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Southwest Orientation and Mobility Association

(SWOMA) Conference: On the Move

November 3-5, 2016Region 11 ESC, Ft. Worth, Texas

Welcome to Region 11 Education Service Center and the 2016 SWOMA Conference! We hope you enjoy your time here. If you have any questions or need assistance, please look for one of the conference sponsors who are wearing red ribbons or stop by the registration desk.If you have messages or job postings to share, a message board is available near the registration area in the lobby.If you have a dog guide, a relief area has been designated just southeast of the building.

About your CEUsThis SWOMA Conference has been approved for up to 13 hours of continuing education units (CEU) by ACVREP and SBEC. To receive credit for each session you attend and get a certificate you must:

1. Sign-in at the beginning of each session.2. Write down the code provided at the end of the session and enter it

in your online evaluation.3. Complete your evaluation within 60 days.

2016 Texas Focus Session Guide

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SWOMA Pre-Conference Agenda - Thursday, November 3rd

10:30 AM-5:30 PMRegion 11, Conference Center LobbySign-in takes place for those individuals attending the pre-conference.1:00 - 2:30 PMInnovate A - DTeaching Students to Deal with Uncontrolled Intersections: Recognizing Situations of UncertaintyDona Sauerburger, COMS, Gambrills, MarylandAfter doing more than 100 presentations on this topic, Dona has revised this workshop to premier a comprehensive yet streamlined two-part version of this workshop for SWOMA! This session will take you step-by-step through the process of teaching your students to assess situations of crossings with no traffic control; determine if they have enough warning of approaching vehicles to know when it's clear to cross; analyze the risk of crossing; and consider alternatives when the risk is not acceptable.2:30-3:00 PMInnovate A - DBreak with light refreshments.3:00-4:30 PMInnovate A - DTeaching Students to Deal with Uncontrolled Intersections: Recognizing Situations of UncertaintyDona Sauerburger, COMS, Gambrills, MarylandThis session continues.

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SWOMA Conference Agenda for Friday, November 4th

8:30 AM-5:00 PMConference Center Lobby Registration opens: Sign-in continues until 5 PM.

8:45 - 9:00 AM Innovate A - D Welcome and HousekeepingSWOMA Planning Committee representatives share information and housekeeping notes important to SWOMA participants.

9:00 – 10:00 AMInnovate A - DGeneral SessionKeeping Up with the Changes in IntersectionsJanet Barlow, COMS and President of Accessible Designs for the Blind, Asheville, NCTraffic engineers are coming up with new complex intersection designs to keep traffic moving, and sometimes to make it easier for pedestrians to cross, and sometimes not! From roundabouts to diverging diamond interchanges (DDI) and continuous flow intersections (CFI), these intersections may require new techniques and strategies for us and our clients/students. This presentation will describe the concepts of these intersection types, their impact on wayfinding and crossing, and strategies to prepare our clients for them and/or design modifications to request.

10:00-10:30 AMConference Center LobbyBreak

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Enjoy a beverage and a light snack while you check out the vendors!

10:30 - 11:45 AM General SessionNew Signals Coming Your Way: RRFBs, PHBs, APS, EPP, and moreJanet Barlow, COMS and President of Accessible Designs for the Blind, Asheville, NCTraffic signals can function in many different ways. O&M specialists and individuals who are blind or who have low vision need to understand the various new types of signals being installed. This presentation will give an overview of the alphabet soup of new signals, their functioning, and what we need to teach our clients.

11:45 AM - 1:00 PMLunchParticipants are on their own for lunch. However, a variety of Food Trucks will be available in the parking lot offering a wide range of food items including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

1:00 - 2:30 PM Breakout sessions:Participants will select one of the following five sessions:

#1 Getting Mobile: How to Out"Smart" YourselfEngage A & DShawn Keen, Assistive Technology Trainer, Lighthouse for the Blind Ft. Worth, TXShawn shares his experiences with using iPhone technology to enhance his independent travel. Along with good cane travel, Shawn will show real life examples of how cane skills can partner with affordable technology that most of us carry around with us

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everywhere. With a wide assortment of GPS and transportation apps for the iPhone both free and paid the modern blind person has an array of solutions to pick from. Maybe this is why Shawn considers his iPhone to be his digital Swiss Army Knife.#2 Getting Administrators and Transportation Personnel to Think Outside of "The Building."Engage CAlecia Self, COMS, Wylie, TXOne of the many struggles I have heard from Itinerant Orientation & Mobility Specialists is the struggle to get administrators and transportation personnel to think of educational needs occurring outside of the school environment. This session will explore, creative data driven ways to collaborate with administrators to spark their interest and support for providing real world practice and application of O&M Skills as well as addressing the ECC within the student's natural environment. It will also provide an overview of how to get transportation to provide a bus and bus driver through federal grants and IEP goals instead of district funds.#3 Teaching Students to Deal with Uncontrolled Crossings: listening or looking for approaching vehicles effectivelyInnovate ADona Sauerburger, COMS, Gambrills, MarylandAt uncontrolled crossings where your students can hear or see approaching traffic with enough warning, you want to be sure they have the skills needed to determine when it is clear to cross! This session will cover the factors students need to consider when listening for “all clear” to cross, and the challenges and strategies for students with visual impairments to look for crossable gaps in traffic.

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#4 Expanded Core Curriculum for Orientation and Mobility: How we connect the ECC to everything we doInnovate B & CChris Tabb, COMS, TSBVI Outreach Programs, Austin, TXWe will look at fun ways of including Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) activities into your Orientation and Mobility lessons and instruction. We will also share ideas and resources for infusing literacy into ECC activities so that in addition to teaching O&M skills and concepts, you will be supporting STAAR success. If you are looking for more support of Orientation and Mobility from the Teams and schools you are working in with; this session is for you!#5 O&M VISSIT: New Tool for COMS to Help Determine Service IntensityEngage BDr. Rona Pogrund, Professor, and Dr. Shannon Darst, Adjunct Professor, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TXThe new O&M Visual Impairment Scale of Service Intensity of Texas (VISSIT) was developed to guide orientation and mobility specialists in determining the type and amount of service to recommend for their students. This presentation will detail the purpose of the scale and its development, demonstrate its use, and describe the initial study being conducted to validate the new scale.

2:30-3:00 PMBreakEnjoy a beverage and a light snack while you check out the vendors!

3:00 - 4:30 PM Breakout SessionsParticipants will select one of the following four sessions:

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#1 Breaking Down the Steps to IndependenceInnovate A & DMandy Jenkins, Transition Coordinator, White Settlement ISD, White Settlement, TXLearning transition skills should begin at the earliest stages of life. Many times we jump to the big picture of independence and miss teaching the important details needed to truly make it in the world. White Settlement ISD's Transition Center has seen student growth and success by recognizing the process and steps to different life skills and breaking them down for individual needs.#2 Money! Money! Money! For My StudentsEngage CAlecia Self, COMS, Wylie, TXGrant writing may seem a little daunting, but once you get the verbiage down it's easy as pie. My first year in the classroom I learned the value of writing grants and how the materials impacted the students in my classroom. Since then I have written a number of grants totaling over $15,000. In this session, I will share with you resources and ideas to gain funding through grants in order to provide your students with materials, training for teachers that support your students, concept development lessons, as well as expanded core curriculum events. Components for grant writing typically require data showing both the need for the requested grant and data for how the requested grant will be implemented and the expected results. This session will go over the basics of how to tie all that data together for a successfully written grant. #3 Teaching O&M to Individuals who are DeafblindEngage ALelan Miller, Orientation & Mobility Instructor, Hays CISD and Deafblind Community Program, Austin, TXThis is the third and final presentation in a three part series on the topic of O&M instruction for those who are DeafBlind. O&M travelers of all ages who are DeafBlind have a wide range of

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vision, hearing, and communication capabilities that require adaptation and modifications of O&M techniques and strategies. This presentation will discuss selecting goals and IEPs, designing O&M lessons, modifying the O&M curriculum, teaming with a sign language interpreter for O&M instruction, selection of canes and cane tips, and communication with the DeafBlind traveler and with the public.#4 Texas 2 Steps: STEPping into ActivitiesTexas Two Step Author PanelInnovate B & CJill Brown, Tracy Hallak, Stephanie Isbell Walker, Michelle Johnson, Gema Nelson, Debra Sewell, Olga Uriegas, Shay Utley, Marjie Wood, Contributors to Texas Two-StepsGot babies? Well then we have the tool for you! Texas Two-Steps is an orientation and mobility assessment and curriculum for use with infants and toddlers. This tool is the synthesis of years of collaboration and well over a century of combined hands on, professional experience. All going into one comprehensive tool that addresses the unique learning needs of our youngest students.

AER International Orientation & Mobility Conference 2017Wyndham Grand PittsburghPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaJuly 19-22The AER International Orientation & Mobility Conference 2017 will be held July 19-22, 2017, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It will offer an unsurpassed opportunity to learn and network with the best of the best! Achieving excellence in professional growth and service delivery is the

aim of this conference. Here you will engage with hundreds of O&M Specialists from around the world, explore critical topics in the field and

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be a part of conversations that will shape the future of Orientation and Mobility! Mark your calendars today.

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4:45 - 5:45 PM After Hours Optional Activities Blindfold PracticeMeet in the front lobby area.Blindfold practice is open to anyone who wishes to participate. You need to bring your own cane and blindfold. Ruth Ann Marsh and others will facilitate this opportunity for you to get hours practicing under blindfold.HumanWare Treasure HuntMeet in the front lobby area.Peter Tucic from HumanWare will take you on a Treasure Hunt around with Trekker Breeze+ Demonstration Units.6:00 - 8:00 PM SWOMA Networking SocialHampton Inn and Suites, Hospitality RoomHampton Inn and Suites is the location for this happy hour social. Please stop by for this networking opportunity before heading out for dinner and fun. A cash bar is provided along with free non-alcoholic beverages and light hors d'oeuvres will be served.

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Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired Is a proud supporter of the 2016 Southwest Orientation and Mobility Association (SWOMA) Conference! Please visit our

exhibit table and our website at www.tsbvi.edu.We are excited to offer several new publications of special interest to orientation and mobility specialists. These include Yoga for Children with Visual and Multiple Impairments and the Expanded Core Curriculum for Students with Visual Impairments. Also coming in the Spring, Texas Two Steps!

Region 11 ESC and theStatewide Leadership Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Education Service Center Region 11 provides Statewide Leadership for Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. As the state lead, ESC Region 11 facilitates the coordination of 20 regional Education Service Center visual impairment specialists to develop a team approach in supporting students with visual impairments. Network professional development and technical assistance focuses on building capacity to

ensure students with visual impairments have comparable access to the general curriculum and improve skill areas necessary to compensate for visual loss. Additionally, ESC Region 11 serves as the first point of contact for education service centers and provides information and guidance when requested by the Texas Education Agency.

THE SLSBVI IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE SWOMA CONFERENCE!

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Coming Soon!

http://www.tsbvi.edu/


SWOMA Conference Agenda for Saturday, November 5th

8:30 - 10:00 AM Breakout Sessions Participants will select one of the following two sessions.

# 1 Orientation and Mobility for Older Adults with Vision LossInnovate BNora Griffin-Shirley, COMS and Anita Page, COMS, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TXAs the “baby boomer generation” continues to age, an increase in the need for services to senior citizens, including orientation and mobility services exists. This session will explore some of the challenges involved in serving this group and specific strategies to improve the quality of O&M services they receive. Participants will engage in a simulation activity that will highlight some of the challenges faced by older adults when traveling. A discussion of this simulation will provide opportunities for participants to problem-solve concerning effective instructional strategies and interventions that can assist the COMS when providing instruction to this older population.# 2 Learning to Move / Moving to Learn: A Focus on Early Orientation DevelopmentInnovate A & DTanni Anthony, COMS, Colorado Department of Education Exceptional Student Services, Denver, CODevelopmental orientation and mobility programming requires a comprehensive understanding of early cognitive development and the potential impact of pediatric blindness/visual impairment upon the developing child’s acquisition of spatial awareness concepts. The session will further address intervention strategies to support early orientation concept acquisition.

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10:00-10:30 AMBreakConference Center LobbyEnjoy a beverage and a light snack while you check out the vendors!

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Breakout SessionsParticipants will select one of the following two sessions.

# 1 Transition to Work and Adult Life: How an O&M Specialist Facilitates in the ProcessInnovate BKaren Wolffe, Ph.D., Career Counseling & Consultation, LLC, Austin, TXIn this session, Dr. Wolfe will briefly describe the importance and need for transition services to young people with visual impairments and the role that Orientation and Mobility Specialists play. She will discuss the critical need for assistance from O&M instructors in the stages of career exploration, job seeking, and job maintenance. Strategies for collaborating with students, families, teachers, and rehabilitation personnel will also be discussed. Audience participation will be encouraged and resources shared.# 2 Learning to Move / Moving to Learn: A Focus on Early Motor / Mobility DevelopmentInnovate A & DTanni Anthony, COMS, Colorado Department of Education Exceptional Student Services, Denver, COAll children must learn to move so that they can use their mobility to explore and learn. This session will address the developmental motor phases and needs specific to Orientation and Mobility for very young children who are blind/visually impaired. Information will be offered about inherent motor development challenges tied to pediatric visual impairment and support strategies.

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12:00 - 12:45 PMSWOMA LuncheonInnovate A & D(Provided with Registration Fee) Please join us for a nice lunch before we start the Hot Topics Crackerbarrels!

12:45 - 1:45 PM Crackerbarrel Sessions - Hot Topics TablesInnovate A-D and Huddle A-DJoin in these Crackerbarrel Sessions to share your ideas and opinions about a variety of "hot topics" in orientation and mobility. Participants will choose three tables of interest and participate in three 20 minute rotations at the preferred topic areas.

1. REEDS, Required OM Evaluations, and ECC: How are You and Your Teams Adjusting to the New Laws? in Huddle A

2. Technology Round Up: Apps for use by learners, apps for use by professionals, innovative devices, etc. in Huddle B

3. Early Childhood in Innovate A-B4. CVI and Multiply Impaired Visually Impaired (MIVI) in Huddle C5. Contracting, Determining Contracting Rates, and 3rd Party

Reimbursement in Huddle DIf you fill your bingo card by attending 3 twenty-minute sessions place it in the drawing for a free registration to next year’s SWOMA Conference. Winners will be notified at the end of the Crackerbarrels.

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Each year a group of volunteers give their time to help plan and host the SWOMA Conference. We want to recognize their contributions of time and imagination in creating a wonderful conference experience for all of us! Please take time to tell them thanks for all their hard work. You can spot them because they will be wearing a read “sponsor” ribbon.

Sue BehmJill BrownCarrie KeithCarolina GonzalezCindy HaughnKate HurstBeverly JacksonScott Meyer

Toni ProvostPatti RutanAlecia SelfMary ShoreChris TabbStephanie WalkerMelanie White

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SWOMA Honors Texas FellowsThanks to the individual Texas Fellows for their recruiting efforts. We welcome them along with the new VI professional Candidates to the 2016 SWOMA Conference. Interested in becoming a Texas Fellow or Candidate?Texas Fellows and Candidates:

Receive one of TSBVI’s most popular publications OR free registration for an upcoming TSBVI sponsored conference.

Have your name published in the Texas SenseAbilities newsletter for 1 year.

Receive special acknowledgement at all statewide TSBVI-sponsored activities.

For more information about the Texas Fellows Program or working as a VI professional contact: Mary Shore at [email protected]; 512-206-9156.Recognizing VI Professionals in their Role as Recruiters2015-16Texas Fellow

Kandice Burke Marcia Hopkins Charlotte Simpson Janiel Hayes Deborah Thompson Tashia Ellington

Shelly Gonzales Lonnie Fortner Cindy WarnickKandice BurkeDanika Spake

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Figure 1 Two images: On the left an instructor's hand behind the student's hand on a travel cane. On the right a child's hands reading braille.

mailto:[email protected]


CandidateJennifer GillispieJennifer BrownCindy HolifieldIrma GarzaKelly Bevis WoodielHeather GillKatie NashJudith MartinezCassidy SherwoodMichelle Peacock Alecia Jarrett

2016-17Texas Fellow

Laura HamptonHeather HagaKelli Thompson

CandidateCatherine EdwardsPamela CastilloChristi Osborne

Visit Our Vendors

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Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Figure 2 Guiding Eyes for the Blind ad shows a man lounging on the grass with his blond lab in harness. The quote on the ad reads, "My Guiding Eyes dog is my companion, my eyes, and most of all, a true and devoted friend.

Fork in the Road Vision Rehabilitation Services

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Christal Vision

http://www.christal-vision.com/ 106 Evans Oak Ln. San Antonio, TX 78260

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http://www.christal-vision.com/

mailto:[email protected]


The Seeing Eye, Inc.www.seeingeye.org

P.O. Box 375Morristown, NJ 07963973-539-4425

Benetech/Booksharewww.bookshare.org480 S. California Ave. Ste. 201 Palo Alto, CA 94306

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https://ambutech.com/

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http://www.seeingeye.org/

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Use the table below to make note of your break-out sessions to create your personalized agenda.

Day/ Date

Time Session Room

Thur

s.

Nov

. 2nd

1:00-4:30 PM Teaching Students to Deal with Uncontrolled Intersections: Recognizing Situations of Uncertainty

Inno

vate

A -

D

Frid

ay

Nov

embe

r 3rd

9:00-10:00 AM Keeping Up with the Changes in Intersections

10:30-11:45 AM New Signals Coming Your Way: RRFBs, PHBs, APS, EPP, and more

1:00-2:30 PM

3:00-4:30 PM

4:45-5:45 PM

Satu

rday

Nov

embe

r 4th

8:30-10:00 AM

10:30-12:00 PM

12:45-1:45 PM Cracker-barrel: Hot Topics Tables

Innovate A-D and Huddle A-D

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Notes

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Day Time Session CodeTh

ur.

1:00-4:30 PM Teaching Students to Deal with Uncontrolled Intersections

Frid

ay

9:00-10:00 AM Keeping Up with the Changes in Intersections

10:30-11:45 AM New Signals Coming Your Way

1:00-2:30 PM

Getting Mobile: How to Out"Smart" YourselfTeaching Students to Deal with Uncontrolled CrossingsECC for Orientation and MobilityO&M VISSIT

3:00-4:30 PM

Breaking Down the Steps to IndependenceTeaching O&M to Individuals who are DeafblindTexas 2 Steps

4:45-5:45 PMBlindfold PracticeHumanWare Treasure Hunt

Satu

rday

8:30-10:00 AM O&M for Older Adults with Vision LossLearning to Move / Moving to Learn

10:30-12:00 PMTransition to Work and Adult Life Learning to Move / Moving to Learn

12:45-1:45 PM Crackerbarrel Sessions - Hot Topics Tables

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about your ceus · web viewgrant writing may seem a little daunting, but once you get the verbiage...

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