NYSAER 2011 Fall Conference Highlighting Low Vision: A View of ...

NYSAER 2011 Fall ConferenceHighlighting Low Vision: A View of theFutureNovember 4 th & 5 that the Woodcliff Hotel & Spahttp://www.woodcliffhotelspa.com/Dear NYSAER Member,The 26 th annual NYSAER conference will be held November 4 & 5, 2011 atWoodcliff Spa just outside Rochester. Syracuse, NY. This year the NYSAERconference is a day shorter to encourage NYSAER members to attend theLow Vision Symposium on November 3 & 4 also being held at the WoodcliffSpa and Resort and offering ACVREP CE credits. The 2011 NYSAERconference theme is “Highlighting Low Vision: Focus on the Future”.The Keynote speaker will be Dr. Greg Goodrich who will present on newinformation about how TBI in returning veterans has helped him betterunderstand congenital retinal impairments. There will also be an excitinggroup of presenters, offering workshops related to Low Vision and otheraspects of the field. Topics are designed to benefit teachers of the visuallyimpaired, orientation and mobility specialists, vision rehabilitation therapists,social workers, parents, vocational counselors, administrator’s andparaprofessionals.After this letter, you will find the workshops descriptions and the registrationform. NYSAER submitted application for approval of continuing education7.5 hours (CE’s) for conference attendees through ACVREP. ProposedContinuing Education hours are listed after each workshop description. Weanticipate that ACVREP will approve of these CE credits following theirreview.If you plan to stay at the Woodcliff Spa and Resort, Fairview, NY, reserveyour room before October 10 and remember to indicate that you arerequesting the “NYSAER” conference rate of $129. The hotel has reserved alimited number of first floor rooms for those traveling with a guide dog.Handicap accessible rooms are also available. Specify your request at timeof reservation, and before the deadline date to ensure your needs are

honored. Information about dog relief stations is available from the frontdesk or NYSAER registration desk. *Free shuttle is available between thehotel and public transportation systems (train, bus, and airport) and can bearranged by contacting the hotel.The Keynote is Friday evening, following that will be a cocktail party. Theawards banquet will be on Saturday. Due to the change in the number ofdays the traditional “Not So Silent, Silent Auction” will be a little different.We still need donations to continue to make the auction such a success. Theprice of all the events is included in the full conference package or availablefor separate purchase.We encourage members to support fund-raising efforts by bidding on auctionitems and buying 50/50 tickets. Members are encouraged to donate a giftbasket or items for the auction and door prizes. All proceeds supportNYSAER’s initiatives and future professionals entering the field of Vision.Your donations are tax deductible.Let’s make this year’s conference the best yet. Save November 3 - 5 to be apart of the networking, learn about current initiatives with low vision, andmeet low vision doctors on their turf. It’s a great way to grow professionallyand reconnect with other AER members. Help the Vision field grow byinviting others to attend with you.Sincerely,Grace Ambrose-ZakenNYSAER Conference Chair 2011

NYSAER 2011 Fall ConferenceHighlighting Low Vision: A View of the FutureNovember 4 th & 5 that the Woodcliff Hotel & Spahttp://www.woodcliffhotelspa.com/_2010 NYSAER CONFERENCE PROGRAM:Please note that at the time of distribution of this conference registration packet, ContinuingEducation (CE) Credits for the workshop sessions are under review by ACVREP, and subject toACVREP acceptance. Final approval notice should be completed by September. To check this status,please contact Grace Ambrose-Zaken, Conference Chair.FRIDAY November 4th, 2011Noon to 7:00PM Arrivals and RegistrationHOTEL LOBBYKey Note: 6:10 – 7:10PM:Greg Goodrich, Supervisory Research Psychologist and Optometric Research Fellowship Coordinator.“Lessons Learned from Working with Vision Loss Secondary to TBI for the Field of Low Vision”7:10 Cocktail ReceptionConference Kickoff Reception – Refreshments provided

Saturday NOVEMBER 5, 20117.15-8.15: New Member Breakfast and Continental Breakfast for All7.45-8.30: Plenary Session8.30-9.45: Breakout Session 1A. "Using Tactile Stimuli to Teach [CE=1.5]Statistical Concepts to Students Who Are Blind"Steven Specht, Ph.D.Workshop Description: Courses covering mathematical or statistical concepts that are based primarily onquantitative information can create the biggest challenges for blind students. Some studies haveexamined the effectiveness of using tactile stimuli to help facilitate learning of quantitative and spatialconcepts, as well as conveying biological concepts in visually impaired and blind children. Meehan, Hoffertand Hoffert (1993) and Gibson and Darron (1999) have been written about efforts to teach blind orvisually impaired college students about aspects of various quantitative analyses covered in a statisticscourse in psychology. This workshop extends the work of Gibson and Darron (1999) and describes varioustactile stimuli that can be used to convey important statistical concepts to students who are blind.B. "Bioptic Driving" [CE=1.5]Katherine White, O.D. and Pam GabryelWorkshop Description: Review New York State’s vision requirements and methods of testing and trainingin the use of bioptic telescopes, evaluate samples of bioptic telescopes to understand their benefits andlimitations, review ABVI’s pre-driving training program with a check list of acquired skills, and learn aboutRochester Rehabilitation’s DriveOn Program to understand the requirements and the process of obtaininga driver license with telescopic lenses.C. "History of the Cane: Why its Full Potential has yet to be Adequately Exploited" [CE=1.5]Grace Ambrose-Zaken, Ed. D.Workshop Description: This presentation will describe how people with a visual impairment traveled beforethe invention of the long cane and O&M instruction. It will show how society’s misconceptions aboutcongenital and acquired blindness were so insidious that even those who invented the long cane andcreated orientation and mobility (O&M), never fully understood how many people needed their inventionsnor the urgency of that need.

9.45-10.30: Poster Session and Visit the Vendors10.30-12.00: Breakout Session 2D. "Licensure: Update and 2012 Action Plan" [CE=1.5]Gidget Hopf, Ed.D. and Rene LatorreWorkshop Description: This program will describe the exciting movement and attention the Senate bill3880A (Griffo) and Assembly bill A.6179A (Bing) received in the Assembly and Senate Higher EducationCommittees during 2011-2012 session. This session will also provide the 2012 strategies for capitalizingon the momentum generated under the leadership bill sponsors State Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R-C-IP,Rome), and Assembly Member Jonathan Bing (D, Manhattan). The presentation will also providebackground on how NYS licensure efforts are supported nationally.E. "Lighting for Low Vision" [CE=1.5]Katherine White, O.D.Workshop Description: Individuals with low vision are frequently sensitive to glare and have specific needsfor ambient and task lighting. Although lighting needs are unique to the diagnosis and the individual,understanding physical aspects of various light sources will help vision rehabilitation professions makerecommendations to control or adapt the environment. A Power Point presentation and demonstrationwill review physical qualities of light, define terms and units of measure, discuss and demonstratedifferent light sources, teach how to use a light meter to measure illumination, and present strategies tocontrol or adapt the environment. Results of published research on lighting needs for low vision will bereviewed.F. "O&M and the use of GPS" [CE=1.5]Kasey Hopper, COMSWorkshop Description: As an orientation and mobility specialist it is important to know the city, streets,and utilize numerous strategies when teaching individuals how to “get around.” GPS units are one moretool in that instructional arsenal.

G. "Health Awareness and Personal Safety for People [CE=1.5]with Visual Impairments"Cliff C. Crandall, Grandmaster, Eric Stalloch, Chief Instructor Cheryl Freleigh, Master Instructor, LynnJessee, Senior Instructor, and Jim Marscher, COMSWorkshop Description: The purpose of this demonstration/workshop is to open the minds and expand theawareness of the individuals who work with or live with disabilities so that they understand that theirpersonal safety can be within their hands. Hands on activities are included and encouraged for participantsof this workshop.12.00-1.30: Awards Luncheon1.30-3.00: Breakout Session 3H. "Able to Label: Low Vision Friendly Labeling" [CE=1.5]Maureen Moscato, CVRTWorkshop Description: The purpose of this presentation is to teach those working in the low vision field toteach clients/students to label anything in all life situations. Good labels promote independence inidentification and organization. Focus of this workshop will be on using prefabricated and homemadelabels to meet the individual and targeted needs of the client/student. This workshop will be acollaboration of lecture, visual and tactile labeling displays, hands-on labeling experiences, and a livelyexchange of ideas to maximize the exploration of this important topic. Resources and other handouts willbe provided to each participant so that they can implement workshop concepts and apply them in theirwork settings.I. "Yes I Can, Moving with Confidence and Ease" [CE=1.5]Nikki Lewellyn, COMS and Jennifer Stratton, COMSWorkshop Description: Yes I Can: Moving with Confidence and Ease is a 90 minute workshop whereparticipants will learn about the use of alternative mobility devices and how to make customizedeconomical devices. Both pushable mobility devices (PMD) and tools that the student or COMS can use toimprove and/or monitor long cane technique will be demonstrated and made during the session. It shouldbe noted that pushable mobility devices (PMD) are not just for preschool age students. Adult studentswith challenges in addition to blindness can benefit from this type of device as well.

This is a “hands on” workshop. Examples of devices will be demonstrated and then participants will workin small groups to make either a pushable mobility device or an arc definer for instructional use. Allparticipants will have the opportunity to use and become familiar with the tools and materials necessary tomake these devices. Participants will leave the workshop knowing the benefit of these devices as well ashow to make economical, customized devices of their own.J. "The Low Vision Specialist in an Educational [CE=1.5]Multidisciplinary Approach"Charles Hollander, O.D., F.A.A.O. and Shelly Homsy, TVIWorkshop Description: To demonstrate the multidisciplinary approach to the visually impaired student.This includes the low vision specialist (optometrist), ophthalmologist, classroom educators, orientation andmobility specialists, and other personnel including school counselor and transition specialists.K. “Latest treatments for ROP”Airaj Fasiuddin, MD.,Workshop Description: This presentation will describe new treatments that can eliminate ROP inpremature infants.3.00-3.30: Visit the Vendors and pick up items from silent auction3.30-5: Breakout Session 4L. "180 Years of Achievements and Progress at NYISE" [CE=1.5]John Hernandez, TVIWorkshop Description: The New York Institute for Special Education is currently celebrating its 180 yearsof service as a school for students with visual impairments and blindness. This presentation will presentthe history of the school and its impact of education on its students.

M. "Mac Attack" [CE=1.5]Christopher Frank, Team Leader, Kasey Hopper, COMS and Jeremy Vance, CVRT traineeWorkshop Description: In this workshop we will explore the accessibility features of Apple productsincluding the iMac and iPad 2. This session will familiarize you with VoiceOver and Zoom, Apple’s screenreader and screen enlargement programs. We will also discuss and demonstrate popular Apps fordifferent products. There will be an iMac, MacBook Pro, iPad 2, and iPod Touch available for you tointeract with.N. "Guide Dog Team Success - A Low Vision Perspective" [CE=1.5]Lisa Derlath, Guide Dog Instructor/Field RepresentativeWorkshop Description: When someone has made the decision that they want to apply for a guide dog theysoon realize there may be a number of criteria they must meet in order to be a candidate for training.One of the factors may be the requirement that they are legally blind. Beyond this, other questions mayarise for those who do have low remaining vision. Does the person truly have a need for the dog? Howmuch of their remaining vision is helpful and how might it be a hindrance in the performance of the guidedog and the success of the team? How can the orientation and mobility professional help to work towardsuccess with a guide while having low vision? This workshop will answer these questions.Participants in the second half of the workshop will be able to walk with a trained guide dog with differentoccluders that simulate walking with a guide dog under different eye conditions._

ACCOMODATIONS:The Woodcliff Hotel and Spa199 Woodcliff Dr., Fairport, NY 14450 (suburb of Rochester, NY)(585) 381-4000http://www.woodcliffhotelspa.com/Reservations: (585) 381-4000 by Monday October 11, 2010 to receive the NYSAER room rate of $118.* Free shuttle between the hotel and public transportation systems (train, bus, and airport).Note: The hotel has reserved a limited number of first floor rooms for those traveling with a guide dog.Handicap accessible rooms are also available. Please make your request known at time of reservation andbefore the deadline date to ensure your needs are honored. Be sure to ask about the location of dog relieflocations.Driving directions: Woodcliff Hotel and Spa, a premier conference center and spa, is located close to thescenic Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, just off I-90, only 20 minutes from downtown Rochester.From AirportWhen exiting the airport, turn right onto Brooks Avenue. Bear right onto Rte. 390 South.Continue on Rte.390 South to Rte 590 North.Follow Rte. 590 North to Rte 490 East. Continue on 490 East to Exit 28 (Rte.96 Mall Exit). At the exit ramp light turn left onto Rte. 96. Pass under the expressway and turn left at firsttraffic light onto Woodcliff Drive. At the top of the hill turn left at otel sign.From NYS ThruwayTake Exit 45 (Rochester 490 Exit). Go through tollbooths. Stay to the right of the road and follow signs toRte. 96 North. Turn right on Rte. 96 North. Woodcliff Drive is the 7th traffic light. (Pass Eastview Mall onleft). Turn right onto Woodcliff Drive.From RochesterTake 490 East to Exit 28 (Mall Exit). At the light turn left onto Rte. 96. Pass under the expressway andturn left at first traffic light onto Woodcliff Drive. At top of the hill turn left at hotel sign.From WebsterTake Rte 250 from Webster until end. Turn right onto Rte. 96 North. At the next light make a right ontoWoodcliff Drive. At top of the hill turn left at hotel sign.

REGISTRATION FORM (please print):Name: Discipline/Title:Address:Agency You Work For:Telephone (work) (Home) (Cell)E‐mail:AERBVI Membership Number:*Must be included to receive the membership rate.Expiration:If not a member, would you like to join before this conference?Yes ‐ WHY BECOME AN AER MEMBER? Learn more on the last pages of this document. A NYSAER membership application isattached. Include separate membership check with your conference check. The discounted membership rate can then be appliedto your conference registration.No thank you*Walk‐In Registrations Accepted Throughout the Conference*Please bring an item to donate for the ‘Silent Auction’ or door prizes. Proceeds go to the NYSAER Scholarship program andspecial programs for school age children. Remember you can claim this as a tax deduction!Select Conference Package: Prices reflect early bird registration must be postmarked by October 4, 2011.Late registrations past October 4 th , will have an added $10 charge.1. Full Conference: (Friday – Saturday) Full Conference Registration includes Friday Reception and Awards Dinner andSaturday programs, and all conference meals and breaks: Saturday Breakfast, coffee Break, and Awards Luncheon.AER Member: $115 Non‐AER Member $195 Students and Parents $85

2. Friday Only (Dinner Banquet tickets sold separately): Includes Registration for Friday Reception and program, FridayKeynote and Awards Dinner.AER Member: $40 Non‐AER Member $90 Students and Parents $303. Saturday Only (Dinner Banquet tickets sold separately): Includes registration for Saturday Breakfast, Saturdayprograms, coffee Break, and Awards Luncheon.AER Member: $85 Non‐AER Member $195 Students and Parents $65Please help us to identify any access or accommodations that you will need during the conference.PROGRAM MEDIA REQUEST: Print Large Print Braille CDOr download of Conference Program with a: USB device Compact Flash CardI need: Tactile Map of Hotel Hotel Orientation*Identify other individual needs that will support your full participation in this conference:_______________________Make checks or money orders in U.S. currency payable to: NYSAERAMOUNT ENCLOSED $__________SEND REGISTRATION FORM WITH PAYMENT TO:Dan McLaughlin, P.O. Box 663, Auburn, New York 13021(315) 253 – 3322 or danmcln@hotmail.comCONFERENCE QUESTIONS? CONTACT:Grace Ambrose‐Zaken, Conference Chair(914) 204‐9292 gambrose@hunter.cuny.eduOr Michelle Campbell, NYSAER President(716) 474‐4015 mcampbell40@rochester.rr.com

Why be an AER Member?The Benefits … AER offers its members a wide variety of services andprofessionalsupport, including:Networking ‐ Learning from peers is probably the most valuable benefit of membershipin AER. The networking opportunities through active involvement in the association onthe chapter, division, and international level can aid in professional growth, careeradvancements, and continued education. Communication and networking on the locallevel are achieved through automatic membership in Chapters.Division memberships enable members to focus on specific topics of expertise,including Administration and Leadership, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling &Employment Services, Multiple Disabilities & Deafblind, Psychosocial Services,Information & Technology, Low Vision, Infant & Preschool, Orientation & Mobility,Education Curriculum, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, Division on Aging, ItinerantPersonnel, and Personnel Preparation.International and regional conferences provide the opportunity for professionaldevelopment as well as support.Professional and Career Development ‐ To enhance career development, AER membershave access to AER Job Exchange, the most up‐to‐date and active on‐line listings of jobopenings in the field.Continuing Education is an important part of professional development. One of AER'sgoals is to develop ongoing continuing education opportunities for its members. In thepast several years, AER has produced a number of on‐line continuing educationprograms that are approved for continuing education credit through the Academy forCertification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).There’s also the Members Only section of the AER web site that includes articlescovering field‐specific topics, survey results, and other helpful resources and tools.Publications ‐ AER provides members with opportunities for professional growth anddevelopment through continuing education, regional, national and internationalconferences, and several publications. The AER Report keeps members informed aboutAssociation news and policy. The new AER Journal: Research and Practice in VisualImpairment and Blindness provides information on excellent research that can beapplied in a practical setting and best practice examples that contain enough detail tobe implemented by other practitioners.

Insurance Programs ‐ A professional liability insurance program is available to AERmembers, along with a comprehensive insurance program package with many otherimportant insurance coverage’s, administered by Forrest T. Jones & Company.Special Discounts ‐ AER members receive discounts on special AER publications, certainAFB publications, conference registration fees, car rentals and hotel discounts, andeducation programs.Professional Recognition – AER recognizes its members’ outstanding contributions tothe field through biennial awards including the C. Warren Bledsoe Award, the Allen,Bauman, McAulay and Shotwell Awards, and the AER Outstanding Chapter Award. Inaddition, New York State AER offers its own scholarships, mini‐grants and recognitionawards.Scholarships ‐ AER provides two scholarships to students who are legally blind and arestudying for a career in the field of services to the blind or visually impaired. Thescholarships are named in honor of William and Dorothy Ferrell. They are awarded inthe even number years.Recruitment – AER recognizes the critical need for additional professionals to join thefield. With the aging population and increase of individuals with visual impairments, it isvital to keep the field in the spotlight and encourage young people to enter the field.AER dedicates a significant commitment of time, energy and resources is devoted to theproblem of professional personnel shortages. Recruitment materials have beendeveloped and are distributed nation‐wide for use at college recruitment and job fairs.Advocacy ‐ Finally, through its lobbying efforts, AER gives professionals and consumersin the field a collective voice on Capitol Hill to keep the focus on the importance ofmaintaining specialized blind services for consumers of all ages. AER participates incampaigns aimed at educating the public and decision makers at the state and federallevels about the importance of specialized services for visually impaired people.Membership levels:1. Membership Level Price/Payment Interval Regular (M0001) $40.00/quarter or$155.00/yearA full‐voting membership open to anyone living in the U.S. or Canada, andincludes all AER periodicals.2. International (M0002) $40.00/quarter or $155.00/yearA non‐voting membership open to persons living outside the U.S. or Canada, andincludes all AER periodicals.3. Same Residential Household (M0003) $129.00/yearA voting membership open to an additional member residing in the sameresidential household as a current AER member. The household receives one copyof all AER periodicals.

4. Retired (M0004) $80.00/yearA voting membership for anyone who has retired from a career in the field.5. Support/Clerical (M0005) $80.00/yearA voting membership category for individuals who are working in positions ofparaprofessional or clerical support, and includes all AER periodicals.6. Student (M0006) $80.00/year