[MDPOBC] November 2020 Note

Mon Nov 2 21:42:07 UTC 2020

November 2020 Note

November 2020 Note

[Logo of the Maryland School for the Blind. It reads: The Maryland School for the Blind, Achieving Independence]

November

Welcome to our November newsletter! As always feel free to reach out with any questions, and or resources!

[Image reads: Maryland Regional Braille Challenge. Braille Institute.]
Maryland Regional Braille Challenge

The Maryland Regional Braille Challenge website<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=e14fa2977a&e=0bbd9667c5> is now live! Please take a moment to check it out! This year our theme will focus around careers. You can find registration information, highlights from previous Braille Challenges, award nomination forms, career related resources and much more!

New this year - an early childhood component with more details to come! Keep in mind we are striving to make this an all inclusive Braille event and are providing opportunities for readers at various levels. Please see the registration page for more information. At this time, we are planning for students to be testing in person but this could change depending on circumstances surrounding COVID-19. Please consider volunteering<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=8f002ce34f&e=0bbd9667c5>!

If you have any questions or ideas to include as resources please reach out to Jackie Otwell at jacquelineo at mdschblind.org<mailto:jacquelineo at mdschblind.org>

MSB Outreach events
Check out these fun events for any blind/low vision student through MSB Outreach Department:

The Google link for registration is available here<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=98fbb18a1f&e=0bbd9667c5>

Tuesday, Nov. 10th from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
VIRTUAL DRUM CIRCLE - using household objects as drums, for all ages.

Tuesday, Nov. 17th from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
THANKSGIVING CRAFT VIRTUAL WORKSHOP for students 3 years and older to create a FUN and tactually exciting Thanksgiving centerpiece as well as an opportunity to meet other families experiencing similar challenges. For elementary students.

Tuesday, Dec. 8th from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
VIRTUAL IMPROV SONG WRITING WORKSHOP, for middle & high school students.

Contact Ruth Ann Hynson for questions: ruthh at mdschblind.org

College Mentoring Program

The Maryland School for the Blind is proud to announce a new program providing support for blind and low vision students in post-secondary educational programs!

Purpose:  To assist students with addressing issues that can impact their ability to be successful in a post-secondary program in the following areas:  accessibility, orientation and mobility skills, technology, social/emotional skills, independent living skills, and self-advocacy.

Eligibility:  Blind and visually impaired college age students up to the age of 21, who are registered with DORS. For more information or to apply for DORS services please call 410-554-9277.

Services offered include: On-site and web based assessment, consultation, training, counseling, and accessibility accommodations.

Services will be provided by the following MSB staff:
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Vision Rehabilitation Specialist
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Assistive Technology Specialist
Low Vision Specialist
Social Worker
Specialized Media Coordinator
Braillist

To make a referral, please contact:  Ruth Ann Hynson, Director of Statewide Outreach Services at ruthh at mdschblind.org<mailto:ruthh at mdschblind.org> or 410-319-5726

Virtual webinar: Conducting high quality transition assessments for students with multiple disabilities
Description: This webinar will go over how to conduct accurate and reliable transition student interview assessments for students with significant disabilities, this includes blind students. Adriana Friedman and Margaret Parrott will be sharing their expertise on an innovative method to conduct transition assessments on students with multiple disabilities.
Registration required.
Questions? Conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov<mailto:Conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov>

Registration link here<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=1893dc7464&e=0bbd9667c5>

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

[Image of the Braille Buzz bee logo.]
Braille Buzz app

Have you tried the Braille Buzz from APH? If not, it is available via quota funds and is a great took for our youngest braille readers.

And now there is a FREE Braille Buzz app. This app is available with both iOS and Android. It has letter sounds and recognition and braille dot locations.
Check out the iOS app here<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=92325480ea&e=0bbd9667c5>
Paths to Technology (BrailleBuzz App Review)<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=177c72b39c&e=0bbd9667c5>

[Decorative image of laptop with items around it.]
APH Recorded Webinars

Access Academy webinars are a great tool! Want to watch them at your own pace? Here is the site to the recorded webinars.<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=74f1b03c2a&e=0bbd9667c5> Topics range from using the Braille Trail Reader, to Street crossings, and otehr fantastic videos!

The Bridges Project: Free Helpdesk

  *   Serves blind and low vision transition-age youth, their families, and their educators
  *   Provides information and guidance on the wide array of questions and challenges of transition and blindness/low vision
  *   Staffed by individuals with personal and professional experience with transition and with blindness/low vision
     *   Blind young adult working as a professional in the blindness field who graduated from public high school in Maryland
     *   Teacher of students with blindness/low vision and parent of a blind transition-age individual
  *   Contact the Helpdesk:
     *   By phone: (443) 320-4003 (voice mail only, please leave a detailed message and we will return your call)
     *   Email: Helpdesk at imagemd.org<mailto:Helpdesk at imagemd.org>
     *   Facebook page (@Bridges4MarylandBlindLowVisionTransition)

Join us for a Zoom/Facebook Live Introduction to the Bridges Helpdesk and Town Hall

  *   Students
     *   8-9 p.m. on December 1 (Tuesday)
     *   Students’ Zoom meeting link<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=89dde91fc2&e=0bbd9667c5>
  *   Parents
     *   4-5 p.m. on November 15 (Sunday)
     *   Kicking off #AmericanEducationWeek
     *   Parents’ Zoom meeting link<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=831d75d1d6&e=0bbd9667c5>
  *   Paraprofessionals and other support staff
     *   7-8 p.m. on November 18 (Wednesday)
     *   Celebrating #EducationSupportProfessionalsDay
     *   Paraprofessionals’ Zoom meeting link<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=063f8ff613&e=0bbd9667c5>
  *   Educators (TVIs, regular educators, and special educators)
     *   7-8 p.m. on November 19 (Thursday)
     *   Celebrating #AmericanEducationWeek
     *   Educators’ Zoom meeting link<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=a81a8b08f6&e=0bbd9667c5>

[Image of student working with a braille device with an instructor.]
Technology For Loan
As a reminder, you can borrow technology to use with your students. Here is a list of what we have:

Braille Edge
Braille Writers
APH Mantis Q40 https://www.aph.org/product/mantis-q40/<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=ea2418d660&e=0bbd9667c5>
2 APH Chameleon 20 https://www.aph.org/product/chameleon-20/
2 Acrobat HD Mini
Acrobat HD
Focus 40 Braille Display
mobilux Digital Touch HD
MagniLink S CM TTS HD
mobilux Digital Touch HD
Ruby HD with Reading Stand
Transformer USB and VGA
Candy 5 HD II

If you are interested in any of these items email conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov

Webinar: Making Connections with Students who are Complex Learners
November 17, 2020
3:00 - 5:00 pm EST
Presenter: Nancy Steele
By Connections Beyond Sight and Sound
Meeting the needs of learners who are complex starts with understanding your role in making connections. This webinar will explore some basic principles and strategies that will lead to making solid connections with your learners.
Register here <https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=534bc7cf6f&e=0bbd9667c5>

CVI free virtual webinar this Wednesday November 4!
Join our presenter Christopher Russell for a free CVI webinar on November 4 at 3 pm EST. Christopher is the Project Coordinator at the New York Deaf-Blind Collaborative. His focus with CVI is on literacy and practical strategies. Webinar WILL be recorded. Register NOW:
CVI Overview/Characteristics and Phases; Updates from the Field<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=b085ab954d&e=0bbd9667c5>

Questions? Reach out to Ruth Ann Hynson: ruthh at mdschblind.org

MD/DC AER upcoming events
*Offered in conjunction with Maryland State Steering Committee for Programs Serving Students with Visual Impairments. ALL SESSIONS ARE FREE!

Nov 4, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CVI Overview/Characteristics and Phases; Updates from the Field<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=7d52ddbd18&e=0bbd9667c5>
Register in advance for this webinar:

Dec 2, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CVI Assessment: CVI Range and FVA Practices<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=f216ce89b6&e=0bbd9667c5>
Register in advance for this webinar:

Jan 13, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CVI Intervention Approaches and Strategies by Phase<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=573a44a12e&e=0bbd9667c5>
Register in advance for this webinar:

Feb 17, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CVI and Communication Adaptations<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=8e00773b85&e=0bbd9667c5>
Register in advance for this webinar:

Apr 7, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Conducting an Informal CVI Range Assessment Virtually During the 20-21 School Year<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=78a925a403&e=0bbd9667c5>
Register in advance for this webinar:

--Your DC/MD AER Board of Directors:
President: Ruth Ann Hynson
Past-President: Josh Irzyk (replacing Michelle Horseman because she no longer lives in Maryland)
President Elect: Dareen Barrios
Secretary: Kaitlin Kernan
Treasurer: Alan Kaufman
Members at Large: Krista Harris-Hermann, Gina Fugate, Rebecca Hommer, Matthew Spencer, Deb Nikila

Connections Beyond Sight and Sound 2020 - 2021 Mini Grants - Now Accepting Applications!

Connections Beyond Sight and Sound is offering four grant funding opportunities for families with children birth - 21 in Maryland and DC with children who have dual sensory impairment or CVI.

Grant funds can be used for:

  *   Parent training (attending a conference or training)
  *   Programs or activities supporting your child (special therapies, swimming, horseback riding)
  *   Materials or resources that support your child (cane, chairs, communication devices)
  *   Be creative when thinking about the needs of your child.

Four grants will be awarded to families up to $500.00 each. Grant applications will be accepted through November 30, 2020. Grants will be awarded January 1, 2021.

Grant recipients will be asked to attend the May 15, 2021 Advisory Council meeting and share how they used awarded grant funding.

Need help ... we would be happy to help you fill out the application, contact Donna at donnaric at umd.edu<mailto:donnaric at umd.edu>

Submit your application for CBSS Mini Grants here<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=dec95b629e&e=0bbd9667c5>

NFB STEM2U
The National Federation of the Blind's STEM2U science program brings science education to different regions around the country. This year the entire program will be virtual. Participants will get a box of supplies mailed to their house and the opportunity to participate on one of 2 weekend days.

Date: November 14, 2020 from 2 to 5 p.m. ET

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This program is designed for blind and low-vision students in grades three to high school level who:

  *   Are interested in STEM
  *   Are unsure about STEM but interested in a fun program specific to blind students
  *   Are in need of hands-on, nonvisual skills training opportunities from blind role models

REGISTRATION and more info for NFB STEM2U<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=5bdf61c246&e=0bbd9667c5>
Questions: stem at nfb.org. Participation will be completely free to participants thanks to the generous support of General Motors.

Rise Up: The 2020 NFB of Maryland State Convention is Coming!

  *   Date: November 6 to 8, 2020
  *   Place: Anywhere and Everywhere!
  *   Meet our keynote speaker, Pam Allen, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana, Chairperson and First Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors, and Executive Director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind.
  *   Explore opportunities through special workshops for parents and teachers of blind children, blind merchants and entrepreneurs, and students. Check out our technology workshops and more.
  *   Examine new products at the exhibit hall on Friday.
  *   Help us raise expectations for ourselves and for officials who manage services for the blind.<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=a382fe6947&e=0bbd9667c5>

Registration and information for the NFB Convention can be found here<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=57c67eb210&e=0bbd9667c5>

Save the Date: ACB 2021 Convention
The Maryland American Council of the Blind convention will take place January 29-30, 2020. More information coming soon.

This email was sent to mariahl at mdschblind.org<mailto:mariahl at mdschblind.org>
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