Education Commons^™

Tactile Materials In Practice: Understanding The Experiences Of Teachers Of The Visually Impaired, Mahika Phutane, Julie Wright, Brenda Veronica Castro, Lei Shi, Simone R. Stern, Holly Lawson, Shiri Azenkot

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) regularly present tactile materials (tactile graphics, 3D models, and real objects) to students with vision impairments. Researchers have been increasingly interested in designing tools to support the use of tactile materials, but we still lack an in-depth understanding of how tactile materials are created and used in practice today. To address this gap, we conducted interviews with 21 TVIs and a 3-week diary study with eight of them. We found that tactile materials were regularly used for academic as well as non-academic concepts like tactile literacy, motor ability, and spatial awareness. Real objects and …

The Use Of Wayfinding Apps By Deafblind Travelers In An Urban Environment: Insights From Focus Groups, Amy T. Parker, Martin Swobodzinski, Tara Brown-Ogilvie, Jenna Beresheim-Kools

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

This brief report explores qualitative themes from focus groups with nine individuals who are Deafblind regarding their use of wayfinding apps to support orientation and mobility in an urban environment. Culturally responsive approaches to the design of the focus groups integrated the partnership with Deafblind communication facilitators and ProTactile approaches to solicit naturalistic inquiry on the experiences and preferences of Deafblind travelers. Thematic emergences suggest that participants benefit from various wayfinding apps for orientation and mobility in a densely populated city but they desire greater functionality, consistency of access, equity, and recognition of the unique travel demands faced by Deafblind …

Podcasts Episode 15: Jake Koch, Jake Koch, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

In this podcast, Amy interviews Jake Koch who offers wisdom from his personal and professional journey in mobility. Themes from this interview include ways to build confidence and competence for travel; guide dog mobility; elements of distance consultation; and how to work collaboratively for the good of all.

Jake Koch is the Community Outreach Specialist with Guide Dogs for the Blind. He travels with a five and a half year-old Black Labrador guide dog named Forli.

Jake’s role at Guide Dogs for the Blind includes:

• Facilitating awareness and educational opportunities about the guide dog lifestyle and guide dog mobility on …

Mobility Matters: Interdisciplinary Partnerships To Create More Accessible Cities, Amy T. Parker

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

History of the Mobility Matters, Portland State University’s annual summit on transportation accessibility.

The Visually Impaired Learner (Vil) And Orientation And Mobility (O&M) Programs At Portland State University, Holly Lawson, Amy T. Parker

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

History of Visually Impaired Learner (VIL) and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) programs at Portland State University.

Introduction To Cec’S Process For Re-Validating Knowledge And Skills Competency Sets, Amy T. Parker

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Overview of the CEC’s process for re-validating knowledge and skills competency sets.

Conceptual Paper For Re-Validating The Teacher Of Deafblind And Intervener Competencies, Susan Bruce, Cathy Nelson, Amy T. Parker, Debbie Sanders, Adam Graves, Carol Rimka

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

An overview of the standards for the role of Teacher of the Deafblind (TBD) and the paraprofessional Intervener.

President’S Message, Division Of Visual Impairments And Deafblindness’, Amy T. Parker

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

President's message to the Division on Vision Impairment and Deafblindness

Maximizing O&M Services In Rural And Remote Areas Through Distance Consultation, Amy T. Parker, Mary J. Tellefson

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The region served by Portland State University’s Orientation and Mobility (O&M) and Visually Impaired Learner (VIL) hybrid preparation program is geographically vast. The states of OR, WA, ID, MT, AK, and HI comprise 28% of the US’s geography, covering more than 1,061,000 square miles. Because of regional personnel shortages, faculty must prepare candidates to serve geographically dispersed children and adults with visual impairment or deaf-blindness using technologies that support distance-based consultation.

As a part of a federally funded grant from the US Department of Education, faculty in the O&M program developed an online learning module for candidates to use as …

Podcasts Episode 14: Erica Ihrke, Erica Ihrke, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

In this podcast interview, Erica describes an innovative program designed to assist people in gaining basic O&M skills in an intensive program as they consider their need for a guide dog. This program often helps supplement or provide intensive O&M services when it isn't available in one's home community.

Podcasts Episode 13: Jane Elliott, Jane Elliott, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

In this podcast interview, Jane describes her journey to become an O&M, describing her draw to the field, her work with seniors and her passion for serving people with complex needs in their home communities. In one instance, Jane describes her efforts to build a relationship with a woman who happens to be homeless and deafblind in order to support her independence and safety in an urban setting.

You Live Where? Maximizing O&M Services In Rural And Remote Areas Through Distance Consultation, Amy T. Parker, Mary J. Tellefson

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The region served by Portland State University’s Orientation and Mobility (O&M) and Visually Impaired Learner (VIL) hybrid preparation program is geographically vast. The states of OR, WA, ID, MT, AK, and HI comprise 28% of the US's geography, covering more than 1,061,000 square miles. Because of regional personnel shortages, faculty must prepare candidates to serve geographically dispersed children and adults with visual impairment or deaf-blindness using technologies that support distance-based consultation.

As a part of a federally funded grant from the US Department of Education, faculty in the O&M program developed an online learning module for candidates to use as …

Podcasts Episode 12: Christopher Tabb, Christopher Tabb, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

Chris Tabb is an Orientation and Mobility Specialist working to advance the independence of students and clients, provide training opportunities and knowledge exchange for professionals and families, and bring accessible information to the community. He is presently employed at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) Outreach Programs as the Statewide Orientation and Mobility Consultant, also providing direct services and consultation through his private practice, Sensory Travel. Chris has worked as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Texas, providing services in residential programs, as an itinerant, and as a private contractor. He enjoys working …

Podcasts Episode 11: Kassandra Maloney, Kassandra Maloney, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

Kassandra (Kassy) Maloney is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Certified Yoga Teacher, Author, and mom of two little boys (her favorite role yet). She also owns and operates Allied Independence, LLC., a professional development organization that equips Orientation and Mobility Specialists with the most cutting edge and effective strategies that they need in order to help their students live their most independent lives. Through the International Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium, they have been able to impact the lives of thousands of students world-wide.

Amy interviewed Kassy about her efforts to develop an online professional development network for O&M …

Intersection: Orientation And Mobility As Interdisciplinary Conversation, Amy T. Parker, Prateek Dujari

PSU Transportation Seminars

Knowing where one wants to go and how to get there are essential life skills for all people. Community access and travel skills are not only important rites of passage for youth in becoming adults, they are linked to higher rates of employment and overall health. People who are blind and visually impaired (BVI) face challenges in accessing public transportation, yet studies have shown that with relevant orientation and mobility instruction, technology, and accessible design, vision loss need not preclude community travel.

Join PSU's Amy Parker and Intel's Prateek Dujari on the ways that knowledge from consumers and the field …

Podcasts Episode 09: Lane Mckittrick, Lane Mckittrick, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

Lane McKittrick is the mother of 4 boys, two of whom have Usher Syndrome, a leading cause of deafblindness. Lane is also a Ph.D. student at the University of Northern Colorado in special education with an interest in self-determination research. In this podcast, Lane shares insights with Amy about the role of the Orientation and Mobility Specialist in supporting the development of self-determination skills from the perspective of a mother and from the perspective of a graduate researcher. Lane includes practical advice for O&M students and practitioners for working with individuals, families and teams.

Deafblind Pocket Communicator: No-Tech Innovation Using 3-D Printing, Amy T. Parker, Susan Sullivan

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

For many deafblind people, having a simple, low-tech tool is beneficial when traveling in the community or interacting with members of the public. This presentation will explain the tool called the DeafBlind Pocket Communicator, which is a slim, pocket-sized, no-tech device which displays the braille alphabet embossed beneath the corresponding raised print letters, numbers and symbols. This is a conversation tool for the deafblind with those who cannot fingerspell, and it can be used for writing limited braille messages and teaching the beginnings of braille. Prototypes on a 3-D printer were created and further innovation is possible.

Podcasts Episode 07: Doug Trimble, Doug Trimble, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

Doug Trimble is an experienced Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist who instructs children and adults in Washington state. Doug is a full time COMS at the Washington State School for the Blind who also contracts to serve adults, including older adults, who are blind or have low vision. In this podcast, Doug shared with Amy Parker at Portland State University about how he developed his skills and what he has learned over the years. As a COMS with a vision loss, Doug shares about non-visual teaching techniques that he models and uses with his students and clients.

https://www2.wssb.wa.gov/Content/oncampus/orientationmobility.asp

Image Credit: …

Podcasts Episode 08: Dr. Nora Griffin-Shirley, Amy T. Parker, Nora Griffin-Shirley

O&M On the Go

Dr. Nora Griffin-Shirley is a professor and the Director of the Virginia Murray Sowell Center for Research and Education in Sensory Disabilities at Texas Tech University. Nora coordinates the Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Sensory Impairments and Autism programs at Texas Tech University.

https://www.depts.ttu.edu/education/our-people/Faculty/nora_griffin_shirley.php

Podcasts Episode 10: Jen Armbruster, Jen Armbruster, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

In this interview, Jen shares her experiences as an athlete and her view on inclusive recreation for all students who are blind and visually impaired. She offers advice about having high expectations for students and encourages Orientation and Mobility Specialists to learn about the power of inclusive sports.

Comprehensive Personnel Development In Deafblind Education: Exploration Of A Model, Catherine Nelson, Amy T. Parker

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

The diverse learners who are deafblind have unique and often intensive needs that require the services of qualified, specifically trained educators. Although the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) has developed competencies for Teacher of the Deafblind, the role is not officially recognized in most states. Therefore, sustaining personnel development training in deafblindness has been challenging. This webinar explored a model for a comprehensive system of personnel development in deafblind education that looks at standards, preservice training, inservice/professional development, leadership development, research, and finally, national and local planning, coordination, and evaluation.

Podcasts Episode 02: Greg Stilson, Greg Stilson, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

At the time of this podcast, Mr. Greg Stilson was a Product Director at Humanware and since has become a Product Director at Aira. In this podcast, Mr. Stilson, who happens to be blind, reflects on the advances in orientation aids and the ways that these technologies complement older technologies, such as canes and tactile maps.

Image credit: LinkedIn Greg Stilson profile

Podcasts Episode 05: Dr. Laura Bozeman, Laura Bozeman, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

Dr. Laura Bozeman is an Associate Director of Vision Studies at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. In this podcast, Dr. Bozeman describes her work with different populations of people with visual impairment, including people with multiple disabilities, offering insights on the importance of what we learn from our students by listening to what is important to them.

Image Credit: VisionAware

Podcasts Episode 03: Dr. Gene Bourquin, Gene Bourquin, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

In this interview, Dr. Bourquin considers the role that sound perception plays in orientation and mobility. Before becoming a certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Dr. Bourquin was an American Sign Language interpreter for Deaf and DeafBlind individuals. Listen as he describes his work with people who have combined vision and hearing loss, describing their use of additional senses, strategies and technologies to travel successfully.

Image credit: Bourquin Consulting Facebook

Podcasts Episode 04: Dr. Sandra Rosen, Sandra Rosen, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

In the fourth episode of the podcast for SPED 510 (Orientation & Mobility Methods), Prof. Amy Parker talks with Dr. Sandra Rosen. Dr. Rosen is an expert on orientation and mobility -- helping people with visual impairments develop the skills needed for safe, independent travel.

Image credit: Graduate College of Education - San Francisco State University

Podcasts Episode 06: Dr. Grace Ambrose Zaken, Grace Ambrose Zaken, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

Dr. Grace Ambrose Zaken is a Professor of Special Education at Hunter College in New York. In this podcast, she describes her passion for young travelers, including toddlers with visual impairment. Through her research and practice, she has designed a new type of cane that encourages young children with vision loss to move and explore with less fear of falling.

Image Credit: Grace Ambrose Zaken YouTube

Podcasts Episode 01: Dr. Bill Wiener, William R. Wiener, Amy T. Parker

O&M On the Go

Dr. Bill Wiener, an Endowed Professor at the North Carolina Central University, shares his thoughts on the development of the field of Orientation and Mobility and on Code of Ethics for Orientation and Mobility.

Image credit: North Carolina Central University in Durham

Looking To The Future Of Deaf-Blind Services And The Role Of Interveners: A National Webinar Co-Sponsored By Ncdb And Nfadb, Amy T. Parker, Peggy Malloy

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Peggy provides an overview of the Recommendations for Improving Intervener Services that were published by NCDB in 2012. The recommendations were developed in response to a request from the Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs and are intended to improve the availability and quality of intervener services throughout the U.S.

Amy discusses the process for developing the Open Hands Open Access learning modules and the ways that parents are being included as creators, reviewers, and disseminators of information. The modules are a part of implementing the broader recommendations.

Educational Programming For Students Who Are Deafblind: Position Statement, Amy T. Parker, Betsy L. Mcginnity, Susan M. Bruce

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Historians have described the characteristics of the field of deafblindness by examining its roots in the fields of blindness, deafness and in multiple disabilities (Collins, 1995; Enerstvedt, 1996; Fish, 1934; Hart, 2006; McInnes, 1999). Deafblindness is a unique field because it relies upon practices from the aforementioned disciplines to meet the complex communication and programming needs of individuals with very diverse conditions. However beyond its formation from multiple bases of knowledge, the deafblindness field has developed some unique characteristics which extend beyond its parent fields and it may be argued that this expansion comes from the needs of students who …

Deaf-Blind Young Adults In Action: Legislative Advocacy And Leadership, Amy T. Parker, Susan M. Bruce, Elizabeth Spiers, Suzanne V. Ressa, Roseanna C. Davidson

Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

In June 2009, six young adults who are deaf-blind traveled to Washington, D.C. for a one-week course on leadership and advocacy. The young adults were briefed on four legislative topics in deaf-blindness: the need for Support Service Providers (SSPs); increased support for the state technical assistance projects; inclusion in the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009; and increased support for the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC). Each young adult selected one or two of the legislative topics as the focus of advocacy during Congressional visits. The participants further refined their communication, self-determination, …