This episode we welcome back Dr. Cay Holbrook and Janie Blome, founders of the Getting Touch With Literacy conference. On the last episode they talked about the history of GITWL as well as how they are preparing to say farewell to the conference this December. This time we let them step up on the soapbox to discuss all things conference and blind education.
The Getting In Touch With Literacy conference will be held December 1-4, 2021 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. For more information on the conference visit http://www.gettingintouchwithliteracy.org/ and register now! If you have further questions feel free to contact Dr. Holbrook at cay.holbrook@ubc.ca or Janie Blome at janie.blome@att.net.
Now, after 2.5 years, 63 episodes, and ~23,700 downloads we are finally ready to take a short break from podcasting. In the meantime if you have questions or want to suggest topics for future episodes feel free to contact us at podcast@tsbvi.edu. Otherwise, we'll see you back here September 1st. Enjoy your summer!
One thing we have all missed during the last 15 months has been the brainstorming and social interaction that come out of attending conferences in person. Helping us get back into the groove is one of our favorite conferences, Getting in Touch With Literacy. Joining us this week are founders of Getting in Touch With Literacy, Dr. Cay Holbrook and Janie Blome. They'll discuss the history of GITWL as well as how they are preparing to say farewell to the conference this December. They had so many things to say that we had to make this a two part episode. Look out for episode two June 15th.
For more information and to register for the 2021 Getting in Touch With Literacy conference visit http://www.gettingintouchwithliteracy.org/
TSBVI Low Vision Specialist Dr. Cindy Bachofer guest-hosts this episode and speaks to her good friend Pat Pound, former director of Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, Vice Chair on the National Council on Disability, director of the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, and longtime activist in the field of disability rights. Pat brings a wealth of knowledge about the work needed to bring about advances on the local, state, and federal level going back to the 1970s, leading up to the passage of the ADA and beyond. She continues her work even in retirement with Open Doors Organization. Her stories and motivational spirit point to the vigilance needed to advance the rights of the disabled long into the future.
Episode Transcript
TSBVI is proud to have been one of the founders of one of the more indispensable resources for parents and teachers alike: Paths to Literacy. Emily speaks with Charlotte Cushman of Perkins and TSBVI- and then we hear from Cyral Miller, former Outreach Director at TSBVI- about the origins of the service and what it means to makers and users alike
Back for our second dose are Robert Hair from Maryland School for the Blind; Gina Ouellette from the California School for the Blind; and Scott McCallum from the Washington State School for the Blind to discuss the positive things we have learned about educating blind and visually impaired students during the pandemic and the things they are most looking forward to as we slowly move into the "new normal."
While the pandemic has affected everyone in some way it hasn't affected everyone in the same way. Joining us this week we have asked superintendents Robert Hair from Maryland School for the Blind; Gina Ouellette from the California School for the Blind; and Scott McCallum from the Washington State School for the Blind who, along with our own Emily Coleman, will talk about safety, remote learning and how vaccines are changing the way we educate blind and visually impaired students across the country.
These effusive educators had so much to say this episode requires a booster. Join us for Episode 2 later this month.
With the proliferation of streaming media- especially over the last year- many have become familiar with the audio describing services that companies make available for their visually impaired audiences. But- in a time and place when gathering in crowds is not a public health problem- the same applies to live theater (and some places you may never have thought about before). Jill Robbins-Silver joins Emily for a discussion about how she got into the line of work, its uses and procedures, and the value it brings to so many cultural experiences.
Links mentioned in this episode:
American Council of the Blind Audio Description Project
National Library Service Audio Description Resources
Jill's Email Address
In 1921 the American Foundation for the Blind was created to expand opportunities and access for people with vision loss. This week we're so lucky to have AFB President and CEO Dr. Kirk Adams joining us to talk about the history of the foundation, how they're celebrating their centennial and how they plan to use the next 100 years to expand opportunities for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.
For more information on the American Foundation for the Blind visit https://www.afb.org/.
Paul Schroeder heads up the American Printing House for the Blind's efforts in government affairs in his new position at that venerated organization. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience dating back to the earlier days of government advocacy which found him on the White House lawn for the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. He speaks with Emily today about some of those experiences and how we can better advocate for our students and children in this changing world.
Links referenced in this episode:
American Printing House for the Blind
The Hive
Career Connect
Cogswell Macy Act
Almost all of us who have worked with visually impaired students in early childhood know about the Oregon Project. Created in the 70's by Mark Moskowitz the OR Project is a great tool for parents, teachers, vision specialists, and counselors. April Love from the Southern Oregon Education District and home to the Oregon Project joins us this week to tell us all about it. Also, TSBVI Curriculum Director Debra Sewell comes along to tell us about how we use the Oregon Project here in Texas.
To find out more about the Oregon Project visit https://www.soesd.k12.or.us/special-education/or-project/
For ordering information visit https://www.soesd.k12.or.us/oregon-online/
