2023 Deaf. Blind. Limitless Conference

Self Advocacy is a foundational aspect of the Expanded Core Curriculum and is a vital component for success for students with Visual Impairments. “You Can Say That Again” answers the question, “How can I use technology to be a better advocate for myself?” This session explores and expands upon the traditional relationship between Self Advocacy and Assistive Technology for students with visual impairments. Using student profiles and mentors, this session covers comprehensive strategies, lessons, and techniques that educators and professionals are using to connect Self Advocacy and Assistive Technology. “You Can Say That Again” covers a wide range of methods from simplistic and low tech, to advanced topics with an emphasis on a strong digital knowledge, awareness, and presence. “You Can Say That Again” aims to give professionals a humorous, realistic, and empathic approach to examine these pivotal parts of the ECC.

Speakers

Isaac Beavers

Executive Director of Fields Services, AIDB Regional Center

Isaac Beavers is the Executive Director of Field Services at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB). He is a graduate of Alabama School for the Blind (ASB). He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alabama, a Master of Education in Rehabilitation... Read More →

Jason Martin

Jason Martin, before joining the Center for Assistive Training Technology (CATT) for Special Projects,Jason served as the Statewide Assistive Technology Specialist for the Blind for seven years at theAlabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. Jason later taught Assistive Technology... Read More →

Tuesday March 14, 2023 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Regency H

Blind, DeafBlind, Deaf

8:30am EDT

Making STEM Accessible to Deaf Students in ASL

Limited Capacity seats available

Have you ever wondered if there are signs that use the same handshape for fraction, numerator, denominator, mixed number, improper fraction, base, and exponent? The answer is YES. What are they? They will be shown in this presentation. As multilingual professionals in deaf education, educational professionals are always developing and maintaining sign language proficiency to make information more accessible to deaf and hard of hearing students. Language learning never stops. This presentation is specifically designed to address signed language learning and the skills needed to present academic material in and through ASL. It is with hope that the educational professionals will refine and expand their ASL repertoire for the purpose of conveying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts to Deaf students in an engaging, accurate manner, and leave with new approaches. This presentation provides tips, strategies, and resources for making STEM concepts accessible in the classroom and beyond.

Speakers

Chris Kurz

Chris Kurz, PhD, is a Professor for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester Institute ofTechnology. His research interests include content language and literacy in mathematics and science,Deaf experience with math and science learning, and international deaf literacy... Read More →

Tuesday March 14, 2023 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Regency F

Deaf

8:30am EDT

Preparing Deaf-Blind Students to Communicate with the Public

Limited Capacity seats available

After an experience where salespeople bent over backwards to help her, a college student with Ushers cried and asked, "Why are people so MEAN?" Without explicit training in strategies for communicating with the public and understanding principles of interaction, deaf-blind people often become discouraged about independent travel and sometimes assume, as one Deaf man who was losing his vision said, "People in my community hate deaf-blind people." This session will outline techniques for people who are deaf-blind to communicate with the public and, just as importantly, principles for interacting with them, as well as strategies to help YOU TEACH your students (including those with cognitive disabilities) learn what they need to know to be successful.

Link to PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xLdihCnyQ7Pt-dr7YsAURlHyXCztpsO6/view?usp=share_link

Speakers

Dona Sauerburger

Dona Sauerburger, COMS, is a certified orientation and mobility specialist. She has a specialinterest in working with people who are deaf-blind, and has researched, written peer-reviewed articles, and presented on this topic around the world - her book, "Independencewithout sight... Read More →

Tuesday March 14, 2023 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Redbud

8:30am EDT

Functional Strategies for Interpreting in STEM (A)

Limited Capacity seats available

(A)“As an interpreter, what is your first response when you learn that you will be interpreting in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) content areas? Some of us are thrilled. For others, “I became an interpreter so I wouldn’t have to do math or science,” is a very common response. However, if you felt confident in your approach to interpreting in STEM content areas, would your reaction change? What if we showed you that you know more about STEM content than you think you do? Moreover, how to apply that to your work. As interpreters, our own self-talk can be the most hindering factor in our growth and development. The ability to reframe the work can be the most powerful tool in your kit.” Participants will/be able to: • Recognize and employ real-world, experiences with STEM from their everyday lives. • Describe and apply non-traditional preparation strategies for interpreting in STEM classes and events. • Parallel the scientific method with their approach to interpreting work. • Apply a variety of strategies for interpreting in STEM content areas.

Educational Objectives: Participants will:

Understand a variety of strategies for interpreting in STEM content area
Will be able to parallel the scientific method with their approach to interpreting work.
Will be exposed to and be able to identify non-traditional preparation strategies in interpreting.

Target Audience: Interpreters at all levels wishing to enhance their comfort in working in STEM Content
areas

This workshop offers 0.3 PS RID CEUs
*To be eligible for CEUs, participants must attend both Part 1 and Part 2 of this workshop)

Speakers

Allie Merkle

Allie Merkle has been interpreting professionally since receiving her B.S. degree in ASL-EnglishInterpreting from RIT in 2016. Allison worked briefly freelancing and in VRS until becoming a staffmember at DAS in 2018. Since that time she has worked in a variety of settines, which... Read More →

Cheryl Reminder

Cheryl Reminder has been interpreting professionally since 1995. She completed an Associate ofApplied Science in 1994 and a Bachelor of Science in 2016, both in ASL-English Interpretation from theRochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Cheryl received her Certificate of Interpretation... Read More →

Holly Jentsch

Holly Jentsch has been interpreting professionally since 2007. She received her Associate of AppliedScience in 2006 and her Bachelor of Science in 2008, both in ASL-English Interpretation from theRochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Holly also holds a NIC certification from the... Read More →

Monique Harris

NTID - NRSC

Monique Harris has been interpreting professionally since 2012 and as staff Interpreter at theDepartment of Access Services at NTID/RIT since 2014. She earned a bachelor of science degree inBiotechnology from IT in 2010 and another in ASL-English Interpreting from NTID in 2013. Mostrecently... Read More →

Todd Thieu

Prior to setting on his path to becoming a sign language interpreter, Todd studied physics and biology at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Realizing that he did not want to perform research in a laboratory for the rest of his life, he made the switch into a major that... Read More →

Tuesday March 14, 2023 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Studio 220 @NOMA B

10:00am EDT

Break - Refreshment

Tuesday March 14, 2023 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Prefunction C

10:30am EDT

Book Sharing the Deaf Way

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Book sharing includes an explanation of the following: translating text to convey meaning in ASL; linking pictures and print with ASL; signing features; how to engage viewers with questions and phrases about the story; and how to be in character using body shifting, eye gaze, etc.

Speakers

Shanae Rouse

Shane Rouse is a project manager for early intervention at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf EducationCenter on the campus of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. She holds a bachelor's degree infamily and child studies from Gallaudet University as well as master's degrees in deaf... Read More →

Tuesday March 14, 2023 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Regency H

Deaf

10:30am EDT

Making STEM Accessible to Deaf Students in ASL (repeat)

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Chris Kurz

Tuesday March 14, 2023 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Studio 220 @NOMA B

Deaf, repeat

10:30am EDT

Preparing Deaf-Blind Students to Communicate with the Public (repeat)

Limited Capacity filling up

Speakers

Dona Sauerburger

Tuesday March 14, 2023 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Redbud

DeafBlind, repeat

10:30am EDT

Functional Strategies for Interpreting in STEM (B)

Limited Capacity seats available

(B)“As an interpreter, what is your first response when you learn that you will be interpreting in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) content areas? Some of us are thrilled. For others, “I became an interpreter so I wouldn’t have to do math or science,” is a very common response. However, if you felt confident in your approach to interpreting in STEM content areas, would your reaction change? What if we showed you that you know more about STEM content than you think you do? Moreover, how to apply that to your work. As interpreters, our own self-talk can be the most hindering factor in our growth and development. The ability to reframe the work can be the most powerful tool in your kit.” Participants will/be able to: • Recognize and employ real-world, experiences with STEM from their everyday lives. • Describe and apply non-traditional preparation strategies for interpreting in STEM classes and events. • Parallel the scientific method with their approach to interpreting work. • Apply a variety of strategies for interpreting in STEM content areas.

Educational Objectives: Participants will:

Understand a variety of strategies for interpreting in STEM content area
Will be able to parallel the scientific method with their approach to interpreting work.
Will be exposed to and be able to identify non-traditional preparation strategies in interpreting.

Speakers

Cheryl Reminder

Holly Jentsch

Allie Merkle

Monique Harris

NTID - NRSC

Todd Thieu

Tuesday March 14, 2023 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Studio 220 @NOMA B

12:00pm EDT

Lunch

Tuesday March 14, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Regency A,B

1:00pm EDT

Understanding Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI): What is it, and what should we be doing about it?

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is the most common cause of visual impairment in children in the United States and other developed countries, but is not well understood by many medical professionals, teachers, and parents. In this session, we will discuss how CVI, a brain-based visual impairment, differs from ocular visual impairment in manifestation and intervention, explore the latest research about the impact of CVI on visual function, and share best practice strategies for assessment and intervention.

Speakers

Martha Veto

Martha Veto is a CVI Endorsed TVI who works as an Educational Specialist for the Georgia SensoryAssistance Project (GAP), an OSEP-funded Deaf-Blind Project, housed at the University of GeorgiaMrs. Veto received her M.Ed. in Special Education- Visual Impairment at the University of... Read More →

Tuesday March 14, 2023 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency F

Blind

1:00pm EDT

The Whole Team: Supporting Deaf/Hard of Hearing Child

Limited Capacity filling up

Families and/or Professionals will learn how to work together as a team to best support the deaf/hard of hearing child(ren). IEP/IFSP plays a vital role in their education. They will have a better understanding of how IEP/IFSPs should be written including accommodations, goals, and services. Language Communication Plan/Profile will also be mentioned as part of IEP/IFSP to best support the child's language usage and development. Have a strong team will support Deaf/Hard of Hearing child(ren)'s academic and language development. They will leave the workshop with a better understanding of what to look for and what their role is as part of the team.

Speakers

Candi Milcznski

Gallaudet University Regional Center Director, AIDB

Tuesday March 14, 2023 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency H

Deaf

1:00pm EDT

Working with Deaf-Blind Youth Adults

Limited Capacity seats available

The anticipated learning outcome is for the participants to have an understanding, tools and skills to work with their deafblind students. Participants will have an understanding of what deafblind means and the most common etiologies. Participants will have an understanding of respectful interactions when working with deafblind students, the importance of full communication access and utilizing all communication strategies. Participants will learn about tactile indicators for deafblind students' environment and personal items. Participants will have the ability to know their local and national resources for additional support and information when working with deafblind students.

Speakers

Marilyn Trader

Marilyn Trader is the Southeast Regional Representative covering Kentucky, North Carolina, Puerto Rico,South Carolina and Tennessee. Her experience related to this field includes acting as a VocationalRehabilitation Counselor for DeafBlind consumers under the Division of Services... Read More →

Robert Hill

Robert Hill, is the state consultant for students who are deaf or hard of hearing for the South CarolinaDepartment of Education, as well as the state director for the South Carolina Deafblind Project. He is inhis 32 year as a professional in the field, serving and presenting nationally... Read More →

Robert McLendon

DeafBlind Employment Specialist, Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults

Robert McLendon has 26 years of experience working with individuals who are blind, deaf, hard ofhearing, DeafBlind and with multiple disabilities in Alabama. His initial experience collaborating withHKNC was at the Southeast Transition Institute for Young Adults who are DeafBlind... Read More →

Tuesday March 14, 2023 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Redbud

1:00pm EDT

Systems and Organs and Tissues, Oh My! Interpreting in STEM (A)

Limited Capacity seats available

This workshop provides the participant with an introductory-level discussion of body systems and their components through examples and clear visual aids. Participants will have the opportunity for guided deliberate practice with a source that is directly related to the information discussed. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to give and receive some feedback with neutral language.

Educational Objectives:

Identify the 11 systems in the body and their organs and tissues
Integrate classifiers, use of space, and scale into a practice interpretation

Target Audience: Interpreters at all levels wishing to enhance their interpreting skill with STEM
Content areas

This workshop offers 0.3 PS RID CEUs
*To be eligible for CEUs, participants must attend both Part 1 and Part 2 of this workshop)

Speakers

Cheryl Reminder

Holly Jentsch

Allie Merkle

Monique Harris

NTID - NRSC

Todd Thieu

Tuesday March 14, 2023 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Studio 220 @NOMA B

2:30pm EDT

Break - Refreshment

Tuesday March 14, 2023 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Prefunction C

3:00pm EDT

Effective Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Tips for Early Intervention Professionals Working with DHH Children

Limited Capacity filling up

When working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) in early intervention, professionals may find themselves collaborating with others to best meet the needs of these children. The Joint Committee for Infant Hearing (JCIH) emphasizes the importance of collaborating with deaf adult role models in the lives of young DHH children. We will discuss how to effectively collaborate with deaf adult role models as well as other professionals in early intervention.

Participants will:

Be able to define interdisciplinary collaboration
Explain the reasoning and research behind the need for deaf adult role models in the young DHH child’s life
Be able to develop a plan to effectively collaborate in providing early intervention services

Speakers

Christie Cumbest

Christie Cumbest is a Family Education Trainer with the AlDB REAL Project. She is a Deaf professionalwho provides support for early language acquisition opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH)children from birth to three years old that REAL Project serves. Christie is also... Read More →

Abby Burke

Abby Burke attended the University of Georgia and Valdosta State University where she receivedher Bachelor's and Master's of Education, respectively, in Speech Language Pathology. Afterworking at the Alabama School for the Deaf for 5 years as an SP, Abby is now a Trainer for theREAL... Read More →

Tuesday March 14, 2023 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Regency F

Deaf

3:00pm EDT

Andrew’s Journey to Supported Decision Making: Developing Independence in Real Time

Limited Capacity seats available

Supported Decision Making allows an individual to make choices about their life for themselves. These decisions might be where to eat dinner or where they want to live and work. Supported Decision Making empowers the person while still providing the support and input needed from a team of their choosing. Presenters will discuss how to encourage choice making across the lifespan, different ways to provide choices, and how to build the capacity to make choices. An example of a social story will be included to demonstrate how to make this process accessible to all individuals. Participants will learn about the process one family has chosen for their young adult son, who is Deaf-Blind, to pursue Supported Decision Making. The importance and benefits of this choice will be discussed along with strategies and ideas for implementation. Participants will be encouraged to come ready for discussion!

Speakers

Minnie Lambert

Minnie Lambert is parent to Andrew, a young adultwith CHARGE Syndrome. She also is a sittingmember of the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation's Board of Directors and a Family Education Specialistfor South Carolina's Parent Training Information Center, Family Connection of SC. Minnie is passionateabout... Read More →

Krista-Leigh Olsen

Krista Olsen is a Technical Assistant, TVI, and Early Interventionist for SC School for the Deaf andBlind and the SC Statewide Deaf-Blind Project. She has been working in the field of visualimpairment for 15 years. Her passions include; Transition, Communication, and Assessment.

Tuesday March 14, 2023 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Redbud

3:00pm EDT

HKNC: Overview of Haptic Communication

Limited Capacity filling up

Haptic Communication, commonly referred to as Haptics, is a standardized system for providing and receiving visual and environmental information, as well as personal reactions/social feedback via touch signals on the body. Participants will learn about what this touch communication system is and how it can be used in everyday life to capture what is happening in a one's environment, such as if someone has a hand raised, someone is writing or if an emergency is happening. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the history and the individuals involved in training about this system across the World. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about resources and information about Haptic Communication and how to obtain additional training, materials and more about this system.

Link to PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PIJ5_jzaAjPO0gdwySRxtMPm9LVAFF6F/view?usp=share_link

Speakers

Marilyn Trader

Dr Sara B. Coleman

Dr. Sara Coleman is the owner of SB Coleman Consulting LLC and is Deafblind with Usher SyndromeSara's interest in science began with a chemistry set which led to a 32-year career in the high schoolscience classroom. As a woman transitioning into blindnessthe next act began with blindness... Read More →

Tuesday March 14, 2023 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Regency H

Audience Interpreter, Blind, DeafBlind

3:00pm EDT

Systems and Organs and Tissues, Oh My! Interpreting in STEM (B)

Limited Capacity seats available

Identify the 11 systems in the body and their organs and tissues
Integrate classifiers, use of space, and scale into a practice interpretation

Speakers

Cheryl Reminder

Holly Jentsch

Allie Merkle

Monique Harris

NTID - NRSC

Todd Thieu

Tuesday March 14, 2023 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Studio 220 @NOMA B

Audience Interpreter

7:00am EDT

Breakfast

Wednesday March 15, 2023 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
Regency A,B

8:30am EDT

Light Up Their World: Economical Activities to Use with the Lightbox

Limited Capacity seats available

The lightbox is a tool that can be used to help students have access to literacy materials. In the past, it has been used for students with multiple disabilities, including those with cortical or cerebral visual impairments (CVI), however, it can be used for a wide range of students to help engage them in the learning process. The lightbox can be used to build upon visual skills while the lit background helps to draw the student's attention to what is being presented. The lightbox allows for fun and engaging learning.

Learning Objectives
Participants will
- be instructed on how to effectively use the lightbox.
- be given different eye hand coordination activities to use with the lightbox.
- be introduced to fine motor skills activities to use with the lightbox.-
- learn how to use the lightbox to introduce familiar objects/pictures.
- engage in low cost activities to use with the lightbox.

Speakers

Dr. Susie Thomas

Dr. Susie Thomas has been serving as a trainer since the inception of the Center for Assistive Technology Training program. Prior to working with the CATT program, Susie worked as a secondary science and English teacher for ten years, a Certified Teacher for the Visually Impaired... Read More →

Wednesday March 15, 2023 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Regency A,B

Blind

Audience Blind

8:30am EDT

Instructional Coaching - Making a Difference in Teacher Practices & Student Learning

Limited Capacity filling up

In this session, participants will discuss the structure of instructional coaching, the framework to dramatically improve instruction, characteristics of effective lesson delivery, and resources dealing with positive and effective classroom management.

Speakers

Debbie Gilliam

Debbie Gilliam is a dedicated educator with 25 years of teaching experience in delivering enthusiastic instruction based on the learning needs of students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Education of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing from the... Read More →

Debbie Cruzan

Debbie Cruzan, MS, is a veteran teacher with more than 20 years in the elementary classroom at Alabama School for the Deaf. She earned her master’s degree in deaf education from McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College) and her bachelor’s degree in business administration: management... Read More →

Wednesday March 15, 2023 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Regency H

Deaf

Audience Deaf

8:30am EDT

HKNC Programs and Services: Serving Transition Age

Limited Capacity seats available

The anticipated learning outcome is for the participants to understand the importance of early intervention and team approach when working with students and young adults. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about all the programs and services provided through HKNC, which includes DeafBlind Employment Specialist (DBES), Community Services Program (CSP) and Youth Services Coordinator (YSC) services. Participants will have an understanding of what services the DBES can provide from Pre-ETS to Customized Employment through the transition process. Participants will have resources and information to share with families regarding services for their students/young adults.

Speakers

Marilyn Trader

Robert McLendon

DeafBlind Employment Specialist, Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults

Wednesday March 15, 2023 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Regency F

Audience DeafBlind

8:30am EDT

Interpreting: The Dark Side (Part 1 of 2)

Limited Capacity seats available

The interpreting profession has a sense of camaraderie unlike many other professions. As part of a human services profession we have the honor and privilege of being present at some of the most sacred moments in the lives of Deaf people. Yet, in spite of all this goodness, there is a darker, less desirable side to our profession. Some of the dark marks on our profession are lateral (or horizontal) violence, the absence of grace and compassion for our colleagues, and personal/professional comparisons. These are just a few of the “weeds” growing in the field of interpreting, however, it does not have to remain this way. This workshop will address being agents of change, deliberately building goodwill, and additional strategies to become undivided, whole practitioners for our own benefit and for the benefit of the people we serve.

Educational Objectives
Participants will be able to:
• Define horizontal violence and identify 1-4 negative behaviors that are often associated with horizontal
violence.
• Reflect, through group discussion, on various ways in which interpreters can deliberate build goodwill into the
interpreting community (participants will share 2-3 examples of ways to build goodwill).
• Provide 3-4 examples of lateral/horizontal violence, bullying, and verbal abuse and the application to the
interpreting profession.
• Demonstrate 1-2 ways interpreters can advocate for themselves and their colleagues through role play/group
discussion when lateral/horizontal violence is observed.

Target Audience: Interpreters at all levels.

This workshop offers 0.3 PS RID CEUs
*To be eligible for CEUs, participants must attend both Part 1 and Part 2 of this workshop)

Speakers

William F. Ross Ill

William F. Ross Ill, M.S. is currentlythe Vice President of Hands Up Communications, an all accesslanguage company, based in Ocala, Florida. He is also one of the primary authors for one of the mostrecognized texts in the field of interpreting, You Want To Be An Interpreter? (5th... Read More →

Wednesday March 15, 2023 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Studio 220 @NOMA B

Audience Interpreter

10:00am EDT

Break - Refreshment

Wednesday March 15, 2023 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Prefunction C

10:30am EDT

Vision Loss & Blindness in Young Children

Limited Capacity filling up

This session will provide participants with an overview of the impacts of vision loss and blindness in young children, birth through three (3) years of age. Various diagnoses, including both ocular and brain-based, will be explored. Participants will learn how vision develops over the first two years of life, and why early identification and services are vital to the development of young children with visual impairments. We will explore national data and current trends to help participants better understand the occurrence of vision impairment across the country.

Link to PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XFBRF41aM_9srwlp8HFGePkZdtpBoxJx/view?usp=share_link

Speakers

Stephanie Pizza

Regional Director, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

Stephanie Pizza currently serves as the Director for the AlDB Shoals Regional Center located inTuscumbia, AL. The Regional Center provides services and supports to individuals and their families,birth through senior citizens, who have vision loss and/or hearing differences. Stephanie... Read More →

Wednesday March 15, 2023 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Regency F

Blind

Audience Blind

10:30am EDT

Language Milestones

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Professionals and/or families will learn about language development milestones for English and American Sign Language for children in the age range of birth to five years old. They will take a look at age-appropriate language development. They will learn more about different ways to best monitor and track every child's language development. They will learn different possible activities and strategies to support the child's language development and progress. Attendees will leave the workshop with a list of different monitoring tools, strategies, and be able to track their child's language development to ensure they are meeting the language milestones.

Speakers

Ukawia Johnson

Ukawia Johnson is a Family Education Trainer with REAL. She is a licensed Master Level socialworkerwho specializes in children, adolescents and families. For many years Ukawia has worked with familiesto help identify strengths and areas of need as well as providing activities and... Read More →

Victoria Haggarty

Trainer, Regional Early Acquisition of Language (REAL)

Victoria Haggarty joined the REAL Project as a Trainer in November 2022. Raised in Nashville,Tennessee, Victoria discovered a passion for the arts. When the time came to attend college at theUniversity of Tennessee in Knoxville, Victoria decided to pursue a career in Art Education... Read More →

Wednesday March 15, 2023 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Redbud

Deaf

Audience Deaf

10:30am EDT

The Sensory Learning Kit: Assessment, Access, and Meaningful Instruction for Complex Learners

Limited Capacity seats available

The Sensory Learning Kit is a tool designed for students with visual impairments who may have complex learning and communication needs. The kit includes the assessment, materials, and a guidebook to create meaningful routines. This presentation will walk participants through the steps of the assessment and provide tools to involve all members of a student’s educational team. Attendees will determine different materials that may be used to work in all of the students viable sensory channels. They will use this information to create routines and write IEP goals to help further the student’s participation, motivation, and connection to their environment and the people in it.

Speakers

Krista-Leigh Olsen

Wednesday March 15, 2023 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Regency H

Audience DeafBlind

10:30am EDT

Interpreting: The Dark Side (Part 2 of 2)

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

William F. Ross Ill

Wednesday March 15, 2023 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Studio 220 @NOMA B

Audience Interpreter

12:00pm EDT

Lunch

Wednesday March 15, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Regency A,B

1:00pm EDT

STEMFINITE Possibilities

Limited Capacity filling up

STEMFINITE Possibilities is an experiential workshop designed for professionals working with students who are blind or visually impaired. It is an exciting non-traditional hands-on approach to STEM activities for BVI students. The STEMFINITE Possibilities workshop is a natural extension of “STEM Wars,” a previously established program which was the result of a partnership between the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, and numerous higher academic institutions including Auburn University. STEM Wars took various STEM projects, assistive technologies, and elements of the Expanded Core Curriculum and combined it in an engaging, fun, and creative way.
The STEMFINITE Possibilities workshop is a condensed version of our program that has been specifically geared to gain interest from educators, schools, and administrators. Ultimately we hope to facilitate relationships through this workshop to bring STEMFINITE Possibilities events nationally to schools who serve Blind and Visually impaired student populations.

Speakers

Jason Martin

Wednesday March 15, 2023 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency H

Blind

Audience DeafBlind

1:00pm EDT

Exploring Available Online Resources, Learning, and Networking for Deaf Education Professionals and Families: Introduction to The Clerc Center Community Portal

Limited Capacity filling up

The Clerc Center is eager to welcome you into our new online Clerc Center Learning Community. Once inside, you'll gain access to world-class resources and networking opportunities. This web-based community will be home to over 600 free, world-class resources for families of deaf and hard of hearing children (ages birth to 21) and the educators, professionals, and service providers who work with them. In our online learning community, we offer the flexibility in signing up for training through self-paced online learning plans. You can also sign up for live events where there will be opportunities to learn and interact with other individuals and professionals with various topics that are relevant to deaf and hard of hearing children from birth-21. During this session, you will first learn how to sign up to receive information from the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, then you will learn how to navigate through different sections of the online learning community from resources to training opportunities to networking.

Speakers

Stacy Abrams

Project Manager- Early Intervention, Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center

Stacy Abrams, MA, is the Project Manager, Early Intervention at the Laurent Clerc National DeafEducation Center on the campus of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Abrams grew up inArkansas with a deaf sister and hearing parents. She earned her bachelor's degree from GallaudetUniversity... Read More →

Wednesday March 15, 2023 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Redbud

Deaf

Audience Deaf

1:00pm EDT

STEM Concepts in the Early Childhood Classroom

Limited Capacity seats available

Studies have shown that introducing STEM concepts in the early childhood classroom increases the self-confidence for children in science and mathematics (Patrick, et.al 2009; Hunting et.al, 2012; MacDonald et.al 2020). The literature shows that STEM education contributes to the growth of academic skills, problem solving, innovative thinking, and analyzing situations critically (MacDonald, et. al, 2020). There is not enough research in STEM early childhood education instructional strategies for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, especially with multiple disabilities. In this presentation, we discuss various strategies from the visual and tactile perspective and give different examples of STEM based learning activities which can be used in the early childhood classrooms. Finally, we encourage dialogue surrounding development of STEM based curriculum for the D/HH early grades.

Speakers

Dr. Patrick Graham

Dr. Patrick Graham is currently an Associate Professor and Department Chair of the Master of Sciencein Secondary Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the Rochester Institute of Technology'sNational Technical Institute for the Deaf. His focus is on STEM education, early childhood... Read More →

Emma V. Balderas

Emma V. Balderas currentlyteaches at Rochester School for the Deaf (RSD) in the Early ChildhoodCenter (ECC) with children ages 2 and 3. Emma has experience working with the Family InstructionalResource Service Team (FIRST) program which supports children birth to 36 months of age... Read More →

Wednesday March 15, 2023 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Regency F

Deaf

Audience Deaf

1:00pm EDT

Mastery over Meaning (Part 1 of 2)

Limited Capacity seats available

This workshop will address the very heart of interpreting: Meaning. How do we manage the finer shades of meaning, address subtleties found in language and express the unspoken? As interpreters, we determine meaning through a combination of factors such as context, intonation, intent, setting, and other linguistic features. To accurately interpret we must look past the individual words to determine the intended meaning of the speaker. Sometimes our understanding and knowledge of semantic meaning in our first language does not always translate into the ability to render an accurate interpretation in our second language. Often what remains unspoken communicates important ideas, themes, and feelings. Two significant methods used to express the unspoken are implication and inference; we are left to determine meaning when words are not used. This training focuses on our interpretation from English to American Sign Language and how to gain mastery over meaning.

Educational Objectives:

Identify at least three factors (i.e., social, linguistic, history) that impact semantic meaning and the influence on interpreting.
Describe the 2-4 semantically rich signs (TRU-BIZ, FINISH-TOUCH) and the potential impact on a voiced interpretation.
Demonstrate the ability to use overtly interpret into ASL messages the contain inference and implied meaning.
Discuss the impact of semantics meaning and richness of English and the influence on our work as sign language interpreters.

Target Audience: Interpreters at all levels.

This workshop offers 0.3 PS RID CEUs
*To be eligible for CEUs, participants must attend both Part 1 and Part 2 of this workshop)

Speakers

William F. Ross Ill

Wednesday March 15, 2023 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Studio 220 @NOMA B

Audience Interpreter

2:30pm EDT

Break - Refreshment

Wednesday March 15, 2023 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Prefunction C

3:00pm EDT

Introduction to the Functional Vision Assessment

Limited Capacity seats available

This assessment reveals how a VI student uses residual or functional vision. It focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the individual student. The information gathered may then be used to design and accommodate the learning environment to ensure educational materials are accessible.

Speakers

Anna Peters

VI Outreach Provider and Psychometrist, AIDB

Anna Peters serves as Outreach Coordinator and Provider for the Blind & Visually Impaired for AlDB.She is National Board Certified as an Exceptional Needs Specialist and is certified as a SchoolPsychometrist. Anna holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Elementary Education... Read More →

Wednesday March 15, 2023 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Regency H

Blind

Audience Blind

3:00pm EDT

Language Access and Acquisition for Young Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

How do we optimize language acquisition for deaf and hard of hearing youth? Key considerations include finding out what ways the child can access language, identifying strategies such as which time of the day and how the child will access language in various environments. Accessing language for acquisition and strategies for optimizing language acquisition opportunities will be shared.

Speakers

Debra (Debbie) Trapani

Debra (Debbie) Trapani, EdS, is director of National Programs and Outreach-Early Intervention atGallaudet University's Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center in Washington, D.C. She is alsocurrently leading the Regional Early Acquisition of Language (REAL) Project in collaboration... Read More →

Wednesday March 15, 2023 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Redbud

Deaf

3:00pm EDT

STEM Concepts in the Early Childhood Classroom (repeat)

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Dr. Patrick Graham

Emma V. Balderas

Wednesday March 15, 2023 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Regency F

Deaf, repeat

Audience Deaf

3:00pm EDT

Mastery over Meaning (Part 2 of 2)

Limited Capacity seats available

Identify at least three factors (i.e., social, linguistic, history) that impact semantic meaning and the influence on interpreting.
Describe the 2-4 semantically rich signs (TRU-BIZ, FINISH-TOUCH) and the potential impact on a voiced interpretation.
Demonstrate the ability to use overtly interpret into ASL messages the contain inference and implied meaning.
Discuss the impact of semantics meaning and richness of English and the influence on our work as sign language interpreters.

Target Audience: Interpreters at all levels.

This workshop offers 0.3 PS RID CEUs
*To be eligible for CEUs, participants must attend both Part 1 and Part 2 of this workshop)

Speakers

William F. Ross Ill

Wednesday March 15, 2023 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Studio 220 @NOMA B

Audience Interpreter

7:00am EDT

Breakfast

Thursday March 16, 2023 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
Regency A,B

8:00am EDT

Special Projects