important announcements - texas school for the blind and ... swoma/… · web viewtravelers, that...

November 1-3, 2019 in Nacogdoches, TXWelcome to the 2019 Southwest Orientation and Mobility Association (SWOMA) Conference! We hope that you will enjoy your time here and go home with a lot of great information to help you in working with your students and clients. Here are some things you need to know.

Important AnnouncementsIn order to receive ACVREP credit for participating in ANY session at SWOMA 2019, you must sign-in each day of the event. You will be given codes at the end of the sessions that will be needed when you complete your evaluation. A table can be found on the last page of this guide to record the session codes. DO NOT lose these codes as none can be provided to you after the conference is finished.

We would like to thank the following organizations for helping to sponsor the 2019 SWOMA Conference:

• Allied Instruction Service• East TX Lighthouse for the Blind• Guiding Eyes for the Blind• Stephen F. Austin State University• Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired – Curriculum Department

Exhibits will be set up in the Convention Lobby on Saturday and Sunday throughout the day. Please take time to visit with our exhibitors while you are here.

You are on your own to enjoy Nacogdoches on Friday evening. A list of options can be found on page 16 of this guide.

Don’t forget to join in the fun of networking with your colleagues at the social on Saturday evening from 5:00-6:30 PM in the Banita Ballroom. Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be served; a cash bar will also be available.

Participants may want to visit the Día de los Muertos Fiesta on the square in downtown Nacogdoches from 4-8 PM on Saturday, November 2nd. This festival includes both food and art vendors.

Do you have an interest in our 2020 SWOMA Conference? Please take time to complete a brief online survey during the Conference. We have laptops set up in the registration area so you can easily complete it during one of your break times or you use this link on your personal device..

2019 SWOMA Conference Guide

https://forms.gle/xXdmQffdLd6zEzRn9

SWOMA Planning CommitteeWant to make the 2020 SWOMA Conference even more exciting than the 2019 conference? Have great ideas for speakers and session topics? Please consider volunteering as a member of the SWOMA Planning Committee. Send your contact information to Mary Shore at [email protected] or include a note on your conference evaluation that you are interested in helping. Our thanks to all the volunteers who brought you the fabulous 2019 SWOMA Conference:

Katie Barnes

Andrew Bernet

Kate Borg

Lauren Bowen

Julie Brown

Patti Clement

Donna J. Dean

Debra Fournier-Pursel

Carolina Gonzalez

Beverly Jackson

Scott Meyer

Michael Munro

Jennifer N. Perry

Toni Provost

Cecilia Robinson

Patricia Rutan

Alecia Self

Mary Shore

Chris Tabb

Stephanie Walker

Marjie Wood

PRE-CONFERENCE - Friday, November 1, 2019Sign-in opens at 11 AM for both the pre-conference and conference.

1:00-4:30 PM Convention A & B

Finding Wheels in 2019A New Resource for Travelers in Their Teens or Early 20sL. Penny Rosenblum, Ph.D., Research Professor, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Anne L. Corn, Ed.D., Austin, TX

Travelers, that is, those in high school or their early 20s, need to develop a complex set of skills to manage travel. During this session the presenters will focus on the wide array of skills needed such as using technology during travel, bicycling with low vision, safety during travel, and using rideshare services. We will share "Finding Wheels", a 2019 publication from TSBVI. The book differs in many ways from the original 2000 version. Throughout the session the presenters will present scenarios of travelers, content, activities, and vignettes. Videos, discussion, and small group activities will be used to increase participation and understanding of the material.


mailto:[email protected]

CONFERENCE: Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019

7:45 AM-5:00 PM Convention Lobby

ExhibitorsPlease take time to visit our exhibitors during breaks in the Convention Lobby. They will be available from 7:45 AM-5:00 PM.

7:45-8:15 AM Convention Lobby

BreakfastA continental breakfast is available for participants.

8:15-8:30 AM ConventionA & B

Welcome and Housekeeping

Saturday General Sessions


LeadershipMichael Munro, COMS, ESC Region 6 VI Consultant, Huntsville, TX

The presentation will seek to motivate individuals to step up into various leadership positions in the field as well as build them up in their belief in themselves as leaders.


BreakFreshen up your coffee or tea before the next session begins.


An Update on the Status of the Orientation and Mobility ProfessionEileen Siffermann, COMS, President of OMSA, Tucson, AZ

Eileen will lead a discussion on the characteristics of a profession and how those characteristics relate to the profession of Orientation and Mobility. She will also report on the beginnings and the work of the Orientation and Mobility Specialist Association (OMSA).

11:45 AM -1:00 PM

Lunch on your ownThe hotel has prepared a quick option for lunch. There are also a number of restaurants nearby. Check with the concierge to find out about dining options.


1:00-2:30 PM Saturday Breakout Sessions

Convention A Moving On! Advocating for Optimal O&M Services in TexasMarjie Wood, M.Ed., COMS, TVI, O&M Consultant, Austin, TX

Mary Shore, COMS, O&M Consultant, TSBVI Outreach, Austin, TX

After gathering at SWOMA 2018 and TAER 2019, the area of “administration” was identified as the number one roadblock in providing optimal O&M services to children and adults in Texas. As we roll up our sleeves once again, let's focus on creating specific actions necessary for achieving quality services.

Convention B Wearable Canes Improve Motor, Concept, Language, & Social SkillsDr. Grace Ambrose-Zaken, Ed.D., COMS, Coordinator of Rehabilitation Teaching and Orientation & Mobility Program, Hunter College, City University of New York

Anne L. Corn, Ed.D., Author, Austin, TX

Mobility visual impairment and blindness is a term that helps identify those persons for whom tactile path information is not optional. This session will define and give video examples of the term mobility visual impairment. Research on the benefits of the wearable cane and the new O&M assessment for preverbal/nonverbal children under five will be provided along with videos demonstrating the successful use of the wearable cane with children five and younger with MVI/B.

Banita Ballroom Investing in Your Future with Digital NetworkingLauralyn Randles, Doctoral Candidate, COMS, TVI, Morris, Il

Molly Pasley, Ed.D., COMS, TVI, Instructor/Service Provider for Individuals with Visual Impairments, Out of Sight Accessibility, Peoria, Il

We are in a field where our nearest professional peer may be in another town or county. Our students are facing the same predicament. Together through modeling, we can build a network of support for ourselves and our students. The presenters will address some tips and tricks for building these digital networks.

Rusk What O&M Looks Like in Beirut, LebanonPaul Hull, COMS, Kingwood, TX

Paul experienced a serendipitous three weeks' worth of O&M instruction given to Lebanese citizens as well as Syrian and Palestinian refugees with visual impairments. Learn about the differences between O&M instruction in the United States and Lebanon as Paul shares how the group overcame the obstacles such as cultural taboos and language barriers that were never described in any textbook, classroom or by any mentor or peer in the


field.


2:30-3:00 PM Convention Lobby

BreakLike refreshments will be served.

3:00-4:30 pm Saturday Breakout Sessions

Convention A Eye CandyToby Penington, COMS, CLVT, and Charlotte Simpson, COMS, Texas Workforce Commission, CCRC, Austin, TX

Want to help your student be able to explain their eye conditions to peers, support staff, parents and others on their IEP Teams? Eye Candy is an edible and interactive presentation that uses candy to represent the various structures of the human eye and eye conditions.

Convention B Wearable Canes: Who, what, when, where and howDr. Grace Ambrose-Zaken, Ed.D., COMS, Coordinator of Rehabilitation Teaching and Orientation & Mobility Program, Hunter College, City University of New York

Wearable canes are a new member of the mobility device family. This session is open to all who work with early intervention and preschool students with severe visual impairment and blindness. Attendees will learn how to obtain wearable canes, as well as how to instruct and measure wearable cane outcomes in learners with mobility visual impairment and blindness.

Banita Ballroom Running Guide Dogs - Guiding Eyes for the BlindMike Goehring, Field Representative and Instructor, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Jud, North Dakota

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is the first and currently the only guide dog school in the U.S. to offer a program and equipment specifically dedicated to Running Guides. In this session we will discuss the development and evolution of this one of a kind program with Guiding Eyes including information about qualifications for applicants and specialized equipment utilized in the Running Guides program

Raguet Room Experiences with Vision Loss: A Focus GroupJennifer Perry, COMS, CVRT, Nacogdoches, TX

This session is limited to individuals who are adventitiously blind. The focus of this group will be to discuss the experiences of Vision Loss in a way that highlights thoughts, feelings, and other personal initial reactions to losing vision. This group will include the opportunity for additional discussions with the moderator should there be any information that a person would like to share, but is not comfortable to discuss.


4:45-5:45 PM Saturday, Optional EventsMeet in the Convention Lobby if you are interested in participating in either of these events.

Blindfold TravelThis is an opportunity to gain practice hours for your certification, led by SWOMA Planning Committee members.

Victor Trek Treasure HuntJoin us for this OPTIONAL training. HumanWare will introduce the Victor Reader Trek. This product is the newest generation of orientation and mobility aids from HumanWare, and it provides unique benefits not available in other devices such as smartphones. Join us to find out about what is new for non-visual travelers in the world of technology.

5:00-6:30 PM Banita Ballroom

SWOMA Social Networking EventAppetizers and beverages will be served. A cash bar is also available.


Sunday, November 3rd

8:30 AM-12:30 PM Convention Lobby

ExhibitorsPlease take time to visit our exhibitors during breaks in the Convention Lobby. They will be available from 7:45 AM-5:00 PM.


BreakfastA continental breakfast is available for participants.

8:30 – 10:00 AM Breakout Sessions

Convention A Beyond the O&M VISSIT: Advocating for Appropriate Service IntensityShannon Darst, Ph.D., TVI, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TXHeather Munro, M.Ed., TVI, COMS, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TXRona Pogrund, Ph.D., TVI, COMS, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TXWhat does your administrator need to know in order to understand the need for more support and/or additional staff in your O&M program? This presentation will provide strategies for having the conversation about needing more support based on the results of all of your O&M VISSITs and other workload factors.

Convention B CCRC Assistive Technology and Travel (iPhone & Android)Jeff Molzow, Employment Assistance Specialist at Texas Workforce Commission, Lubbock, TXMichael Doise, iAccessibility Owner and Data/Applications Specialist at Travis Association for The Blind, Austin, TXWant to learn to choose the right tech application for any situation? This session will show O&M Instructors how to use assistive technology on mobile devices to augment travel.


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Travis-Association-for-The-Blind/137612889620021?eid=ARB9fiG0wvcbkAYMbcP1YmTPm9cm7mxY5dHklw2g1sxGdTUXgwLCbN96HsQSb7zbDoy3o1gPh5k7yIRO&timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=664864897&fref=tag

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Travis-Association-for-The-Blind/137612889620021?eid=ARB9fiG0wvcbkAYMbcP1YmTPm9cm7mxY5dHklw2g1sxGdTUXgwLCbN96HsQSb7zbDoy3o1gPh5k7yIRO&timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=664864897&fref=tag

10:30 AM-12:00 PM Breakout Sessions

Convention A Are You Prepared for Disaster? Disaster Planning for Students with a Visual ImpairmentLauralyn Randles, Doctoral Candidate, COMS, TVI, Morris, Il

Molly Pasley, Ed.D., COMS, TVI, Instructor/Service Provider for Individuals with Visual Impairments, Out of Sight Accessibility, Peoria, Il

With the recent uptick in active shooters in schools, it is important that students with special needs are considered during these lifesaving practice sessions. The presenters will address common protocols for fire, bomb threat, tornado, and active shooter scenarios, parental concerns about safety of their children, and how to construct and where to place safety plans for students with a visual impairment. Attendees will be encouraged to share their experiences and knowledge.

Banita Ballroom

Let’s Move Together! Early Play Routines to Encourage Self-Initiated MovementMarjie Wood, M.Ed., COMS, TVI, O&M Consultant, Austin, TXThe O&M Specialist has a unique role with babies and their parents in laying the foundation for early movement and exploration leading to more formal O&M skills later in life. Come learn some play routines that can benefit baby and parents on the road to self-initiated movement.



BreakPlease use this time to check out of the hotel and pay a last visit to our exhibitors.

12:30-2:30 PM Convention A & B

Working Lunch: Teaching Tips for O&M Instructors from O&M InstructorsFacilitated by Ed Mullen, M.S. Ed.; M.A. O&M; COMS, Texas Workforce Commission, CCRC, Austin, TX

Ed Mullen facilitates this session designed to share and to gather instructional techniques that have improved our teaching. The strategies that veteran O&M instructors have learned from each other, from our students, or from our own creativity. The techniques presented will be recorded and shared with our SWOMA participants following the conference.

SWOMA 2019 Conference-At-A-Glance

Friday, November 1, 2019

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Convention Lobby

Registration

1:00-2:15 PM ConventionA & B

Finding Wheels Curriculum and Independent Travel with a Variety of Transportation Options


Break

2:30-4:30 PM ConventionA & B

Finding Wheels Curriculum and Independent Travel with a Variety of Transportation Options


Saturday, November 2nd, 2019

7:45-8:15 AM Convention Lobby Registration and Sign-in

7:45-8:15 AM Convention Lobby Breakfast


Welcome and Housekeeping


Leadership

10:00–10:30 AM Convention Lobby

Break and Visit with Exhibitors

10:30–11:45 AM ConventionA & B

An Update on the Status of the Orientation and Mobility Profession

11:45 AM-1:00 PM

Lunch on your own

1:00-2:30 PM Breakout Sessions1. Convention A: Moving On! Advocating for Optimal O&M Services

in Texas2. Convention B: Wearable Canes Improve Motor, Concept,

Language, and Social Skills3. Banita Ballroom: Invest in Your Future with Digital Networking4. Rusk: What O&M Looks like in Beirut, Lebanon


Break and Visit with Exhibitors

3:00-4:30 PM Breakout Sessions1. Convention A: Eye Candy2. Convention B: Wearable Canes: Who, what, when, where and

how3. Banita Ballroom: Running Guide Dogs - Guiding Eyes for the Blind4. Raguet Room: Experiences with Vision Loss: A Focus Group

4:45-5:45 PM Convention A

Blindfold Travel or Victor Trek Treasure HuntHumanWare


7:30-9:30 PM Banita Ballroom

SWOMA Social Networking Event

Sunday, November 3rd, 2018

7:15-8:30 AM Breakfast

8:30-10:00 AM Breakout Sessions1. Convention A: Beyond the O&M VISSIT: Advocating for

Appropriate Service Intensity2. Convention B: Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center (CCRC)

Technology, iPhone/Android

10:00-10:30 AM Convention Lobby Break

10:30 AM-12:00 PM

Breakout Sessions1. Convention A: Are You Prepared for Disaster? Disaster Planning

for Students with a Visual Impairment2. Convention B: Let’s Move Together! Early Play Routines to

Encourage Self-Initiated Movement

12:00 – 12:15 PM Convention Lobby

Break

12:30 – 2:30 PM Convention A & B

Working Lunch

Figure 1 IDEAs that Work logo.

TSBVI Outreach Programs lend their support to the SWOMA conference each year. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Education Special Education Programs (OSEP). Opinions expressed here the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Department of Education.


Floor Plan of Convention Space

Figure 2 Fredonia Meeting Room Floor Plan: All meeting rooms are down the hallway to the right as you enter the main lobby. The Raguet, Rusk and Banita rooms are in a row before you reach the Convention Lobby and Convention A&B.

The Pre-conference and general sessions will all take place in the Convention Center rooms. Breakout sessions will also utilize the Banita and Raguet rooms.


For individuals using dog guides a relief area outside near Convention A&B has been set up. Please check with the front desk if you need assistance locating this area or check with someone at the registration area.


TSBVI Outreach Program Honors Texas FellowsRecognizing VI Professionals in their Role as Recruiters

2018-2019

Texas FellowGabriella Ortuno-Haywood Mari Garza Mari Garza Tracy Fletcher Tracy Fletcher Emily Calvert Tracy Hallak Scarlett BayardCathy EdwardsBarbie PriestYevernett Anderson

CandidateEmma ReeseAmy ReynaDahlia RiveraBrenda BlumAmanda GarciaCandi StiltsGina ZavorkaDebbie FussellJo Ellen Fisk CloydAmanda CampbellPamela Jackson Thomas

The Texas Fellows program acknowledges the individual recruiters (Texas Fellow) and welcomes the new VI professional (Candidate) to the field. You are eligible to be a Texas Fellow if you were a significant person in the candidate’s recruitment. To be eligible for the program during the 2019-2000 school year, candidates must have started their training after May 15, 2019.

Texas Fellows and Candidates receive the following recognitions:

• The names of the Texas Fellows and the candidates are published in the Texas SenseAbilities newsletter.

• Texas Fellows and the candidates receive special acknowledgement at all statewide TSBVI-sponsored activities.

AND• One of TSBVI’s most popular publications OR • Registration assistance for an upcoming TSBVI sponsored conference.

For more information about the Texas Fellow Program or working as a VI professional contact: Mary Shore at [email protected]; 512-206-9156.



ExhibitorsPlease take time to visit our exhibitors. They will be located in the Convention Lobby throughout the day.

• Ability2Access

• Allied Instructional Services

• CHRISTAL VISION

• East TX Lighthouse for the Blind

• Guiding Eyes for the Blind

• HumanWare

• OrCam

• Texas Tech University

• Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired

East TX Lighthouse for the Blind411 W. Front Street, Tyler, TX 75702

https://www.tylerlighthouse.org/

Phone: 903.593.3111 | 1.888.565.3852

SunuBand Raffle Drawing. Stop by our booth Saturday, November 2nd.

Stop by our boothSaturday, November 2nd!

.

Guiding Eyes for the Blindhttps://www.guidingeyes.org/Guiding Eyes for the Blind provides guide dogs to people with vision loss. We are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals for greater independence. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with all services provided completely free of charge. At Guiding Eyes, we rely upon the contributions of our generous donors to fulfill our mission. Our Headquarters and Training Center is located in Yorktown Heights, New York, and our Canine Development Center in Patterson, New York.

611 Granite Springs Road,Yorktown Heights, NY 10598


https://www.guidingeyes.org/

https://www.tylerlighthouse.org/

(800) 942-0149


Ready for support from a team that understands your profession?

Want a job where you are valued for your knowledge and expertise?

Are you passionate about and dedicated to your field?

Do flexible

hours appeal to you?

Then AIS is the place for you!

Teachers for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Orientation and Mobility Specialists

BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES

Please contact Karen Vay Walker at [email protected] for more information...804-368-8475 | www.Alliedlnstructional.com


We Are Currently Recruiting For•••

Figure 3 AIS logo - Allied Instructional Services ™

http://www.Alliedlnstructional.com/


Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impairedwww.tsbvi.edu/publications

Curricula & Resource Guides to assist the TVI, COMS, and families in assessment, instruction, and adaptations in the Core Curriculum and Expanded Core Curriculum areas.

TAPS: An Orientation & Mobility Curriculum for Students with Visual ImpairmentsThis curriculum, used extensively by O&M specialists all over the country, includes goals, objectives and teaching strategies for travel within the home, school, residential and community environments, including public transition and the use of ambulatory devices.

The 3rd edition incorporates new and updated goals and objectives, and many new teaching strategies. Also added are various helpful resources in the appendices such as sample reports, Spanish mobility terms, yoga activities and strategies to use when working with students with deafblindness.

Texas 2 STEPS(Successfully Teaching Early Purposeful Skills)Texas 2 STEPS is an early intervention orientation and mobility evaluation tool and a curriculum of supporting activities and routines. It is specifically designed to determine and address the orientation and mobility needs for students with visual impairments from birth through 5 years of age. Both the evaluation and curriculum are also appropriate for students who have additional disabilities and can be implemented in all settings including home, daycare, school and community.

Yoga for Children with Visual and Multiple Impairments: Fun Movement Activities Inspired by Yoga Yoga is a great way to incorporate skills students need to improve motor abilities. This is a fun, practical book delineating the benefits of yoga for students with visual impairments including body awareness, spatial awareness, motor development, sensory integration, balance and coordination, energy, strength and flexibility. This book also includes many yoga poses and information about yoga sessions.


http://www.tsbvi.edu/publications

Activities and Dining Near the Fredonia HotelThings downtown, close by, and walkable:

Nacogdoches Visitors Center: 200 E. Main St. The Rusty Axe (axe throwing-downtown) 325 E. Main Street Lanana Creek Linear Trail (starts on Main Street and heads north up to Austin Street) Durst-Taylor House and Gardens: 304 North Street Sterne-Hoya Museum: 211 S. Lanana St. Fortney Home: 310 N. Mound St. Red House Winery (downtown) 108 E. Pilar St Fredonia Brewery (just east of the Fredonia Hotel) 138 N. Mound St. Banita Creek Hall – country western bar with dance floor: 401 West Main St Fire Museum: 214 E. Pilar St. Dia De Los Muertos - fiesta on the square – Nov 2 4p-9p Eugenia Sterne Park: 700 E. Main St. Railroad Depot: 101 Old Tyler Rd.

Food Nearby Farmers Market Saturday Mornings: 107 Pearl Street Galls Café: 312 E. Main Street Old Towne Diner and Cowboy Jacks Saloon: 422 E. Main Street Dolly’s Diner: 116 S. Pecan St Auntie Pasta’s: 211 Old Tyler Rd

Fun and Food Farther Out but Still in Town: Putt Putt golf: 3503 North Street Escape Nac (escape room) 4313 NW Stallings Dr. Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden (corner of University and Starr Ave) Millard’s Crossing Historic Village: 6020 North Street Disc Golf at Pecan Acres Park: 826 Starr Ave Super Yummy (Mongolian Stir Fry) 4604 North Street #110 Casa Tomas (Mexican) 1514 North Street Bottlecap Alley (Burgers) 3203 North Street Barkeeps (Asian Fusion) 3308 North Street Pasados (Mexican) 1315 North Street Butcher Boys (BBQ) 603 North Street Zouki’s (Mediterranean) 1220 North Street Papa John’s Pizza (delivery) 936 569 6611 Domino’s Pizza (delivery) 936 569 2121 Panda Café (Chinese Delivery) 936 568 0880

And if You Are On Campus: SFA Stone Fort Museum: 1808 Alumni Drive North SFA Planetarium (on campus at the Ed and Gwen Cole STEM Building) 1720 Clark Blvd

Out of town a few miles: Zip Nac: 199 Brother John Road (use Groupon for 2 for 1 specials) Naca Valley Vineyard: (east of town) 9897 FM 1878 Front Porch Distillery (south of town) 7905 US 59 South

Notes


Notes


Session Code Recording FormPlease be sure to record each of the session codes provided by your Room Monitor at the end of each session you attend. You will be asked to enter each of these codes when you complete your evaluation online following the conference. You will only receive ACVREP credit for the sessions which you provide the correct code number. Please be sure to not to lose this information as codes will not be provided to you after the next session starts.

Friday, November 1, 2019 Code

1:00-2:15 PM Finding Wheels Curriculum and Independent Travel with a Variety of Transportation Options

Saturday, November 2nd, 2019 Code

8:30-10:00 AM Leadership

10:30–11:45 AM An Update on the Status of the O&M Profession

1:00-2:30 PM Breakout Session

3:00-4:30 PM Breakout Session

4:45-5:45 PM Blindfold Travel or Victor Trek Treasure Hunt

Sunday, November 3rd, 2018 Code

8:30-10:00 AM Breakout Session

10:30 AM-12:00 PM Breakout Session

12:15 – 2:15 PM Working Lunch


important announcements - texas school for the blind and ... swoma/… · web viewtravelers, that...

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