and Rehabilitation of the
Blind and Visually Impaired
Autumn, 2003 Vol. 20, No.1
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
FALL - Time for a Fresh, Healthy Start
by Dr. Sandra Lewis
Traditionally, spring has been considered the season of renewal, as the barrenness of winter gives way to budding trees and lush, bright green foliage of spring. People get energized by the longer days and the warmer temperatures. They clean closets, weed gardens, and make plans to spend time outside. They walk with a lighter step and seem more optimistic about love and life in general. Many rituals, such as those associated with May Day or Easter, have evolved to celebrate the significance of these changes to society.
Another time of year when people report getting that feeling of renewal is right before school starts. Our back-to-school rituals are evident in the hallways of WalMart and Old Navy. Parents buy their children new school clothes and breathe a sigh of relief that they have survived another summer vacation. Students look forward to being with their friends again. They sharpen their new pencils and carefully write their names in their new notebooks. As a teacher, I've never lost that special feeling that comes with the start of the new school year. I still find myself buying new clothes, starting a new calendar, and optimistically believing that this year, I'll be able to make a difference in the lives of all my students, without making the mistakes that have bogged me down in the past.
I also get that invigorating sense of "starting fresh" whenever I've been to a conference. Being away from the office for a few day, talking with others who share my passion for my chosen profession, and learning from people who have tried novel ways to solve similar problems always changes my attitude. I return with a renewed sense that I'm not alone and that I have resources to which I can turn for assistance when challenged by my job.
Our FAER confernce this year is about Accessing Every Resource. Laura Brown of Hillsborough County has been busy this summer arranging for presentations from agencies that provide the kinds of resources that will help us provide better services to our students or clients and their families. Attendees at this conference will definitely find their batteries recharged as they hear from speakers who can provide valuable supports to ease the pressures of our jobs, made all the more real this year by tight budgets and continued personnel shortages.
Obviously, another benefit of attending the FAER conference is the opportunity
to renew old friendships with people who share your professional interests.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE continued
It's always so energizing to see the people with whom you've worked before, went to school, or met at a previous meeting. These are your professional friends, who may or may not know about your daily life or family, but who are happy to see you, just because of your shared interest in providing quality services to children and adults with visual impairments.
These connections have hidden health benefits that may be surprising to you. A recent news story reported on a study that found that as people get older (and we all are), their life span is correlated with the number of friendships they maintain. People who sustain many personal connections with others tend to be healthier and live longer. So, if you're looking for just one more reason to come to the annual conference in St. Petersburg this year, think of making this choice as making a choice for a healthier lifestyle!
While in St. Petersburg, you'll be given the opportunity to extend your professional connections even further as we make plans for the international conference, to be held in Orlando in July, 2004. Come find out how you can become involved in this extraordinary event and make contributions to your profession that will further renew your skills, optimism, commitment, friendships -- and your health.
Hope to see you there!
VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED!
The AER International Host Committee needs your help! Our Co-Chairs, Moe Floegel and Jennifer Hadsell are looking for volunteers. The International Conference is scheduled for July 13-19, 2004 at the Walt Disney Hilton. They are looking for chairs, leaders, and volunteers for the sub committees. Do you have the expertise in any of these areas and the willingness to help? Some of the areas where help is needed are:
Host Night
Information Booth
Publicity
Accessibility
Volunteer Coordiantor
If you are interested, contact Moe and Jennifer by As Soon As Possible at hostaer2004@yahoo.com.
"Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them."
-Ann Landers
"We are confronted with insurmountable opportunities."
--Pogo
FAER
2003 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM
FLORIDA ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION
OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
November 19-21, 2003
Bayfront Hilton/St. Petersburg
"Accessing Every Resource"
Name: ___________________________ Title/Position: ______________________
Daytime Phone: __________________ e-mail address: ______________________
Primary Responsibility (check one) ___ Rehabilitation ___ Education
School/Agency: _______________________________________________________
Shool/Agency Address: ________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________ State: _______ Zip: __________
FAER CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES
(please circle one category)
Before Oct. 30, 2003 After Oct. 30, 2003
$40.00 - full time student $45.00 - full time student
$75.00 - members $80.00 - members
$80.00 - non-members $85.00 - non-members
$40.00 one day registration at conference
Laura Brown, FAER Conference Coordinator
2118 S. Cortez Ave.
Tampa, FL 33629
813-837-7840 813-837-7844 (FAX)
Are you planning on attending the Awards Luncheon? ___ Yes ___ No
PLEASE INDICATE ANY SPECIAL NEEDS YOU MAY HAVE:
___ materials in large print ___ materials in Braille ___ oral interpreter
___ sign language interpreter ___ wheelchair accessibility
___ other (please specify) _____________________________________
Awards luncheon included on November 21, 2002. Additional luncheon tickets available for $25.00. Make your check or purchase order payable to FAER. A $25.00 conference rebate is available to non-members who join AER at the conference. Mail this form and payment to:
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
OCTOBER 30, 2003
Accessing Every Resource
TENTATIVE AGENDA
FAER
2003 Annual Conference
Bayfront Hilton -- St. Petersburg, FL
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
7:00 - 9:30 Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
10:30 - 1:30 Registration
1:30 - 3:00 General Session
Welcome, Announcements
Keynote - Mark Richert, Executive
Director, AER
3:15 - 3:30 Break
3:15 - 4:45 Concurrent Sessions
5:00 - 6:30 President's Reception
Thursday, November 20, 2003
8:00 - 9:30 Registration
8:30 - 5:00 Exhibits open all day
9:00 - 10:15 Concurrent Sessions
10:15 - 10:30 Break
10:30 - 12:00 Concurrent Sessions
12:00 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:00 Concurrent Sessions
3:00 - 3:15 Break
3:15 - 4:45 Concurrent Sessions
Friday, November 21, 2003
9:00 - 10:30 General Session and Business Meeting
Speaker: Billy Brookshire, AER International
Conference 2004 -- Orlando
10:30 - 10:45 Break
11:00 - 12:30 Awards Brunch
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
FOR FAER AWARDS
The FAER Awards Committee is pleased to announce that up to ten awards will again be presented at the Awards Brunch that will conclude the FAER Conference to be held November 19-21, 2003, in Orlando. In order to honor Floridians who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of those who are visually impaired, nominees for the following awards are being sought:
1. The Leadership in Government Award is for the person who has demonstrated the greatest leadership on a federal, state, county or local level in Florida. Activities of this person must have produced a positive impact on the social and/or economic well-being of persons who are blind and visually impaired in Florida. Each nomination should include a specific description of the individual's work and specific benefits received by persons who are blind or visually impaired.
2. The Outstanding Achievement by a Blind Person Award is for a Floridian who is blind or visually impaired and judged the most outstanding in personal and professional endeavors, such as career activities, family and community in volvement, and membership in civic and professional organizations. Each nomination should include documentation of the individual's work perfor- mance, volunteer work, and membership in civic and professional groups, etc.
3. The Outstanding Rehabilitation Professional for the Blind Award is for the Rehabilitation or Orientation and Mobility Specialist, working primarily with blind or visually impaired adults in Florida, who has made an outstanding
contribution in service to these individuals. Each nomination should docu - ment the individual's achievements in specific areas and benefits to persons who are blind and visually impaired.
4. The Outstanding Educator of the Blind Award is for the Teacher, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Professor, or Administrator of Educational Services who has made a significant impact on or contribution to teaching blind or visually impaired children in Florida. Each nomination should include sup- portive documentation of the nominee's achievements and their effects upon the students' learning.
5. The Medical Achievement Award is for the Floridian who has made the most outstanding medical-related contribution to the field of blindness. Nominees may be ophthalmologists, optometrists, or any others whose medical work has benefitted persons who are blind or visually impaired. Achievement
areas may include documentation (articles, letters, etc.) describing specific contributions and benefits to persons who are blind or visually impaired.
6. The News-Media Award is for an individual or organization involved in the dis- semination of information to the public about blindness. Nominees may in- clude TV and radio stations, newspapers, advertising agencies, author, etc. Nominees will have produced or disseminated articles or programming which enhances public awareness of issues and information concerning a person or persons who are blind or visually impaired. Nominees should document times and dates of programs or stories, and results of these efforts.
7. The Outstanding Achievement by a Paraprofessional Award is for a person employed as a paraprofessional in work with persons who are blind or
visually impaired. Examples of such persons include program aides, trans- portation workers, clerical or administrative support staff, etc. The individual selected must have made significant contributions to programs, activities or persons by his/her efforts and attitudes in performing his/her job functions. Nominations should include some specific examples of activities and their
impact on programs in the field of blindness.
8. The Innovator of the Year Award is for the Floridian whose creativity has had the greatest impact during the previous year on the educa- tion or rehabilitation of persons who are blind or visually impaired. Innovations may be in service delivery systems, teaching techniques, technology curriculum, etc. Nominations should include documenta- tion of the innovation and its impact on the lives of persons who are blind or visually impaired.
9. The Outstanding Volunteer Award is for an individual who is working without remuneration with persons who are blind or visually impaired. This person must have demonstrated outstanding commitment and concern for those with whom he/she works. Nominations should include the number of volunteer hours, specific activities, and examples of the nominee's contributions to
activities or to other individuals.
10. Most Promising Visually Impaired High School Senior Award is for a graduating High School Senior who has shown achievement through school and com- munity involvement and academic accomplishments as well as by overcom- ing obstacles as necessary to obtain independence and self-sufficiency. Nominations should include supportive documentation such as letters of
recommendation, awards, and grade-reports.
"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never
excuse yourself."
--Henry Ward Beecher
"Real excellence and humility are not incompatible one with the other, on the contrary they are twin sisters."
--Jean Baptiste Lacordaire, Letters to Young Men
FLORIDA ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION
OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Nomination Form for State Awards
I wish to make a nomination for the category of (check one):
( ) Leadership in Government Award
( ) Outstanding Achievement by a Blind Person Award
( ) Outstanding Rehabilitation Professional for the Blind Award
( ) Outstanding Educator of the Blind Award
( ) Medical Achievement Award
( ) News-Media Award
( ) Outstanding Achievement by a Paraprofessional Award
( ) Innovator of the Year Award
( ) Outstanding Volunteer Award
( ) Most Promising Visually Impaired High School Senior Award
_____________________________________________________________________
Name of Nominee Position
_____________________________________________________________________
Employer Address
_____________________________________________________________________
City State Zip
Describe nominee's significant work history and education as they relate to the nomination:
List nominee's memberships, affiliations, and activities as they relate to the
nomination:
List honors, awards, citation, or other forms of recognition accorded the
nominee that are relevant to the nomination:
NOMINATION FORM
page 2
Explain why you believe this nominee deserves recognition by the FAER. In addition to your own statement (not limited to the space below), you may attach written corroborating statements from other individuals or organizations which support the nomination. Also attach copies of news clippings, documents, or any other evidence to support the nomination.
This nomination is submitted by: _________________________________________
Signature Date
_____________________________________________________________________
Print Name
_____________________________________________________________________
Position Employer
_____________________________________________________________________
Address Zip Phone
Please fax or mail no later than October 20, 2003 to:
Amy Johnson, FAER Awards Chair, ILAB,
101 W. State St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
FAX: 904-632-5107 Phone: 904-633-8222
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
FAER ANNUAL CONFERENCE
WHERE: Bayfront Hilton/St. Petersburg, FL
WHEN: November 19-21, 2003
For Information contact Laura Brown at LauraC.Brown@sdhc.k12.fl.us
AER ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY DIVISION 9 CONFERENCE
WHERE: New Orleans, LA
WHEN: December 13-16, 2003
For Information contact Lynn Gautreaux, COMS and George Tully, COMS at
225-342-4754 or oandm@lsvi.org
AER INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
WHERE: Walt Disney Hilton/Orlando, FL
WHEN: July 13-19, 2004
For Information go to the AER website at aerbvi.org
"Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it."
--Samuel Johnson
"Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself."
--Chinese Proverb
Hear ye! Hear ye!
Looking for a way to get more involved in AER? Need stronger justification for approval to attend FAER and AER conferences? Well, we have a deal for you - run for office! Every year our chapter has board member terms which end December 31. This year we are asking for nominations for a Member-at-Large, Education, a Member-at-Large, Rehabilitation, and our Scholarship Committee Chair. If you are interested or would like to nominate someone please let me know. The terms of office are 2 years for the Members-at-Large and one year for the Scholarship Chair. The Board generally meets quarterly. If you nominate someone, please ensure they are willing to serve.
Please feel free to contact me with questions. Thank you.
Steve Sanford, Past-President-FAER
Rehabilitation Center for the Blind
1111 Willis Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386)254-3828
SMILE!
Here are a few of my favorites from comedian Steven Wright. I hope they at least give you a smile today.
OK, so what's the speed of dark?
How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?
Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.
If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?
What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
On the other hand, you have different fingers.
My theory of evolution is that Darwin was adopted.
Cross country skiing is great if you live in a small country.
My socks DO match. They're the same thickness.
It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to have to paint it.
What's another word for Thesaurus?
I bought a million lottery tickets. I won a dollar.
When I was in boy scouts, I slipped on the ice and hurt my ankle. A little old lady had to help me across the street.
Yesterday I told a chicken to cross the road. It said, "what for?"
There aren't enough days in the weekend.
I went to a haunted house, looked under the kitchen table, and found spirit gum.
The Bermuda Triangle got tired of warm weather. It moved to Alaska. Now Santa Claus is missing.
I had some eyeglasses. I was walking down the street when suddenly the prescription ran out.
If a word in the dictionary were mispelled, how would we know?
I went to a restaurant that serves "breakfast at any time". So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance.
I bought a house, on a one-way dead-end road. I don't know how I got there.
SEE YOU AT THE
CONFERENCE!
Amy Johnson, FAER
c/o ILAB/FCCJ
101 W. State St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202