Pursuant to Chapter 1283 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, the Board of Visitors of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind will convene electronically on Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to conduct the business required or necessary to operations. Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus health emergency, the meeting will proceed under modified procedures.
This meeting is open to the public and will be available to join by phone at (562)247-8422 or available to view online at:
Oral public comment will not be accepted, however, written public comment is always accepted on the Board’s email account at BOV-questions@vsdb.k12.va.us. Written public comment received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 18th will be posted on the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind’s webpage. All written public comment will be provided to the Board in a timely manner.
Please contact (540)332-9000 for more information.
Attend 2021 NFB BELL® Academy In-Home Edition: Applications Now Open!
Enhance Braille and nonvisual skills with us
The National Federation of the Blind is offering three virtual programs of the NFB BELL Academy this summer to prepare blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people by enhancing their education. Options are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students for the following dates:
Session 1 – June 7-18, 2021
Session 2 – July 19-30, 2021
Session 3 – August 9-20, 2021
Receive Braille and other fun materials for lessons. Connect with experienced teachers. Build relationships with other blind students and mentors.
About NFB BELL
NFB BELL Academy, an annual summer program, is appropriate for blind and low-vision children, ages 4-12, who:
Do not receive enough Braille and nonvisual skills instruction in school
Could benefit from more Braille exposure over the summer
Would enjoy connecting with blind role models
While the program is typically in person across the country, we are excited to offer it virtually in 2021.
Apply Today
Take advantage of this opportunity for your child to connect with blind role models.
Limited space is available. Learn more and apply now!
The following information is provided to help partners communicate accurate and timely information to constituents. This information is subject to change as Virginia continues to refine the vaccination effort. Visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine for more information.
If someone forwarded this message to you and you would like to receive future messages directly, please subscribe to the Partner Update.
What’s New This Week
The Vaccine Summary Dashboard continues to show Virginia’s significant progress in vaccinations, with more than 1.6 million doses administered. Although last week’s severe winter weather delayed vaccine shipments to Virginia, more than 9 in 10 of available first doses have been administered. (It is important to note that the number of doses shown as being “received” by hospitals and local health districts does not account for the doses they then redistribute to other partners such as physicians and pharmacies.)
The statewide vaccine pre-registration system at vaccinate.virginia.gov has received more than 518,000 pre-registrations since its launch on February 15. Including individuals who pre-registered through local health districts in the past, the new system now includes nearly 1.7 million residents and essential workers. All individuals who have previously filled out a survey or form or signed up for a waitlist to be vaccinated through their local health district have been automatically imported into the new statewide system and do not need to pre-register again. As data migration continues, some pre-registrations may not yet appear in the search tool. Anyone who experiences difficulties with the search function should check the spelling of their name and email address carefully and consider whether they may have used a different name, phone number, or email address in the past. Anyone with questions should call 877-VAX-IN-VA rather than their local health district. A public information toolkit is available to assist local health districts, localities, and community partners with graphics, talking points, frequently asked questions, and other materials.
The new central Vaccinate Virginia phone number, 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), has received more than 115,000 calls so far, and is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Service is available immediately in English and Spanish, with real-time interpreter services available in any of more than 100 languages as needed.
Based on our population, Virginia is now receiving approximately 161,000 doses per week from the federal government. There are still simply not enough doses available yet for everyone who is eligible to receive them. Virginia is not likely to meet the demand for Phase 1b until March or April. Unfortunately, it may be weeks or longer before vaccination appointments become available for those who have pre-registered.
As part of a federal retail pharmacy program, 140 pharmacy locations in Virginia are now receiving a total of 52,000 new first doses per week beyond Virginia’s normal allocation. Participating locations include CVS, Food City, Giant, Kroger/Harris Teeter, Safeway, Walgreens, Walmart, and multiple independent community pharmacies. The Commonwealth is working with these pharmacies to ensure that as many appointments as possible are offered first to people age 65 and older who are currently on local health district waitlists, rather than accepting new signups from the general public. Unfortunately, CVS has been unable to find a way to do this within the technical limits of their appointment system. Anyone 65 or older can check cvs.com regularly as appointments become available.
Governor Northam has amended Executive Order 72 to expand opportunities for outdoor activities in light of improving COVID-19 case statistics. While limits on indoor gatherings remain the same (including a limit of 10 people at indoor social gatherings), the limit on outdoor social gatherings and exercise groups will increase to 25 people and the limit on outdoor racetrack and amusement venues will increase to 1,000 people. The amended order removes the stay-at-home order from midnight to 5 a.m. and extends the cutoff time for alcohol sales in restaurant dining rooms from 10 p.m. to midnight. These amendments, which will be effective March 1, follow the recent amendment in effect as of February 22 to increase the capacity limit for outdoor recreational sporting events to 250 spectators. Summer camps will be able to open as of May 1, using strict mitigation protocols such as small cohorts of campers. Today’s news release, detailed guidelines, and frequently asked questions about Executive Order 72 are also available.
Key Overview Points
The doses Virginia receives from the federal government are allocated by the Virginia Department of Health to local health districts, primarily in proportion to each district’s population. Local health districts are expected to determine the most equitable and efficient use of each allocation, leveraging any combination of their own staff and volunteers, hospitals, pharmacies, and individual providers. Additional doses help support targeted equity initiatives. Other doses reach some residents of Virginia through separate federal allocations for employees of the U.S. Department of Defense and certain other agencies; the Indian Health Service; and a federal contract to vaccinate residents of long-term care facilities.
All local health districts in Virginia are in Phase 1b of vaccine eligibility. This means that approximately 50% of Virginia’s population is now eligible, including frontline essential workers, people aged 65 years and older, people with high-risk medical conditions identified by the CDC, and people living in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and migrant labor camps. Other than the healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities in Phase 1a, the Virginians in Phase 1b are at the highest risk of exposure to COVID-19 or serious illness if infected.
While local health districts are allowed flexibility in how doses are administered to eligible individuals, roughly half of the available supply should be used for people aged 65 or older. The other half should be used for frontline essential workers, people with high-risk medical conditions as identified by the CDC; and people in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and migrant labor camps. Frontline essential workers should be prioritized in the order listed in the Phase 1b details.
Anyone who receives the first dose of vaccine will receive the second dose three or four weeks later as appropriate. Vaccine providers should not hold back their current first dose supply for second doses; they will receive second doses in proportion to the first doses they administer.
Executive Order 72 maintains the 10-person limit on social gatherings, the requirement to wear masks in public places, guidelines for businesses, and other provisions. It is essential to continue these mitigation strategies even by people who are vaccinated.
How Localities Can Help
Support local health departments by ensuring that pre-registration options through vaccinate.virginia.gov and 877-VAX-IN-VA are promoted through local websites and other channels.
Emphasize to the public that because approximately 50% of Virginia residents are now eligible to be vaccinated, the limited supply of vaccine from the federal government means it will take weeks or longer to complete Phase 1b unless supply improves.
Closely coordinate with local health districts to plan smaller vaccination clinics now and larger ones once supply improves. Pooling venues, staff, volunteers, and other resources now will avoid delays later.
Remind everyone in the community that it is more important than ever to take the same precautions as always: staying home when possible, wearing masks when out, maintaining physical distance from others, washing hands frequently, and other best practices.
Remind everyone to always look for websites that end with “.gov” to make sure the information is official. When a vaccine appointment becomes available through a local health district, there will be no charge. State and local agencies will never call, email or text to ask someone for a social security number or immigration status in connection with vaccination.
Office of Governor Ralph Northam | P.O. Box 1475, Richmond, VA 23218
Register now for Courses 1, 2, &/or 3 Spring, 2020
NEW! Online Self-Paced Tutorials from Perkins for Individuals
Working with Children Who are Blind or Visually Impaired
VSDB Outreach Services purchased access to six online, self-paced tutorials (90 minutes to 10 weeks), and made four of them available Fall, 2019. We are now offering 4 more for Spring, 2020, free of charge to professionals in Virginia who want to learn more about working with children who are blind or visually impaired.* These courses were developed at the Perkins School for the Blind. Those who register before the given deadline for each will be sent a code that will allow access for varying periods of time, depending on length of tutorial (dates are specified) to complete that tutorial at their convenience, 24/7. At the end of that tutorial, each participant will choose from “ACVREP” (includes their logo), “Continuing Education,” or “Professional Development.” People may take one course, or as many as they want. Registration is now open for courses 1, 2, and 3!
We hope you can join us!Debbie
REGISTER NOW for Course #1, Spring, 2020 (some may need to copy & paste links)
Effective and Accurate FVEs and LMAs for All Students with Visual Impairments that Help Drive Instruction Programming (3 Credits, ACVREP or CEU)
Registration for this course ends at 4:00 pm, Jan 24, 2020. Course access is Jan. 25 – Mar. 25, 2020
Learning Objectives Participants will be able to:
describe the purpose of Functional Vision Assessment and Learning Media Assessment;
identify the components of FVA and LMA;
design a rubric that ensures a quality assessment and report;
explain the differences between FVA for ocular and neurological visual impairment;
compare visual function and functional vision;
explain the relationship between FVAs and LMAs;
explain impact of additional disabilities on the ed development of children with VI;
identify key components of a LMA for children who have CVI; and
describe some cautions in using LMAs with children who have CVI.
Participants will earn 3.0 ACVREP, CTLE, Continuing Education credits by completing an online quiz. By registering for ACVREP, CTLE, or Continuing Education credits, you will be provided with a self-paced tutorial using video clips and other resources related to this topic, as well as an online test to assess your knowledge.
Target Audience: This workshop will be beneficial for both veteran and new Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) O & M Specialists, Teachers of students with Deaf-Blindness or blindness and additional disabilities, & related service providers. (cont’d.
Registration for this course ends at 4:00 pm on Jan. 24, 2020. Course access is Jan. 25 – Feb. 26, 2020
Learning Objectives Participants will be able to:
distinguish between concrete and abstract thinking;
describe the value of abstract thinking in a child’s educational development; and
design learning activities that develop abstract thinking.
Participants will earn 1.5 ACVREP, CTLE credits, or Continuing Education credits by completing an online quiz. You will be provided with a self-paced tutorial using video clips and other resources related to this topic.
Target Audience: This is a web-based, self-guided professional development activity for TVIs, O&Ms, Teachers of the students with Deaf-Blindness or visual impairment with additional disabilities, and Rehabilitation Specialists.
REGISTER NOW for Course #3, Spring, 2020 (Back by popular demand! TVI, please share this with SLPs who work with your students with CVI!)
Speech Pathologists and Cortical Visual Impairment:
An Overview of the SLP’s Role in Working with Children with CVI (1.5 Credits)
Registration for this course ends at 4:00 pm Jan. 24, 2020. Course access is Jan. 25 – Mar. 25, 2020.
Course Description: This tutorial addresses Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) through the experience of a Speech and Language Pathologist by examining the characteristics of CVI that affect speech, language, and feeding. The tutorial also identifies modifications and supports for therapies and assessments when working with children who have CVI.
Participants will earn 1.5 ACVREP, CTLE credits, or Continuing Education credits by completing an online quiz. (ASHA credits are not available for this online tutorial.) You will be provided with a self-paced tutorial using video clips and other resources related to this topic.
Target Audience: SLPs, TVIs, O&Ms, Teachers of Students with Deaf-Blindness or with additional disabilities, and Rehabilitation Specialists.
After the registration period ends, you will receive a voucher (coupon) code, and can then take the course at your convenience from any location, within a specified time period, as detailed above.
Information regarding registration for and access to the next course being offered by VSDB Outreach Services Spring, 2020 follows. Registration info for course #4 will be sent later.
Name of Tutorial
Period for Registration
Period for Course Completion
Number of Credits
Perkins’ tutorials can be taken on your own, free of charge if you don’t need credits; Outreach has purchased state viewing for those who want credits for continuing education and/or ACVREP for each of these titles.
Functional Curriculum
Feb. 18 – 26, 2020
Feb 27 – Ap. 10, 2020
1.5 credits ACVREP, CTLE, or CEU
A brief description of the next course being offered follows:
Functional Curriculum -This tutorial addresses functional skills for independent living, through developmentally appropriate goals and activities that offer opportunities to practice such skills within the learning environment. Participants will earn 1.5 ACVREP, CTLE credits, or Continuing Education credits by completing an online quiz.
*If you do not need credit or certificates of completion toward licensure, these courses can be accessed for free through Perkins without going through VSDB Outreach Services.
Register now! VA Dept. for the Blind and Vision Impaired, VA Hands & Voices, VA Association of Parents of Students with Visual Impairments, VA Hands & Voices and VSDB Outreach Services co-host a theater event!
When? Saturday, December 7, 2019, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Who? For students grades 1 through 12 who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired from any school in Virginia. Students must be accompanied by at least one parent from 9:30 – 1:30, and are welcome to bring up to three family members (for a maximum of 4 people total attending per family). Limit: 45 people.
What? View the play, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” (not like the poem) with pre- and post-show sessions, and meet students from other school divisions.Special features: Audio description provided by Access Virginia and ASL interpreters will make the play accessible to all; students will have the opportunity to explore the stage before the play, and ask actors questions after; time to network and learn about state services and resources during lunch; career awareness session after, “Careers in Theater: A Lot More Than Acting!”, designed for students 12 years and older and their families (younger students who are interested and their families may attend!)
Cost? Event and lunch provided free for all registrants confirmed to attend.
Where? Barter Theatre, Gilliam Stage, 127 West Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210 (free parking behind Stage II – more details will be sent to registrants later.)
How Do We Register? Complete registration form at:
(click on the link above, or you may need to cut and paste this into your browser line). Deadline for registering is noon, Nov. 21, 2019. Attendance is limited to the first 45 family members registered. Registration does not guarantee attendance; emails will be sent letting you know if you are confirmed or on wait list.
For more information, please contact Dr. Debbie Pfeiffer, Director of Outreach Services at debbie.pfeiffer@vsdb.k12.va.us or (540) 414-5249. More specific details will be sent to registrants as the date of the event approaches. We hope to see you there!
The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is the Host School and games will begin Thursday evening at 5 PM.
Our Chiefs first match will be against the Washington Lions at 5:45 PM CST then at 7:15 PM CST we play Florida. Our third match will be at 1:30 PM CST , Friday against Arizona. The schedule after that will depend on the outcome of those 3 games.
VSDB Outreach Services purchased access to six online, self-paced tutorials (90 minutes to 10 weeks) and we are making them available this school year, free of charge to professionals in Virginia who want to learn more about working with children who are blind or visually impaired.* Registration has ended for 3 of the courses; below is registration for the final course for this semester. These courses were developed at the Perkins School for the Blind. Those registering before the given deadline will be sent a code that will allow access for the specified period of time to complete that tutorial at their convenience, 24/7, with the fee waived. At the end of that tutorial, each participant will choose from “ACVREP” (includes their logo), “Continuing Education,” or “Professional Development.” Registration is now open for course #4!
REGISTER NOWfor Course #4:Dual Media Learners: Instructional Strategies and Assessment (1.5 Cr.)
Registration for this course with VSDB Outreach ends Nov. 4, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Course access is Nov. 5 – Dec. 3, 2019.
Course Description: Dual Media Learners: Instructional Strategies and Assessment, presented by Anne Spitz. Teaching children with visual impairments who are dual media learners presents challenges, but offers incredible rewards as they develop the literacy tools needed for success. This tutorial provides an overview of the characteristics of dual media learners, considerations in programming, as well as strategies for instruction and assessment. Participants will earn 1.5 ACVREP, CTLE credits, or Continuing Education credits by completing an online quiz.
Target Audience: This is a web-based, self-guided professional development activity for TVIs, VRTs, O&Ms, Parents, Teachers of the Deafblind or Severely Impaired, and Rehabilitation Specialists.
After the registration period ends, you will receive a voucher (coupon) code, and can then take the course at your convenience from any location, within the time period allotted.
*If you do not need credit or certificates of completion toward licensure, these courses can be accessed for free through Perkins without going through VSDB Outreach Services.
Proposed courses to be offered by VSDB Outreach through Perkins’ School, Spring, 2020 follow:
Name of Tutorial
Period for Registration
Period for Course Completion
Number of Credits
Perkins’ tutorials can be taken on your own, free of charge if you don’t need credits; Outreach has purchased state viewing for those who want credits for continuing education and/or ACVREP for each of these titles.
NEW! Online Self-Paced Tutorials from Perkins for
Individuals
Working with Children Who are Blind or Visually
Impaired
VSDB Outreach Services has purchased access to six more online, self-paced tutorials (90
minutes to 10 weeks), and is making four of them available this semester free
of charge to professionals in Virginia who want to learn more about working
with children who are blind or visually impaired. * These courses were developed
at the Perkins School for the Blind.
Those who register before the given deadline for each will be sent a
code that will allow access for varying periods of time, depending on length of
tutorial (dates are specified) to complete that tutorial at their convenience,
24/7. At the end of that tutorial, each
participant will choose from “ACVREP” (includes their logo), “Continuing
Education,” or “Professional Development.” People may take one course, or as many as they want. Registration is now open for
courses 1, 2, and 3!
We hope you
can join us!Debbie
REGISTER
NOW for Course #1, Fall, 2019
Accessible
Literacy for Early Readers (20 Credits, ACVREP or CEU)
Registration
for this course ends at 4:00 pm Oct. 7, 2019.
Course access is Oct. 8 – Dec. 3, 2019.
Course Description: There are 6 sessions
included in Accessible Literacy for Early Readers training module that demonstrate theories and best
practices for teaching students with visual impairments and additional
disabilities. Plan to spend 1 week working through each module. Participants
will earn 20 ACVREP credits or 20 PDP/CE credits by viewing the video
presentations and lectures, and completing the assignments. An audit
(no-credit) version is also available. In
addition to the credits, one can also earn the Early Literacy micro-credential (any questions should be directed to Perkins.)Required readings
are provided through the learning platform. Additional suggested reading is
optional. Download Accessible Literacy self-paced syllabus »
Target Audience: Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) Orientation & Mobility Specialists, teachers of students with moderate/severe disabilities, teachers of deafblind students, families & related service personnel.
REGISTER NOW for Course #2,
Fall, 2019
Building Strategies Around CVI Phases
(1.5 Credits)
Registration
for this course ends at
4:00 pm Oct. 7, 2019. Course access is Oct. 8 – Nov. 4, 2019.
Course
Description: Presenter: Ellen Mazel. This tutorial presents
careful assessment around the 10 characteristics of CVI to help staff and
parents understand the unique learning needs for each CVI Phase. They can then
build strategies, modifications to the environment, modifications to materials,
and modifications to literacy that match the visual strengths and visual areas
of need. Understanding the child’s CVI Phase can assist in the creation of
learning methodologies to benefit children’s expected visual improvement.
Additional research and resources about CVI will be identified and discussed.
Participants will earn 1.5 ACVREP, CTLE credits, or Continuing Education
credits by completing an online quiz. By registering for ACVREP, CTLE credits,
or Continuing Education credits, you will be provided with a self-paced tutorial
using video clips and other resources related to this topic, as well as an
online test to assess your knowledge.
Target Audience: TVIs, VRTs, O&Ms, Parents, Teachers of the Deafblind or
Severely Impaired, and Rehabilitation Specialists.
REGISTER NOW for Course #3,
Fall, 2019
Speech Pathologists and Cortical
Visual Impairment:
An Overview of the SLP’s Role in
Working with Children with CVI (1.5 Credits)
Registration
for this course ends at
4:00 pm Oct. 7, 2019. Course access is Oct. 8 – Dec. 3, 2019.
Course
Description: This tutorial addresses Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) through
the experience of a Speech and Language Pathologist by examining the
characteristics of CVI that affect speech, language, and feeding. The tutorial
also identifies modifications and supports for therapies and assessments when
working with children who have CVI.
Participants will earn 1.5 ACVREP, CTLE
credits, or Continuing Education credits by completing an online quiz. (ASHA
credits are not available for this online tutorial.) You will be provided with a self-paced
tutorial using video clips and other resources related to this topic.
Target Audience: SLPs, TVIs, O&Ms,
Parents, Teachers of Students with Deaf-Blindness or with additional
disabilities, and Rehabilitation Specialists.
After the registration period ends, you
will receive a voucher (coupon) code, and can then take the course at your convenience from
any location, within the time period allotted (see below).
Information regarding registration for and access to courses being offered by VSDB Outreach Fall, 2019 follows. Registration info for course #4 will be sent later.
Perkins’ tutorials can be taken on your own, free of charge if you don’t need credits; Outreach has purchased state viewing for those who want credits for continuing education and/or ACVREP for each of these titles.
Name of Tutorial
Period for Registration
Period for Course Completion
Number of Credits
Accessible Literacy for Early Readers
Sept. 26–Oct. 7, 2019
Oct. 8 – Dec. 3, 2019
20 credits ACVREP, CTLE, or CEU
Building Strategies Around CVI Phases
Sept. 26–Oct. 7, 2019
Oct. 8 – Nov. 4, 2019
1.5 credits ACVREP, CTLE, or CEU
Dual Media Learners: Instructional Strategies and Assessment
Oct. 21 – Nov. 1, 2019
Nov 5 – Dec. 3, 2019
1.5 credits ACVREP, CTLE, or CEU
Speech Pathologists and Cortical Visual Impairment: An Overview of the SLP’s Role in Working with Children with CVI
Sept. 26 – Oct. 7, 2019
Oct. 8 – Dec. 3, 2019 (may offer it again in the Spring if few take it in the Fall)
1.5 credits ACVREP, CTLE, or CEU
A brief description of the next
self-paced tutorial being offered Fall, 2018 semester by VSDB Outreach
Services follows:
Dual Media Learners:
Instructional Strategies and Assessment Presented
by Anne Spitz. Access dates Nov 5 – Dec.
3, 2019Teaching
children who are dual media learners presents challenges, but offers incredible
rewards as they develop the literacy tools needed for success. This tutorial
provides an overview of the characteristics of dual media learners,
considerations in programming, as well as strategies for instruction and
assessment. Participants will earn 1.5 ACVREP, CTLE credits, or Continuing
Education credits by completing an online quiz.
*If you do not need credit or
certificates of completion toward licensure, these
courses can be accessed for free through Perkins without going through VSDB Outreach
Services.
Proposed courses for VSDB Outreach to offer through Perkins’ School, Spring, 2020
Perkins’ tutorials can be taken on your own, free of charge if you don’t need credits; Outreach has purchased state viewing for those who want credits for continuing education and/or ACVREP for each of these titles.
Join us for a day of fun and learning – Science Day! Sponsored by VSDB
Outreach Services
When?Saturday, November 9, 2019, 9:30am – 2:30pm
Who? For students grades 4
through 8 who are deaf/hard of hearing from any school in Virginia. Students
are welcome to bring 1 sibling in the same age group.
What? A day of fun science
activities and a great opportunity to meet students from other school divisions
who also have hearing loss. Special
features: Science Educator, Brita Hampton of Virginia Beach Public Schools, and
a chance to visit the Fall Family Resource Fair being held by VSDB Family
Resource Center!
Where? The Virginia School for the Deaf and the
Blind, 104 VSDB Dr, Staunton, VA 24402, Yates-Shinpaugh Building
How Do We Register? Complete registration form before 4:00 pm on Oct. 24, 2019 in Google Forms at:
For more information, please contact Dr. Debbie Pfeiffer, Director of
VSDB Outreach Services at debbie.pfeiffer@vsdb.k12.va.us or (540) 414-5249. We hope to see you there!
