In Search of Excellence: Who Are Our Leaders? What Are Our Exemplary Programs and Service Models: An open discussion

Developing Skills to Expand Career Paths and Choices for Employment

This panel will discuss what prevents individuals who are blind from enjoying employment

choices, and will conclude with each panelist sharing the programs, partnerships and resources they are developing to fill training gaps and help individuals achieve their career goals.

Kathleen Gallagher, Alexandria, VA,  Karen Wolffe, Ph.D., Austin, TX, Brian Hurley, Alexandria, VA Matthew Wieseler, Alexandria, VA, Daniel Novielli, Little Rock, AR

Moderator: Danielle Smith

The Relationship of Perceived Social Support with Well-Being in Individuals with Visual Impairments

Research findings from a study of the social support and well-being of individuals with visual impairments will be presented, including the impact of perceived social support on depression, global life satisfaction, and subjective well-being of 199 individuals with visual impairments.  Implications for the field and rehabilitation services will be discussed.

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Amy McKenzie, Ed.D., Tallahassee, FL,  Susan Smedema, Ph.D., Tallahassee, FL

Moderator:  Kathy Hegemann

Choosing To See Possibilities: The "Appreciative Inquiry" Approach To Successful Employment Outcomes for Blind and Visually Impaired Students and Clients

Tired of trying to solve the same old employment training problems? Are you ready for some hope? Learn the concept of "Appreciative Inquiry" for successful employment outcomes that emphasizes and leverages the strengths and potential of your blind and visually impaired students and clients.

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Click here if you are interested in moderating this session

Factors that Predict Employment for Transition Age Youth with Visual Impairments

Low levels of employment among transition-age youth with visual impairments have long been a concern of professionals who work with this population. Results of empirical research to investigate the factors that predict future employment for these youth will be presented. Implications of these findings for practitioners will be discussed

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Michele McDonell, Ph.D., Mississippi State, MS

Moderator:  Adele Crudden

Successful Transition to Work Strategies: Recommendations from Professionals

Results from a series of focus groups regarding successful strategies for transition from high school or college to work among youth who are blind/visually impaired will be provided. Feedback regarding delivery of a model transition program will be solicited

Adele Crudden, Mississippi State, MS, William Sansing, M.S., Mississippi State, MS

Moderator:  Jennipher WIebold

An Evlauation of Four UK Proiects

The results of an external evaluation of four pilot employment projects for adults with visual impairments in the United Kingdom will be described.

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Karen Wolffe, Ph.D., Austin, TX, Philippa Simkiss, Ph.D., London, UK

Moderator:  Neva Fairchild

They're Already Adults - Why Consider An Autistic Disorder Now - Does it Make a Difference, Does it Really Help?

Children with autistic disorders are being identified, but what about adults in the vocational system?  A number of adults in the vocational rehabilitation and rehabilitation teaching systems may be undiagnosed and/or lacked the benefit of interventions matching their particular learning style. What are the implications of these missed diagnoses?

Click here to download the presenters handouts #1

Click here to download the presenters handouts #2

Click here to download the presenters handouts #3

Terese Pawletko, Ph.D., Eliot, ME

Moderator:  Neva Fairchild

Using Web-Based Networking Sites to Support Transition and Employment Services

What are the benefits, barriers, and precautions associated with the use of Web-based networking sites to support transition and employment services?  Join us for small group brainstorming activities and large group discussions about innovative uses for Web-based networking sites as job seeking tools with persons with blindness or low vision

Jennipher Wiebold, Ph.D., CRC, Kalamazoo, MI, Ian Shadrick, M.A., Portage, MI, Jacalyn Paulding, B.S., Kalamzoo, MI

Moderator:  William Sansing