Welcome Remarks: Janet LaBreck Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Keynote Speaker: Rick Guidotti Award-Winning Photographer and Founder of “POSITIVE EXPOSURE”.Positive Exposure is an innovative arts, education and advocacy organization that explores the social and psychological experiences of people living with genetic, physical and behavioral conditions of all ages and ethno-cultural heritages.

"POSITIVE EXPOSURE: The Spirit of Difference"

Awards at Lunch:

Mark Holt “Gift of Lunch”Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished

ServicePaul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished

Leadership

“Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference

Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss

March 16, 2011 8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood, MA

Special Closing Performance: Potentials Unlimited

A Very Special Thank You…

To Our Exhibitors Including:Literature Tables:

AblenetCenter for Disease Control and PreventionIndependent Living AidsNational Eye InstituteNational Institute on AgingNational Institute of HealthHadley School for the BlindMaxi Aids

Co-Lead Sponsors:

Perkins Training Center MA Commission for the Blind Sponsors:

DDS Southeast Region Training Council

Friends: Shriver Clinical Services Corp.

Supporters: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council

WGBH

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A Very Special Thank You…

Vendors: AdaptiVision, Inc.

American Printing House for the BlindBeacon Health Care Products, LLCBrain Injury Association of MassachusettsGood LiteHelen Keller National CenterLet’s Go TechnologyMA Commission for the Blind: BRIDGE ProgramMassachusetts Department of Public HealthMassachusetts Equipment Distribution ProgramMass Match / Massachusetts Rehabilitation

CommissionNew England Consortium of Deafblind Projects

(NEC)New England INDEXPerkins Braille & Talking Book LibraryPerkins ProductsPerkins School for the BlindPotentials UnlimitedSight Loss ServicesTalking Information CenterThe Carroll Center for the Blind

Poster Displays:

You Don’t Need Vision to Envision Art Eliot Middleton Dona Jarvis, Art CoordinatorJessica Bayas, Director of Day SupportsLucien Archambault, Assistant Clinical DirectorWCI

My Passion (Live Piano Performance)Fran Benson

3A Very Special Thank You…Poster Displays (continued):

The Intervener Model: Using Interveners for Adults with

Deafblindness & Cognitive Disabilities Cheryl LevasseurNational Deafblind Intervener Initiative (NDBII),

Massachusetts Follow Your Dream Job to Real EmploymentMarianne Gilmore, Carroll Center for the Blind

Coming a Long WayDonna JayNortheast Arc & Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

4 All Seasons (4 Shadow Boxes) Elizabeth Martin and Sue Lima , People Incorporated

Accessible Recreation in the Massachusetts’ StatePark System for People of All Abilities Gigi Ranno, Outreach CoordinatorDCR’s Universal Access Program

Awareness and Action Jennifer Edwards-HawkinsDisabled Persons Protection Commission

To the “Y” and BeyondLaura Graves, Director of Day ServicesThe Institute of Professional Practice

Colorful & Creative Design for Functional Environments

Maureen Coyle, COMSCarroll Center for the Blind / Shriver Clinical Services

Wheelchair Reviews of Places in MAThe Traveling Wheelchair by Kenny & Company

www.thetravelingwheelchair.com

4Introducing our Keynote:

Rick Guidotti

Rick Guidotti, an award-winning former fashion photographer, has spent the past fourteen years working internationally with advocacy organizations/NGOs, medical schools, universities and other educational institutions to effect a sea-change in societal attitudes towards individuals living with genetic difference; his work has been published in newspapers, magazines and journals as diverse as Elle, GQ, People, the American Journal of Medical Genetics, The Lancet, Spirituality and Health, the Washington Post, Atlantic Monthly and Life Magazine.

Rick is the founder and director of Positive Exposure, an innovative arts, education and advocacy organization working with individuals living with genetic difference. Positive Exposure utilizes the visual arts to significantly impact the fields of genetics, mental health and human rights. Positive Exposure photographic exhibition premiered at the People’s Genome Celebration, June 2001, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in DC. and continues to exhibit in galleries, museums and public arenas internationally.

Rick’s Positive Exposure photo and video presentation explores the social and psychological experiences of people living with genetic, physical and behavioral conditions of all ages and ethno-cultural heritages.  Rick’s presentation embraces our shared humanity and celebrates the richness and beauty of human diversity. The lecture provides new opportunities to see individuals living with a genetic difference first and foremost as a human being with his/her own challenges rather than as a specific diagnosis/disease entity.

In addition to the keynote, Rick will also be offering a concurrent session at the conference: “Positive Exposure: Diversity Challenge”.

5Welcoming:

Mitchell B. Strominger, M.D. serves as the Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Motility, Neuro-ophthalmology and as the Departmental Director of Medical Student Education for the Department of Ophthalmology at Tufts Medical Center and the Floating Hospital for Children in Boston, MA.

Suzanne C. Johnston, M.D. serves as an Ophthalmologist and Clinical Assistant at the Department of Ophthalmology at Children’s Hospital Boston at Waltham.

6 Conference Agenda “At-a-Glance”8:00 – 8:25 Registration / Vendors Open / Refreshments8:25 – 8:30 Opening Remarks8:30 – 8:45 Welcome Remarks 8:45 – 9:45 Keynote9:45 – 10:00 Break / Vendors Open & Poster Session10:00 – 11:00 1st Concurrent Session11:00 – 11:15 Break / Vendors Open & Poster Session11:15 – 12:15 2nd Concurrent Session12:15 – 12:30 Vendors Open 12:30 – 1:30 Lunch & Award Presentations:

● Mark Holt Gift of Lunch

Barry S. Kran, O.D., FAAO serves as a Professor of Optometry at the New England College of Optometry. He is the Chief of the Individuals with Disabilities Service, New England Eye Institute and the Optometric Director at the NE Eye Perkins Low Vision Clinic.

● Paul McDade “Focus” Awards for Distinguished Service and Leadership1:30 – 2:00 Dedicated Vendor & Poster Session2:00 - 3:00 3rd Concurrent Session3:00 – 3:15 Break / Refreshments / Vendors Open3:15 – 3:45 “Potentials Unlimited” (Performance) / Raffle

Directions!!! Four Points by Sheraton Norwood 1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike Route 1 (18 miles south of Boston) Norwood, MA 02062 Phone: 781-769-7900

www.fourpointsnorwood.com Please see page 14 for a full listing of directions!!!! We look forward to seeing you on March 16th!!! 7 “Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness

8:00 – 8:25 Registration / Vendors Open / Refreshments

8:30 – 8:45 Welcome: Janet LaBreck Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission for the

Blind

8:45 – 9:45 Keynote: Rick Guidotti www.positiveexposure.org "POSITIVE EXPOSURE: The Spirit of Difference

Rick Guidotti, an award-winning former fashion photographer, has spent the past fourteen years working internationally with advocacy organizations, NGOs, medical schools, universities and other educational institutions to effect a sea-change in societal attitudes towards individuals living with genetic, physical or behavioral differences. The lecture, Positive Exposure, utilizes the visual arts to significantly impact the fields of genetics, mental health and human rights. Positive Exposure embraces our shared humanity and celebrates the richness and beauty of human diversity.

9:45 – 10:00 Break / Vendors & Posters Open

10:00 – 11:00 Concurrent Sessions

A.

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10:00 – 11:00 Concurrent Sessions (continued)

B. Working with Older Students and Adults with Cortical Visual ImpairmentsPresenter: Ellen Cadigan Mazel, M.Ed., CTVI

Teacher of students with visual impairments or deafblindness CVI Mentor Perkins School for the Blind

Description: Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is a brain based visual disability affecting many individuals with other brain based disabilities such as seizures, motor impairments, structural abnormalities and brain damage. The brain continues to show plasticity throughout a lifetime. Environmental supports and

Living with Retinopathy of Prematurity: Past, Present and

Future Presenter: Suzanne C. Johnston, M.D. Clinical Assistant Children’s Hospital Boston

Description: This presentation will give background on retinopathy of prematurity including historical context, current diagnosis and treatment, and new research focused on the diagnosis and treatment of ROP. It will also address some of the specific visual needs of those who have a history of

learning strategies continue to be important for learning. This lecture will provide an overview of the characteristics of CVI and discuss some adaptations for learning, living and working environments.

C. Strategies for Inclusion of Individuals with Visual Impairment in Community Recreation

Presenter: Michael Pecorella, Physical Education Teacher Perkins School for the BlindDescription: This lecture will address strategies & modifications to promote inclusion of individuals with visual impairment in community recreation programs such as the YMCA. This lecture will encourage interaction and discussion of strategies to overcome barriers of inclusion of individuals with visual and other sensory losses in physical activities.

D. Positive Exposure: Diversity Challenge Presenter: Rick Guidotti www.positiveexposure.orgDescription: Positive Exposure challenges perceptions of beauty. During this workshop, participants will learn how to bring this diversity activity to their homes, workplaces and schools. Participants will identify their various perceptions of beauty and be challenged to think differently.

11:00 – 11:15Break / Vendors & Posters Open

911:15 – 12:15 Concurrent Sessions

A. Congenital Optic Nerve Abnormalities Presenter: Mitchell B. Strominger, MD Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Motility Neuro-ophthalmology Tufts Medical Center Floating Hospital for Children

Description: This presentation will discuss optic nerve development and the most common forms of congenital optic nerve abnormalities that lead to visual impairment.

B. Breaking Barriers: Results of Stakeholder Focus Groups Meetings and Eye Care Provider Survey Presenter: Barry S. Kran, OD, FAAO

Professor, New England College of Optometry Chief, Individuals with Disabilities Service

Optometric Director, NE Eye Perkins ClinicDescription: Using a real case as a template, barriers to eye care and outcomes from years of agency and institutional collaboration will be presented. New recommendations for eye care and resources for it will be described. Finally, pending projects will be outlined.

C. Moving On Up! Recommendations for a Successful

Transition ExperiencePresenters: Michele P. Reed, MS, COMS

Director, Orientation & Mobility Services DDS Metro Region MAB Community Services

Stephen Jordan, M.Ed., COMS Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist DDS Metro Region MAB Community Services

Description: The fulfillment of the Rolland Suit, the closure of state facilities, and the search for accessible housing for our aging population have increased the need for support services to aid providers, individuals and guardians through the transition process into new homes, new day programs and new communities. Orientation and Mobility Services have been active in planning and implementing many transitional experiences for the DDS Community. This workshop will provide information on strategies to plan for a successful transitional plan as well as how our services may be accessed to consult and develop a transitional plan for individuals with vision loss and intellectual disabilities.

10 11:15 – 12:15 Concurrent Sessions (continued)

D. Powerful Computer Activities with Digital Light Box Artwork and PowerPoint

Presenters: Wendy L. Buckley, M.Ed.; Ed.S. Assistive Technology Specialist/Teacher Deafblind Program Perkins School for the Blind

Description: Digital Light Box Artwork (DLBA) is a collection of digital images from the APH Light Box for use on the computer. PowerPoint is readily available on many computers. The author of Digital Light Box Artwork: Supporting Language & Literacy will demonstrate how easy it is to make cause & effect, matching, choice-making, and other activities with the DBLA and PowerPoint. Additional resources for easy games and online activities will be shared.

12:15 – 12:30Vendors Open

12:30 – 1:30 Lunch & Award Presentations:● Mark Holt “Gift of Lunch”

● Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Service ● Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Leadership

1:30 – 2:00 Dedicated Vendor & Poster Session!!!

We listened to you!!! - Thanks to Conference attendee requests, this year we have again scheduled more time after lunch for meeting our Vendors, viewing the Posters and Networking!!! Enjoy!!!

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2:00 – 3:00 Concurrent SessionsA. Side Effects of Drugs Commonly used by Individuals with

IDPresenter: James R. Mertz OD, PhD.

Associate Professor of Biochemistry New England College of Optometry

Description: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities show unique and exacerbated responses to various drugs. These drugs include muscarinic antagonist, sedative-hypnotics, neuroleptics, antipsychotics and other central nervous system drugs. This talk will explore the challenges of prescribing these drugs to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Health care providers can utilize this information to monitor these patients and note behavior responses, which may be due to the use of prescription drugs and not a result of their disability.

B. Parent Panel ~ Parents Speak ~ “Key Elements in Building Collaborative Partnerships for Transition to and

within Adult Services” ~ Families’ Experiences. Presenter: Susan M. DeCaluwe, M.Ed.,

Educational Consultant,Massachusetts Deafblind Project

Description: Come and learn from parents, caretakers and family members who have been through the transition process; experiences both positive and challenging. What worked and what didn’t work for each family: what are the key ingredients for success? Learn how parents’ roles have shifted and stayed the same. Learn about the many “hats” parents wear as parents, guardians, advocates and more. There will be an opportunity for informal discussion and for professionals to reflect on their work with families.

C. Addressing the Mobility Needs of Today’s Adult Consumer Presenter: Karen Greis-Consumer Services Manager

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc.® & America’s VetDogs®, the Veterans K-9 Corps, Inc.®

Description: To better meet the needs of today’s Consumers, The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc.® has integrated the functions of Guide Dogs and Service Dogs to provide an effective mode of safe, independent travel to people who are blind and have other physical disabilities. Come and learn about the evolving needs of today’s adult consumers and the challenges faced by service providers to adapt training philosophies and techniques to better assist them. Participants will gain a better

understanding of how today’s Guide or Service Dogs can assist individuals with special needs, and view examples of equipment designed for them. 12

2:00 – 3:00 Concurrent Sessions (continued)

D. Cooking is for Everyone!Presenters: Renee Man, Rehabilitation Specialist, CVRT/COMS,

Carroll Center for the Blind Kelly Cote, Supervisor of Outreach Short Courses,

CVRT, Perkins School for the BlindDescription: In this presentation we will demonstrate simple tips, tricks, and adaptations for teaching basic cooking skills to individuals with vision loss. Adapted cooking equipment will be demonstrated. Participants will receive simple and fun recipes to use with clients. We will discuss working one on one with clients as well as working in small groups.

3:00 – 3:15 Break / Refreshments / Vendors & Posters Open

3:15 – 3:30 "Potentials Unlimited" (Performance) 

Potentials Unlimited is a unique troupe of dancers, actors, and singers – with and without disabilities. Their “Show of Strengths” includes expressive choreography, poignant drama, and original music which ranges from soul searching to satirical. Since 1993 “A Show of Strengths” has been presented for audiences of all ages and backgrounds, including moving performances at The Massachusetts State House, National Conventions, and in New York -- one month after 911.

3:30 - 3:45 Closing Remarks / RAFFLE - Wonderful PRIZES!!! Must be present to WIN!!!

Additional Copies of this Registration Brochure:Registration Brochure and Form can be downloaded from "Training and

Events" section of the DDS Vision Loss website: www.mass.gov/dds/visionloss

and from the “Perkins Training Center Schedule” on the Perkins website: www.perkins.org/professional/ptc

Please Register Early If You Can!!

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Directions!!!

Four Points by Sheraton Norwood 1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike Route 1 (18 miles south of Boston) Norwood, MA 02062 Phone: 781-769-7900

www.fourpointsnorwood.comFrom Boston and points NorthTake I-93 South which turns into I-95 (Route 128) North.Take Exit 15B, Route 1 South toward Norwood.Travel 4.5 miles, the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Hotel & Conference Center will be on your right after the Staples Plaza.

From the WestFollow Mass. Turnpike (I-90) EastTake Exit 14 onto I-95 (Route 128) South. (Note: From the West, this Exit is number 14, from the East, it is number 15.)Continue South to Exit 15B. Route 1, Norwood,And proceed as above.

From Providence, TF Green Airport & points SouthTake I-95 North to Exit 11B, Neponset Street, Norwood.Drive 7/10 of a mile and turn left onto Dean Street.At traffic light, turn left onto Route 1, heading South.The Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Hotel & Conference Center is on your right after the Staples Plaza.

From Logan AirportExit airport, follow signs through Williams tunnel (toll) to I-90 /I-93 South. Follow signs for I-93 South about 7 miles.I-93 South turns into I-95 (Route 128) North.Proceed on I-95(Route 128) North to Exit 15B, Route 1 Norwood.Travel Route 1 South 4.5 miles to the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Hotel & Conference Center, located on your right after the Staples Plaza.

We look forward to seeing you on March 16th!!

14 Registration Information1. Please fill out the attached form and return BY FEBRUARY 28, 2011 to:

Ann Flynn / Shriver Clinical Services Corporation591 North Ave. Door 2Wakefield, MA 01880

2. For questions regarding Registration, please contact Ann Flynn: AEFLYNN@aol.com or phone 781-279-3141.3. Please make check payable to: Shriver Clinical Services Corporation4. Continuing Education Information: Application for 4 hours of Continuing Education has been submitted to:

Academy for Certification of Vision Rehab. & Education Prof.

(ACVREP) Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRC) This program has been approved for 4.0 Category I CEU Credits (CECs) for re-licensure in the period of 10/1/10 - 9/30/12, in accordance with 258 CMR. Boston University School of Social Work, authorization Code B-12-074. Questions: Lisa.DiBonaventura@state.ma.us An application has been made to MA Board of Registration in Nursing for nursing continuing education. Questions: Colleen.E.Ryan@state.ma.us NECO/NEEI has applied for 4 hours of COPE approved credits. Questions: Dr. Barry S. Kran @ Kranb@neco.edu Perkins Training Center will award 5 Professional Development Points (PDPs) Questions: Betsy.Bixler@perkins.org

Please indicate your choice of CEU's on the registration form.5. Scholarships are available for individuals with intellectual disability and their families. Information: Colleen.E.Ryan@state.ma.us /508-866-5000, ext. 3186. Reduced room rates of $115.00 per night, exclusive of taxes, will be available at the Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood, phone: 781-769-7900. Please mention Shriver Clinical. Rooms at this rate are subject to availability.7. Registration Brochure and Form can be downloaded from "Training

and Events" section of DDS Vision Loss website: www.mass.gov/dds/visionloss

and from the “Perkins Training Center Schedule” on the Perkins website: www.perkins.org/professional/ptc

8. Questions please contact: Lisa.DiBonaventura@state.ma.us or 508-384-5539.

Please Register Early!!! 15

Registration Form “Focus” On Vision Impairment & Blindness Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Vision LossWednesday March 16, 2011, Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood, MassachusettsName:_______________________________________________________Agency Name:_______________________________________________________Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Email: Phone:______________________________________________________________________________________________

Can we share your contact information with sponsors? Yes ____ No____Conference Rate with Lunch: General Admittance postmarked by February 1st 2011: $50.00 General Admittance postmarked after February 1st 2011:

$55.00Physician (MD, DO, OD): $110.00Lunch Choice: Parmesan Encrusted Chicken w/Tomatoes, Herbs, & White Wine Sauce ____ orSundried Tomato Polenta w/Mixed Bean Ragu & Tomato Olive Compote ____(The Polenta dish is Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free).Special Accommodations Needed:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Concurrent Session Selection: (Please circle the sessions you plan to attend)10:00 - 11:00 A B C D11:15 - 12:15 A B C D2:00 - 3:00 A B C DPlease circle the one type of CE you will be requesting: ACVREP CRC CEC Nursing CEU COPE PDP Check enclosed:__________ Amount: __________Please write check payable to: Shriver Clinical Services Corporation

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM BY FEBRUARY 28, 2011 to:Ann Flynn / Shriver Clinical Services Corporation591 North Ave. Door 2Wakefield, MA 01880

Thank you so very much for your support!!! 16