Perkins Training Center Schedule
More about...
Perkins Training Center
The Perkins Training Center (PTC) is a provider of in-service professional development opportunities to vision educators and families of students with visual impairment. These training events are conducted by instructors from the national arena as well as Perkins School for the Blind teachers and clinicians. PTC conducts seminars, workshops and institutes (university approved continuing education training) on the campus of Perkins School and onsite in local agencies and organizations.
Table of Contents
- Regional Training and Conferences
- Strafford Learning Center/PTC Series
- Klarman Teacher Series
- Parent/Professional Seminar Series
- Assistive Device Center
- 2012 Summer Institute
- State and Program Specific Training
- Perkins Products
For additional information or to register, contact:
PerkinsTrainingCenter@Perkins.org
Perkins Training Center
175
North Beacon Street
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 972-7712
(617) 972-7213
The goal of the Perkins Training Center is to improve the educational programs of students by efforts to:
- Conduct training, workshops, conferences and seminars on topics of effective practice.
- Collaborate with key agencies and programs providing services to facilitate access to In-service training.
- Assist states in the development of training for key audiences.
Regional Training and Conferences
Adapted Physical Education Workshop
October 19, 2011
Download flyer and registration.
This workshop, sponsored by Assabet Valley Collaborative and Perkins Training Center is designed for Special Education
professionals working with students of all ages with vision loss including those with additional disabilities. This workshop will
address teaching, designing and modifying physical education and recreation skills. Specific teaching methods for modifying
activities and progressing through activities will be addressed. A portion of the workshop will focus on planning and accessing
community based recreational activities. This workshop will be conducted by Matt LaCortiglia of the Perkins School for the Blind
and will include video and live activity demonstrations of physical education and physically active recreational activities.
Participants will have the opportunity to participate in group discussion and mock scenarios.
Discover Conference
October 22, 2011
Watertown, MA
This year’s Discover Conference will focus on Assistive Technology, including low- and high-tech applications. Our Keynote Speaker is Dr. Howard Parette, a pioneer in the field of AT, who has done extensive research on “Cross-cultural, Family-centered AT applications.” Dr. Parette will be speaking on assistive technology as a part of the culture of all children, and how this can be applied to the education setting. Attendees will have the option to attend sessions on different kinds of technologies in Perkins’ new Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology. Parents and professionals will enjoy lunch together and an opportunity to network. A variety of vendors will also be on hand to share the latest in all kinds of technology.
PROJECT VIISA – PRESCHOOL COURSE: Serving Preschoolers with Vision Impairments in Center Based
Settings
October 27-29, 2011
January 27-28, 2012
Watertown, MA
Download
flyer and registration.
The VIISA Preschool course conducted by Linda Collins, TVI and Lisa Jacobs, TVI of Educational Partnerships at Perkins School for the Blind and other vision education professionals is designed for teachers, paraprofessionals and other clinicians providing direct service to children with visual impairment in preschool. This professional development course is presented with a focus on working with children in the preschool setting as well as in collaboration with the family and other members of the educational team. Participants will gain knowledge and skills in effective practice of assessment and program development for students with visual impairment at this age, including effective transition to elementary school.
“FOCUS” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference
March 14, 2012
Norwood, MA
Download flyer and registration.
The 7th annual “FOCUS” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference is designed for people working with individuals with vision loss and intellectual disabilities. This year’s conference will be held in Norwood, MA and include presentations on current research and practice in areas of medical, clinical, recreation and technology that can positively impact the lives of these individuals.
Western Massachusetts Technology Expo
March 24, 2012
Chicopee, MA
Please join us for the 4th Annual Western Massachusetts Technology Expo for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The purpose of this Expo is to demonstrate the variety of resources and technology available to individuals with visual impairment. This Technology Expo will feature key exhibitors providing presentations and demonstrations of Assistive Technology of interest to the consumer.
Social Skills and Visual Impairment
April 13 & 14, 2012
Gifford Medical Center, Randolph, VT
Sharon Zell Sacks, Ph.D from the California School for the Blind will conduct this one day workshop sponsored by the Vermont Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired and Perking Training Center for professionals working with students who are visually impaired including those with additional disabilities on strategies for assessment and program planning to incorporate the development of social skills into the daily lives of students. Participants will be introduced to an over-riding perspective regarding the need and importance of teaching social skills and its influence on later success in school and adult life. On Saturday, April 14th, Dr. Sacks will conduct a one day workshop for parents on social skills.
Taking Care of Our Children ...Taking Care of Ourselves
April 28, 2012
Watertown, MA
This year’s 29th annual conference is presented by The New England Regional Seminar for Families of Children with Visual Impairments, ages 0-7. Parents of young children with visual impairments or deafblindness and other family members and professionals throughout New England and New York State are invited to come and participate in this learning and networking opportunity. The conference offers an opportunity to participate in presentations and discussions on topics of interest to families. Activities and childcare will be provided for your children by counselors assigned, according to your child’s age, disability, and special considerations.
NEW YORK STATE
Highlighting Low Vision: A View of the Future
November 4-5, 2011
Fairport, NY
The New York State Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (NYSAER) will host the 26th
Annual NYS Conference to be held in Fairport, New York, November 4-5, 2011. The conference, a joint professional development
opportunity with the NYS Low Vision Physicians and NYSAER will be held at the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa just 20 minutes away from
downtown Rochester. The theme of this year’s conference is “Highlight Low Vision: A View of the Future.”
**Upstate TVI 21st Annual Conference
The Brain: Science to Support Learning in Children with Sensory Impairments
March 16, 2012
East Syracuse, NY
This year’s Upstate TVI conference will include a workshop entitled “The Brain: Science to Support Learning in Children with Sensory Impairments”. It will be conducted by Ellen Cadigan Mazel, M.Ed., CTVI from the Perkins School for the Blind. This is an exciting time to teach with all the latest available research about the brain and learning. With improved brain imaging techniques, we have new information and understanding of how the typical brain processes information from the senses. As we understand these processes, we gain better understanding for working with children with a variety of sensory deficits. In the workshop we will discuss basic brain anatomy, practice observation of sensory learning and create goals and objectives to capitalize on student strengths and focus on adaptations and accommodations for weak areas.
Dominican College Weekend Workshops for Personnel who Work with Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Weekend workshops at Dominican College will continue and offer professional development opportunities for Teachers of the Visually Impaired and other vision educators. Located in Rockland County, NY; the workshop sessions will be scheduled on Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday from 9:00am-12:00pm. The cost per weekend workshop is $75.00. Accommodations are available at a Holiday Inn, within walking distance of campus.
Please check Perkins Training Center for more information on registering.
Braille Plus Mobile Manager
Saturday & Sunday, October 29-30, 2011
Sat: 10:00am - 4:00pm; Sun: 9:00am -12:00pm
Orangeburg, NY
Download
flyer and registration.
Braille Plus Mobile Manager will be presented by Ms. Maria Delgado, Field Representative, American Printing House for the Blind, October 29-30, 2011. This weekend workshop, with its emphasis on hands-on learning and application to the school environment, will teach you menus and navigation, primary application programs, such as email, word processor, music player and library. Learn network management and creation and transference of files.
Brain Science for Children with Sensory Impairments: Learning Through the Senses
December 10-11, 2011
Download flyer and registration.
We call this “The Decade of the Brain”. As teachers, therapists and parents of children with disabilities, we must keep pace with the latest learning and brain theory to offer children best practices for instruction. With the improvements in the understanding of how the typical brain functions, there is improvement in our understanding of learning and perception. As we grasp how the typical brain and the senses gather knowledge about the world, new insights are developing for working with children with disabilities. This workshop will be conducted by Ellen Cadigan Mazel, M.Ed., CTVI from Perkins School for the Blind.
Apple iPod, iPhone, & iPad iOS Devices for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
March 31-April 1, 2012
Download flyer and registration.
AFB technology access specialists Darren Burton and Morgan Blubaugh will conduct training on the Apple iPod, iPhone, and iPad iOS devices. They will discuss what these devices can do, demonstrate how to do it, and discuss techniques for teaching students with vision loss how to use them. Darren will focus on training for people who are blind, while Morgan will focus on training for people with low vision, and their training will cover the basics of using the devices themselves as well as an exploration of several apps of interest to people with vision loss.
Assistive Technology and the Student Who is Blind/Visually Impaired: Finding the Right Match
April 21-22, 2012
Download flyer and registration.
Assistive Technology and the Student Who is Blind/Visually Impaired: Finding the Right Match will be presented by Mr. Ike Presley, National Project Manager, American Foundation for the Blind, April 21-22, 2012. This weekend workshop will review the components of and information needed to conduct an Assistive Technology (AT) assessment of a student who is blind or visually impaired, address how to determine which technology tools are best for accomplishing specific tasks and how to present the appropriate rationale and justification when recommending specific AT for students.
Stafford Learning Center/PTC Series
This training series will be developed and conducted by Strafford Learning Center, Somersworth, NH & Perkins Training Center and held at the...
Mary Lyster Meeting Place
36 Canal Street
Suite 110
Somersworth, NH
Download flyer and registration.
Facilitating Literacy Opportunities for Students with Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities
March 5, 2012
Terry Lemaire, TVI, Strafford Learning Center
Betsy Bixler, Perkins Training Center
This workshop will address the topic of literacy for students with visual impairment and multiple disabilities. Presenters will discuss literacy assessment with consideration for sensory loss and cognitive disability as well as instructional strategies to incorporate literacy throughout the day. The workshop will be interactive and allow participants to develop a literacy plan for an identified student with visual and multiple disabilities. The literacy plan will include modifications and accessibility strategies and techniques, as discussed in the workshop, so students with vision loss or cortical visual impairment with additional disabilities may access the general education literacy curriculum. Participants will work in small groups to develop their plan and will have the opportunity to review customized literacy materials.
Apps for Achieving Educational Success
March 28, 2012
Therese Willkomm, Director, ATinNH, University of NH
The use of the IPAD to improve educational success continues to grow. This hands-on interactive workshop will explore how to successfully use the IPAD for students with disabilities. Apps that will be explored include: apps for reading and writing; communication apps, memory, prompting and organizational apps, app for hearing or visual impairments, apps for early learning, apps for math and science, and apps for conducting assessments. In addition, this workshop will discuss and demonstrate various IPAD accessories, switches, keyboards, and mounting solutions to accommodate students who experience physical impairments.
ASD & Blindness/Visual Impairment: When Blindness or Vision Impairment is Complicated by an Autism Spectrum Disorder
April 11, 2012
Betsey Field, Consultant/Trainer
This workshop will consider briefly the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders and talk about common problems in language, behavior, social interaction and learning patterns that occur with ASD accompanied by vision loss. This interactive training will further address characteristics that suggest a possible autism diagnosis that may be a result of other factors. The session will present strategies to address the common challenges across a range of ages and developmental abilities, in both individual teaching sessions and classrooms.
Klarman Teacher Series
The 2011-2012 Klarman Teacher Series sponsored by the Klarman Family Foundation, “Developing Tactile Skills with Students who are Visually Impaired” will include 4 sessions on materials, resources and strategies that can improve the tactile skills of students with visual impairment. Sessions will include presentations of high and low tech generated tactile graphics and other manipulatives that can enhance the educational experience of students in curricular areas such as math, science, orientation and mobility, etc. Session 5 will present a curriculum for teaching tactile graphics. This series is designed for Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Special Educators and other members of the program team. All workshops will be held in Perkins’ new Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology located in Watertown, MA.
HERDING CATS: A Round-up of Computer-Assisted Tactiles
November 12, 2011
Lucia Hasty, Rocky Mountain Braille Associates
Download flyer and registration.
GeoMetro: Manipulatives for Concept Development
February 11, 2012
Aniceta Skowron, Ph.D.
Download flyer and registration.
During this hands-on workshop you will learn how to enrich spatial concepts of vision impaired students and how to help them link 3-D objects with their 2-D representations. You will build geometric shapes and learn how to make the 3-D explorations accessible, e.g. you will touch a diagonal, a height in a solid and easily find and mark directions in 3-D. Also, you will make 2-D representations of the solids using special foldable manipulatives. The kinesthetic process of folding and unfolding the manipulatives helps develop basic concepts.
Student Generated Graphics
March 10, 2012
Kim Charlson, Braille & Talking Book Library, Perkins School for the Blind
Download flyer and registration.
This hands-on workshop, will explore the importance of providing children and adults who are blind with awareness, understanding, and the skills to create braille drawings using a Perkins Brailler as well as other methods and materials to create tactile graphics. Based on the book Drawing with Your Perkins Brailler, learning to draw pictures with the Brailler strengthens several key developmental concepts and allows children and adults to experience the pride and self-esteem in the creation of drawings that can be shared with sighted classmates, family members, and friends. Techniques and actual design patterns will be shared, and the group will make some actual pictures on the Perkins Brailler. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to discover the use of other materials and production methods that facilitate the development of tactile skills across curricular areas.
TaME: Tactile Map Editor
March 24, 2012
Amy Lobben, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, University of Oregon
Download flyer and registration.
The workshop will introduce participants to freely downloadable software that allows the design and production of tactile maps and other graphics. The software includes drag-and-drop map symbols that have been field tested for 3 years. The software is designed for users with some computer experience but no graphic design or mapping experience. The workshop, software, and materials are supported by grants from the National Science Foundation NSF-HRD #0928074, #0533251.
Reading More than Words: Graphicacy
June 9, 2012
Lucia Hasty, Rocky Mountain Braille Associates
Dawn Wilkinson, M.Ed., Assistive Technology Consultant, Technology & Curriculum Access Center, Easter Seals Arkansas
Download flyer and registration.
In this workshop we will share first-hand accounts of real-life situations involving conceptual challenges faced by blind students. We will discuss strategies for developing basic decoding skills, explore additional techniques and resources for teaching older learners to understand and utilize content-laden and complex graphics. A new teaching curriculum will present activities for learning to use a key/legend, scale, multiple sections or views, map reading, indicators of direction/movement/process, data presentation, and interpretation of orientation and mobility graphics. Student activities focus on both reading and writing/producing graphics.
Parent/Professional Seminar Series:
Genetics & Visual Disorders
Download flyer and registration.
This seminar series, sponsored by the Klarman Family Foundation in collaboration with the New England Deafblind Consortium, Perkins School for the Blind’s Deafblind & Secondary Programs and Children’s Hospital will offer evening and weekend sessions on genetics and visual impairment. Sessions will offer lecture and Q&A with leading authorities on the condition. The first session is scheduled for Saturday, December 3, 2011 and will address CHARGE Syndrome. Meg Hefner, national leader in genetics and CHARGE syndrome will conduct this session.
Spring sessions will address such topics as Retinitis Pigmentosa including Usher Syndrome, Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stargarts, and Septo-optic dysplasia.
Assistive Device Center
Perkins Assistive Device Center is a workshop located in Lower School at the Perkins School for the Blind that creates customized materials for children with disabilities. Commercially available adaptations may not meet the needs of particular children, and the most esoteric may not exist. The Assistive Device Center, coordinated by Occupational Therapist Molly Campbell, designs and constructs such custom devices that help children lead rich and independent lives. Through PTC the following training opportunities conducted by Molly Campbell, offer custom-made items to meet the unique needs of individuals while being affordable, durable and attractive.
Course announcements with more information will be distributed as each date approaches. Workshops will run from 9:00 until 4:00 unless otherwise indicated. PDPs are available when at least 10 hours worth of training has been completed. This can be achieved through attending a workshop and completing a follow-up project or by attending two workshops
For more information contact Molly Campbell by telephone at 617 972-7520 or by e-mail at Molly.Campbell@Perkins.org.
Introduction to Cardboard Carpentry
December 6, 2011
Download flyer and registration.
Learn about the benefits of building assistive devices out of corrugated material. This three layered cardboard is lightweight, bendable, strong, easy to work with, and relatively inexpensive. Following a demonstration of construction techniques and a safety orientation for tool use, participants will design and construct simple adaptive items out of cardboard.
Creating & Modifying Games
March 21, 2012
Download flyer and registration.
See modifications of common games like Uno, Memory, brain teasers, and miniature sports games in the Games Exchange Project area of the Assistive Device Center. Participants will have the opportunity to use TriWall® corrugated material, wood, plastic, textured fabrics, Velcro, bump-ons and other materials to begin their own creations. Adapt a commercially available game to enable individuals with visual impairments including those with multiple disabilities to play, or design a unique game to promote spatial, matching, social, and/or motor skills.
2012 Summer Institutes:
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Visual Impairment
July 26-27, 2012
Batavia, NY
This 2 day institute will be conducted by Jay and Marilyn Gense, leading authorities in effective practice for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Visual Impairment (ASDVI). The focus will be on assessment and instructional strategies. This Institute is designed for Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Special Educators, and other educators working with students with ASDVI.
State and Program Specific Training
State and program specific trainings are customized for agency participants only.
For information regarding customized state and program specific training contact Betsy Bixler, Manager, Perkins Training Center at betsy.bixler@perkins.org or 617-972-7213.
Autism Spectrum Disorders & Visual Impairment: Instructional Strategies
Lavelle School for the Blind
September 1, 2011
Bronx, NY
D. Jay Gense and Marilyn H. Gense will conduct this one day professional development activity for Lavelle School for the Blind on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Visual Impairment. This workshop will address the assessment and instructional strategies for students with ASDVI.
Train the Trainer
NY State School for the Blind
September 19-20, 2011
Batavia, NY
Betsy Bixler, Manager, Perkins Training Center will conduct this workshop for staff at the NY State School for the Blind and address topics such as principles of professional development & strategies and considerations for the design, development and delivery of effective training activities. Participants will have the opportunity to develop an individualized profile as a trainer.
Creating “Little Rooms”
Catholic Charities Maine
October 21, 2011
Augusta, ME
Children with visual impairments or multiple disabilities need special encouragement to initiate exploration of their surroundings. The “little room” is a stimulating environment originally developed by Dr. Lilli Nielsen, a well-known Danish psychologist, to promote active learning. Children lie inside these box-like structures with favored toys, familiar household objects and items that have interesting sensory properties hanging from the ceiling and walls. All items are kept in the same spots inside the play space so that the child’s understanding of spatial relations develops along with curiosity, reaching and active play.
Attendees will assemble the wooden frames, mount the hinges, choose clear plastic or light-weight corrugated colored plastic for the panels, drill holes in the panels as desired and put the whole thing together. Items that can be hung in the little room will be discussed but not provided. Hanging systems for the toys will be made using string or elastic cord and dowel stoppers or cord locks.
Materials, Strategies and Resources to Enhance Literacy Skills for Students with Visual Impairment & Additional
Disabilities
North River Collaborative
March 9, 2012
Rockland, MA
Sharon Stelzer, Special Education Teacher, Deafblind Program at Perkins School for the Blind will conduct this one day in- service training for the North River Collaborative staff. The workshop will include a presentation of materials, instructional strategies and resources that enhance communication and literacy skills for students with visual impairment. This workshop, customized for the North River Collaborative, will include presentations on materials and strategies that address the multi sensory needs of students.
Creating Adaptive Devices for Students with Multiple Disabilities
Adaptive Design Center, Perkins School for the Blind
May 9, 2012 & May 16, 2012
Watertown, MA
Molly Campbell and her colleagues will conduct workshops for Assabet Valley Collaborative staff at the Adaptive Device Center at Perkins School for the Blind. These hands-on workshops will introduce participants to a protocol for assessment and design of customized adaptive devices for students of all ages. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to create individualized adaptive devices.
Perkins Products
Perkins Products provides caring and experienced consultants to assist in making choices on devices that can best help you. They offer adaptive solutions for people of all ages who are blind, and visually impaired or learning disabled. Support and training is provided for family members, friends, teachers, support staff and businesses seeking accessibility in their workplace. Explore our adaptive devices at www.perkinsproducts.org.
Brailler Repair Workshops
August 2011
Learn More
RSS
Bookmark
