Welcome Remarks: Jane Ryder
Deputy Commissioner
Department of Developmental Services
Keynote Speaker: Randy Pierce
President, 2020 Vision Quest
”Reaching Our Peak Potential”
Awards at Lunch:
Mark Holt “Gift of Lunch”
Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Service
Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Leadership
“Focus” on Talent!!!
Special Closing Performance by: “MAI Group Inc.”
A Very Special Thank You…
To Our Exhibitors Including:
Vendors:
AdaptiVision/Optelec
American Printing House for the Blind
Carroll Center for the Blind
Easter Seals Massachusetts
Helen Keller National Center
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
MA State 911 Department
New England Consortium for Deafblind Technical Assistance
New England Index
Perkins eLearning
Perkins Library
Perkins Solutions
UMass Amherst University without Walls
A Very Special Thank You…
To Our Exhibitors Including:
Literature Table:
Eye Care America
Hadley School for the Blind
Independent Living Aids
LS&S
MaxiAids
National Eye Institute
National Institute on Aging
Prevent Blindness America
and more…
Poster Displays:
Play the Day Away: Utilizing Music Therapy for Relaxation,
Self-Awareness, and Socialization
Lisa A. El-Lakis, MT-BC
DDS/Hogan Regional Center
How Technology Made My Job Accessible for Me
Diana Julian
DDS/Plymouth Area Office
E-News: Employment News You Can Use
Kerri Moran
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Self Advocacy
Yashira Correa
People, Incorporated - Fall River
Poster Displays: (continued)
Postural Care for Individuals with Intellectual Disability
Mary S. Clark RPT, COMS, ATP
Northeast Residential Services, DDS
Integrative Movement Therapy (Yoga/Pilates)
Tina Sorel, PT
Erin Dalton, PTA
Crystal Springs, Inc
DPPC
Jennifer Edwards-Hawkins
Disabled Persons Protection Commission
Let’s Walk Together
Tony Miranda, Orientation & Mobility Assistant
EDCO/Wrentham Developmental Center
Providing Exceptional Eye Care to Children and Adults with
Intellectual Disability
New England Eye Southeastern Massachusetts
Introducing our Keynote:
Randy Pierce
During two short but significant weeks in 1989, a devastating neurological disease transformed Randy Pierce from a healthy and ordinary man to a blind man completely uncertain of his future. Randy’s passion for experience encouraged him to utilize adversity as a positive catalyst for growth and opportunity, resulting in such amazing adventures as earning his second-degree black belt, making history as a blind hiker, and his induction into the “VISA Hall of Fans” at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Randy earned his BSEE from the University of New Hampshire and enjoyed a successful career at Digital Equipment Corporation as a hardware design engineer. The practical challenges of blindness encouraged Randy to pursue other productive opportunities. These included tutoring children and adults, teaching martial arts, advising on adaptive technology, and consulting for The Library of Congress.
Today Randy holds the positions of Founder and President of 2020 Vision Quest, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of New Hampshire Association for the Blind, and First Vice President of the Hudson, NH Lions Club. The University of New Hampshire’s Alumni Associationhas named Randy as its 2014 winner of the Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement. Randy provides motivational speaking presentations to corporations, schools, and non-profit organizations. Some notable presentations, of the hundreds Randy has provided, include Google, TJX, Yankee Candle, and Bank of New Hampshire.
Four compelling documentaries highlight Randy’s historical hiking achievements; the founding of 2020 Vision Quest; and his New England Patriot fandom. The latter documentary was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award. Randy has been on multiple national television shows, most notably Rosie O’Donnell, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Best Damn Sports Show Period.
Conference Agenda “At-a-Glance”
8:00 – 8:25Registration / Vendors Open / Refreshments
8:25 – 8:30Opening Remarks
8:30 – 8:45Welcome Remarks
8:45 – 9:45Keynote
9:45 – 10:00Break / Exhibits Open
10:00 – 11:001st Concurrent Session
11:00 – 11:15Break / Exhibits Open
11:15 – 12:15 2nd Concurrent Session
12:15 – 12:30Exhibits Open
12:30 – 1:30Lunch & Award Presentations:
● Mark Holt Gift of Lunch
● Paul McDade “Focus” Awards for Distinguished
Service and Leadership
1:30 – 2:00Dedicated Timefor Exhibits Session
2:00 - 3:003rd Concurrent Session
3:00 – 3:15Break / Refreshments / Exhibits Open
3:15 – 3:45“Focus” On Talent!!! (Performance) / Raffle
Directions!!!
Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike
Route 1 (18 miles south of Boston)
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: 781-769-7900
Please see page 16for a full listing of directions!!!!
We look forward to seeing you on March 9th!!!
“Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness
8:00 – 8:25Registration / Exhibits Open / Refreshments
8:30 – 8:45WelcomeRemarks:
Jane Ryder
Deputy Commissioner, DDS
8:45 – 9:45Keynote:
Randy Pierce
President, 20/20 Vision Quest
”Reaching Our Peak Potential”
Using personal experiences developed through his transition from fullysighted to total blindness, Randy will demonstrate the methodology whichenabled him to strive for and achieve his peak potential both figurativelyand literally. Anecdotal references are a fundamental part of the goalsetting, problem solving and perseverance means by which riskmanipulation can help any of us strive to achieve a vision beyond our sightas we all reach for our Peak potential.
9:45 – 10:00Break / Exhibits Open
10:00 – 11:00Concurrent Sessions
A.Glaucoma: An Overview for Patients and Caregivers
Presenter: Bridget C. Hendricks, OD, MS, FAAO
Assistant Professor of Optometry, NECO
Attending Optometrist, New England Eye
Description: This presentation will provide an overview of Glaucoma, a complex eye disease in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive and irreversible blindness. We will discuss risk factors, signs/symptoms, tests that are performed to diagnose and evaluate glaucoma, treatment, and patient resources. This presentation will allow patients, health care providers, and caregivers to better understand risks, detection, and management of glaucoma.
10:00 – 11:00 Concurrent Sessions (continued)
B.Yoga for Everyone! Individuals with Intellectually Disability and Their Service Providers.
Presenter:Lynne Bridges, COMS, CYI (Certified Yoga Instructor)
Carroll Center for the Blind
Description: Yoga can be practiced by anyone. It has been used for centuries to enhance health and wellbeing: physical, emotional and mental.This presentation will share some of the ways I have used yoga to enjoy movement with my students, while simultaneously improving physical, emotional and mental health. This presentation will also consider simple practices for people working with special populations to decrease stress and enhance focus.
C. Cerebral/Cortical Vision Impairment and Adults
Presenters: Barry S Kran, OD, FAAO
Professor, NECO
Clinic Director, NE Eye Low Vision Clinic at Perkins
Luisa Mayer, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School
Associate Professor, NECO
Visual Fields/Functional Vision Specialist, NE Eye Low Vision
Clinic at Perkins
Darick W Wright, MA, COMS, CLVT
Adjunct faculty, Vision Studies Program, UMass- Boston
Adjunct, Assistant Professor, NECO
Clinic Coordinator, NE Eye Low Vision Clinic at Perkins
Description: Many adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) have other impairments that include vision. Vision impairment relative to ocular causes is well known and is being increasingly diagnosed. What has only recently come to the attention of providers is the possibility of brain based visual impairment. This is the leading cause of pediatric blindness in the developed world and is likely underappreciated in our adult population of adults with ID. This introductory lecture will provide a basic understanding of the differences between an ocular and brain based visual impairment, a pragmatic differentiation between cortical and cerebral visual impairment and case examples of how we determine the presence of CVI. Resources will work-arounds will also be provided.
10:00 – 11:00 Concurrent Sessions (continued)
D.Community Inclusion for Individuals with Vision and Additional Disabilities
Presenter: Stephen Perreault
New England Representative- Helen Keller National Center
Description:This presentation will focus on a process and plan to expand inclusion in community-based social/recreation activities for individuals with visual and/or multiple disabilities. The content will be based on person-centered planning to identify personal preferences in developing individual planning. Presentation will include strategies for addressing access/support needs and provide suggestions for achievement of successful outcomes.
E.New Products and Services
Five different companies/agencies will discuss the services and products they provide, including assistive technology, that are helpful to individuals with visual impairment or blindness and those who support them.
- AdaptiVision/Optelec: Traveller HD
- Perkins eLearning: Professional Development opportunities
- Perkins Solutions: Digital accessibility, emerging technology for navigation
- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind: Benefits and Services
- New England Consortium for Deafblind Technical Assistance: Services
PLEASE NOTE: CEU’s are not offered for this session.
11:00 – 11:15Break / Exhibits Open
11:15 – 12:15 Concurrent Sessions
A. Why Your Patient May Not See: A Presentation of Ocular Diseases Commonly Seen in Patients With Intellectual and Developmental Disability and the Currently Available Treatment
Presenter: Jean Ramsey, MD, MPH
Associate Professor for Ophthalmology and Pediatrics
Boston University School of Medicine
Vice-Chair of Education and Program Director
Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center (BMC)
Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs
Boston University School of Medicine
Description: Ocular diseases to be discussed will include cataract,glaucoma, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration,retinal vascular diseases, retinopathy of prematurity, strabismus,keratoconus, and cortical visual impairment. Treatment options will bediscussed and will include the new anti-angiogenic drugs currently beingused with dramatic results in vascular disorders.
B. Public Speaking & Communication Skills for Improved
Self Advocacy
Presenters: Susannah Locketti, Wellness Coordinator
New England Village
Ginger Comeau, Director of Enrichment & Community Services
New England Village
Description: This training is devoted to improving the communication skills of the visually impaired to improve their self advocacy efforts. The skills taught will allow an individual to gain more awareness of their posture, body language, tone, emotions, volume, and clarity of thought when advocating for their personal needs in small or large group settings. Participants will have an opportunity to practice these skills in small breakout groups as well as large group work. If you want to self advocate effectively or support someone to do the same, this training is for you!
11:15 – 12:15 Concurrent Sessions (continued)
C. We See Things a Bit Differently
Presenters: Marianne Gilmore, Workforce Development Specialist
Carroll Center for the Blind
. Theresa E. Kane, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer
The Polus Center for Social & Economic Development, Inc
Joe R. Buizon, Employment Services Specialist
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Description: In the spring of 2015, The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind funded The Carroll Center for the Blind and the Polus Center to implement a transition to work program called Project SEARCH. Project SEARCH combines business partners with onsite supports for a full immersion in the workplace for individuals to gain marketable skills and gain competitive employment.
D.Transition Perspectives and Lessons Learned: A Candid Discussion with Parents of Youth and Young Adults Who Have Combined Vision and Hearing Loss
Presenter: Tracy Evans Luiselli, Ed.D.
Project Director
New England Consortium for Deafblind Technical Assistance and Training
Description: For many parents of teenagers and young adults who have combined vision and hearing loss, the transition from school to adult services is often overwhelming. There are many agencies and roads to travel, often resulting in confusion about how to access critical services after graduation. During this session, parents will speak about their journey, what was and was not helpful, and provide a brief roadmap of lessons learned along the way.
11:15 – 12:15 Concurrent Sessions (continued)
E. Simple Assistive Technology Options for the Blind &
Visually Impaired
Presenters: Catherine Bly, Program Coordinator
Assistive Technology Regional Center,
a MassMATCH program, managed by Easter Seals
Maureen Coyle, COMS
Carroll Center for the Blind & Shriver Clinical Services
Description: Please join us to learn about a variety of wonderful devices that help those with low vision or blindness function more effectively at work, their day program, or in their personal life. We will review and demonstrate each device for its functionality with our population. The emphasis will be on devices that assist with daily living, memory, organization, and having FUN! We planto make this an interactive and hands-on session with our audience. Come and have a chat with a clock!
12:15 – 12:30Exhibits Open
12:30 – 1:30Lunch & Award Presentations:
● Mark Holt “Gift of Lunch”
●Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Service
● Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Leadership
1:30 –2:00Dedicated Vendor & Poster Session!!!
We listened to you!!!
We have again scheduled more timeafter lunch for meeting
our Exhibitors, viewing the Posters, andnetworking. Enjoy!!!
2:00 – 3:00 Concurrent Sessions
- The Power of Technology: Fundus Photography and OCT Use in Diabetes and Macular Degeneration
Presenter: Elena Z Biffi, OD, MSc, FAAO
Assistant Clinical Professor, NECO
Staff Optometrist, South Boston Community Health Center
Description: Fundus Photography (photography of the back part of the eye) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) have revolutionized our approach to retinal disease identification, diagnosis and decision making. This lecture will introduce the mechanics of the image acquisition, as well as will demonstrate the applicability of imaging technology in diagnosis and management of ocular conditions. Characteristic, disease-specific Fundus Photography and OCT patterns can be identified; these patterns will be illustrated via engaging case presentations in the overall framework of epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical features for Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration. Furthermore, understating of normal and abnormal retinal layer architecture will be tied to potential visual function; in turn, these conditions will be placed in the overall diagnostic and management framework used in day-to-day primary care and ocular disease.
B. Sensory Trails – What’s New in Massachusetts?
Presenter:Jerry Berrier
National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
Perkins School for the Blind
Marcy Marchello
Universal Access Program Coordinator
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
Description: This session will focus primarily on the recent work of Massachusetts Audubon in providing over 10 accessible All Persons Trails around the state that include sensory elements and audio tours to make outdoor educational experiences available for people with visual impairments. Learn where these trail opportunities are, key features of sensory trails and best practices for creating them. Other new accessible sensory trails opportunities and adaptive hiking strategies for conventional trails will be briefly described as well.
2:00 – 3:00 Concurrent Sessions (continued)
C.Focusing on Human and Civil Rights
Presenters: Teka J. Harris, M.A., BCBA, Senior Human Rights Specialist
Department of Developmental Services/Central West Region
Rebecca Christie, J.D., Human Rights Specialist
Department of Developmental Services/Northeast Region
Nathan Hoover, Human Rights Specialist
Department of Developmental Services/Southeast Region
Richard Santucci, Director, Office for Human Rights
Department of Developmental Services
Description: This presentation will offer insights into the impact of DDS regulations, the tremendous importance of self-advocacy and success stories from the field.
D.Creative Teaching Strategies for Working with Deafblind Individuals in a Residential Setting: A Case Study
Presenter:Carol Vienneau, Residential Program Manager
New England Village
Description:Staff working in residential settings are often overwhelmed by the challenges of working with deafblind individuals. This presentation will examine some strategies for teaching and working with individuals with deafblindness and intellectual disabilities. Using a case study, some ideas will be sharedon how to offer choices, provide opportunities, foster community integration, and ultimately empower the folks you work with.
E.New Products and Services
Five different companies/agencies will discuss the services and products they provide, including assistive technology, that are helpful to individuals with visual impairment or blindness and those who support them.
- Perkins eLearning: professional development opportunities
- Perkins Solutions: digital accessibility, emerging technology for navigation
- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind: benefits and services
- New England Consortium for Deafblind Technical Assistance: services
- Perkins Library: services, eligibility, and registration information
PLEASE NOTE: CEU’s are not offered for this session.
3:00 – 3:15Break / Refreshments / Exhibits Open
3:15 – 3:30"Focus" On Talent!!!
Performance by the “MAI Group Inc.”will put the finishing touch on the day!
The MAI Group Inc. is a tax exempt organization under section 501 (c) (3) as of November 15, 2012. The MAI band has been providing opportunities for people of various abilities in music and art since its inception in October 2009. We currently have 10 core group members who have performed in concerts together for several years. Some members of the group are amateurs while others are veteran musicians who have played and continue to play with other bands. MAI has played an average of at least 60 concerts over the past 5 years in more than a dozen towns.