The RT News
Newsletter of Division 11
December 2002
Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Letter From the Chair: Building Bridges
Perhaps we were social activists engaged in bridging the gap between the isolation imposed by society on those who were perceived as “different” and individuals with visual impairments who were seeking the means to build lives as fully engaged and contributing members of society. At this stage, we may have found ourselves not only teaching skills of daily life, but also having key roles in creating and supporting industries for the blind, establishing agencies, and enacting legislation with and for individuals who were blind or visually impaired.
Most recently, I believe, our answer may be that we are teachers and learners engaged in an interactive process whereby we share what we know about dealing with the challenges and opportunities of life for individuals with visual impairments.
Ours is a rich history with an overarching theme of service and responsiveness to the immediate and long-term needs of individuals with visual impairments. We are still engaged in the process of making information accessible to individuals who are unable to pick up a document and read it unaided, but we place no limitations on what documents a person chooses to access. We provide instruction in skills of daily living in the home and workplace; we work with consumers, family and/or employers to support integration of persons with visual impairments with society. Now we are faced with building bridges of different kinds.
Bridges with our past - This can be as simple as gathering historical pictures, materials, books and teaching aids from Home Teachers and RTs and donating them to the RT Archives or using the Oral History interview guide as you spend an hour talking with someone you admire who is a living “bridge” to our professional past.
Bridges in our present - support the issue of “access” at every opportunity - access to information on the Internet and other places, to services for individuals who don't “fit” into convenient or funded categories, to technology. Become actively involved in building linkages with other professionals; explore ways of defining roles so that we complement each other rather than compete. Share your knowledge with others by taking a bit of time to write about your experiences and submit these ideas for publication. Bridges with our future - there are critical issues facing our profession. Among these are the shortage of qualified Rehabilitation Teachers and what steps are being taken at local, regional and national levels to address this concern; the creation of an additional funding stream for services to individuals with visual impairments through changes in the Medicare legislation; the future role and training of Rehabilitation Teaching Assistants as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation team; and ultimately the maintenance and acceptance of quality standards for Rehabilitation Teachers across disciplines.
While it may seem that there are simply not enough hours in the day to accomplish all those things that we must do, I believe that it is vital to carve out a small piece of time to do something “extra.” Make a phone call or write an email to your legislator. Interview a “legend.” Submit your favorite recipe for the RT Cookbook. Become involved with your local or regional AER Chapter. We can no longer afford to “just” teach and assume that others will take care of the rest. To paraphrase, “If not us, who? If not now, when?”
Bruci Hawkins, RTC, COMS
Chair, AER Division 11, 2002-2004
The AFB National Literacy Center
National Symposium on Literacy for Adults with Visual Disabilities
The American Foundation for the Blind National Literacy Center hosted the first National Symposium on Literacy for Adults with Visual Disabilities in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 20, 2002. This Symposium was an outgrowth of a discussion and planning session with professionals working with adult learners, and with rehabilitation specialists, program managers, and consumers who are blind or visually impaired. At “Bridging the Gap: Best Practices for Instructing Adults who are Blind or Visually Impaired and Have Low Literacy Skills,” in San Antonio, Texas, January 2001, a number of discussions indicated a need to combine practitioners from adult education and rehabilitation services in order to learn from each other how best to serve adults with visual disabilities and low literacy skills.
Many of the participants and presenters attended the Bridging the Gap workshops held earlier this year in Atlanta, San Antonio, San Francisco and Boston. Their progress on joint projects was presented in the form of short reports and project updates. The enthusiasm of these participants and presenters was inspiring! Their commitment to finding solutions was evident in the new partnerships that have been formed in the short time since these new literacy initiatives have been launched.
The presenters represented new ideas and collaborations that can be replicated or shared with others. Topics included ESL instructional methods, the New GED 2002 accommodations, the Workforce Investment Act One-Stops role in promoting literacy, learning disabilities, Braille instruction for adults with low literacy skills, modified mainstream reading programs, and sociocultural perspectives. The proceedings from the Symposium will be compiled and edited by Dr. Karen Wolffe, and will be disseminated during the spring of 2003. This Symposium was made possible by grant #H235L10006, administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, United States Department of Education, and by a grant from the Goizueta Foundation.
For more information on any of these programs, please contact Tina Tucker, RTC, AFB National Literacy Center, 100 Peachtree Street, Suite 620, Atlanta, GA 30303; phone: 404-525-2303; fax: 404-659-6957; e-mail: ttucker@afb.net
The 2003 version of the Rehabilitation Teaching Membership Directory will be published and distributed in Spring 2003. If you do not want to be included in this publication, please contact Maureen Duffy, RTC, Editor. If you do want to be included, please make sure that your contact information is current with the AER Central Office. For more information, contact Kimberly Gettings, Records Manager, at kimg@aerbvi.org or visit www.aerbvi.org.
Product Review: The New Lantus Insulin Vial: Which adaptive insulin devices accommodate it, which do not, and potential adaptations
Kathy Buskirk, RTC, CDE; Keystone Blind Association, Sharon, PA;
Debra Sokol-McKay, RTC, CDE; Association for the Blind
and Visually Impaired, Allentown, PA
Pamela Whittaker, RTC; Blindness and Visual Services, Altoona, PA
Raedine Bridge, RT; Keystone Blind Association, Sharon, PA
Product information:
Aventis Pharmaceuticals
300 Somerset Corporate Blvd.
P.O. Box 6977
Bridgewater, NJ, 08807-0977
1-800-981-2491
E-mail: www.aventis.com
Many new diabetes medications have arrived on the market within the last several years. The latest insulin, named glargine (brand name Lantus), manufactured by Aventis, is packaged in a vial that is configured differently from other brands that are currently available. While the different vial size can serve as a method for differentiating between Lantus and another insulin, some clients have encountered problems with the Lantus vial fitting properly into their existing adaptive measurement devices.
The following chart was developed to identify insulin devices that will or will not accommodate the new Lantus vial. A “yes” rating means that the vial fits properly without any modification of either technique or device:
Insulin Vial Size and Adaptive Devices with Vial Holders:
What will and will not work with the Lantus Vial from Aventis
What will and will not work with the Lantus Vial from Aventis
| Manufacturer of stopper | Circumference | Height | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilly | 3” | 2 1/8” | ½” |
| N. Nordisk | 3” | 2” | ½” |
| Aventis | 2 5/8” | 2 7/16” | ½” |
| DEVICE | YES | NO |
|---|---|---|
| Holdease | X | |
| Syringe Support | X | |
| Load-Matic | X | |
| Unit Calibration Aid | X | |
| Inject-aid/Vial Guide | X | |
| Count-a-Dose | X | |
| Insul-tray | X | |
| Insul-cap | X | |
| Insul-guide | X | |
| Info-cap | X | |
| Insul-eze | X | |
| Magi-guide | X | |
| Tru-hand | X | |
| Home Diabetes Aide | X | |
| Insulin-aid | X |
Adaptation Suggestions:
The following is a summary of adaptations for the two insulin measurement devices that are most widely used: the Unit Calibration Aid and the Load-Matic. Materials that were used to adapt either the vial holder of the device or the Lantus vial itself included ¾” inch sticky-back Velcro, sticky-back craft foam, adhesive-backed felt, and rubber bands. The authors agreed that the sticky-back Velcro provided the best fit followed by the craft foam. The authors determined that the remaining two options (adhesive-backed felt and rubber bands) did not provide a proper fit.
Velcro adaptation to device: For both devices, use two 2¾” lengths of either hook or loop Velcro. Form and insert a ring at the top of the vial holder and another at the base. On the Unit Calibration Aid it is necessary to trim excess Velcro from the finger cutouts.
Foam adaptation to device: For the Load-Matic, use four ¼” wide x 2” long strips of sticky-back foam. Place a strip vertically over each of the four ribs (raised interior bars inside the sleeve). For the Unit Calibration Aid, cut and evenly center three ½” wide x 1” long strips of sticky-back foam vertically inside the vial holder. Alternatively, the insulin vial itself can be adapted with either sticky-back Velcro or sticky-back foam. The limitation with this method is that every new vial would require adaptation.
Velcro adaptation to vial: For both devices, cut and place two ¾” wide x 2¾” long strips of sticky-back Velcro loop or hook around the circumference of the vial, positioning them so that ¼” of the vial is showing in the center.
Foam adaptation to vial: For both devices, cut a foam strip 1¾” x 2?” and center it around the vial so that it almost completely encircles the circumference.
The manufacturers of both of these devices were contacted to determine if any modifications would be completed during production. The manufacturer of the Load-Matic indicated that they are working on an adaptor ring or sleeve with increased rib size. Dr. Murakami, the designer of the Unit Calibration Aid, recommended wrapping the vial with tape.
AER and Division 11 Rehabilitation Teaching neither promote nor endorse any of the advertisements or products reviewed in The RT News.
Shopping: The RT Marketplace
BASEBALL CAP: stonewashed green cotton cap. Features the motto “Qualiter Signum” (Whatever Works) in black script. Adjustable sizing strap. $12.00
COMMUTER MUG: Beautiful stainless steel commuter mug. Features the motto "Qualiter Signum" (Whatever Works) in black script. Also features the RT logo and Website address. $10.00
NECK CORDS: New design: white with blue lettering: “Rehabilitation Teaching” and Website address. $3.00
RT POLO SHIRT: Cream colored, Hanes polo style t-shirt, with “Rehabilitation Teaching” embroidered in Hunter green over left chest. Available in medium and extra-large only. SALE $10.00
"RTs Are Really Terrific" Pin: White with dark blue lettering. $1.00 each; 6 for $5.00
Please add $3.50 for shipping and handling of all orders. Make checks payable to AER Division 11. Send your orders to: Bruci Hawkins, 1002 East Shore Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850; brucihawkins@aol.com.
Division 11 Officers for 2002-2004
Chair-Elect: Mary D. Fleming; charlton15@aol.com
Secretary/Treasurer: Nancy Paskin; npaskin@worldnet.att.net
Past Chair: Maureen A. Duffy; mduffy@pco.edu; maduffy@aol.com
Meet A Legend:
APH “Hall of Fame” member Alice Geisler Raftary, RTC
When I became legally blind at age 35 (with an eighth baby on the way), I was impressed and inspired by the workers in the field that I encountered.
How long have you been a rehabilitation teacher/vision rehabilitation professional?
Since 1967
Tell us about your current work projects (since we know that legends never retire).
I retired ten years ago, but I continue to remain quite active in the profession. I attend AER and MACRT conferences, publish the MACRT newsletter, and occasionally give lectures related to Rehabilitation Teaching.
Tell us something special about yourself.
My husband Ray and I have been married for 52 years. We have four daughters, four sons, 11 granddaughters, and seven grandsons. In addition, I'm about to be inducted into the American Printing House for the Blind “Hall of Fame.” Imagine me becoming a legend!
Why did you join Division 11?
It provides the most valuable network in the blindness field, and it continually strengthens and promotes Rehabilitation Teaching.
Following is a complete biography of this Rehabilitation Teaching legend from the American Printing House for the Blind “Hall of Fame” Website at http://aph.org/hall_fame/raftary_bio.html.
Alice was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1927. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Institutional Management from Marygrove College in 1949. She and Raymond H. Raftary were married in 1950 and over the next eleven years were blessed with four daughters and four sons. Ray and Alice celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in April 2000 with their family that now includes seventeen grandchildren.
Shortly before the birth of her eighth child, the macular degeneration that Alice first experienced in high school caused a substantial loss of vision and she became legally blind. That event rekindled her interest from her college days in the field of blindness. While still a full time homemaker, she returned to Marygrove College with a grant from the Vocational Rehabilitation Department of the State of Michigan. Alice earned a Master of Education Degree specializing in Blindness and Rehabilitation in 1967.
Her Post-Master's work included a traineeship in work with the deaf-blind at the Anne Sullivan Macy Service, Industrial Home for the Blind (New York, NY 1968) and course work in Ophthalmology and Counseling at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI 1972). Alice's career as a rehabilitation teacher at the Greater Detroit Society for the Blind (Upshaw Institute for the Blind) began in 1968.
Alice served in a number of capacities while at the Upshaw Institute: Rehabilitation Teacher, Supervisor of Teaching and Personal Adjustment Training, Coordinator of Rehabilitation and Social Services, and Associate Director. She also authored a number of publications and scripted and produced audiovisuals. The audio filmstrip, “Valentines for Grandpa Raub” won a Creative Excellence Award at the International Industrial Film Festival in 1980. Her article, “Assessment of Rehabilitation Students During Initial Contact with the Teacher” published in The Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness (November, 1977), continues to be used as a model in university rehabilitation teacher programs.
Throughout her career, she has been active in a number of professional organizations: The American Diabetes Association; Association for Diabetes Educators; board member for “Readings for the Blind”; life member of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER); Chair, AER Division XI (1979-80); Midwest Regional Representative on the AER National Executive Committee (1982-83); past president and board member of MACRT, the Mid-America Conference of Rehabilitation Teachers, and Editor of the MACRT Newsletter.
Alice is the distinguished recipient of several awards. In 1982, the American Association of Workers for the Blind honored her with the Bruce McKenzie Award for dedication to the field of rehabilitation teaching. The Michigan Chapter of AER named her “Member of the Year” in 1991. She received the Charlyn Allen Award from MACRT in 1992 for outstanding achievement, dedication and leadership in the field of rehabilitation teaching.
International Corner: Greetings From Korea
After successfully battling a case of culture shock, Dan and I are doing well in Korea. Even the food is good if you like seaweed and squid. I have inadvertently discovered the best weight loss program ever - eat plenty of both (with chopsticks), and walk up and down small mountains all day.
Working in Korea is exciting and rewarding. Until five years ago, people with any type of disability were not allowed to attend college here. Korea Nazarene University (KNU) was the first university in the country to open their doors to students with disabilities. Currently we have 85 disabled students enrolled, 35 of whom are blind or visually impaired. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with many of them. It is such a privilege to be involved in shaping the future for such wonderful young people.
Although I have spent approximately 25 years engaged in some aspect of Rehabilitation Teaching, I quickly realized that I needed a Rehabilitation Teacher myself after moving to South Korea. The skills that I had always taught to others throughout my RT career were now difficult for me to perform safely and independently. Here's an example: The directions on my oven state “Turn the green dial until you arrive at the fish,” and if you cannot perform this task safely and independently, you will surely be “deader than a dead mackerel.”
In addition, the first time I went shopping, I overspent my budget by 2,000 won ($1.80). It's not difficult to identify won tactually, but I had to make several errors before I learned how. I've finally reached the point where I can pick up food using chopsticks, but my technique is not yet correct. When I arrived here, I had tactile markings placed on both the American and Korean washing machines. My English-speaking friends are thrilled with the fact that they are now able to use the Korean washer, even though they can't read Korean.
Korea Nazarene University is the first university in the country to offer a major in Rehabilitation Counseling. My long-term goal (four to five years from now) is to start a Rehabilitation Teaching major, and I have been working hard to lay the groundwork for such a program. Since I have arrived, I have concluded that if the program is to succeed, it will have to be initiated by native Koreans. I have at least three students whom I would like to send to the United States to obtain a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Teaching after they complete their training at KNU. I hope that they would consider returning to Korea to teach in the Rehabilitation Teaching Program here.
Editor's note: Lenore has served as a Rehabilitation Teacher both in Indiana and in Alabama, and was the Director of Indiana's Itinerant Rehabilitation Teaching Program for 14 years. She also spent a year teaching at Northern Illinois University. You can reach Lenore and her husband Dan at 456 Ssangyong-Dong, Chonan City, Choong Nam, Republic of Korea 330-718; email Dancdillon@yahoo.com
Update on University Distance Education Programs
Compiled by Dr. Patricia Bussen Smith, RTCUniversity of Arkansas at Little Rock
Listed below are the required Rehabilitation Teaching courses that each university is currently offering via distance education, the methodologies that are being used to deliver these courses, and updated contact information for each program:
Florida State University
205 Stone Building
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4459
Contact: Lynda Jones Phone: 850-644-5610 Fax: 850-644-8715
E-mail: Jonesl@coe.fsu.edu
Website: http://www.fsu.edu/~spec-ed
We are offering two Rehabilitation Teaching courses each semester to a cohort of Rehabilitation Teaching students involved in our academic work-study program. These students spend two one-week periods at FSU taking two classes each semester. During a two-year period, all of the Rehabilitation Teaching courses will have been offered. Another work-study program will commence in September 2003.
Future plans: We have no plans at the present time to offer other distance learning Rehabilitation Teaching courses in a format different from the one described above.
_______________
Hunter College of the City University of New York
Department of Special Education
695 Park Ave.
Room 909 West
New York, NY 10021
Contact: Dr. Rosanne Silberman Phone: 212-772-4740
E-mail: rosanne.silberman@hunter.cuny.edu
Dr. Grace Ambrose
Phone: 212-772-4741 Fax: 212-650-3542
E-mail: gambrose@hunter.cuny.edu
Website: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/~edu/rehab-teach.html
Future plans: Within five years, it is anticipated that M.S.Ed students will be offered a combination online/off-campus program.
_______________
Northern Illinois University
Department of Teaching and Learning
DeKalb, IL 60115
Contact: Dr. Gaylen Kapperman
Phone: 815-753-8453 Fax: 815-753-8594
E-mail: gkapperman@niu.edu
Website: www.niu.edu
We offer three courses per academic year to a cohort of students; in addition, three trips to campus are required per academic year.
Future plans: As long as funding permits, we anticipate that we will continue to offer three courses per academic year in a distance format, using videoconferencing, e-mail, videotapes, and tape recordings.
_______________
Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Department of Graduate Studies in Vision Impairment
8360 Old York Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027-1598
Contact: Maureen A. Duffy, RTC
Phone: 215-780-1362 Fax: 215-780-1357
E-mail: mduffy@pco.edu
Website: http://www.pco.edu
At present, we are offering our Special Populations, Aging in America, and Human Development and Learning courses online to all Rehabilitation Teaching students. Online supplementary modules will accompany all Rehabilitation Teaching methods courses beginning in the 2002 academic year. It is anticipated that the complete program will be offered online by 2004, with supplementary hands-on on-campus workshops required in all methods courses.
Future plans: We are investigating several potential off-campus locations in to serve as sites for a distance Rehabilitation Teaching program. Instruction would be offered in a combination of direct classroom instruction and online learning.
_______________
University of Arizona
Department of Special Education
P.O. Box 210069
Tucson, AZ 85721
Contact: Dr. Jane Erin
Phone: 520-621-0945
E-mail: JErin@u.arizona.edu
Website: www.arizona.edu
No distance education programs are planned at this time.
_______________
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Department of Counseling, Adult, and Rehabilitation Education (CARE)
2801 South University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204-1099
Contact: Dr. Patricia Smith
Phone (Voice/TDD): 501-569-3169 Fax: 501-569-8129
E-mail: pbsmith@ualr.edu
Website: http://www.ualr.edu/~rehdept
Beginning in Fall 2002, the Rehabilitation Teaching degree will be offered online, with hands-on on-campus workshops required in five of these courses.
Future plans: The degree program will be offered online with some required campus workshops.
_______________
Western Michigan University
Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies
3413 Sangren Hall
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5111
Contact: Dr. Susan Ponchillia
Phone: 616-387-3450 Fax: 616-387-3567
E-mail: susan.ponchillia@wmich.edu
Website: http://www.wmich.edu/hhs/blrh/index.html
Our full Rehabilitation Teaching program is offered via distance education. Lecture courses are offered via a combination of video lectures, coursepacks, conference calls, e-mail, regular mail and Web-CT, while the hands-on courses must be taken on campus either during regular semester schedule or during a special compressed summer schedule. Internships are arranged at approved sites throughout the U.S.
Future plans: The full Rehabilitation Teaching program will continue to be offered via distance education.
_______________
Mohawk College
411 Elgin Street
Brantford, ON N3T 5V2
Contact: Dr. Mary-Maureen Snook-Hill
Phone: 519-758-6029
E-mail: snookhm@mail.mohawkc.on.ca
Website: http://www.mohawkc.on.ca
No distance education programs are planned at this time.
ACVREP News: New President, Approved CE Offerings, and National Certification Commission Approval
Gale Watson, Chair of the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP), is pleased to announce the appointment of Sharon Mikrut as President of the organization. In making the announcement, Ms. Watson stated “Sharon brings a vast personal and professional commitment to individuals with disabilities, to organizations serving those with disabilities, and to quality services from recognized professionals. Her extensive background in areas directly related to certification and professional standards will only enhance and build upon the work began by ACVREP's first President, Eileen Siffermann.”
Ms. Mikrut has extensive personal and professional experience in the disability and accreditation community. Prior to joining ACVREP, she was with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation under the Colorado Department of Human Services, and the Rocky Mountain Regional Brain Injury Center. Ms. Mikrut has also been the State Affirmative Action Coordinator for Persons with Disabilities in Colorado as well as Chairperson of the Colorado Coalition for Persons with Disabilities. She was also instrumental in the establishment of the South Dakota Brain Injury Association.
As President of ACVREP, Ms. Mikrut will oversee the daily operation of the organization and provide leadership to the Board of Directors. She will also continue to guide the organization toward the accreditation process of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the certifying body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), of which ACVREP is a member. A native of Michigan, Ms. Mikrut holds two Bachelor's degrees from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. She also successfully completed the State of Colorado's Supervisory Certificate Program.
ACVREP Announces National Certification Commission Approval:
The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) is pleased to announce that its Orientation and Mobility Certification Program has been given “full registration” by the National Certification Commission (NCC). Full registration means the program is considered to be in compliance with national procedures and criteria. National registration through NCC is a voluntary self-assessment and indicates that the program is comprehensive, objective, and achieves national procedures and criteria. The National Certification Commission is an independent not-for-profit organization, established in June 1993 that offers approval for national registration of existing certification programs. Members consist of 150 associations in more than 200 categories. For information on NCC, visit their web site at http://pages.zdnet.com/washdc/certification.
Addendum from Bruci Hawkins, Chair, AER Division 11: After I read the announcement about O&M Certification approval granted by NCC, I asked about Rehabilitation Teaching certification (RTC). Here is ACVREP's response: “There are not sufficient numbers of applicants applying for RTC to meet the NCC criteria for registration. In addition, the current RTC numbers are declining. If individuals do not obtain and maintain professional certification, there is no way to build a certification program.”
ACVREP Approved CE Offerings:
Lighthouse International and Hadley School for the Blind have received ACVREP approval for the following continuing education courses that earn continuing education hours to be used toward ACVREP recertification. Sign up now and receive your recertification points.
Lighthouse International:
Low Vision Therapy: (18 CE hours) Low vision examination, pathology and functional vision loss, survey of low vision devices, patient instruction in low vision care, practice management. Instructors: Eleanor E. Fay, MD; Michael Fischer, OD; Bruce Rosenthal, OD; Karen R. Seidman, MPA; Cydney Strand, RN. Course offering dates: March 4-6, 2003, June 3-5, 2003, Lighthouse International, New York, NY.
Working with Older Adults Who Are Visually Impaired: (7 CE hours) Introduction to the field of Vision Rehabilitation, how the occupational therapist uses information from low vision exam, functional implication of eye disease, using low vision devices to enhance activities of daily living, using adaptive non-visual strategies, panel discussion: inter-professional collaboration. Instructors: Michael Fisher, OD, FAAO; Susan Zerkert, OTR, CLVT, Nancy Paskin, MA, RTC, CLVT. Course Offering dates and Locations: February 19, 2003, Tallahassee, Florida; May 6, 2003, San Jose, California.
For more information contact Cydney Strand, Lighthouse International, 111 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022-1202, phone 212-821-9478, fax 212-821-9705, cstrand@lighthouse.org Course information is available on the Lighthouse Website at: www.lighthouse.org/eduation.
_______________
Hadley School for the Blind:
Self-Esteem and Adjusting with Blindness: (Course ID: E-RH-201) Whether you were born visually impaired or lost vision later in life, this course can help you, a family member, or a client adjust to life's demands. Maintaining self-esteem with the changes and adaptations that come with blindness are discussed in depth and illustrated with quotes from a number of blind persons. Credit: 4 CEUs (40 CE hours)
Independent Living: (Course ID: D-PF-101) Any uncertainties your family member or client feels in the wake of vision loss can be replaced with a growing sense of optimism as he or she learns different ways to accomplish things. This course offers suggestions, techniques and resources to complete the everyday tasks once performed with vision. Credit: 3 CEUs (30 CE hours)
To Register Contact: The Hadley School for the Blind 700 Elm Street Winnetka, IL 60093-2554 Web site: www.hadley-school.org. Toll-free: 800-323-4238 Telephone: 847-446-8111
Information compiled from The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP); email: acvrep2@qwest.net; voice: 520-887-6816 Website: http://www.acvrep.org.
Shopping for unique gift items?
Reprinted from the APH News, Fred's Head Database
The Speak to Me Website at http://www.speaktomecatalog.com is a great source for talking gifts. They have talking and audible products for people of all ages. Their product links are arranged in alphabetical order to facilitate navigation, and the site provides links to audio clips of many of their products. Among their many categories you will find talking cookie jars and stuff animals, singing key chains, audible luggage locators, talking measuring tape and scales, clocks, and hand-held electronics.
Another site full of novelties is Outa-sight at http://www.outa-sight.com. This is a family business based in California. Outa-sight has developed its own line of products for visually impaired people. However, they also carry hard to find top-quality products from other manufacturers. Some novelty items include their colorful ceramic mugs with braille signs that can be customized to your liking. They also have a spice rack with braille and tactile letters, and other organizers and handy kitchen items. In their “doggy stuff” category, you can find pouches that attach to your guide dog's harness, folding water bowls and “Do not pet me” signs.
The American Printing House for the Blind at http://www.aph.org offers a wide variety of special aids, tools, and supplies that are useful at home, at work, or at school. Some of their products include: 4-track tape recorders, talking computer software, and educational games. In addition, they carry a line of “Special Touch” gifts, including T-shirts with the braille alphabet, sweatshirts, braille key chains, and greeting cards. To go to APH's gift shop click http://www.aph.org/products/aph gift.html.
If you are looking for a gift you or your friends can wear, you may want to check out Blind-Novel-Tees at http://www.bntonline.com. They have colorful hats and t-shirts with both serious and humorous sayings in braille.
After getting a hat and a T-shirt, what about some braille jewelry? Braillejewelry.com at http://www.braillejewelry.com/home.htm has unique designs of pins, pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings, key chains, cuff links and tie tacks. Some of these items can be personalized and are made in brass, sterling silver or vermeil.
Finally, if you prefer something sweet and tasteful, you may want to try the Chocolate Experience at http://members.tripod.com/~Chocolates/textcatalog.html. They manufacture all kinds of chocolate novelties such as braille chocolate bars and chocolate guide dogs. They also have braille cards and gift baskets.
Braille and Nonvisual Access Technology Workshops
from the National Federation of the Blind
Also available are companion workshops in Braille and nonvisual information access technology at the International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind (IBTC) in Baltimore, Maryland. Those satisfactorily completing a workshop receive a certificate of completion. There are two remaining workshops scheduled as follows: February 6-8, 2003 and April 17-19, 2003. The instruction, housing (in bedrooms at the Center), daily breakfast, and two coffee breaks per day are free of charge to all eligible staff of schools and agencies, underwritten by a grant from the U. S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration. Other meals and incidentals are the responsibility of the participant. Some of the project's resources are now available to assist with air and ground transportation. Participants are encouraged to request such assistance if needed.
For more information contact:
Allison Joyce, BNAT Director;
ajoyce@nfb.org
National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
(410) 659-9314, Ext. 330
Thank you to the American Foundation for the Blind and AFB Press for their generous sponsorship of this issue
Maureen A. Duffy, RTC
Editor-in-Chief
RT News
mduffy@pco.edu