, Virginia Consortium for Teacher Preparation, GMU

Contrast Sensitivity—Assessment, Interpretation, and

Functional Implications

Contrast sensitivity is a critical component of the functional vision assessment and can be a better indicator of overall visual functioning than acuity measures. In this presentation, participants will learn how to use various formal and informal testing instruments/procedures to assess contrast sensitivity and how to interpret the results. Finally, recommendations for those with low contrast sensitivity will be provided

4. Allison Walker,COMS, VSDB StauntonBerkely

Erin Yanez, NIC, VSDB, Staunton

The Dance

This presentation will help practitioners in the blindness and low vision field to create a successful and agreeable relationship between an orientation and mobility specialist, an intervener, and a student who is deaf-blind. Questions, concerns, and other shared resources or experiences by professionals currently working for students with deaf-blindness are also welcomed.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2012

**********************************************************

2:00 – 5:00 VENDOR EXHIBITS Empire B

***********************************************************

2:00 – 3:10Concurrent Breakout Session B

Ike Presley, Empire A

National Project Manager, AFB

Determining Assistive Technology Needs of People

who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Part I, Continued

Wednesday, Part I - Overview of AT

What does AT provide?

Tools for Accessing Printed Information, Electronic Information, Written Communication, and Producing Materials in Alternate Formats –

Visually, Tactually, Auditorally

Dr. Frances Mary D’Andrea, Educational ConsultantEmpire C

Assessment that Informs Instruction, Part 2

In this second part of three related sessions, we will discuss various assessments that can be used by TVIs to assess braille reading and writing skills, and how these assessments can assist TVIs and classroom teachers to plan effective instruction

3. Dominic Gagliano, VP Blindness Products, HumanWare Jamestown

Mike Tindell, Product Specialist for HumanWare

David Waggener, South Eastern Sales Rep, HumanWare Trekker Breeze

The Trekker Breeze is a one piece GPS device designed specifically for the visually impaired to aid in location information and travel. With only nine keys, users can know “Where am I,” record routes, and find nearby restaurants and other interesting points of interest. Routes can also be created to specific addresses. Video clips of a student using the Breeze will be shared.

4. Korey Singleton, Berkely

Assistive Technology Initiative Manager, GMU

Assistive Technology in Higher Education

This session will discuss how to prepare students with visual impairments for post-secondary education. In addition to reviewing the adaptive technology used in higher education, we will review the technology skills that one should have when transitioning to the next level. We will also highlight the services that are typically available to support students with vision loss.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2012

**********************************************************

2:00 – 5:00 VENDOR EXHIBITSEmpire B

***********************************************************

3:25 – 4:45Concurrent Breakout Session C

Ike Presley, Empire A

National Project Manager, AFB

Determining Assistive Technology Needs of People

who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Part I, Continued

Wednesday, Part I - Overview of AT

What does AT provide?

Tools for Accessing Printed Information, Electronic Information, Written Communication, and Producing Materials in Alternate Formats –

Visually, Tactually, Auditorally

2. Dr. Frances Mary D’Andrea, Educational ConsultantEmpire C

Focus on Fluency, Part 3

In this third of three related sessions, we'll focus specifically on reading fluency. What is fluency for students who use braille and how do we measure it? What are some strategies for increasing reading fluency?

3. Dr. Beezy Bentzen, COMSJamestown

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: Why? What? How?

Accessible pedestrian signals (APS), now becoming increasingly common, are expected to be required at all intersections having new or altered visual pedestrian signals. Requests by consumers for APS at difficult crossings that are not scheduled for new or altered pedestrian signals must be considered by local engineers, although there is often a priority list. O&Mers need to be prepared to help clients effectively advocate for APS where needed, help engineers and signal technicians install them correctly, and teach clients to use them to best advantage.

4. Paul Koons, COMSBerkely Vision Anomalies from Brain Injury & Rehabilitation Strategies

This presentation provides information about Visual Anomalies of Brain injury, from mechanism of injury through rehabilitation goals. The powerpoint presentation will include statistics on Brain injury, types of visual loss resulting from Brain injury, reference links, and case studies of military undergoing brain injury rehabilitation at Veteran's Affairs.

5:00DINNER ON YOUR OWN

Trolley Shuttle is available for trips to Colonial Williamsburg and shopping, $.50

What is Happening in Williamsburg listing is available at the registration desk

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

**********************************************************

7:00 am – 5:00pm VENDOR EXHIBITSEmpire B

***********************************************************

8:00 – 9:15Concurrent Breakout Session A

Ike Presley, Empire A

National Project Manager, American Foundation for the Blind

Determining Assistive Technology Needs of People

who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Part II – The Assessment

Preparing for the Assessment

Organizing the Team

Gathering the Background Information

Determine Tasks Individual is Having Difficulty Completing

Conducting the Assessment

How will the individual access printed information?

How will the individual access electronic information?

How will the individual communicate through writing?

Writing the Recommendations and Final Report

Recommending hardware, software, and training

Writing the rationale and justification for the recommendations

Presenting the Final Report

2. Carla Robertson, TVI, Rockingham County SchoolsEmpire C

Vision Simulator Make-It Take-It

In this class, participants will make a set of 6 vision simulator goggles, including retinitis pigmentosa or glaucoma, hemianopsia, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, cataract, and 20/200. The purpose of these simulators is not to replicate a person's functional vision, but rather to give a fully sighted person a good idea of the issues a person with that type of visual impairment may face. These goggles are designed to be worn over glasses. The class is limited to the first 30 people who sign up at registration and pay the $12.00 materials fee.

3. Dr. Beezy Bentzen, COMSJamestown

Wayfinding at Complex Intersections

Intersections are becoming increasingly complex in their geometry. Customary cues for wayfinding-- finding the crosswalk, aligning to cross, and maintaining a correct heading while crossing-- are not always available. Research on wayfinding at complex intersections, including roundabouts and channelized turn lanes as well as diagonal intersections will be presented. Strategies for finding the crosswalk aligning, and maintaining a heading at challenging crossings will be described.

4. Amy Salmon, Technology Specialist & Faculty MemberBerkely

HadleySchool for the Blind

Is the iPhone/iPad the Right Technology for Seniors?

Benefits and App Must-Haves for Seniors

Is the iPhone or iPad the right technology for seniors who are experiencing vision loss? In this session you will learn how the iPhone or iPad can be a valuable tool for seniors in today’s technology driven world.

THURSDAY, MARCH22, 2012

9:25 – 10:40 Concurrent Breakout Session B

1. Ike Presley,Empire A

National Project Manager, AFB

Determining Assistive Technology Needs of People

who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Part II– The Assessment, Continued

Preparing for the Assessment

Organizing the Team

Gathering the Background Information

Determine Tasks Individual is Having Difficulty Completing

Conducting the Assessment

How will the individual access printed information?

How will the individual access electronic information?

How will the individual communicate through writing?

Writing the Recommendations and Final Report

Recommending hardware, software, and training

Writing the rationale and justification for the recommendations

Presenting the Final Report

Lia Mason, Alternate Testing, VDOEEmpire C

Dr. Sharon Siler, Team Lead, Alternative Assessment, VDOE

Alternate Testing

3. Brigid DohertyMetro System Orientation Specialist,Jamestown

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Comparing & Contrasting O&M and Travel Training

What are the differences between "travel training" and "orientation and mobility" instruction? Collaboration can be key in helping some students reach success.

4. Korey Singleton & Amy SalmonBerkely

What’s New in Technology

This session will highlight some of the latest developments in adaptive technology for individuals with low vision and blindness. Some of the topics to be covered include the latest updates to Jaws (v13) and Zoomtext (v10), a review of Siri for the iPhone 4S, GPS apps for iOS, a review of the differences between proprietary vs. off-the-shelf as it relates to portable devices designed for blind and low vision users, and a review of a couple of portable refreshable Braille devices.

10:40 -10:55 BREAKFoyers

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

11:10 – 12:15Concurrent Breakout Session C

1. Ike Presley,Empire A

National Project Manager, AFB

Determining Assistive Technology Needs of People

who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Part II- The Assessment, Continued

Preparing for the Assessment

Organizing the Team

Gathering the Background Information

Determine Tasks Individual is Having Difficulty Completing

Conducting the Assessment

How will the individual access printed information?

How will the individual access electronic information?

How will the individual communicate through writing?

Writing the Recommendations and Final Report

Recommending hardware, software, and training

Writing the rationale and justification for the recommendations

Presenting the Final Report

2. Anna Swenson, M.Ed., Braille ConsultantEmpire C

Applying the Results of the ABC Braille Study to Real-life Teaching:

One Teacher's Interpretation

The ABC Braille Study was the first longitudinal research focused on the acquisition of literacy skills by young children who were learning to read in braille. This presentation will summarize the results of the study, discuss their implications, and offer practical strategies for teaching braille to beginning readers.

3. Wilma Ice, RN, DBVI, VRCBVIJamestown

Updates and New Trends in Diabetes Management

The goal of this presentation is to provide updated diabetes information and to introduce new trends in treatment and management. We will discuss referrals of the diabetic client to VRCBVI, and the importance of being 'in the know, about what you know' when you refer a client for training.

4. Amy Salmon & Korey SingletonBerkely

NVDA Screen Reader & BookShare Read2Go App for IOS Devices

In the first half of this hands-on session, participants will learn how to download and configure the free open source screen reading program NVDA for both a PC and thumb drive use. In the second half of the session, participants will learn how to download and install the BookShare Read2Go app for IOS devices as well as learn how to use the app to download and read books.

12:15 – 1:45 Lunch with Exhibit Vendors Foyer & Empire B

Celebrate the Colonial times of Williamsburg and Jamestown

listening to hammered dulcimer and flutes played by

Timothy Seaman

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

1:50 – 3:10Concurrent Breakout Session D

1. Elizabeth Spiers, DeafBlind Program Director, DBVIEmpire A

Communication & Alerting Technology for DeafBlind People

This presentation will give a brief overview of communication and alerting technology for people with combined vision and hearing loss to use in their homes and with others. The presentation will discuss available communication technology (such as personal assistive listening devices), alerting devices, and phones, all of which can help deafblind people communicate more easily with others and know when a smoke alarm is going off, someone is at the door, or a phone is ringing. Some funding resources will also be covered. An individual hands-on demonstration will be available to anyone who wants small group or individual demonstration of technology.

Dr. Mary-Anne M. Joseph, CRCEmpire C

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, DBVI

Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Transition Age Students

This session will provide information about the services provided by the VirginiaDepartment for the Blind and Vision Impaired to transition age students. During the session the presenter will review the application, eligibility and service process for vocational rehabilitation services. Opportunities for early vocational exploration and development will also be presented. The presentation will also provide resources that could potentially benefit transition age students and their families who are interested in participating in vocational rehabilitation.

3. Suzanne Proctor, TVI, Newport News Public SchoolsJamestown

IPads and Vision Teachers: Oh, How Sweet It Is!

Over personally using the past four years of using the iPad/iTouch, I would like to share how I believe they effectively help the VI professional in an educational setting with all students.

4. Korey Singleton & Amy SalmonBerkely

Mac OS X Accessibility

This session will provide an overview of the accessibility features built into Mac OS X. In addition to reviewing the latest updates included in Lion (Mac OS X v10.7), we will provide demonstrations of VoiceOver, Zoom features, and using a refreshable Braille display with a Mac.

3:10 – 3:25BREAKFoyers

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

3:30 – 5:00Concurrent Breakout Session E

1. Jolene Hollister, Support Instructor, Guiding EyesEmpire A

Assisting the Guide Dog Team

The ideal team is not perfect but can recover well when mishaps occur. The ideal team is one in which the handler understands the dog is not perfect and the dog can recover from the handler being imperfect. How can the Orientation and Mobility instructor help a guide dog team.

2. Lisa Auwarter, Education Coordinator, DBVIEmpire C

Dr. Julie Durando, Ed.D., Project Director
Virginia Project for Children and Young Adults with Deaf-Blindness

Come On ‘Inside’ and Assess Me Here!!!

For 50 years, Dr. Jan van Dijk has believed that in order to help children with multiple disabilities demonstrate their learning and skills that he needed to go “inside” their world. He believes that assessment should begin by following the movements, emotions and interests of a child at a particular moment. Through establishing and maintaining turn taking routines, we can help the child to gradually notice the outside world and learn to interact with people and items in that new world. APH has recently published, “Child-guided Strategies: The Van Dijk Approach to Assessment” which contains the guiding principles and strategies to conduct an assessment that follows the Van Dijk approach. This training will acquaint you with this readily available tool using video examples to practice recognizing the skills, learning styles and interests of our children with multiple disabilities in order to best provide an appropriate and meaningful program.

Kara Hackney, M.A., COMS, CLVTJamestown

Margaret Tomasik, TVI, COMS, CLVT

Trunk and Fashion Show for Professionals on the GO!

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

4. Amy Salmon, Technology Specialist & Faculty MemberBerkely

HadleySchool for the Blind

Teaching PowerPoint to Blind Users

Designed for professionals who need to teach students who are visually impaired using screen reading software how to use PowerPoint 2007, this session provides step-by-step instructions to assist the professional in teaching how to create, edit and present PowerPoint presentations. Keyboard commands for using PowerPoint with all of the main screen reading programs and additional training resources will be provided.

5:00DINNER ON YOUR OWN

8:00 – 9:30VA AER Sponsored Social Hospitality Suite

Room 220 and Room 222