General Sessions

Wednesday, July 21

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

The Soundtrack of our Lives

This opening address presented by Dr. M. Cay Holbrook of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, Canada is designed to "Kick-off" a fun and interesting conference. THe session will include audio clips from current and not-so-current popular music and movies and will explore how the messages in mass media are applicable to our professional lives. Dr. Holbrook will bring her interpretation to these clips and will encourage her colleagues in the audience to embrace the messages that we receive throughout our days to enhance our understanding of who we are and who we can become professionally.

 

Thursday, July 22

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Teamwork: Meeting Multiple, Diverse Needs by Sharing and Learning

People with visual impairments--infants, children, working-age adults, seniors--increasingly evidence differing and varied needs. Meeting these needs fully and effectively often requires knowledge beyond the expertise of any single professional. This session will focus on what vision professionals and occupational therapists can share with and learn from each other when they work together on diagnostic and prescriptive teams.

Panelists representing both disciplines will share experiences highlighting (1) the unique contributions each profession can make to the growth and development of the student/client when they participate as equals; and (2) what they have learned from these interactions.

Speakers include: Orli Weisser-Pike, Memphis, TN, Jessica Lampert, Dallas, TX, Patricia Smith, Little Rock, AR, and Tanni Anthony, Denver, CO

 

Friday, July 23

3:45 pm - 5:30

Talent Has No Boundries: Workforce Diversity INCLUDES Workers with Disabilities

Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Office of Disability Emplyment, Kathy Martinez

will speak about new and exciting intiatives such as teaching teens the "soft skills" they'll need to succeed in the marketplace, campaigning for disability employment, expanding one-stop career centers, and strengthening affirmative action models

 

Saturday, Jul 24

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Working with the Blind and Visually Impaired: An International Perspective

 

In this presentation, the panelists will focus on the work being accomplished with youngsters and adults who are blind or have low vision in the United Kingdom, the Pacific Islands, India, and Australia. The panelists will discuss what programs are in place and what services are available; as well as, who is providing those services. They will highlight the elements of programming they believe constitute best practices and inform the audience of what they believe needs to change to make services better and to improve the quality of life for people with visual impairments. Panelists from the US will focus on what led them to become engaged with international services, what they’ve learned through their involvement, and what they would recommend to others interested in joining such efforts.

The International Panel includes the following panelists: Philippa Simpkiss (UK), June De Leon (Guam) with Donna McNear (US), Rajesh Singh (India) with Nora Griffin-Shirley (US), and Carolyn Palmer (Australia); and will be facilitated by Karen Wolffe (US).