Perkins Training Center Schedule

Customized On-Site Professional Development for Educational Personnel

The mission of the Perkins Training Center (PTC), in partnership with key stakeholders, is to provide professional development opportunities that meet the programatic needs of the diverse population of students with visual impairment.

During the past eight years, the PTC has provided customized program specific training for regional centers, high schools, university programs, and specialized schools reaching across all disciplines and positions. Professional development opportunities have been provided to vision specialists-Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, Vision Rehabilitation Teachers, as well as other professionals working with students with visual impairment.

To meet these staff training needs in-service programs are designed and developed based on identified need. Sample training areas in vision education include:

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• Jane's Trust

  **For vision educators in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire ONLY**

• Parent/Professional Genetic Series

… or browse a chronological list of workshops and conferences…

Workshops & Conferences

Northeast Regional Seminar: Medical and Behavioral Aspects of CHARGE Syndrome

February 1-2, 2013
Sands Point, NY
Register online or Download flyer and registration

In partnership with Helen Keller National Center, this year’s Northeast Regional Seminar on CHARGE syndrome will feature Meg Hefner, Genetic Counselor, Kim Blake, General Pediatrician, and Laurie Denno, Certified Behavior Analyst.

Designed for parents and professionals, this training will enhance the seminar participant’s basic understanding of the genetics of CHARGE syndrome; provide valuable medical information and identify behavioral issues that impact the daily lives of those with CHARGE syndrome.

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Introduction to Educational Practices for Students with Visual Impairments & Multiple Disabilities

February 7, 2013
Watertown, MA

In collaboration with Simmons College Special Education programs, this evening session will include mini-lectures on assistive technology, literacy, visual conditions, impact of vision loss on learning and orientation and mobility for students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities as well as information on resources such as the Braille and Talking Book Library. Presenters will be leading resource people from Perkins School for the Blind.

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Introduction to iPad Accessibility Features Blind and Low Vision Students*

February 9, 2013
Watertown, MA
Register online

This full-day hands-on workshop introduces educators of the visually impaired to iPad accessibility features that help totally blind and low vision students succeed in the classroom and the 21st century knowledge economy.

Presenters: Diane Brauner and Ed Summers

*Klarman Teacher Training

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Little Rooms: Using Artists’ Stretcher Frames to Build Foldable Sensory Exploration Environments

February 13, 2013
Watertown, MA
Download flyer and registration

This interactive workshop held at the Adaptive Device Center at Perkins School for the Blind will teach participants how to construct Little Rooms that will promote active learning. Each participant will construct one little room individualized for a child on their caseload or in their classroom.

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Introduction to Reading, Writing and Research on the iPad*

March 9, 2013
Watertown, MA
Download flyer and registration

This full day hands-on workshop teaches participants how academic blind and low-vision students use the iPad for reading, writing and research. Participants will review some of the basic concepts covered in introduction to iPad accessibility features for blind and low vision students such as searching the web with Safari, etc. Participants will learn how to share instructional materials using Dropbox and they will use Dropbox to retrieve and return assignments throughout the workshop. Participants will learn how to read electronic books in iBooks and edit documents in Pages without Voiceover. Finally, participants will learn how to perform those same tasks using Voiceover gestures and keyboard commands.

Presenters: Diane Brauner & Ed Summers

*Klarman Teacher Training

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"FOCUS" on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference

March 13, 2013
Norwood, MA
Download flyer and registration

The 8th annual “FOCUS” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference, designed for people working with individuals with vision loss and intellectual disabilities features keynote and concurrent sessions focused on medical, assistive technology, clinical and recreation and leisure presentations relevant to visual impairment and intellectual disability.

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Independent Living for Students with Visual Impairment

March 13, 2013
Shrewsbury, MA
Register online or download flyer and registration

Hosted by Assabet Valley Collaborative, this workshop will address the assessment and program planning strategies, modifications and resources for students with Visual Impairment in the Expanded Core Curriculum areas of Skills in Food Management.

This ‘hands-on’ workshop, will be conducted by Sue Shannon and Rachael Noyes of the Secondary Program at Perkins School for the Blind.

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22nd Annual TVI Conference
Cortical Visual Impairment: Vision and the Brain

March 15, 2013
Syracuse, NY
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Ellen Mazel, M.Ed., CTVI, CVI Advisor, completed a five year mentorship with Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy and continues to participate in Dr. Roman Lantzy’s CVI project. After studying cortical visual impairment with Christine Roman-Lantzy, she became interested in the most recent brain science information, how children with visual impairments build compensatory skills and how children’s experiences relate to children’s overall growth and development.

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BOOKSHARE

March 23, 2013
Orangeburg, NY
Download flyer and registration

This one day hands-on workshop will show teachers: how assistive reading tools help students with print disabilities; how to access and integrate accessible instructional materials into the classroom for qualified students; how to equalize education for students with print disabilities; how to improve student outcomes through technology; and how to empower students with books and technology, and encourage independence.

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AT & Recreation and Leisure*

April 6, 2013
Watertown, MA
Register online or download flyer and registration

Often times, people who are blind and visually impaired lead sedentary lives due to barriers. Barriers can directly lead to decrease of physical activity and an increase of the risk of obesity. It is imperative that opportunities for recreational endeavors and movement activities are integrated into daily lives and routines.

Presenters will be Megan O’Connell, APE, Secondary Program and Tracey Polimeno, APE, Lower School, Perkins School for the Blind.

*Klarman Teacher Training

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Western Mass Tech Expo

April 6, 2013
Chicopee, MA
Download flyer and registration

Please join us for the 5th 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.

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Electronics for Switch Making and Toy Modification

Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Watertown, MA
Download flyer and registration

Switches can enable children with disabilities to experience cause and effect, activate toys, and access computers. In this hands-on workshop conducted by the Adaptive Device Center at Perkins School for the Blind, participants will be shown how to make battery interrupters, simple switches and homemade vibrating toys. Options for constructing durable and attractive switch housings that either challenge fine motor skills or allow for easy access will be shared.

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Awesome iPad Apps and Adaptations Supporting Children with Vision and Multiple Disabilities

April 13-14, 2013
Orangeburg, NY
Register online or Download flyer and registration

This hands-on interactive workshop will explore how to successfully use the IPAD for students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities. We will explore the built features of an iPAD to support vision, hearing, cognitive, communication and physical impairments. We will also explore over 100 apps related to reading, writing, communication, memory, prompting, organization, math, science, art, and music. This workshop will also discuss and demonstrate various IPAD accessories, adaptations, switches, keyboards, and mounting solutions to accommodate students who experience vision or physical impairments. All participants are encouraged to bring an iPAD.

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NYS AER Conference Day

April 22, 2013
Albany, New York

A one day conference, sponsored by the New York State AER will be held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Albany, NY. For more information please go to nysaer.aerbvi.org.

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Taking Care of Our Children ...Taking Care of Ourselves

April 27, 2013
Watertown, MA
Register for this event

This year’s 30th 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.

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VIISA: Early Intervention for Infants & Toddlers with Blindness and Visual Impairment and their Families

Session 1: May 2-3, 2013, Watertown, MA
Session 2: July 11, 12, 2013 Watertown, MA
On-line session: TBD
Register online or download flyer and registration

Are you working with a family with a child who is visually impaired or blind? Do you want to learn teaching strategies for working with this child? Do you have a child with a visual impairment on your caseload? This 3 part course is designed just for you. Created for Early Intervention providers/professionals, Special Education Teachers, Teacher/Consultants for Children with Visual Impairments and Orientation & Mobility Instructors who are working with at least one infant or toddler with blindness or visual impairment, it will provide you with strategies and techniques addressing the unique needs of these infants. We strongly encourage teams of parent, vision professional, and early intervention provider to register for the course together.

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Assistive Technology and the Student Who is Blind/Visually Impaired: Finding the Right Match*

May 4, 2013
Watertown, MA
Register online or download flyer and registration

This workshop will be conducted by Ike Presley of the American Foundation for the Blind and 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.

*Klarman Teacher Training

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Christa McAuliffe Center: Effective Practices to Promote Accessibility in the Science Classroom for Students with Visual Impairment

Saturday, June 8, 2013
Watertown, MA
Download flyer and registration

This workshop, presented in partnership with the Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University, is intended to enhance participant’s instruction in all areas of science for students with visual impairment. Kate Fraser, M.Ed., CAS, TVI; Drew Cumming, M.Ed., TVI and Stephanie Redmond, B.A., faculty from the Secondary Science Program of the Perkins School for the Blind will conduct this workshop designed for Regular Educators and Teachers of the Visually Impaired.

Learner Outcomes: Participants will…

• Increase awareness of the Next Generation Science Standards.
• Expand knowledge of instructional strategies, accommodations, and resources for accessibility of students with visual impairment in Physical Sciences, Earth and Space, and Life Sciences.
• Participate in hands on/experiential activities to promote a fuller understanding of the impact of vision loss on learning in the science classroom.
• Increase knowledge of accessible materials, both low tech and high tech to support students with visual impairment in the science classroom.

Introduction to iPad Accessibility Features for Blind and Low Vision Students

Saturday, June 15, 2013
Dominican College
Orangeburg, NY
Register online or download flyer and registration

This full-day hands-on workshop, conducted by Diane Brauner and Ed Summers of SAS Institute, introduces educators of the visually impaired to iPad accessibility features that help totally blind and low vision students succeed in the classroom and the 21st century knowledge economy.

**Seating is limited to 20 participants**

Introduction to Reading, Writing, and Research on the iPad

Saturday, July 13, 2013
Dominican College
Orangeburg, NY
Register online or download flyer and registration

This full day hands-on workshop, conducted by Diane Brauner and Ed Summers of SAS Institute teaches participants how academic blind and low-vision students use the iPad for reading, writing and research. Participants will review some of the basic concepts covered in introduction to iPad accessibility features for blind and low vision students such as searching the web with Safari, etc. Participants will learn how to share instructional materials using Dropbox and they will use Dropbox to retrieve and return assignments throughout the workshop. Participants will learn how to read electronic books in iBooks and edit documents in Pages without Voiceover. Finally, participants will learn how to perform those same tasks using Voiceover gestures and keyboard commands.

**Seating is limited to 20 participants**

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