Perspectives on Transitioning from Middle School to High School for a Student with CHARGE: A Case Study of a Successful Transition

Strategies for transitioning from middle school to high school for an adolescent with CHARGE will be presented. Panel members include a university senior with CHARGE, his mother, and a special education professional. Education and social issues will be addressed. Time for questions and comments from the audience will be included

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Kathleen Sheriff, M.Ed., Lubbock, TX, Christopher Sence, Lubbock, TX, Nora Griffin Shirley, Ph.D., Lubbock, TX

Moderator:  Suzanne Ressa

Reliability and Validity of the CVI Range: An Instrument Designed to Evaluate the Extent of Effect of Cortical Visual Impairment

This joint presentation will include the results of a study to examine the reliability of The CVI Range conducted by Sandra Newcomb, Ph.D..  The CVI Range was developed by Christine Roman, Ph.D. and is used as a functional vision assessment of individuals who have CVI.

Christine Roman Lantzy, Ph.D., Allison Park, PA,  Sandra Newcomb, Ph.D., Upper Marlboro, MD

Moderator:  Janie Blome

The Five Day Experience: Deafblind Young Adults in Action

In this presentation, three deafblind young adults will share their experiences while participating in a summer college course. The course took place at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. and presented the students with opportunities to advocate for the deafblind community at Capitol Hill, including a special meeting with President Obama

Virginia Jordan, B.A., Athens, GA,  Kelvin Crosby, San Diego, CA,  Jason Corning, Beloit, WI

Moderator:  Suzanne Ressa

Moving Toward Literacy: Increasing the Literacy Skills of Students with Deafblindness or Multiple Disabilities Through Communication and O&M

Without the ability to move throughout one's environment or to communicate wants or needs, a person is subject to a life of dependency. Providing access to books and embedding movement throughout an experience creates opportunities for shared language and literacy skill building and makes learning meaningful and functional for students.    

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Lynn Murphy, M.A., New Oxford, PA, Miriam Telleck, M.A., Pittsburgh, PA

Moderator:  Scott Crawford

From Lightbox to Books: Foundations of Literacy for Students who Have Cortical Visual Impairment

The purpose of this workshop is to promote literacy in all young children and students who have CVI. This presentation will provide a sequence of activities that begin with lightbox activities and then progress toward simple books, communication/symbol systems, and ultimately, beginning reading activities.

Christine Roman Lantzy, Ph.D., Allison Park, PA

Moderator: Kelly Phillips

Communicating with individuals who are Deafblind during physical activity

Individuals who are deafblind can enjoy physical activity, recreation, and sports as much as their sighted hearing peers. Communication is a major barrier to successful participation in these pursuits. This presentation will provide seven steps to setting up clear communication strategies during physical activities for individuals who are deafblind. 

Click here to download the presenters handout #1

Click here to download the presenters handout #2

Lauren Lieberman, Brockport, NY

Moderator:  Scott Crawford

Journey to Uganda: Empowering Deafblind Young Adults in Leadership Roles

As a continuing part of collective efforts to empower young adults who are deafblind, a team attended the Helen Keller World Conference in Kampala, Uganda. This trip was related to a participatory action research study with a group of young adults with deafblindness in the United States

Amy Parker, Ed.D., Lubbock, TX, Virginia Jordan, Athens, GA,  Ashle Wilson, Lubbock, TX,  George Odongo, Lubbock, TX

Moderator:  Bernadette Kappen

Promoting Literacy of Students with Visual and Multiple Disabiilties

This presentation will provide the audience information on the selection of literacy medium for students who have mild to severe additional disabilities. Various curriculum, technology, and resources will be presented.  Additionally, augmentative communication devices for students with visual and multiple disabilities will be discussed

Click here to download presenters handout #1

Click here to download presenters handout #2

Betsy Flener, Ed.D., Bowling Green, KY

Moderator:  Amy Parker

Program for the prevention of falling by deaf-blind persons

This presentation examines the conditions necessary for the establishment of a program for the prevention of falling with a deaf-blind clientele. Such a program may influence the identification of environmental risk factors that contribute to one's likelihood of falling, a given individual's self-esteem, and an overall sense of balance

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Marie Claude-Lavoie, M.Sc., Montreal, PQ, Canada, Marie Alaine Durand, Montreal, PQ, Canada

Moderator:  Scott Crawford

Literacy for Learners with Significant Cognitive and Visual Impairments

Textbooks available in alternative media are not always meaningful to students with significant cognitive and visual impairments labeled non-readers. Therefore, this presentation will focus on strategies for modifying general education texts using assistive technology tools to facilitate access, communication, and comprehension. Multiple examples of modified texts will be provided. 

Loana Mason, M.A., Louisville, KY, Kara Halley, M.A., Evans, CO

Moderator:  Chantal Chatigny

What's Next? … Encouraging Positive Employment Outcomes for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Visual Impairments (ASDVI)

Students with autism and visual impairments experience learning characteristic that prove challenging to finding and maintaining a job. This presentation will provide participants with information about challenges faced by students who are learning about post-school employment opportunities, and provide strategies to successfully address plans to prepare students for future work.

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D. Jay Gense, Ed.S., Monmouth, OR,  Marilyn Gense, M.A., Monmouth, OR