[blindkid] Ooops. Here's a bit more information on my previous post.

Sat Mar 14 00:42:18 UTC 2009

Well, this is what I get for posting while on Robitussin (my daughter Anna
has generously shared her winter illness with me).  So here's a bit more
information.  I apologize for the first, Robitussin-induced post  :)

http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Beginnings_Blueprints.asp?SnID=374569163     National
Federation of the Blind
*Beginnings and Blueprints*
Early Childhood Conference
May 8-9, 2009 What:

How can you as a parent help build your child into the best individual they
can be without a successful blueprint to follow? What tools do you need to
construct a successful future for your child? Come learn how great
beginnings in the early years can lead to future success for your blind or
low vision child. The NFB Jernigan Institute is holding an innovative
Beginnings and Blueprints Early Childhood Conference in collaboration with
the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children and various resources
in the field of early childhood from across the mid-Atlantic region. This
two-day conference will bring together families of blind children ages birth
to seven, early childhood providers, teachers, and professionals in order to
disseminate the NFB’s approach to best practices in early childhood
education for blind children.
Where:

NFB Jernigan Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
Who Should Attend:

Families of blind and low vision children ages birth to seven who live in
the mid-Atlantic region are encouraged to attend. Families who live outside
of the mid-Atlantic region are also welcome to attend if they so desire,
just be aware that some of the exhibits and information will be
region-specific. Various organizations and programs within this area will be
present for consultation and to provide presentations to families on what
resources are available in their state. Children are encouraged to attend
with their parents as there will be activities designed with the needs of
young blind children in mind.
Cost:

There will be a registration fee of $50 per family (covers two
adults). Individuals are also welcome to come at the same fee. This will
include complimentary breakfasts and lunches during the conference as well
as program materials.
Conference Details Parents:

Parents will have the opportunity to network with other parents and experts
in the field of early childhood education as they enjoy a variety of
breakout sessions, informative panels, and guest speakers. Topics will
include: early intervention needs, the importance of early movement and
exploration, emergent literacy skills, age-appropriate behaviors, physical
and social development, transitional skills, and much, much more. An exhibit
hall will also be part of the conference, along with consultation time for
families to meet with experts in the field.
Children:

Children’s activities will be grounded in principles of structured discovery
exploration and nonvisual learning. Age-appropriate activities will include
interactive hands-on play, outdoor ventures, and craft
projects. Children need not be blind or low vision to attend with their
families.
Schedule:

§       Friday, May 8
8:30-10:00 a.m.—Registration and continental breakfast
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.—General sessions
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.—Lunch
1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.—Breakout sessions

§       Saturday, May 9
9:00-10:00 a.m.—Registration and continental breakfast
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.—Breakout sessions
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.—Lunch
1:00-4:00 p.m.—Exhibit hall and consultation time
Registration:

Please complete the *online registration
form<http://www.nfb.org/Forms.asp?MODE=NEW&SnID=374569163&Forms_FormTypeID=-131>
* or complete and return the registration form
(Word)<http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/word/2009%20Beginnings%20and%20Blueprints%20Registration.doc>
* *and submit with the $50 fee by *April 1, 2009*.
Lodging:

Limited space *may* by available at the NFB Jernigan Institute
facilities. If space is available, it will be given to individual families
based on need. Please contact the Education Team for more information about
these arrangements.

We also have a block of rooms reserved for Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May
8, at the following hotels:

§       Hampton Inn BWI/Baltimore
Cost: $119/night
Phone Number: (410) 850-0600
Address: 829 Elkridge Road, Linthicum, MD 21090
Reservation Details: Rooms must be reserved with a credit card by April 7,
2009.  The twelve-room block is reserved under the National Federation of
the Blind. Includes a Manager's Reception on Thursday evening from 5:30 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m., with complementary wine, beer, soda, and hors d'vours.
Breakfast also included.  Hotel offers free shuttle service to and from the
airport.

§       Days Inn Inner Harbor
Cost: $129 per night
Phone number: (410) 576-1000
Address: 100 Hopkins Place, Baltimore, MD 21201
Reservation details: Rooms must be reserved with a credit card by April 7,
2009, in order to ensure your room.  The fifteen-room block is reserved
under the National Federation of the Blind.

Reserving rooms are the responsibility of the family or individual attending
the conference.  However, the NFB will provide shuttle transportation to and
from the NFB Jernigan Institute for those staying at the hotels.  More
details will provided closer the conference date.
For more information:

Please contact *Mary Jo Thorpe <mthorpe at nfb.org>*, Education Programs
Specialist, and NFB Jernigan Institute at (410) 659-9314, ext. 2407.

-- 
Carlton Anne Cook Walker
President, Pennsylvania Parents of Blind Children
213 North First Street
McConnellsburg, PA    17233
Voice: 717-485-4529 or 717-485-3383
Cell: 717-658-9894