May 2010
Table of Contents
President’s Message: Sheryl Brown
Calendar of Events
FAER Board of Directors
Braille Challenge Winner is Going to California!
AER LIFT Report: Sylvia Perez
A Guide Dog Tale: Sylvia Perez
Save-the-Date: FAER 2010 conference
FAER 2010 Registration
FAER 2010 Call for Presenters
AER Award Nominations
FAER Scholarships Available
From the Editor
If you would like to submit something for consideration to the FAER newsletter please send to Sylvia S. Perez at sperez@lighthouse-pasco.org
President’s Message
Dear FAER Members:
It is hard to believe that summer is almost here. This time of year, TVI’s are busy with IEP’s and DBS and the private agencies are busy getting ready for summer teen transition programs. We have received a few presentation requests for our Fall Conference. Please consider presenting or forwarding the Request for Presentation Form to someone that you believe would be a good speaker. Our theme this year is Health and Career FAER. It will be held November 18-19, 2010 at Doubletree Tampa near the airport. Rooms are blocked for Wednesday night (17th) and Thursday night (18th). The conference will run all day Thursday and until 2:00 p.m. on Friday. The hotel has recently remodeled and offers free shuttle service to the airport and to two local malls. Included in this newsletter is a registration form to complete for the conference as well as the Awards Nomination Form. Start nominating now.
Speaking of our Fall Conference, our thoughts and prayers remain with our President Elect and Conference Planner Kay Ratzlaff. Kay has been in the hospital since the first of March battling amyloidosis. It has been a very rough battle, but those of us who know Kay know her fighting spirit have complete confidence that she will win and be with us at the Fall Conference. In the meantime, Sylvia Perez, FAER Board Member and Executive Director of the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired of Pasco/Hernando has graciously stepped in to help me with the details of gathering speakers and getting the word out. You can contact Sylvia or me, if you have questions or suggestions for the conference. Our contact information and the conference information is on our website at www.flaer.org. If you would like to send Kay a card you can send it to her address listed on the website and Suzanne or Donna will deliver them to Kay.
Our national office has been overwhelmed revising bylaws from each State Chapter to align with those of AER. As soon as we receive the revised bylaws, we will mail them to each member to review and vote. Until our bylaws are revised and voted on, the current officers remain in place and we cannot proceed with an election of new officers. We had hoped to accomplish this in February. Sylvia attended the AER Lift which is a summit of AER leaders from around the country. She will be providing you with a synopsis of these meetings in this newsletter. Remember, the AER International Conference 2010 will be held July 21-25 in Little Rock at The Peabody Little Rock and the Statehouse Convention Center.
Don’t forget to renew your dues and encourage your co-workers to do so as well. AER now offers a payment option which allows you to pay your membership in quarterly payments. Thank you for your support of AER and FAER.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Brown
President
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 20-25, 2010 AER National Conference Littlerock
October is Disability Awareness Month
October 15, 2010: White Cane Day
November 18-19, 2010 FAER Conference Tampa
FAER Board of Directors
Sheryl Brown, President
Laura Brown, Past, Past President
Kay Ratzlaff, President-Elect
Gene Newcomb, Treasurer
Linda Stasik, Secretary
Sylvia Stinson-Perez, Member at Large, Rehabilitation
Amy Johnson, Member at Large, Rehabilitation
Janet Amatuzzi, Member at Large, Education
Theresa Bradley, Member-at-Large, Education
Joyce Hildreth, Membership Chair
Donna Ross, Legislative Co-Chair
Suzanne Dalton, Legislative Co-Chair
Karen Kane, Scholarship Chair
Annette Lucia Lamas was born on July 13, 2002 and upon birth was diagnosed with bilateral, congenital glaucoma. Although she underwent several surgeries her vision loss is considerate and severe for what she is considered functionally blind. "Annie", as family and friends call her, started studying Braille at age 3 which combined with her inquisitive and demanding personality ignited in her a desired to learn and always ask many, many questions. Annie has grown to be a very independent and loving little girl and has always loved trying new things. She enjoys playing on the computer, learning new technology, the beach and playing her violin. Her favorite school subject is math and although she’s currently attending second grade, she is in the high achievers math program and is working on third grade material. She absolutely loves shopping for body lotions and perfumes. She is very open, conscious and mature about her current visual condition and does not mind talking about it to friends or others interested in listening to her. Furthermore, she practices her Braille reading skills for 30 minutes and plays her violin for another 30 minutes daily.
The 2010 South Florida Braille Challenge is the second time this Broward County student competed in the competition. In a recent interview, she announced that the Braille Challenge “is the most exciting day of my life!" Annie's TVI is Eddie Ryan, a graduate of Florida State University’s Program in Visual Impairment. Just by talking to Eddie or watching her with her students, it is obvious she is passionate about teaching children who are blind or visually impaired. Eddie works collaboratively with Annie's school to provide numerous opportunities for Annie to be immersed in braille throughout the school day and Annie's parents continue the support and opportunities for learning at home. Broward County’s Ms. Valerie Scott, Assistant Principal for ESE Itinerant Services, Program for Visually Impaired is one of the biggest supporters of the South Florida Braille Challenge. Her team of dedicated TVIs and program staff work tirelessly to ensure all students competing in the regional Challenge have a positive experience.
Annie will be among the top 60 finalists from the United States in Canada in the 2010 National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles, CA June 26. Nearly 800 students competed in preliminary Braille Challenge competitions around the country and Canada, but only the top 12 from each of 5 divisions moves on to the finals. Annie is in the Apprentice level. Good luck Annie!!
Also, congratulations to her awesome TVI, Eddie Ryan!
The two days were packed with information and discussions. I will just give a brief synopsis of a couple of issues I think will interest our FAER members at this time.
ACVREP
A “town hall meeting” was held to discuss concerns about the many complaints received about ACVREP and the “bottlenecks” regarding getting certification and arranging for CEU approvals. AER board members recently met with ACVREP board members and Garrett Holme to discuss the many concerns. AER representatives stated they are working on opening the communication and hope progress will be made since issues have been identified. If you have ACVREP issues please let FAER board members know and we will make sure to alert AER representatives.
State of State Schools for the Blind.
There is a concern about the state of State Schools for the Blind. The Oregon school for the Blind has closed. AER suggested a strong lobby effort is needed to ensure the community and legislators are well-informed about the value of schools for the blind.
Braille Competency Certification
There is an effort underway by the National Federation of the Blind to create Braille Certification processes and exams around the United States. AER has developed a task force to review the proposed certification exam to determine it’s validity for teachers of the visually impaired. More information will follow from AER.
AER is concerned about declines in membership. Many strategies were discussed to identify methods for providing AER members value. If you have suggestions on how FAER can provide greater value to you as a professional please let us know. We are open to ideas.
Sylvia Perez
A Guide Dog Tale
After much consideration, research, prayer, and thought, I have decided it is time to get a guide dog. I will be “blogging” my journey. We hope this blog will help the community gain a greater understanding of visual impairment and the great work of professionals who work with persons with visual impairments. It is also a great opportunity to help individuals who are considering getting a guide dog themselves get a first-hand view of the process. Please feel free to invite others to join. Join our blog at BLOG.lighthouse-pasco.org
Sylvia
Save the Date
November 18 & November 19, 2010
2010 Career and Health FAER
Join us in Tampa, Florida, Nov. 18 & Nov. 19, 2010, for the FAER Annual Conference! Learn new information and network with other colleagues. For information or to register go to:
· Vendor hall open Nov. 18 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
· Early Bird registration is only $85 for members registering by October 15
· Registration after October 15 is $95 for members
· Hotel deadline for reserving rooms is October 27
· $99.00 per standard hotel room (includes resort amenities such as fitness center, pool and self parking)
· Rooms available Nov. 17th and 18th.
· Complimentary transportation within 2 miles including Tampa International Airport
· Located near two large malls
Doubletree Hotel Westshore For more information contact
4500 West Cypress St. Sheryl Brown
Tampa, FL 33607 Phone 813-251-2407
813-879-4800
www.tampadoubletree.com ER Conference: Sheryl Brownphone: (813)251-2407
FAER
2010 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM
FLORIDA ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION
OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
NOVEMBER 18 AND 19, 2010
DOUBLETREE HOTEL TAMPA, FLORIDA
Name: Title/Position
Daytime telephone e-mail address
Primary Responsibility (check one) Education Rehabilitation
School District/Agency
City State Zip
FAER Conference Registration Fees:
FAER before October 15, 2010:
_____$40 full time student _____ $85 members ____$90 non-members
FAER after October 15, 2010:
____$50 full time student ____ $95 members ____ $99 non-members ___$100 at door
____$45 one day ____$25 luncheon only (Awards luncheon included on Nov 19th, with FAER registration.)
Make your check or purchase order payable to FAER. Mail this form and payment to:
Sheryl Brown,
FAER Conference
Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind
1106 West Platt Street
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: (813) 251-2407
Fax: (813) 254-4305
Are you planning to attend the Awards Luncheon? Yes No Vegetarian ____
PLEASE INDICATE ANY SPECIAL NEEDS YOU MAY HAVE:
Materials in large print materials in Braille CD
Sign language interpreter _____oral interpreter wheelchair accessibility
Other (please specify)
CONFERENCE EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15, 2010
REMEMBER TO RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM BY OCTOBER 27, 2010
FAER 2010 CALL FOR PRESENTERS!
Health and Career FAER
November 18 and 19, 2010
Tampa, Florida
PLEASE COMPLETE THE QUESTIONS BELOW
AND FAX OR EMAIL TO SHERYL BROWN
813-254-4305 OR rehabmgr@tampalighthouse.org
Presentation Summary Sheet
( ) Health Topic
( ) Career Topic
( ) Other
Write a few sentences describing the training you plan to present.
State goal(s) you have set for this presentation. Think in terms of what you want attendees to get out of your presentation.
State the objectives for your presentation. Think of these as the components of your goals stated above; in other words, sub-goals. These should be outcome oriented, in that they should state what attendees will be able to do as a result of participating in your training session.
List the materials you need for your presentation.
5. List any audio visual equipment you need for your presentation:
6. Write a brief bio about yourself to be included in the conference agenda and promotional materials. This should be in paragraph form (Please, do not submit a resume.)
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
FOR 2010 FAER AWARDS
The FAER Awards Committee is pleased to announce that up to ten awards will
again be presented this year. In order to honor Floridians who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of those who are visually impaired, nominees for the following awards are being sought:
1. The LEADERSHIP IN GOVERNMENT AWARD is for the person who has
demonstrated the greatest leadership on a federal, state, county or local level
in Florida. Activities of this person must have produced a positive impact on
the social and/or economic well-being of persons who are blind and visually
impaired in Florida. Each nomination should include a specific description of
the individual’s work and specific benefits received by persons who are blind
or visually impaired.
2. The OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT BY A BLIND PERSON AWARD is for a Floridian
who is blind or visually impaired and judged the most outstanding in personal
and professional endeavors, such as career activities, family and community
involvement, and membership in civic and professional organizations. Each
nomination should include documentation of the individual’s work
performance, volunteer work, and membership in civic and professional
groups, etc.
3. The OUTSTANDING REHABILITATION PROFESSIONAL FOR THE BLIND AWARD is for
the Rehabilitation or Orientation and Mobility Specialist, working primarily with
blind or visually impaired adults in Florida, who has made an outstanding
contribution in service to these individuals. Each nomination should document
the individual’s achievements in specific areas and benefits to persons who are
blind and visually impaired.
4. The OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR OF THE BLIND AWARD is for the Teacher,
Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Professor, or Administrator of Educational
Services who has made a significant impact on or contribution to teaching
blind or visually impaired children in Florida. Each nomination should include
supportive documentation of the nominee’s achievements and their effects
upon the students’ learning.
5. The MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is for the Floridian who has made the
most outstanding medical-related contribution to the field of blindness.
Nominees may be ophthalmologists, optometrists, or any others whose medical
work has benefited persons who are blind or visually impaired. Achievement
areas may include documentation (articles, letters, etc.) describing specific
contributions and benefits to persons who are blind or visually impaired.
6. The NEWS-MEDIA AWARD is for an individual or organization involved in the
dissemination of information to the public about blindness. Nominees may
include TV and radio stations, newspapers, advertising agencies, author, etc.
Nominees will have produced or disseminated articles or programming which
enhances public awareness of issues and information concerning a person or
persons who are blind or visually impaired. Nominees should document times
and dates of programs or stories, and results of these efforts.
7. The OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT BY A PARAPROFESSIONAL AWARD is for a
person employed as a paraprofessional in work with persons who are blind or
visually impaired. Examples of such persons include program aides,
transportation workers, clerical or administrative support staff, etc. The
individual selected must have made significant contributions to programs,
activities or persons by his/her efforts and attitudes in performing his/her job
functions. Nominations should include some specific examples of activities and
their impact on programs in the field of blindness.
8. The INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD is for the Floridian whose creativity has
had the greatest impact during the previous year on the education or
rehabilitation of persons who are blind or visually impaired. Innovations may
be in service delivery systems, teaching techniques, technology curriculum,
etc. Nominations should include documentation of the innovation and its
impact on the lives of persons who are blind or visually impaired.
9. The OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARD is for an individual who is working
without remuneration with persons who are blind or visually impaired. This
person must have demonstrated outstanding commitment and concern for
those with whom he/she works. Nominations should include the number of
volunteer hours, specific activities, and examples of the nominee’s
contributions to activities or to other individuals.
10. MOST PROMISING VISUALLY IMPAIRED HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR AWARD is for a
graduating High School Senior who has shown achievement through school
and community involvement and academic accomplishments as well as by
overcoming obstacles as necessary to obtain independence and selfsufficiency.
Nominations should include supportive documentation such as
letters of recommendation, awards, and grade-reports.
FLORIDA ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION
OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Nomination Form for State Awards
I wish to make a nomination for the category of (check one):
( ) Leadership in Government Award
( ) Outstanding Achievement by a Blind Person Award
( ) Outstanding Rehabilitation Professional for the Blind Award
( ) Outstanding Educator of the Blind Award
( ) Medical Achievement Award
( ) News-Media Award
( ) Outstanding Achievement by a Paraprofessional Award
( ) Innovator of the Year Award
( ) Outstanding Volunteer Award
( ) Most Promising Visually Impaired High School Senior Award
_____________________________________________________________________
Name of Nominee Position
_____________________________________________________________________
Employer Address
_____________________________________________________________________
City State Zip
Describe nominee’s significant work history and education as they relate to the
nomination:
List nominee’s memberships, affiliations, and activities as they relate to the
nomination:
List honors, awards, citation, or other forms of recognition accorded the nominee that
is relevant to the nomination:
NOMINATION FORM
page 2
Explain why you believe this nominee deserves recognition by the FAER. In addition to your own statement (not limited to the space below), you may attach written corroborating statements from other individuals or organizations which support the nomination. Also attach copies of news clippings, documents, or any other evidence to support the nomination.
This nomination is submitted by:
_____________________________________________________________________
Signature Date
_____________________________________________________________________
Print Name
_____________________________________________________________________
Position Employer
_____________________________________________________________________
Address Zip Phone
Please fax or mail no later than September 30, 2010 to:
Amy Johnson, FAER Awards Chair
ILAB, 101 W. State St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
FAX: 904-632-5107
Phone: 904-633-8222
You may also e-mail to amyfaer@earthlink.net
Florida Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired
(FAER)
APPLICATION FOR UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
2010-2011
(2010 - 2011 Application Deadline: Sept. 14, 2010)
(Transcripts and letters of recommendation due: Sept. 24, 2010)
FAER scholarships are limited to upperclass undergraduates (juniors or seniors) who have been admitted as full time students at an accredited college or university. The institution of higher education is to be one that prepares individuals to work with people who are visually impaired. The scholarships may be granted prior to enrollment, but payment will require verification of enrollment each semester of its duration.
By accepting an FAER Scholarship, a recipient pledges to be employed, following graduation, in a
program or agency serving people with visual impairments in the State of Florida. This employ-ment will be required for the duration of the funding that was received, for example, a student who
has received funding for one year will provide service in an education, rehabilitation or related
Florida position for at least one year, or the funding will be returned to FAER. Should repayment not be made, collection agency intervention will be applied, and potential employers notified.
Promissory Statement: By completing this application, I promise to abide by the above-stated rule, and will work in a Florida agency/program or return the funds within 6 months of graduation.
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
Legal Signature Date
Formal Application
1. Name of Applicant______________________________________________________________
2.. Current Mailing Address_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Telephone____________________ Fax_________________e-mail______________________
3. Permanent Address (or Name and Address of Someone Who Will Always Know Where/How to
Reach You After Graduation)_____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Relationship to You _________________________________________________________
Telephone____________________ Fax_________________e-mail______________________
4. Academic Program:
What college or university do you attend?___________________________________________
Who is the person in charge of your program in visual impairment?_______________________
What is the title of that person?___________________________________________________
What is the address of that person?________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Telephone____________________ Fax_________________e-mail______________________
Please have that person, or another faculty member who knows your work, send a letter of recommendation to the Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee at the address below.
5. Your progress:
Your current year or status (junior, senior, etc.)?______________________________________
When do you plan to graduate?___________________________________________________
What are your current credit hours?________________________________________________
How many credit hours do you usually take per year?_________________________________
What is your current major?_____________________________________________________
What is your grade point average to date?__________________________________________
Who is your advisor?___________________________________________________________
Advisor's Telephone_______________ Fax_______________e-mail____________________
Please have that person send a letter of recommendation to the Scholarship Committee.
Current economic support for your education (self, family funds, loans, other scholarships, etc.)
___________________________________________________________________________
Please have a current transcript sent directly to the Scholarship Committee at the address at the end of this application, to arrive 10-14 days after the application is to be received.
6. Written Statement:
Please provide a written statement, on the following page, that describes your career goals, your experience in the field of visual impairment, and your hopes for the coming years. Let the committee know of any special experiences or interests that pertain to the goals of FAER.
7. Please mail the application, and have the transcript and letters of recommendation mailed to:
Ms Karen Kane, Chairperson
FAER Scholarships Committee
14449 Augusta Rd.
Orlando, FL 32826
I hereby attest to the fact that the above statements and responses are factual and true.
______________________________________ ____________________________________
Legal Signature Date
Written Statement
Name of applicant__________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Attention
Florida State University
Orientation & Mobility Students
Honorarium Money Available from FAER
(Equal to the difference between the undergraduate level rate and the graduate level rate of tuition for the orientation and mobility courses per semester)
Requirements:
- Applicants must be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate level coursework leading toward endorsement and/or certification in orientation and mobility
- Completed application submitted by September 14, 2010
- Current transcripts and two letters of recommendation sent directly to the scholarship committee chairperson to arrive no later than September 24, 2010
- Upon graduation, work for at least one year teaching orientation and mobility in Florida and have applied for O&M endorsement and/or ACVREP certification
Applications and additional guidelines available at: www.flaer.org, FSU Program in Visual Impairment Office, or by emailing request to FAER Scholarship Chair: Karen Kane, karen.kane@ocps.net
Application for the FAER
Purvis Ponder Orientation & Mobility Memorial Honorarium
This award is in memory of Purvis Ponder as a tribute to his years of dedication, commitment, and leadership within the field of orientation and mobility for persons with disabilities. The intent of this award it to keep the spirit of Purvis’ life work alive by assisting other to also follow in the course of study of orientation and mobility.
By accepting the Purvis Ponder O&M Memorial Honorarium, a recipient pledges to be employed, following graduation, in a program or agency serving people with visual impairments in the state of Florida. A student who has received funding will provide service in an education, rehabilitation or related Florida position for at least one year and will have applied for O&M endorsement and/or ACVREP certification, or the funding will be returned to FAER. Should repayment not be made, collection agency intervention will be applied, and potential employers notified.
Promissory Statement: By completing this application, I promise to abide by the above-stated rule, and will work in a Florida agency/program or return the funds within 6 months of graduation.
Legal Signature Date
Formal Application
1. Name of Applicant_______________________________________________
2. Current Mailing Address___________________________________________
____________________________________________
Telephone___________________ Fax______________ e-mail_____________
3. Permanent Address (of Name and Address of someone who will always know where/how to reach you after graduation)
Relationship to You ___________________________________________________
Telephone ___________________ Fax ______________ e-mail_______________
4. Academic Program:
What college or university do you attend?__________________________________
Who is the person in charge of your program in orientation & mobility?____________
What is the title of that person?___________________________________________
What is the address of that person?_______________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Telephone______________________ Fax _______________e-mail _____________
Please have that person, or another faculty member who knows your work, send a letter of recommendation to the Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee at the address below.
5. Your progress:
When do you plan to graduate?____________________________________
What are your current credit hours, related to O&M?____________________
What is your current major? _______________________________________
What is your grade point average to date?____________________________
Please have a current transcript sent directly to the Scholarship Committee at the address below, to arrive 10-14 days after the application is to be received.
6. Written Statement
Please provide a written statement, on the following page, that describes your career goals, your experience in the field of visual impairment, and your hopes for the coming years. Let the committee know of any special experiences or interests that pertain to the goals of FAER and the area of orientation and mobility.
7. Please mail the application, and have the transcript and letters of recommendation mailed to:
Ms. Karen Kane, Chairperson
FAER Scholarship Committee
14449 Augusta Rd.
Orlando, FL 32792
I hereby attest to the fact that the above statements and responses are factual and true.
Legal Signature Date