[MDPOBC] October 'Eyes on Maryland' 2021

Fri Oct 1 18:43:58 UTC 2021

October 'Eyes on Maryland' 2021
"Eyes on Maryland" October 2021 Note

October 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=be7b1afb7d&e=f570d81d7e>.<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=fea25de6e9&e=f570d81d7e>  Email conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov<mailto:conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov> to add your events to the Portal
October

·        4: Webinar: Literacy Considerations for Individuals with Cortical Visual Impairment<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=97410c1be3&e=f570d81d7e>

·        6: APH Webinar: ParentConnect: A family support Group offered in partnership with the Virtual Parent Support Group Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=7dea6524cd&e=f570d81d7e>

·        12: Maryland New TVI Teacher Meet up<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=6b82600167&e=f570d81d7e>

·        15: MSB Outreach Low Vision Clinic. Contact sharonw at mdschblind.org<mailto:sharonw at mdschblind.org>

·        15: CLB LITE Transition Program<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=2349ce8b7d&e=f570d81d7e>

·        18: MSB Outreach webinar: Working with Blind and Low Vision Engllish Learners <https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=fabbe5b19d&e=f570d81d7e>

·        28: NCUEB<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=fc3e4b39e5&e=f570d81d7e> test at the Maryland School for the Blind: Deadline to register is October 7

·        29: CBSS mini grants application Deadline<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=b1410cf2ce&e=f570d81d7e>

          [Logo Circle of hands and text Maryland School for the Blind] [See beyond]

The Maryland School for the Blind Outreach Department Presents

     New Teacher of the Visually Impaired Meet Up
Via Zoom October 12 @ 4 pm Eastern Time

Are you a new Teacher of Blind and Low Vision students who is wondering if anyone else “out there” is having similar experiences as you? Join us for an hour for a few ice breaker games and then breakout groups to share your highs, lows and questions with others who are walking in your shoes.

Register in advance for this meeting: New Teacher of the Visually Impaired Zoom Registration<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=44c1e92c09&e=f570d81d7e>. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please complete the survey in advance so we can organize New Teacher Meet Up Survey<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=589ff5c9ca&e=f570d81d7e> breakout groups in advance.

Bring a meme that describes your year so far to share and come ready to vent!

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Jackie Otwell, TVI, Outreach Department at jacquelineo at mdschblind.org<mailto:jacquelineo at mdschblind.org>

[Colorfull full Braille cell. Words on the logo " Maryland Regional Braille Challenge and the Braille Insitute"]
2022 Maryland Regional Braille Challenge

Save the date: February 5, 2022

·        We don’t know if it will be in person or virtual but your valuable knowledge and expertise is still WANTED, NEEDED and MOST IMPORTANTLY APPRECIATED!!

·        Check out the website for updates: Maryland Regional Braille Challenge<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=749f45a57d&e=f570d81d7e>

·        This year’s theme will be “Just Add Braille to Your Recipe for Success!” Parents and students will focus on ECC skills in the kitchen!

·        Feel free to start spreading the word!
Contack Jackie Otwell with any questions jacquelineo at mdschblind.org<mailto:jacquelineo at mdschblind.org>

Request FREE consult on STEM issues regarding blind and low vision students with Erin Shadwick

Erin Shadwick is a TVI and expert in STEM for blind and low vision students. She presented a webinar for the Maryland School for the Blind titled 'Teaching the ECC Through STEM for Students with Visual and Multiple Impairments.' If you reside or teach in Maryland, you can request a FREE consult session with Erin. This can include but not limited to
1. How a blind or low vision student can participate in a particular STEM activity
2. Ideas for your STEM classroom
3. As a partent how you can incorporate STEM at home
4. A new student who you want to introduce to STEM
Request free consult on STEM here<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=5f3ed6d827&e=f570d81d7e> (must reside in Maryland or DC)
If you have any questions, please contact Conchita Hernandez conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov<mailto:conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov>

MSB Outreach Department Outreach Low Vision Services 2021-2022
Functional Vision Consultations and Assessments
We continue to offer functional vision consultations to address student’s ability to access age and grade level educational and leisure materials.  Areas assessed include but are not limited to color vision, near and distance visual acuities, functional visual perceptual skills, response to magnification and assessment of personal characteristics and environmental factors that may impact functional use of vision.  If visual perceptual concerns are suggested during the functional vision assessment, assessment of visual perceptual skills using standardized assessment materials is available with results generated through consultation from an MSB licensed occupational therapist.  There is no charge for first and second consult visits per student.  An hourly rate will be applied on the third visit.  The functional vision consultations and assessments are provided from Tuesday through Friday.
Low Vision Clinics
MSB Outreach Services provides low vision clinics at MSB and regional clinics upon request.  At this time, appointments include the student, a parent and teacher and appointments are available for 9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.  The MSB team includes Dr. Jana Bregman, Susan Vanderhoff, LCSW/C and Sharon Whited, CLVT.  Regional low vision clinics are provided at a location decided upon by the county for three students. The focus of a clinical low vision clinic evaluation is to identify strategies and devices to maximize the students’ ability to use their vision to complete daily activities.  The evaluation includes assessment of color vision, contrast sensitivity, near and far distance visual acuities, refraction, assessment of visual field and lighting, visual perceptual screening and introduction to strategies and optical and non-optical devices to enhance their functional use of vision.

Ophthalmological examinations are available to students who do not have access to routine eye care in the community and have experienced a change in their functional use of vision.  The dilated examinations include evaluation of visual abilities and the health of the eye.  If concerns are noted the student is referred to a doctor in the community for more extensive examination and follow-up.

Low Vision Clinics

October 15, 2021

November 5, 2021

December 3, 2021

January 7, 2022

February 4, 2022

March 4, 2022

April 1, 2022

May 6, 2022

June 3, 2022

Tinted Lens Clinic
Last year we piloted our first clinic for the assessment of tinted lens.  Tinted lens are used to reduce glare and/or improve contrast sensitivity. Additionally, we have a fund that can be used as needed to obtain glasses with best correction and tint.
Scheduling
To schedule a regional or on-campus clinic appointment, functional vision consultation or assessment and tinted lens evaluation contact Sharon Whited, Low Vision Specialist at 410.444.5000, x1276, 410-615-0790 or sharonw at mdschblind.org<mailto:sharonw at mdschblind.org?subject=Sharon%20Whited's%20email%20address>.

Maryland Specially Designed Instruction Professional Learning Community 2021-2022 School Year
Sign up to be a part of the second MSDE Professional Learning Community. This year our focus is in 3 areas 1) Students with sensory impairments (Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, Low Vision), 2) Behavioral supports to increase participation and learning & 3) Instruction and inclusion of students with significant cognitive disabilities. You will participate in eight 90-minute PLC meetings on Wednesdays from 4:15 – 5:45 PM on the following dates: November 3, 10, December 1, 8, January 12, 26, and February 9, 23.

You will help produce a teacher-friendly, web-based toolkit with “lessons learned” from delivering specially designed instruction.

How do I apply, and what is the deadline? Apply by October 15, 2021, fill out this interest form<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=ad989d1c7b&e=f570d81d7e>:

When will I know if I have been selected to participate? Participants will be notified if they have been selected during the week of October 25, 2021.

Do I have to be a classroom teacher to participate? Ideal project participants are general and special educators who work together to instruct and support students in the general education classroom. Instructional staff (coaches, district resource specialists) who support teachers working in the general education setting are welcome to participate, as well.

How much time is required for participants outside of the 90-minute virtual PLC meetings? This is an action research project. The expectation is that in the week or weeks between each virtual PLC meeting, participants will be implementing their action research plan, eventually writing up their results as a contribution to the E-Toolkit.

Are participants financially compensated for their time? A stipend is not provided for participation. However, participants can earn two MSDE Continuing Education credits for successful completion of all requirements.

Join an informational session October 4 3:30-4:30 to learn more! <https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=30d0e1a3f6&e=f570d81d7e>
Reach out to Conchita with any questions about this conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov<mailto:conchita.hernandez at maryland.gov>

Lighthouse Innovative Transition to Employment (LITE) Program taking applications

WHAT IS LITE? The purpose of The LITE Program is to help teens build the skills necessary to succeed in higher education, work settings and community. Teens will participate in training sessions and activities related to job readiness skills, organization, time management, problem solving, independent living skills, assistive technology skills development and self-advocacy. Teens will be given the opportunity to develop their post high school goals along with a plan on how to achieve them.

WHEN: Teens will meet for monthly workshops, culminating in an optional Internship Experience Program in the summer of 2022. Workshops are held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Teens are strongly encouraged to attend each session.
Workshop Dates: 10/16/2021, 11/13/2021, 12/4/2021, 1/8/2022

WHERE: In-person at CLB Silver Spring Office: 8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 805, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Transportation to the CLB Office can be provided by taxi cab service. Students who select “YES” to transportation on their program application will complete a Transportation form. Virtual option also available.

Apply for LITE program here <https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=d7a1744e7a&e=f570d81d7e>
Applications due: October 11, 2021
Contact: Bethany Martin, Associate Director of Youth and Education Services E-mail: bmartin at clb.org<mailto:bmartin at clb.org>

Connections Beyond Sight and Sound is offering four grant funding opportunities for families with children birth - 21 in Maryland or 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 (4) grants will be awarded to families up to $500.00 each. Grant applications will be accepted through October 29, 2021. Grants recipients will be notified by November 30, 2021. Grant recipients will be asked to attend the May 13, 2021 Advisory Council meeting and share how they used awarded grant funding.

CBSS Grant Application<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=2f3ee99b24&e=f570d81d7e>

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>

The Free Maryland Bridges Transition Helpdesk
Upcoming Bridges Helpdesk Transition Tip Tuesdays: ORIENTATION OCTOBER!

  *   This month, the Free Bridges Transition Helpdesk will feature Tuesday Transition Tips designed to prepare our students to gain orientation skills and confidence!
  *   Topics will include:
     *   October 5: History of the White Cane and White Cane Safety Day
     *   October 12: How to get a cane, different types of canes, and what are your rights as a white cane user
     *   October 19: Useful apps for navigation: Google Maps and Blind Square
     *   October 26: Useful apps for reading signage, purchasing transit tickets, and getting transit scheduling information

Spread the word and Save the date for our new Bridges Roundtables
Tricks and Treats

  *   A Student-focused Roundtable
  *   Tuesday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Next Steps November

  *   An Educator-focused Roundtable
  *   Thursday, November 4, at 3:30 p.m.

Join Us at the Maryland Rehabilitation Conference

  *   Bridges Concurrent session number three at 3:15 p.m., on Thursday, November 18
  *   Sheraton Baltimore North, Towson, MD

Always Free and Confidential
The Free Bridges Helpdesk supports educators as well as 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=7a0c5c8411&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=4017a6c7e0&e=f570d81d7e>
  *   Call (443) 320-4003, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call

Questions or comments: email conchita.hernandez @ maryland.gov<http://maryland.gov>

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=ad6a617bc4>    unsubscribe from this list<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=813e5caa50&e=f570d81d7e&c=ad6a617bc4>    update subscription preferences<https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/profile?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=813e5caa50&e=f570d81d7e&c=ad6a617bc4>
MSDE · 3501 Taylor Ave · Baltimore, MD 21236-4406 · USA

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--
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>

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