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2013 CNIB NATIONAL BRAILLE CONFERENCE

Refreshing Braille: UEB and Technology

2013 CNIB National Braille Conference

Refreshing Braille:

UEB and Technology

October 25 and 26, 2013

Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre

4 Credit Union Drive,

Toronto, ONM4A 2N8

We thank our sponsor:

CNIB is pleased to present its National Braille Conference – Refreshing Braille: UEBand Technology, on October 25th and 26th.

The conference will offer workshops foreducators, transcribers, consumers and parents. If you are interested in refreshing your knowledge of braille and Unified English Braille (UEB), of the technology for making braille accessible or, of the government policies relating to braille and accessibility, the CNIB National Braille Conference is the place to be.

We are extremely pleased that the conference will be opened by The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, the Premier of Ontario, together with John Rafferty, the President & CEO of CNIB.

You will delight in the readings by winners from the Creative Writing and Braille Accuracy Competition - an anticipated tradition at the CNIB conference. You will also hear from the recipient of the 2013 Dayton Forman Award.

The conference will also have a number of exhibitors who will be presenting their products. And you will have the opportunity to see, and learn about, all the latest innovations related to braille and braille-related technology.

The conference is always a time to renew acquaintances and meet new people.

We look forward to seeing you on October 25th and 26th for two days of in-depth focus on braille.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, October 25th

7:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Registration

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.: Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.:

Opening General Session

Welcome & Opening Remarks: John Rafferty, President & CEO, CNIB
Keynote Speaker: The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
Presentation to the Braille Creative Writing and Accuracy Competition Award Winners

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Session 1

12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.:

Lunch for Registrants
Presentation of the Dayton Forman Award

2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.: Session 2

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Session 3

4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.:

Launch of UEB
Reception

9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Exhibitors

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Saturday, October 26th

7:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Registration

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.: Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.:

Opening General Session

Panel: AODA/Government Policies – Jim Sanders, David Lepofsky, Dawn Clelland, Moderator – Chris McLean

10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.: Session 4

12:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Session 5

1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.:

Lunch for Registrants
VIEWS AGM

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Session 6

3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Session 7

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Exhibitors

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Braille Literacy Canada AGM

FRIDAY: SESSION 1WORKSHOPS

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

101. UEB – UEB HANDS-ON: PART 1

(Back from last year by popular demand!) Join our guided tour of the basic changes of Unified English Braille. To take full advantage of this hands-on experience, bring a Perkins brailler, a laptop with a braille transcription program, or a refreshable braille notetaker.

Presenters:

Darleen Bogart, National Braille Convenor, CNIB

Phyllis Landon, Volunteer Braille Instructor, CNIB; Chair, UEB Code Maintenance Committee, ICEB

102. ROUNDTABLE ON UEB FOR EDUCATORS

Teachers of students who are visually impaired have numerous questions regarding the new braille code: UEB. In this workshop, learn how the largest school board in Canada got their vision teachers and braille transcribers re-certified and how they plan to start teaching students the new braille code. Overall, the “practical” and “emotional” transition to UEB has been a positive one and much quicker than originally anticipated.

Presenter:

Dr. Carol Farrenkopf, Coordinator, Vision Program, Toronto District School Board,

103. UEB AND BANA FORMAT: WHAT DO I NEED TO LEARN?

In November 2012, BANA adopted Unified English Braille (UEB). This workshop will discuss the transition as it relates to BANA braille formats. Examples of frequently used formats will be shown. If you want more info on BANA’s progress to date, visit

Presenter:

Debbie Gillespie, National Coordinator, Braille Promotion, CNIB

104. MAINSTREAM ACCESSIBILITY

Learn about moving from the ghetto of segregated software and devices to mainstream usability and accessibility and about achieving greater accessibility for everyone, through computers and mobile devices which offer accessibility out of the box. A discussion on screen readers, screen magnification and braille device interoperability will be included.

Presenters:

Rob Stam, Assistive Technology Specialist, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

Matthew Campbell, Adaptive Technology Specialist, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

Cathy Ausman, Educator, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

Michelle Allway, Adaptive Technology Trainer, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

105. MOTIVATING THE ADULT BRAILLE LEARNER THROUGH LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Participants will be lead through a series of games and activities that will help engage and motivate the adult Braille learner. Strategies will also be given on group instruction, dealing with ESL students and clients with other disabilities.

Presenters:

Leanne Cornell-Baarda, Independent Living Skills Specialist, CNIB

Mike Venturi, Independent Living Skills Specialist,CNIB

FRIDAY: SESSION 2 WORKSHOPS

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

201. UEB HANDS-ON: PART 2

This is a continuation of Part 1.Participants must have attended Part 1.

Presenters:

Darleen Bogart, National Braille Convenor, CNIB

Phyllis Landon, Volunteer Braille Instructor, CNIB; Chair, UEB Code Maintenance Committee, ICEB

202. MUSIC BRAILLE: A TIME OF CHANGE

The main topic will be the revision of the BANA Music Braille Code scheduled to be released in 2014 or 2015. The most significant proposed changes will be examined and participants will be encouraged to critique this work in progress during the workshop and in the weeks that follow. There will also be a brief discussion of the impact Braille Formats 2011 and UEB are having on music braille producers in North America and beyond.

Presenters:

Dan Geminder, Member, BANA Music Braille Technical Committee; Braille Transcription Specialist, CNIB

Karin Auckenthaler, Member, BANA Music Braille Technical Committee; Music Braille Volunteer, CNIB

203. DBT AND UEB: WHERE DO I BEGIN?

An overview of Duxbury Braille Translator (DBT) will be provided. Understand the concept of translating print to braille with DBT, learn how to make a customized template and how to translate print into UEB braille.

Presenter:

Pamela Marzolini, Volunteer Braille Instructor, CNIB

204. PRODUCTS FOR EDUCATORS

This workshop will introduce: the Braille & Print, the most versatile braille embosser on the planet. Learn how easy it is to produce high quality braille documents that include print without sacrificing braille quality. Classroom teachers and parents can easily follow along and read with their students; TactileView, powerful software for creating tactile diagrams and charts for your students; and, TactiPad, a tabletwhich allows students to instantlydraw their own raised shapes.

Presenter:

Martin Berrisford, VP of Technical Services, Frontier Computing

205. DISCOVERING EVERYDAY OPPORTUNITIES IN MY WORLD

This workshop will inspire professionals to be creative, to modify toys and activities they already have or will be purchasing for their clients who are visually or partially impaired. This workshop will also provide the opportunity to create a make and take that will demonstrate how simple it is to create engaging activities at a minimal cost.

Presenters:

Pam Petrella, Life Skills Instructor, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

Michelle Wilson, Heather MacNeil, Tracie MacPhee, Jessica Kuranc,

W. RossMacdonaldSchool

FRIDAY: SESSION 3 WORKSHOPS

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

301. MATH AND UEB

This workshop will cover the transcription of mathematics braille using UEB. Examples from simple arithmetic to high school level mathematics will be looked at and discussed.

Presenters:

Helen McMillan, Volunteer Mathematics Braille Specialist, CNIB

Lorraine Banks, Volunteer Mathematics Braille Specialist, CNIB

302. PROOFREADING FOR PERFECTION

This workshop will cover proofreading UEB material for the general reader and will also introduce some of the new UEB symbols.

Presenter:

Jill Cooter, Volunteer Braille Instructor, CNIB

303. BRAILLING FOREIGN LANGUAGE WITH UEB

Examples from junior secondary level French texts will be used to illustrate the transcription of foreign language instruction books. The rules for brailling foreign words in English context will be contrasted.

Presenter:

Susan Johnston, Volunteer Braille Instructor, CNIB

304. LEARNING ON DEMAND: CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROVIDING AND PARTICIPATING IN ELEARNING

Online learning opportunities have grown exponentially over the past few years. Find out what considerations go into the decision to offer online training and why eLearning might be right for you. Professional development opportunities available through the American Foundation for the BlindeLearningCenter will be explored.

Presenter:

George Abbott, Director, eLearningCenter, American Foundation for the Blind

305. ADP – FAQ: HOW IT WORKS FOR YOU

Are you confused by what devices the Assistive Devices Program will cover; when a non registered vendor can be used; how often devices can be replaced? An overview of the ins and outs of the ADP visual aids category will be provided. Get answers to your questions.

Presenters:

Kristin Snell, Administrator, Centre for Sight Enhancement & Sight Enhancement Equipment Pool and Assessment Centre, University of Waterloo

Rob Stam, Assistive Technology Specialist, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

SATURDAY: SESSION 4 WORKSHOPS

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

401. EXHIBITORS WORKSHOP

Presentation by 2 exhibitors about their products.

402. BRAILLE DEVICES PANEL– PRACTICAL TIPS AND USERS’ PERSPECTIVES: PART 1

As prices for braille devices have decreased, the number of choices has expanded. This workshop will introduce you to many of the units currently on the market. From stand-alone note takers/PDA’s to display sizes ranging from 12 to 40 cells, our panel of users will highlight the ways they use their devices on a daily basis. The panel members will discuss connectivity and provide information specific to several popular braille devices. Depending on time, a hands-on look will be available to workshop attendees. Whether you currently own a braille device or are thinking of getting one, come talk to professionals who use them every day in their chosen field.

Presenters:

Jen Goulden, President, Braille Literacy Canada

Martin Courcelles, Accessible Technology Trainer/Consultant, CNIB

Cathy Ausman, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

403. HOW BEING A BRAILLE READER MAKES STUDENT LIFE MORE REWARDING

Come and hear from students who are braille readers. Learn how braille has enhanced their school life and how reading braille has made school a rewarding experience both socially and academically.

Presenters:

Students

404. UEB PARTY TIME: YOU ARE INVITED ...

Braille users, parents, teachers, ILS Specialists and others are invited to come and pick up a UEB Party Tool Kit and learn about a novel way to present some of the notable new features of UEB. The UEB Party model, launched earlier this year, is an easily customized, community-based approach to sharing basic information about UEB with those who use braille in their everyday lives. Come ready to relax and enjoy this festive presentation!

Presenters:

Dr. Myra Rodrigues, Volunteer Braille Instructor, Member of Canadian Braille Authority, Braille Literacy Foundation

Florence Carter, Volunteer, CNIB; New Beginnings Group Leader

Elizabeth Hurdman, Member, Canadian Braille Authority, recent Braille User and Advocate of Braille Literacy; Chair, City of Toronto, Parks, Forestry & Recreation, Community Disability Steering Committee

SATURDAY: SESSION 5 WORKSHOPS

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

501. PANEL - BRAILLE DEVICES – PRACTICAL TIPS AND USERS’ PERSPECTIVES: PART 2

Presenters:

Jen Goulden, President, Braille Literacy Canada

Martin Courcelles, Accessible Technology Trainer/Consultant, CNIB

Cathy Ausman, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

502. EXHIBITORS WORKSHOP

Presentation by 2 exhibitors about their products.

503. OVERVIEW OF SKILL-BASED GROUP PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

CNIB has been providing group-based opportunities for children and youth who are blind and partially sighted to come together with their peers. The program focus is on building skills and on providing opportunities for learning fundamental skills as well as helping to facilitate self-awareness and self-esteem. This workshop will provide an overview of these programs and a history of how they have evolved over the last 7 years.

Presenters:

Sue Marsh-Woods, Manager, Service & Operations, CNIB

Suzanne Decary, Manager, Service & Operations, CNIB

504. REFRESHING BRAILLE WITH UEB FOR PARENTS

Take the mystery out of UEB. Learn what the braille changes in your daughter/son’s school work will be when UEB is implemented. Bring your questions.

Presenters:

Darleen Bogart, National Braille Convenor, CNIB

Tammy Simon, Parent

SATURDAY: SESSION 6 WORKSHOPS

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

601. MAINSTREAM ACCESSIBILITY – THE SHORT VERSION

Presenters:

Rob Stam, Assistive Technology Specialist, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

Matthew Campbell, Adaptive Technology Specialist, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

Cathy Ausman, Educator, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

Michelle Allway, Adaptive Technology Trainer, W. RossMacdonaldSchool

602. EXHIBITORS WORKSHOP

Presentation by 2 exhibitors about their products.

603. EXHIBITORS WORKSHOP

Presentation by 2 exhibitors about their products.

604. UEB MATH FOR PARENTS

This workshop will cover Unified English Braille and its effect on students in their study of mathematics. There will be a discussion of some of the changes and how they will be beneficial in learning mathematics in Braille.

Presenters:

Lorraine Banks, Volunteer Mathematics Braille Specialist, CNIB

Helen McMillan, Volunteer Mathematics Braille Specialist, CNIB

SATURDAY: SESSION 7 WORKSHOPS

3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

701. EXHIBITORS WORKSHOP

Presentation by 2 exhibitors about their products.

702. VIEWS FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED - HELPING THE BLIND AND LOW-VISION COMMUNITY OF ONTARIO

VIEWS for the Visually Impaired has been helping young blind and low-vision students achieve their potential for over a decade. Our Summer Camps and Short-Term Placements at W. Ross Macdonald School have provided wonderful social and learning experiences. This workshop will help illustrate the camps’ various benefits along with some other positive efforts being made by VIEWS.

Presenter:

Cameron Rankin, Executive Director, VIEWS for the Visually Impaired

703. PORTABLE READING DEVICES – NO PAPER REQUIRED!

With an iPhone or an iPad bluetoothed with a braille display, braille is instant and portable. You can now read Kindle books, menus from your favourite restaurants, books to your grandchildren, or the agenda for the next meeting. Paperless braille is here. Discover how to connect, navigate, choose books, and move easily from audio to braille formats without losing your place in a document. Excellent for parents and new and experienced braille readers.

Presenters:

Joan Robinson,Retired Librarian and Adult Educator

Debbie Gillespie, National Coordinator, Braille Promotion, CNIB

704. PEER SUPPORT GROUPS FOR ADULTS AND SENIORS

A CNIB National Needs Study identified peer support as a significant aid to the adjustment to vision loss. CNIB, Toronto developed a model for peer support groups. Facilitated by volunteers who are also clients, New Beginnings Groups offer both practical rehabilitation techniques and an opportunity for emotional support in a structured format. A review of the literature, and quantitative and qualitative analysis of client data (including client and facilitator evaluations and client database), confirms the soundness of the model, the demand for the service and benefit for participants and their families. A new support group for blind and partially sighted parents will also be discussed.

Presenters:

Sue Marsh-Woods, Manager, Service & Operations, CNIB

Florence Carter, Volunteer, New Beginnings Group Leader, CNIB

12013 CNIB National Braille Conference