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)

https://forms.gle/oBogb6uGPdBwcbuz5

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.

REGISTER NOW for Course #2, Spring, 2020

Recognizing and Building Abstract Thinking

in the Child with Visual Impairment (1.5 Credits)

https://forms.gle/wbh9nazNqpcB6v5P6

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)

https://forms.gle/Fm1CNKYecsG65xWc7  

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.

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 for Courses #4, 2019-2020

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 NOW for Course #4:   Dual Media Learners:  Instructional Strategies and Assessment (1.5 Cr.) 

https://forms.gle/YdcSNuSCi4syqERM9

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:

We hope you can join us!   Debbie

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)

https://forms.gle/mYAPmMR39mkuhwiT6

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)

https://forms.gle/45yxVZuefmww9MqJ7

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)

https://forms.gle/9neqNjwiimVXCQZRA

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.

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, 2019 Teaching 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:

https://forms.gle/Kzs4atNikPC7KE2y5

(you may need to cut and paste this into your browser line)

See the registration form at the link above for more details.

Follow this link for the day’s agenda.

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!