SUNDAY, October 27, 2024   Exhibits open 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

8:30-9:30 Opening session Exhibitor Highlights - Our exhibitors will share what innovations or treasures we can find at the exhibit tables this year! Room: Ballroom ABCD




9:30-10:00 Break - snacks in exhibit area!




Concurrent Session A  10:00-11:00 Concurrent Session A - Part 1 Wayfinding, from the Cane to Autonomous Vehicles - Mike May ROOM: Ballroom C (Presented only once!) There are many accessibility tools for orientation, mobility, and navigation available to blind and low vision students and adults. We will discuss various products and how to choose the best fit. Move Me! – Motivating Movement and Effective Cane Usage in Children - Karen Walker ROOM: Ballroom D (Repeated at 11:15) Are your students only travelling compliantly, simply following your directions, or worse yet, failing to follow your directions, or unable to understand your request? Or are they moving purposefully with effective cane usage? Do your lessons truly motivate a student to want to move, learn more, and become more independent? This session shares tips on instilling the desire and confidence to move, travel safely, explore, and use cane appropriately vs compliantly, and invites you to share tricks that you have found to be successful. 3D Printing - Materials for Mobility - William Adams ROOM: Ballroom B (Repeated at 11:15) Use off the shelf and more importantly FREE software to make to scale area and interior maps using a 3D printer. See other uses for 3D printing that help those with vision loss. Thinking about a Group O&M Trip? Here’s What We Know! - Bethanie Mateer, Ellen Blaydes, and Amy Hayslette ROOM: Ballroom A (Repeated at 11:15) Ensuring that students receive instruction in all the areas of O&M curriculum can be challenging. This is especially so when the student lives in a rural. CVRP has found a solution: mobility camp. Students put their skills to the test in a city that offers advanced O&M skills.  11:15-12:15 Concurrent Session A - Part 2 Implications of O&M Referral Policies and Professional Practices - Justin Kaiser, Tina Herzberg and Tessa McCarthy ROOM: Ballroom C(Presented only once!) Click here for handout O&M referrals and assessments are used by professionals to determine eligibility and make instructional decisions. The presentation will focus on practical strategies for professionals, effectiveness of current policies, and implications from research. Everyone is encouraged to share about their experiences and discuss possible next steps. Move Me! – Motivating Movement and Effective Cane Usage in Children - Karen Walker ROOM: Ballroom D (same as presented at 10:00) 3D Printing - Materials for Mobility - William Adams ROOM: Ballroom B (same as presented at 10:00) Thinking about a Group O&M Trip? Here’s What We Know! - - Bethanie Mateer, Ellen Blaydes, and Amy Hayslette ROOM: Ballroom A (same as presented at 10:00)




12:15-1:45 Lunch - on your own




Concurrent Session B  1:45-3:15 Concurrent Session B - Part 1 All About Street Crossings - William Adams and Yolanda Smith ROOM: Ballroom C (Presented only once!) Teaching street crossings is always the best part of being an O&M but when you have different situations it’s not always clear how to proceed. So come learn about new tools and techniques to teach or use when crossing. We have some great tips to help teach those who are deaf-blind, when there is low traffic, how to advocate for accessible pedestrian crossings, and a new way of teaching if you can’t do the normal progression and ways of simplifying teaching when time constraints are evident from being itinerant. Teaching Touch and Exploratory Skills to Prepare for Tactile Graphics Learning - Alicia Wolfe and Jennifer Brooks ROOM: Ballroom A (Presented only once!) Tactile graphics literacy instruction for students with visual impairments is essential to the development of map skills. Strategies for teaching touch and exploratory skills to developing tactile learners will be discussed. Participants will learn the development of exploratory skills serves as a foundation for braille readiness and meaningful tactile graphics experiences for students with visual impairments. This foundation is essential to a student’s success in understanding and using electronic haptic maps. If you can, bring occluders (blindfold or scarf, etc.) as well as a smart phone or tablet. Goldilocks and the Three Cane Skills – Verification Technique could be Just Right - L. Dianne Luce ROOM: Ballroom D (Repeated at 3:45) The Verification Cane Technique is a well-documented long cane skill best suited for the individual with low vision who retains significant functional sight, but who can still occasionally benefit from the tactile feedback provided by the long cane. Come learn about this lesser-known skill and how to teach it successfully. If you can, bring a cane. Using the Finding Wheels Curriculum to Build Independent Travel Skills - Tina Herzberg, Misty Williams, Anna Overcash and Jennifer Jeffcoat ROOM: Ballroom B (Repeated at 3:45) Click here for handout Secondary students with visual impairments need a broad understanding of the options they may use for transportation. Come learn how we implemented the Finding Wheels curriculum and what students reported they learned. We will divide into small groups and complete some of their favorite activities! If you can, bring a cane.  3:15-3:45 Break - snacks in exhibit area!  3:45-5:15 Concurrent Session B - Part 2 The hard-learnt lessons – O&M for adults with CVI - Nicola McDowell ROOM: Ballroom C (a version of the session is repeated Monday at 4:45) - presenter will be on screen remotely from New Zealand Click here for handout In this session, Dr Nicola McDowell will share both her personal and professional experience of O&M for adults with CVI (Cerebral Visual Impairment). This will include understanding how CVI can impact on independent travel in different contexts and environments, the main differences between supporting someone with CVI compared to ocular visual impairments (OVI) and the most important components that need to be included in O&M programme for adults with CVI. The DeafBlind and Adaptive Services Program at Leader Dogs for the Blind - Sarah Duyck ROOM: Ballroom A(Presented only once!) This presentation provides an overview of the DeafBlind and Adaptive Services Program at Leader Dogs for the Blind including how the program began, dog selection and training, application process, matching the client-dog team, and how services are provided. Attendees will gain knowledge about how GDMIs at Leader Dog approach effective communication during lessons, tips for working with ASL interpreters, and street crossing strategies for individuals with hearing loss. Goldilocks and the Three Cane Skills – Verification Technique could be Just Right - L. Dianne Luce ROOM: Ballroom D (same as presented at 1:45) If you can, bring a cane. Using the Finding Wheels Curriculum to Build Independent Travel Skills - Tina Herzberg, Niki Outen, Allison Kitler and Jennifer Jeffcoat ROOM: Ballroom B (same as presented at 1:45) If you can, bring a cane.

MONDAY October 28, 2024   Exhibits open 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Concurrent Session C  8:30-9:45 Concurrent Session C - Part 1 The Ups and Downs of Elevator Accessibility - L. Dianne Luce and Joey Gan ROOM: Ballroom C (Presented only once!) Functional challenges with access to elevator use have always existed for travelers who are visually impaired. As elevator technology has progressed, some design aspects continue to cause problems for users. This presentation will explore these topics and consider solutions that could and should be pursued. Assessing and improving visual efficiency for students with various visual conditions - Dona Sauerburger ROOM: Ballroom A (Repeated at 10:15) Click here for handout This session will share strategies (which can be used by blind O&Ms) for teaching people with low acuity and/or visual field losses to use their vision more efficiently, including refining their scanning technique for people with restricted visual fields; eccentric viewing for people with central scotomas; looking from side to side to reliably detect approaching vehicles. and judging whether they have enough time to cross when they can see vehicles approaching from a distance. If you want to try some strategies, bring a vision simulator for a severely-restricted visual field, OR a funnel or tube! Never say NEVER! - Gwyn Suttell and Jenn Tharpe ROOM: Ballroom D (Repeated at 10:15) Please join us for a session on “thinking outside the box” for students with different abilities. Gwyn Suttell, TVI/COMS, and Jennifer Tharpe, DPT, will share their experiences and ideas on collaborating with each other to maximize this population's unique needs and successes for independent travel. They will share their triumphs and fumbles with a focus on taking away practical suggestions to incorporate into your daily practice.  9:45-10:15 Break - snacks in exhibit area!  10:15-11:30 Concurrent Session C Part 2 GDMI: Guide dog training programs around the world - their challenges and successes - Lee Stanway ROOM: Ballroom C (presented only once) Click here for handout This interactive presentation will help create a wider awareness of Guide Dog Schools around the world who are members of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) or are working towards becoming a member. We will look at the benefits of membership, the challenges and journey of guide dog organisations aspiring to become or maintain membership. Finally and not least we will look at the experiences of an IGDF assessor who gets to visit and assess guide dog schools. Those experiences include the first ever visit to assess a guide dog school in Moscow, visits to Europe, Scandinavia and Japan and what happens when your luggage gets lost along the way. We will learn about different breeds used around the world and the impact of culture and history on guide dog work internationally. Assessing and improving visual efficiency for students with various visual conditions - Dona Sauerburger ROOM: Ballroom A (same as presented at 8:30)) If you want to try some strategies, bring a vision simulator for a severely-restricted visual field, OR a funnel or tube! Never say NEVER! - Gwyn Suttell and Jenn Tharpe ROOM: Ballroom D (same as presented at 8:30)




11:30-1:00 Lunch - on your own




Concurrent Session D  1:00-2:00 Concurrent Session D (part 1) GDMI PANEL: O&M Training for Guide Dog Instructors: How and how much? - Facilitated by Lukas Franck (panelists TBA) ROOM: Ballroom D(Presented only once!) O&M Support for Learners and the Critical Role of the Supporter - Hannah Jones and Brad Welling ROOM: Ballroom C (Presented only once!) Having support is crucial to the growth of independent travels skills. Participants will learn about a model being used to upskill supporters of high school aged students. Experienced based approaches, observations, and other lessons learned will be shared so that we can apply approaches with other students/clients and their supporters. AMD Transitions: Modifications, Options, and . . . - Lynn Gautreaux ROOM: Ballroom A (Repeated at 2:15) Click here for handout Participants will learn how to decide when and if the use of an AMD (Alternative Mobility Device) is appropriate. Techniques for making a variety of easy in-office AMD configurations, cane modifications and attachments will be demonstrated. Discussions and demonstrations will also include products that are currently available through commercial purchase and products that are new to the market. Since the VI/Blind population is a very diverse group, it is important to have equipment and modification resources available to find a good functional and instructional fit for each student or client. The session will explore the various types of cane modifications and AMDs and the specific conditions or situations under which they can be used most effectively. Other topics that will be discussed include the appropriate use of AMDs on stairs, AMD skills that easily transfer to cane use, and how to choose specific AMDs for clients and/or situations. If you want to make an AMD for a particular student and have never made one, email Lynn the height and width needed and... he will work with you during the session to make one. Easy breezy!!! Empowering the Blind Worldwide-One Cane at a Time - James Boehm, Wendy Boehm, Ellie Carlson, and Dean Stonecipher ROOM: Ballroom B (Repeated at 2:15) White Canes empower the blind. Many places around the world are experiencing a White Cane Famine. Come and hear how You Cane Give is refurbishing used canes to equip and empower, plus provide training and mental health support. If you can, bring any canes - new, old, or broken - for restoration and distribution to those in need. Thanks!  2:15-3:15 Concurrent Session D - Part 2 Diabetes Is an O&M Problem - Tommy Strasz and Hannah Jones ROOM: Ballroom C (Presented only once!) Click here for handout Sail the Islets of Langerhans, take a shot in the dark, and just to sweeten the pot, engage with a real time simulation in this informative session about the intersection of O&M instruction and diabetes management. AMD Transitions: Modifications, Options, and . . . - Lynn Gautreaux ROOM: Ballroom A (same as presented at 1:00) If you want to make an AMD for a particular student and have never made one, email Lynn the height and width needed and... he will work with you during the session to make one. Easy breezy!!! Empowering the Blind Worldwide - One Cane at a Time - James Boehm, Wendy Boehm, Ellie Carlson, and Dean Stonecipher ROOM: Ballroom B (same as presented at 1:00) If you can, bring any canes - new, old, or broken - for restoration and distribution to those in need. Thanks!




3:15-3:45 Break - snacks in exhibit area!




Concurrent Session E  3:45-4:30 Concurrent Session E - Part 1 GDMI: Training Dogs to Follow Tactile Guide Paths in Transit and Other Environments: The Japanese Experience - Takashi Shimanoto and Ryo Hirano ROOM: Ballroom C (Presented only once!) - presenters will be on screen remotely from Japan Round table discussion: Public Transit ROOM: Ballroom A Round table discussion: Student motivation and goals ROOM: Ballroom B Round table discussion: Independent Living Skills and O&M - Facilitated by Jackie Macy ROOM: Ballroom D  4:45-5:45/6:15 Concurrent Session E - Part 2 NOTE: At 5:45, participants in each session can choose to leave; stay for another half hour; or switch to attend the rest of another session. The hard-learnt lessons – O&M for adults with CVI - Nicola McDowell ROOM: Ballroom C (same as presented Sunday at 3:15 with modifications) - presenter will be on screen remotely from New Zealand Click here for handout In this session, Dr Nicola McDowell will share both her personal and professional experience of O&M for adults with CVI (Cerebral Visual Impairment). This will include understanding how CVI can impact on independent travel in different contexts and environments, the main differences between supporting someone with CVI compared to ocular visual impairments (OVI) and the most important components that need to be included in O&M programme for adults with CVI. Last half hour: participants will discuss scenarios presented earlier; Dr. McDowell needs to leave by 6 o'clock but Judy Porro will continue to facilitate the discussion. GDMI PANEL: Apprenticeships, The Foundation: Let's talk about the best way to learn the basics - Facilitated by Lukas Franck (panelists TBA) ROOM: Ballroom D (Presented only once!) Practitioner input to improve current and future O&M tools from APH - Mike May and Lee Huffman ROOM: Ballroom A (Presented only once!) Discuss the O&M tools and techniques at the APH workshop including cane navigation, GPS apps, tactile maps, and more. APH wants to learn from you what is working and what needs improvement with O&M products. Provide feedback about rural vs. urban challenges, and address multiple disabilities. Dive into APH Quota purchases and identify top priorities for future development. This is your opportunity to shape current and future student resources. Last half hour: feel free to join us to share your insights and feedback on the products.

TUESDAY, October 29, 2024

Concurrent Session F  8:30-9:30 Concurrent Session F (part 1) Orientation VS Mobility - Brad Welling and Thomas Strasz ROOM: Ballroom CD (Presented only once!) Click here for handout Participants will learn approaches to teaching self-familiarization strategies to clients using a cane or guide dog. Following a brief discussion, participants will engage in practical demonstration of these techniques. Music, Movement, and MOBILITY! - Jennifer Pelletier ROOM: Ballroom AB (Repeated at 9:45) Looking for the motivation for your students? This session will dive into the use of music therapy and movement as a way to integrate body awareness, auditory cues, kinesthetics, and concepts which are vital components in O&M. This will include video examples, hands-on exploration, and discussion about research and implications for incorporating music and movement in your own work setting.  9:45-10:45 Concurrent Session F - Part 2 Preparing Your Client for Guide Dog Travel - Hannah Jones, Brad Welling and Sarah Duyck ROOM: Ballroom CD (Presented only once!) Click for handout Successful guide dog travel requires a particular set of O&M skills. Not all independent travelers meet this criterion. Participants will learn what O&M skills are essential for guide dog travel, how to assist interested guide dog applicants, what steps to take, and how to support guide dog partnerships. Music, Movement, and MOBILITY! - Jennifer Pelletier ROOM: Ballroom AB (same as presented at 8:30)





11:00-12:00 Wrap-Up Crackerbarrel - facilitated by Judy Porro ROOM: Ballroom CD By now, our minds are blown with all that we've learned and shared at SOMA this year! Now's our chance to process and have a lively discussion on O&M topics that YOU choose. The first few minutes we'll collect ideas for topics and then vote on what to talk about, and away we'll go!

Schedule at a Glance:

NOTE: After Saturday's preconference (providing 6 hours of ACVREP credit), the schedule has 6 Concurrent Session Groups, each of which has two time slots. Most of the sessions in the first time slot are repeated in the second time slot, except each time slot has one or two sessions that are not repeated, so if you want to attend those sessions, you'll have to do it at that time.

FRIDAY and SATURDAY, October 25-26, 2024

Morning and afternoon field trips to Space Camp and Helen Keller's home at Ivy Green (no ACVREP credit)

SATURDAY, October 26, 2024

Preconference sessions
8:30-10:00 workshop
10:00-10:30 BREAK with snacks!
10:30-12:00 workshop
12:00-1:30 LUNCH (on your own)
1:30-3:00 workshop
3:00-3:30 BREAK with snacks!
3:30-5:00 workshop

7:30-9:00 Exhibitors' Desert Reception

SUNDAY, October 27, 2024

Exhibits open 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
8:30-9:30 General session
9:30-10:00 BREAK - snacks in exhibit area!
10:00-11:00 Concurrent Session A-1
11:15-12:15 Concurrent Session A-2
12:15-1:45 LUNCH (on your own) - exhibits open
1:45-3:15 Concurrent Session B-1
3:15-3:45 BREAK - snacks in exhibit area!
3:45-5:15 Concurrent Session B-2

MONDAY, October 28, 2024

Exhibits open 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
8:30 - 9:45 Concurrent Session C-1
9:45-10:15 BREAK - snacks in exhibit area!
10:15-11:30 Concurrent Session C-2
11:30-1:00 LUNCH (on your own) - exhibits open
1:00-2:00 Concurrent Session D-1
2:15-3:15 Concurrent Session D-2
3:15-3:45 BREAK - snacks in exhibit area!
3:45-4:30 Concurrent Session E-1
4:45-5:45 / 6:15 Concurrent Session E-2

TUESDAY, October 29, 2024

8:30-9:30 Concurrent Session F-1
9:45-10:45 Concurrent Session F-2
11:00-12:00 O&M Crackerbarrel discussions