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"Eyes on Maryland" Mid-January 2022 Note</h1>
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<span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif">What a beginning to the year we have already had! Thanks for all you do for our students! Check out the note below for another TVI scholarship opportunity
as well as student scholarships they can apply to now! Likewise literacy being so important this month, there are various reading challenges and free books you can access! </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size:24px"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif">All events are always being updated on the
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=1ae7f4dbf7&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Maryland TVI Portal</a></span></span>
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January 2022</h2>
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<span style="font-size:18px">20: APH Webinar:<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=9efb6df626&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline"> Best Practices
for Cognitive Evaluation of Students with Visual Impairment.</a> 12:00 – 1:30 PM EST. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:18px">21: APH webinar: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=6a6e3d9a79&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Slate and Stylus 101</a>. 12 - 1:30 pm EST. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:18px">20: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=46c98e80db&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
ABLE Accounts: A Financial Planning Tool for People with Disabilities and their Families</a> (LBPH). 6:30 pm. Call-in: (319) 527-4994 or Join the online meeting in the link in the name.</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:18px">22: Montgomery County Public Libraries HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOUIS BRAILLE Celebration. We will have a virtual celebration of 'Braille Around the World' with members of the blind community and their friends who have learned braille in
many different languages. We will hear stories, play games, and learn about the fascinating life of the young Frenchman who invented the system of dot writing used around the world. No registration necessary!
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=91891847eb&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Use this link on the Libraries’ Events Calendar page to participate and for accommodation information</a> </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:18px">26: Career Connect: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=0fc7b6a11a&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
"Can't Touch This" Virtual Transition Programming for Students with Visual Impairments</a>. 3 - 4:30 EST. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:18px">27: Connections Beyond Sight and Sound Parent Group Meeting. 7 - 8:00 pm EST. Parents of children who are Deafblind or have CVI with hearing loss who live in the Maryland and DC area are welcome to join the Connections Beyond Sight
& Sound parent meeting. <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=8ed1a9e3a7&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Register here for CBSS parent group meeting </a></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:18px">27: APH Webinar: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=e684702506&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Using a Team Approach in Evaluating Students with Visual Impairments Using the Woodcock-Johnson IV Braille Adaptation</a>. 12 - 1:30 pm. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:18px">27: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=8970480541&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Boosting Language Development for English Learners Across the Curriculum: K-12</a> (not specific to blindness). 12 - 1:30 EST. </span></p>
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<span style="font-size:18px">27: MDLBPD: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=de2252c474&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Audiojack Teen Event</a>. (Youth ages 13-17). 6 pm EST. Engage with others as you let your imagination do the work! Come and learn about Audiojack. Participants will be exposed to this app and get a chance to unlock all its content for free!</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:18px">31: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=7b3a103333&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Blind Service Association Scholarship</a> Due</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:18px">31: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=31b7e1f13e&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Learning Ally Scholarship</a> DUE</span></p>
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<span style="font-size:18px">31: APH webinar: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=f155ab148f&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Foundations of Duxbury.</a> 12 - 1 pm EST </span></p>
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Seedlings Free Braille Books Program Open Now</h1>
<span style="font-size:20px">Seedlings is offering its annual <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=5ae0b8a1dc&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Book Angel Program</a> of up to four free books per child. Teachers and parents can sign up. Sign up now! </span>
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<strong>2022 Student Scholarship Opportunities</strong></h1>
<span style="font-size:20px">Now is the time for high school seniors and college students to start applying for scholarships. Below are some specific to blind and low vision students. </span>
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<li><span style="font-size:20px"><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=fde4b93d79&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">AER Scholarships</a> (not
yet open for 2022)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:20px"><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=c2f8f86e5b&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">AFB Scholarship
</a> (Due February 15, 2022)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:20px"><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=76af2c6876&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">ACB Scholarship</a> (Due
February 14, 2022)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:20px"><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=082d1ce4a3&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Blind Service Association
Scholarship</a> (Due January 31, 2022)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:20px"><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=8d4a49c305&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">The John Lepping Memorial
Scholarship</a> (Due May 1, 2022)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:20px"><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=b324547639&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Learning Ally Scholarship</a>
(Due January 31, 2022)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:20px"><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=0d43fe4ad0&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Lighthouse Guild</a> (Due
March 31, 2022)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:20px"><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=f047e911bf&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">NFB Maryland Scholarship</a>
(Due April 15, 2022)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:20px"><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=d64be9e48e&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">NFB National Scholarship</a>
(Due March 31, 2022)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:20px"><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=89ee35d75f&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Team See Possibilities Scholarship
Program </a>(Opens in March 2022)</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:20px"><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=cf324aebe4&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Wells Fargo Scholarship
Program for People With Disabilities</a> (Due June 30, 2022)</span> </li></ul>
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<span style="font-size:20px">(Scholarship opportunities updated on the <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=309c7be273&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
TVI Portal Transition Page</a>)</span></h2>
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MDLBPD</h1>
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MD LBPD Reading Contest</h2>
<span style="font-size:20px">Read for a Better World Winter Reading Challenge<br>
The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is participating in Beanstack’s Fifth Annual Winter Reading Challenge, sponsored by Lerner Publishing Group. "Read for a Better World" encourages readers of all ages to explore diversity, empathy,
and action through literature. Our community has unlimited access to Lerner’s “Read for a Better World” themed books for the month of January through the challenge activities! We challenge our patrons to read at least 600 minutes during the month and keep
track of their reading on our Beanstack site. The challenge runs from January 1st - 31st.
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=2e35ea5b2a&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Sign up today on our Beanstack site</a></span><br>
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Audio Jack Event</h2>
<span style="font-size:20px">Ages 13-17<br>
January 27th, 6 pm <br>
Engage with others as you let your imagination do the work! Come and learn about Audiojack. Participants will be exposed to this app and get a chance to unlock all its content for free! <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=ae8312ef19&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Register
for AudioJack here</a>. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event.</span>
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Youth Services @LPBD</h2>
<span style="font-size:20px">The library provides a wide range of services for children, tweens, and teens. From programs to encourage traditional literacy to dynamic and engaging programs that teach STEAM skills.<br>
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For more information about the library's youth services, please contact: Youth Services: 410-230-2455 |
<a href="mailto:kidsdesk.lbpd@maryland.gov" target="_blank">kidsdesk.lbpd@maryland.gov</a>
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ABLE Accounts: A Financial Planning Tool for People with Disabilities and their Families</h2>
<span style="font-size:20px">January 20th at 6:30 pm<br>
Call-in: (319) 527-4994<br>
Join the online meeting: <a href="https://join.freeconferencecall.com/mdlbpd" target="_blank">https://join.freeconferencecall.com/mdlbpd</a><br>
Join us to learn about the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act and how a Maryland ABLE account can help people who are blind, those with low vision, and other qualifying disabilities to save and invest for the future without jeopardizing federal,
state, and local benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. Attendees will learn about the enrollment process, tax-advantaged savings, and investment options, how to use the ABLE account to pay for qualified disability-related expenses, and the account management
process.<br>
NO REGISTRATION IS NEEDED!</span>
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LBPD Calendar</h2>
<span style="font-size:20px">The Maryland State Library is proud to introduce the Maryland Day by Day Family Literacy Activity Calendar. The print version of this calendar is designed to be a “Forever” calendar, meaning it can be used over again, year after
year. You can print the calendar from home, for FREE. In the online version of the calendar, found under Calendar Pages, you will find inter-activities, videos, and printable games designed to engage and entertain! We hope that this calendar provides your
family with a love of learning to span the entire year, from January to December.<br>
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=9736dfd4ab&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Access the Calendar here</a><br>
Just a note, I'm working on a text-only version of the Calendar that can be read with a screen reader... the calendar is currently a non-accessible PDF. <br>
Contact: Ashley M. Biggs<br>
<a href="mailto:ashley.biggs1@maryland.gov" target="_blank">ashley.biggs1@maryland.gov</a> </span><br>
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Montgomery County Public Libraries HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOUIS BRAILLE Celebration</h1>
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<span style="font-size:20px">January 22, 2022, from 2:00 to 3:00 EST<br>
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Louis Braille (1809–1852), invented the writing system used by blind people all over the world today. On Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm we will have a virtual celebration of Braille Around the World with members of the blind community and
their friends who have learned braille in many different languages. We will hear stories, play games, and learn about the fascinating life of the young Frenchman who invented the system of dot writing used around the world.<br>
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No registration necessary! <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=d987f92bfa&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Use this link on the Libraries’ Events
Calendar page to participate and for accommodation information:</a><br>
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This program is sponsored by the Sligo Creek Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind and the Montgomery County Public Libraries Accessibility Advisory Committee.</span>
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Connections Beyond Sight and Sound</h1>
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Parent Group Meeting</h2>
<span style="font-size:20px">January 27, 2022<br>
7-8:00 pm EST<br>
Parents of children who are Deafblind or have CVI with hearing loss who live in the Maryland and DC area are welcome to join the Connections Beyond Sight & Sound parent meeting. Learn about new opportunities for parents and meet other parents in your area.<br>
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=8f4524eb92&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Register for CBSS parent meeting here</a></span>
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Ensuring Meaningful Access for Students with CVI</h2>
<span style="font-size:20px">March 8, 2022<br>
3-4 pm EST<br>
What happens after you have completed the necessary assessments? We will utilize the baseline data gathered to analyze pre-made CVI activities. Next, we will review student profiles, identify which of those activities would be best fit, and their purpose. Finally,
we will modify activities when a pre-made activity is not available.<br>
Register for Ens <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=70f5443a87&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Ensuring Meaningful Access for Students
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Scholarship Opportunity with Stipend at Northern Illinois University to become a TVI </h1>
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<span style="font-size:20px">Teaching Children or Adults who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Providing Orientation and Mobility Services for Those Individuals, and/or Specializing in Assistive Technology for Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired <br>
<br>
Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, Illinois) offers a nationally regarded program at the graduate level for individuals who wish to join a rewarding career in teaching children or adults who are blind or visually impaired as a teacher of students with visual
impairments, orientation and mobility instructor, assistive technology specialist for children with visual impairments, or a vision rehabilitation therapist for adults who are visually impaired. There is an overwhelming need for professionals who specialize
in instruction for people who are visually impaired. <br>
<br>
Generous student financial assistance is available. We will pay all in-state or out-of-state tuition, all fees, health insurance, and a stipend of $9,500 per calendar year for qualified individuals who wish to come to Northern Illinois University to enroll
in the Visual Disabilities Graduate Program. <br>
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For more information, go to the following <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=832e5ffd02&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
YouTube link</a><br>
Please note there was a raise in the living stipend since the filming of this video clip and the living stipend is $9,500 per calendar year. <br>
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And, the following<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=0256a85f61&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline"> webpage for more information on the NIU
program</a> <br>
<br>
Interested individuals can contact the Project Director, Stacy Kelly, at the following e-mail: <br>
<a href="mailto:skelly@niu.edu" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">skelly@niu.edu</a> <br>
Or by calling 815-753-4103<br>
The <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=6720f6c383&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
direct link to the NIU online application </a></span> </td>
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Project Inspire Spring 2022 Course: Nemeth Code Symbols Used in the middle grades and strategies for supporting math learning</h1>
<span style="font-size:18px">Good afternoon! We are beginning to recruit for the spring course that will begin on Monday, February 14. We will be repeating the course, “Nemeth Code Symbols Used in the Middle Grades and Strategies for Supporting Math Learning.”
This course includes lessons about transcribing math materials for students in Grades 5 to 8; resources and strategies to support math learning in the middle grades; how students can construct different types of graphics used in middle school STEM courses;
using a graphing calculator; connecting middle school literature to math concepts and symbols; and teaching math skills, including Nemeth Code, to students with visual impairments and additional disabilities.<br>
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=5276dcb8d4&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Sign up for Nemeth Course here </a><br>
<br>
Please also feel free to share this with others who may be interested.<br>
If you have questions, please let me know!<br>
<br>
Tina S. Herzberg, Ph.D.<br>
Professor and Coordinator of Special Education – Visual Impairment Program<br>
USC Upstate; School of Education, Human Performance, and Health; HEC 3039<br>
800 University Way<br>
Spartanburg, SC 29303<br>
Office: 864-503-5572<br>
Fax: 864-503-5574<br>
<a href="mailto:herzberg@uscupstate.edu" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">herzberg@uscupstate.edu</a></span>
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NFB Career Mentoring Program upcoming events</h1>
All events at 7 pm EST
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<span style="color:#333333">February 1, 2022: Scholarship Opportunities </span></h3>
<span style="font-size:18px">After completing this module, students will be familiar with the college scholarship application process, be able to research available scholarship opportunities and complete a college scholarship application.<br>
Topics Addressed:<br>
1. How to complete a scholarship application<br>
2. Ways to learn about available scholarship opportunities<br>
Join Zoom Meeting <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=70d2f27d22&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">https://zoom.us/j/93231172802</a> Meeting
ID: 932 3117 2802</span><br>
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February 7, 2022: The Importance of Training Programs and Acquiring Alternative Blindness Skills</h3>
<span style="font-size:18px">After completing this module, students will understand the value of attending a blindness training program as a means of acquiring alternative skills of blindness, problem solving skills, and self-confidence.<br>
Topics Addressed:<br>
1. What is a blindness training program, and what do these programs offer?<br>
2. How do programs differ?<br>
3. Why should I attend a training program?<br>
4. How to select the right blindness training program for you?<br>
Join Zoom Meeting <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=422e062573&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">https://zoom.us/j/94953947181</a> Meeting
ID: 949 5394 7181</span><br>
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February 15, 2022: Navigating the Online Job Application</h3>
<span style="font-size:18px">After completing this module, students will understand how to apply for a job online, create an online job account, and be familiar with the specific documents and other information needed to complete a job application.<br>
Topics Addressed<br>
1. Overview of accessible online job search resources<br>
2. How to create an online job account/profile<br>
3. How to follow up on a job application<br>
Join Zoom Meeting <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=6f662c8e2b&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">https://zoom.us/j/99390135359</a> Meeting
ID: 993 9013 5359</span><br>
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March 7, 2022: Introduction to the College Application Process</h3>
<span style="font-size:18px">After completing this module, students will have an understanding of the college application process and be familiar with various online tools for researching colleges and universities, including information about college disability
services, the entity’s commitment to accessibility, and available scholarships.<br>
Topics Addressed:<br>
1. Factors to consider when researching colleges and universities<br>
2. Use of online college exploration tools<br>
Join Zoom Meeting: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=e81885d0d8&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">https://zoom.us/j/95976024391</a> Meeting
ID: 959 7602 4391</span><br>
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March 15, 2022: Using the Informational Interview as a Job Exploration Tool</h3>
<span style="font-size:18px">After completing this module, students will be familiar with the use of informational interviews as a job exploration tool, as well as how to arrange and conduct such an interview.<br>
Topics Addressed:<br>
1. What is an informational interview?<br>
2. What are the benefits of informational interviews?<br>
3. Proper etiquette during informational interviews<br>
Join Zoom Meeting: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=135bcc8dc5&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">https://zoom.us/j/93443588582</a> Meeting
ID: 934 4358 8582</span><br>
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March 21, 2022: Preparation of a Resume and Cover Letter </h3>
<span style="font-size:18px">After completing this module, students will be familiar with various types and appropriate formats and content of a well-written resume. They will also learn about what information is required, the purpose, content, and structure
of a cover letter.<br>
Topics Addressed:<br>
1. Preparation of a resume<br>
2. Preparation of a cover letter<br>
Join Zoom Meeting: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=7def0fe53e&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">https://zoom.us/j/96954071228</a> Meeting
ID: 969 5407 1228</span><br>
<br>
Contact: Maurice Peret <a href="mailto:mperet@nfb.org" target="_blank">mperet@nfb.org</a>
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NFB BELL<sup>®</sup> Academy In-Home Edition: Applications Now Open!</h1>
<p style="margin:10px 0; padding:0; color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left">
The National Federation of the Blind is offering one three-week virtual program of the NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition 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 July 18 through August 5, 2022.</p>
<p style="margin:10px 0; padding:0; color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left">
Additionally, in-person NFB BELL Academies will also be offered in a city near you!</p>
<p style="margin:10px 0; padding:0; color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left">
Receive Braille and other fun materials for lessons. Connect with experienced teachers. Build relationships with other blind students and mentors.</p>
<h2 style="display:block; margin:0; padding:0; color:#222222; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:34px; font-style:normal; font-weight:bold; line-height:150%; letter-spacing:normal; text-align:left">
About NFB BELL</h2>
<p style="margin:10px 0; padding:0; color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left">
NFB BELL Academy, an annual summer program, is appropriate for blind and low-vision children, ages 4-12, who:</p>
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<li>Do not receive enough Braille and non-visual skills instruction in school </li><li>Could benefit from more Braille exposure over the summer </li><li>Would enjoy connecting with blind role models </li></ul>
<p style="margin:10px 0; padding:0; color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left">
<strong><font face="Calibri, sans-serif">In person locations coming soon!</font></strong></p>
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Apply Today</h2>
<p style="margin:10px 0; padding:0; color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left">
Take advantage of this opportunity for your child to connect with blind role models.</p>
<p style="margin:10px 0; padding:0; color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left">
Limited space is available. Learn more and <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=832d5b7171&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
apply now for the BELL Academy</a></p>
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Queensland Braille Learning Progression and Assessment Tool- A Valuable Resource</h1>
The Queensland (Australia) Statewide Vision Impairment Services team has announced the
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=3519c8ac69&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Braille Learning Progression and Assessment Tool </a>is now available for download at no cost. This learning checklist and assessment tool is a key resource for teachers of the visually impaired during data collection, learning progression, and individualized
braille assessments. </td>
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Accessibility Tip: Use the built in accessibility checker</h1>
<div style="text-align:left">Are you new to accessibility and feel a bit overwhelmed? Microsoft has a built in accessibility checker in Word and PowerPoint that will let you know if your documents and presentations need work. It will tell you why it must be
accessible and how. Here is what to do<br>
1. On the ribbon, select the File tab.<br>
2. Select Check for Issues, and then select Check Accessibility. (Note: In the Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) version of Word, you can also access the Accessibility Checker from the Review tab on the ribbon.)<br>
3. The Accessibility Checker pane will open and display any issues with the document. From here, you can resolve any issues that appeared during the process of checking for accessibility.</div>
<div style="text-align:left"><br>
Taken from <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=3a2b9d715f&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
UITS</a></div>
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Questions or comments: email conchita.hernandez @ <a href="http://maryland.gov" target="_blank">
maryland.gov</a> </td>
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<div>Conchita Hernandez<br>
<span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Arial; color:rgb(0,0,0); background-color:transparent; vertical-align:baseline">Statewide Blind and Low Vision Specialist</span></span><br>
Maryland State Department of Education<br>
Division of Special Education/Early <br>
Intervention Services<br>
200 W. Baltimore Street<br>
Baltimore, MD 21201-2595<br>
410-767-0812 office<br>
410-333-8165 fax<br>
<a href="mailto:conchita.hernandez@maryland.gov" target="_blank">conchita.hernandez@maryland.gov</a><br>
<br>
Click here <br>
<<a href="http://www.doit.state.md.us/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?agencycode=MSDE&SurveyID=86M2956" target="_blank">http://www.doit.state.md.us/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?agencycode=MSDE&SurveyID=86M2956</a>><br>
to complete a three question customer experience survey.<br>
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