[MDPOBC] April 2021 Note
Maria de la Concepcion Hernandez Legorreta
mariahl at mdschblind.org
Thu Apr 1 18:16:38 UTC 2021
April 2021 Note
April 2021 MSB Outreach Note
[Logo of the Maryland School for the Blind. It reads: The Maryland School for the Blind, Achieving Independence]
April 2021
We have some awesome events coming up you will not want to miss. Check them out below.
April upcoming events
You can check out the most up to date events on the Maryland TVI Portal<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=19f6aed29b&e=f570d81d7e>. Email conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov<mailto:conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov> to add your events to the Portal
April
* 7: Webinar, Conducting an Informal CVI Range Assessment Virtually During the 20-21 School Year<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=d38ce8226b&e=f570d81d7e>. 3 PM EST.
* 12: Tech Trivia Challenge:<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=7b6012e451&e=f570d81d7e> This event will be held using the Zoom video conferencing platform. Students in middle and high school will work in teams to participate in a Jeopardy style game show. Participation will be limited to 20 students. The theme for this Tech Trivia Challenge will be screen readers. Questions will involve JAWS, NVDA, Chromevox and VoiceOver. Prizes will be awarded. Registration deadline is April 6.
* 15: Deadline for NFB Maryland Scholarship application <https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=32bb42d085&e=f570d81d7e>
* 17: Transition LITE Program: Contact Contact Bethany Martin, Manager of Youth and Education Services. Phone: 202-573-9661 (cell). E-mail: bmartin at clb.org<mailto:bmartin at clb.org>
* 23: Voyage Into The Deep (Introducing the rest of space).<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=1f7777346b&e=f570d81d7e> 3:30 PM EST. For Blind and Low Vision Students. The Universe is a big place, so we'd better get started on our tour. From "nearby" landmarks like the Moon, to distant galactic clusters, buckle up for a tour of the highlights of Space. We'll talk about stars, black holes, galaxies, and other fascinating topics. Join instructor Josh Urban on a trip across the light years to learn about the incredible Universe we live in.
[https://mcusercontent.com/da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03/images/e56ee5ff-2a92-46b3-93c2-09f46a0f9283.jpeg]
Let's Celebrate Braille Statewide on June 1, 2021!
The qualifiers for the National Braille Challenge are going to be announced on June 1st so let's celebrate Braille by wearing our favorite Braille Challenge t-shirt or other kind of Braille shirt! Blindness professionals, students and other staff are enouraged to participate! Mark your calendar and more details to come so stay tuned!
TECH TRIVIA CHALLENGE!
Monday, April 12th at 4 pm EST
It’s April Fools’ Day, but we’re not fooling around about the Tech Trivia Challenge! Our 1st Tech Trivia Challenge—Screen Reader Edition is Coming; Don’t Miss Out!! The Maryland School for the Blind’s Outreach Department and the Free Bridges Helpdesk invite High School and Middle School Students join us for a Jeopardy-style Tech Trivia Challenge focusing on screen readers.
Be ready to answer questions about: JAWS, ChromeVox, VoiceOver (On a Mac) and NVDA
You will work in teams via the Zoom platform. You will have the opportunity to preview some questions (without answers) prior to the event. Teams will be assigned the day of the event.
What about prizes? We have PRIZES!
All participants will receive a stress relief shark from Freedom Scientific as well as an annual license or renewal for JAWS or Fusion or ZoomText. Freedom Scientific/Vispero is also donating a Focus 14 Blue 5th Generation refreshable braille display. Individuals who participate in the Tech Trivia Challenge will have the opportunity to enter a contest to win this fabulous prize!
Space is limited to 25 students and you must register in advance by April 6. Students who live outside of Maryland will be put on a waitlist and will be notified by April 7th if space is available.
Register for the Tech Trivia Challenge here<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=62eb423851&e=f570d81d7e>
Questions? E-mail Jackie Otwell at jacquelineo at mdschblind.org<mailto:jacquelineo at mdschblind.org>
Bridges Help Desk event: Ordering In and Hanging Out
May 11
For Transition age students
May 11 is National #EatWhatYouWant Day, and that’s what we plan to do! In this Bridges Helpdesk Outreach activity, students will get together in a Zoom room and discuss how to use meal delivery services, such as DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub. We will practice with the services on the computer and smartphones and determine which we like best (in terms of accessibility and what is offered nearby). Next comes the fun part: each participating student will receive (via email or text) a gift card to purchase dinner from the service they choose. They will enter that information into the service and place their orders for dinner.
While we wait for our food to arrive, we will visit with one another. How are things going? Any plans for summer? What did you order for dinner?
Registration coming soon. Email the HelpDesk with any questions about the event: helpdesk at imagemd.org<mailto:helpdesk at imagemd.org>
Request FREE accessibility training for your staff
If you reside in Maryland, and work in a school system, you can request accessibility training for your staff. To do so email conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov<mailto:conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov>
Learning about Space for Blind and Low Vision Students
2-part webinar series in 1-hour sessions
Session 2: Voyage into The Deep (Introducing the rest of space)
April 23. 3:30 pm EST
We'll talk about stars, black holes, galaxies, and other fascinating topics. Join instructor Josh Urban on a trip across the light years to learn about the incredible Universe we live in.
Educational Objectives: In this class, students will learn:
* How far a Light Year is
* The scale and distance of the observable universe
* A variety of astronomical objects: Moons, Planets, Stars, Star Clusters, Nebulae, Galaxies, and Black Holes
* How astronomers observe, including radio astronomy (listening vs. seeing), and theoretical pursuits
Register for Session 2 here<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=e28ae7e801&e=f570d81d7e>
Steering Committee and Bridges Help Desk Tips Document
Check out a recently published document published by MSDE and created in collaboration with the Maryland State Steering Committee for Programs Serving Students who are Blind and Visually Impaired and the Maryland IMAGE Center Bridges Transition Helpdesk. This document provides information on how to make content accessible for all. Feel free to share with your educators. Tips for Classroom Teachers to Make Content Accessible for All Students <https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=d45e09b840&e=f570d81d7e>
Last CVI Webinar from MD/DC AER and the State Steering committee Serving Visually Impaired Students
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=f6a40c392e&e=f570d81d7e>
Register in advance for this webinar. This webinar will NOT be recorded.
The Bridges Project Helpdesk
Upcoming Bridges Helpdesk events
Transition Tip Tuesdays
April: ABLE Accounts—Are They for Me? Series on the Free Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=94f972b509&e=f570d81d7e>
* April 6: What are ABLE Accounts, and What Are the Benefits?
* April 13: Who Qualifies for an ABLE Account, and How Can Funds Be Spent?
* April 20: How Much Can Go into an ABLE Account, and How Can I Set One Up?
* April 27: Other Important information about ABLE Accounts
National Library Week on Facebook (April 5-9)
Highlighting sources of accessible books and news sources on the Free Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=bdfcb92907&e=f570d81d7e>
* April 5: NLS and BARD
* April 6: Bookshare
* April 7: Free and low-cost braille books
* April 8: Learning Ally
* April 9: NFB-NEWSLINE®
National Volunteer Week (April 18-24)
Highlighting skills needed for volunteer work and paid employment with national experts in blindness and low vision employment David DeNotaris and Eileen Rivera Ley
Always Free and Confidential
The Free Bridges Helpdesk supports educators, students and families of blind/low vision students everywhere in Maryland. Our dedicated blind adults and blindness education experts are eager to help with questions, concerns, and ideas and to invest the time to ensure that you get thorough and helpful answers. All inquiries are confidential, and we will never share information that identifies anyone who contacts the Helpdesk.
Contact us
* Accessible web form<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=dfefcf07a7&e=f570d81d7e>
* Send us a text: (410) 305-9199
* Email: Helpdesk at imagemd.org<mailto:Helpdesk at imagemd.org>
* Visit our Bridges Helpdesk website<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=b549eaa9d0&e=f570d81d7e>
* Call (443) 320-4003, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
* Bridges Blog (weekly Transition Tips)<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=569357a599&e=f570d81d7e>
* Bridges Facebook page<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=a782627ef8&e=f570d81d7e>
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.
NFB Maryland Scholarship deadline: April 15
Each year, the NFB of Maryland awards the John T. McCraw Scholarship to up to four students with a combined maximum total of $10,000. Though the Scholarship Committee will determine the amount awarded to each individual scholarship finalist, the minimum amount per scholarship is $2,000 and the maximum amount is $3,500. NFBMD may award a scholarship to a former McCraw scholarship recipient.
* Scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.
* Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on April 15, 2021.
To be eligible, applicants must:
* Be legally blind in both eyes
* Be a resident of Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;
* Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time or part-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program in the Fall of 2021 and Spring of 2022 (priority will be given to full-time students); and
* Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind virtually from July 6 through 11, 2021 and the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland from November 12 – 14, 2021 (scholarship finalists will receive convention financial assistance).
To apply: Submit an application using the online application system<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=ea6d90fb29&e=f570d81d7e>
NFB BELL® Academy In-Home Edition: Applications Now Open!
The National Federation of the Blind is offering three virtual programs of the NFB BELL Academy this summer to prepare blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people by enhancing their education. Options are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students for the following dates:
* Session 1 - June 7-18, 2021
* Session 2 - July 19-30, 2021
* Session 3 - August 9-20, 2021
NFB Bell Academy <https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=a1e7b94d40&e=f570d81d7e> English application<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=c0b17a038f&e=f570d81d7e>
NFB Bell Academy <https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=8e5ff40b3e&e=f570d81d7e> Spanish application<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=b6ee9bdc85&e=f570d81d7e> <https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=18d68d65f8&e=f570d81d7e>
AER DC-Maryland Announcement
t's been a tough year. Let's celebrate some people who rose above it. Nominate someone in our blind and low vision field for Best Educator, Best Rehab Specialist, Excellence in the Field, or Friend of the Blind. Go to our website and nominate away. Awards will be presented at our DC-MD AER conference in October. Let's spread some good.
Download the Recognition of Excellence in the Field of Blindness and Visual Impairment form<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=ba8a459faf&e=f570d81d7e>.
Friend of the Blind and Visually Impaired Community is to recognize contributions of an individual or a group affiliated with, but not primarily involved in, the education or rehabilitation of individuals with visual impairment. Accomplishments should include providing goods or services which help foster independence and self-worth within the blind and visually impaired community. Examples may include a supermarket assisting in teaching a group class how to effectively shop, a community group donating white canes to an agency, an airline making an effort to hire blind personnel in customer service, etc.
Happy nominating.
The 61st annual CTEBVI conference will be held online, April 15-17, 2021
Our conference brings blind and visually impaired students and their families together with the professionals who meet their educational and rehabilitation needs. The event features 80 professional workshops, Youth and Parent Institutes for students and families, and a Virtual Exhibit Hall to showcase innovative products and resources. It is a unique opportunity for teachers, transcribers, students, families, and vendors to come together, to share techniques and best practices, and to build a supportive community.
More info on registration for CTEBVI conference here <https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=1bf0f73f91&e=f570d81d7e>
This email was sent to conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov<mailto:conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov>
why did I get this?<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/about?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=813e5caa50&e=f570d81d7e&c=4b977e7b6a> unsubscribe from this list<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=813e5caa50&e=f570d81d7e&c=4b977e7b6a> update subscription preferences<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/profile?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=813e5caa50&e=f570d81d7e&c=4b977e7b6a>
MSDE · 3501 Taylor Ave · Baltimore, MD 21236-4406 · USA
[Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp]<http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=referral_marketing&aid=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&afl=1>
--
Conchita Hernandez
Statewide Blind and Low Vision Specialist
Maryland State Department of Education
Division of Special Education/Early
Intervention Services
200 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-2595
410-767-0812 office
410-333-8165 fax
conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov<mailto:conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov>
Click here
<http://www.doit.state.md.us/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?agencycode=MSDE&SurveyID=86M2956>
to complete a three question customer experience survey.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/mdpobc_nfbnet.org/attachments/20210401/57c9678c/attachment.html>
More information about the MDPOBC
mailing list