Using All of Your Senses for Success
Keynote Speaker: Joan Brock
Iowa Educational Services
for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IESBVI)
Spring Family Conference
April 22-24, 2016
Iowa Braille School Campus
1002 G Ave.
Vinton, IA 52349
Special room rates and stipends for parents
Using All of Your Senses for Success
Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Spring Family Conference
April 22-24, 2016
Iowa Braille School Campus
1002 G Ave., Vinton, Iowa 52349
Joan Brock, International Speaker/Author,will share her inspiring story of the sudden loss of her sight while working at the Iowa Braille School in the mid 1980's. Suddenly the teacher became the student. Then her husband, Joe,Administrative Assistant and Recreation Director lost his fight to cancer. In a short amount of time,she was a widow, single parent, blind, and disabled. A life and "labels' with which she never thought she would be living.
After moving away from Vinton, and for more than twenty years, Joan has been touring the world sharing her life of putting life in its proper perspective. Joan has authored two books and in 2003 Lifetime Television produced a film based on her autobiography, More Than Meets the Eye, which also featured the IowaBraille School!
Joan will captivate youwith her story of all that happened at Iowa Braille. More importantly,while sharing the goal of making positive and productive choices, she will talk about focusing on assisting your children to learn to use allof their senses, thus leading them towards a successful life.
Join us so you don’t miss this poignant, humorous, and uplifting presentation!
Throughout the conference you will have the opportunity to learn from a variety of parents and professionals. They will share individual experiences as well as some practical tips for making life a little bit smoother. You will gain information about living and working and playing in the community. Independent living and strategies for success will be highlighted in sessions. Professionals will share resources to support the educational process. Parents will share personal experiences, siblings and the blind youth will have an opportunity to interact and learn from each other as well. Join the fun starting Friday eveningas we renew relationships
and make some new ones!
Friday Evening, April 22
All activities will take place in the Recreation/Gym Building
5:30 - 6:30 pmRegistration: Family Meet and Greet Social
6:30 - 8:00 pmFamily Independent Living Skills Olympics: Using vision simulators and sleep shades, family members will have an opportunity to perform a variety of daily activities. Join in the fun and games. Prizes will be awarded!
8:00 - 8:30 pmSnacks
9:00 pm Building Closes
Saturday, April 23
All sessions will take place in the Old Main Building
8:00 - 8:30 amRegistration
Breakfast in the Dining Room
8:00amChildcare Opens- Second floor, Old Main
8:30 - 8:45amWelcome - Auditorium
8:45 - 10:15 amKeynote: Joan Brock
After moving away from Vinton, and for more than twenty years, Joan has been touring the world sharing her life of putting life in its proper perspective. Joan has authored two books and in 2003, Lifetime Television produced a film based on her autobiography, More Than Meets the Eye, which also featured the IowaBraille School!
10:15 - 10:30 amBreak
10:30 - 11:30amBreakout Sessions:
- The ABC’s of CHARGE SYNDROME!-ShandelKrull, mother of Kamdyn, and LeeAnn Back,Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), Northwest Iowa, IESBVI
Shantel Krull, mother of Kamdyn, age 3 ½, who has CHARGE syndrome and TVI LeeAnn Back, who has over 20 years of experience working with children who have visual impairments, including being the mother of a visually impaired daughter,will present an overview of CHARGE Syndrome, a leading cause of deaf/blindness and its impact on development and education. Shantel will talk aboutthe effect CHARGE has had on her family and their lives. Come with questions!
- Access for Special Kids (ASK) and Advocacy - Susan Gill, FamilySupport Coordinator for the PTI project at ASK
Susan is a Family Support Coordinator with ASK Resource Center. She empowers families to advocate for their children by helping parents understand their rights and connecting the families with disability related services. She was a Parent and Educator Connection (PEC) Coordinator with Des Moines Schools for over 15 years and brings her personal experience of raising two children with multiple disabilities.
This session will focus on: How ASK Resource Center can support you, and what questions to ask the school when advocating for your child.
- Low Vision and Blindness Technology and How it Relates to your Child-Chad Brown, IESBVI Assistive Technology Consultant
This session will be an overview and demonstration of technology resources that are available in the field of blindness. Chad has been working in the vision field for over 18 years.Chad looks to provide access for information in all areas of life to support the success of youth, looking toward the future.
- Making Memory Books- Ashlyn Lincoln, Mother of Gunner, 1 1/2 years old, born with Lebers Congenital Amaurosis, who enjoys adapting materials for blind children, and Cindy White-Botello, IESBVI Special Education Consultant. Cindy is grateful to serve as a consultant in her home state of Iowa. She has worked in the field of multiple impairments for over 20 years.
Learn how to construct a book about an experience you have shared with your child. Using familiar objects and relating them to a meaningful experience, you and your child can recall and retell your story. Examples of simple story books, using concrete objects for understanding the content, will be shared.
11:30- 1pm. Third floor Historical Wing Open: Tours hosted by Mary Ingall’sHistorical Society
11:30 am - NoonCheck out the display tables located on first floor hall
11:45 amChildcare closes - pick up your children for lunch
Noon - 1:00 pmLunch in the Dining Room
1:00 pmChildcare Opens
1:15 - 2:30 pmAuditorium:You Gottabe Kidding?Carla Morrow, C.T.R.S.
The “Move to Include” practices need to be applied in all environments, because we all need to play. How can your child be included in everyday activities? Adaptations and modifications to games and activities will be explored.
Carla Morrow graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She has been employed with the Cromwell Children’s Unit, MHI, and the Iowa Braille School for the past 32 years. Carla’s background includes behavior management, independent living and recreation/leisure.
2:40 - 3:40 pmBreakout Sessions:
- What We Have Learned about Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)- BrendaBuikema, Mother of Payton.
Payton was born with a rare brain malformation and as a result, CVI Besides her CVI, she also has developmental delays, mobility issues and a multitude of medical problems as a result of the brain malformation.
Our family began working with a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) at the time Payton’s CVI was diagnosed. I will present strategies we have used to maximize Payton's vision. Payton's vision has improved and she has also made some progress in gross motor skills as well. I will share our journey, challenges and successes.
2.The Only Constant in Life is Constant Change... -Julie Aufdenkamp, Iowa Department for the Blind Transition Counselor
By empowering our blind and visually-impaired children to embrace change rather than fear it, we are preparing them for positive transitions through life. As parents, we may struggle with determining the points where high expectations create dangerous situations and when low expectations stunt the development of independence. This session will include a discussion on preparing children for the transition to the adult world. You will also learn about how the Iowa Department for the Blind Transition Program is transitioning as a result of new guidelines under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
- Wearable Technology: What’s All the Touch, See, Feel all About? And Interaction with the General Public: The Most Important Orientation & Mobility Skill -Luanne Langstraat, IESBVI TVI and Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
Luanne graduated from University of Northern Colorado and is a Teacher of Visually Impaired and Orientation & Mobility Specialist with over 30years of experience. Working with children with significant learning challenges is her passion.
This session will take a look back at the history of wearable technology and look forward into future possibilities. Positive interactions with others will be emphasized.
Techniques that blind and deafblind people use to communicate with the public will be shared to make travel safer and more efficient.
- Sensory Integration: Making Our Senses Work!-Maggie Burnworth, Occupational Therapist, (OTR/L)
This presentation will give parents the ability to identify sensory needs in their children, and give tools to incorporate into daily routines to decrease meltdowns and increase ability to fully participate in daily life successfully.
Maggieis employed at Unified Therapy Services in Dubuque, Iowa. She attended Illinois Wesleyan University, earning a bachelors’ in psychology, and St. Louis University for her Masters in Occupational Therapy. Maggie has worked as an Occupational Therapist (OT) at Unified since August 2010. Throughout her time at Unified she has become certified in the following programs:
- Handwriting Without Tears
- Therapeutic Listening Program
- Mary Massery Posture and Breathing Techniques
She enjoys working collaboratively with parents, teachers, and other members of her clients’ team to create a holistic approach to therapy.
3:45 - 5:00 pmBreakout Sessions:
Dads’ Session - facilitated by Brook Nolin
Brook is married to Kashia and the father of Brandon, Alissa, Matthew and, Zachary (who is blind). The family lives in Spencer, Iowa. Brook maintains the Facebook page Iowa Blind and Visually Impaired Children’s Support Group. Brook has been active in educating and reaching out to families to make the world a better place for all children.
Moms’ Session - facilitated by Stacy Simmons, Sheryl Swanson,and Kashia Nolin
Please complete the enclosed session form titled Mother’s Group and return with your registration. This will help focus the session content.
During this session you will have an opportunity to talk with other mothers who may have experienced something you are going through. Please come prepared to share with other moms, helpful strategies you have tried, as well as questions you may have for teaching your child. This will be a fun time to learn from one another.
Stacy is married to Dan and the mother ofKlair, Ali, and Kyle (who is visually impaired).
Sheryl has been married to Michael for 28 years. They have adopted a 9 year old girl, Elizabeth, from China. Liz was born with albinism and has low vision.
Kashia is married to Brook and the mom of Brandon, Alissa, Matthew, and Zachary (who is blind).
Come prepared to share and learn from one another!
Sibs’ Session-facilitated by Emma Billington
Emma is a senior at Wapsie Valley in Fairbank, IA. She enjoys reading books and involving herself in music. Her plans are to go to Hawkeye Community College and later transfer to Luther College. She will share some of the joys and challenges of being a sibling of a sister who is blind. She will share some of her experiences and help you to share your experiences as well.
Peer Group Session-facilitated by Kyla Billington
Kyla is a senior at Wapsie Valley in Fairbank,IA. She enjoys singing and making music. Her plans are to go to Luther college to further her education. She will share some of her strengths and challenges growing up blind. She will share some of her experiences and help you to share your experiences as well.
5:00 pmPick up your children from childcare
5:15 pm Childcare closes
5:30 pmSupper in the Dining Room
7:00-8:30pm Evening Activities:
Auditorium- DescriptiveMovie “23 Blast”.Based on the true story of a high school football star who goes blind. The story shares his courage and perseverance with support from family and community.
Recreation Building -Pool is open forFamily Swim. Adults must accompany children.
Sunday Morning, April 24
All sessions will take place in the Old Main Building Auditorium
8:00 - 8:30 amBreakfast in the Dining Room
8:00amChildcare Opens
8:30 - 10:30 amMusic Therapy – Turning Up Sensory Potential Through Music
Kara Mills Groen
This interactive presentation will provide information on the current practice of music therapy, an overview of research on the benefits of music therapy services for children with sensory deficits, and include hands on music experiences designed to address the unique needs of children who are visually impaired, blind, and/or deaf or hard of hearing.
Kara Mills Groen, MA, MT-BC is the Music Therapy Clinical Instructor and Supervisor at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. She holds a Bachelor’s of Music Education with Music Therapy degree (BME-MT) from Wartburg College and a Master’s of Arts in Music Therapy (MA-MT) from the University of Iowa. A clinician and teacher for more than 15 years, she has experience providing music therapy to individuals of all ages with diverse needs including: services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, intergenerational music therapy programming, and music therapy services for older adults in the long term care, memory care and hospice settings.
10:30-11:45 amWho, What, When, and Why? Carla Morrow, C.T.R.S.
This session will share information on the instruction and development of important independent living skills necessary for successful integration in to community, school, and home environments. Parents will learn tips/strategies on how to support their son/daughter’s development in this area of the Expanded Core Curriculum.
11:45am-NoonWrap-up/Evaluations
11:45 pmPick up your children from childcare
12 noonBox lunches will be available outside the Dining Room. You are welcome to eat them in the Dining Room or take them with you. Kara Mills Groen will be available for discussion during lunch, until 1pm.
Thank You for your attendance and participation!See you next year!
General Information
Hotel Rooms:
A block of rooms has been set aside at a group rate of $80 at Cobblestone Inn and Suites, 1202 West 11th St, Vinton, IA. You must make your own room reservations. Call 319-472-2220 and ask for a room for the Iowa Braille School Spring Conference. Room reservations need to be made before April 14, 2016. This is a small hotel, so book your rooms early!
Meals:
All meals will be provided for conference attendees.
Stipends:
Stipend checks will be mailed to parents following the conference. For those living within 50 miles of Vinton, the stipend will be $50 per day (maximum $150) and for those further than 50 miles from Vinton; the stipend will be $100 per day (maximum $300). You will be required to sign an attendance sheet each day to receive the daily stipend.
Childcare:
Childcare is a service provided to encourage young families to attend sessions while knowing their children are in a safe environment. Your child can NOTbe left in childcare without completing the enclosed Childcare Information Form. Parent(s) are responsible for medication administration. Respite care workers are welcome in the childcare area as additional support for your child. If a child displays behavior that is disruptive or poses a threat to the safety of other children or volunteer workers, parents will be requested to remove the child from childcare.
Childcare will be available Saturday and Sunday on a first come, first served basis. Limit of 30 children under age 12. Register early!
There will be supervised activities for children over the age of 12 who are independent in personal cares in a separate area. Please provide information about these children as well in the enclosed Childcare Information Form, so activities and staffing can be arranged.
Friday evening’s activities are designed for participation by most family members. Join the fun and games whenever you arrive. Make some new friends and renew friendships from previous events. You will get a chance to have some fun and try activities at the Independent Living Skills Olympics. Assistance will be available for infants and toddlers.
On Saturday, childcare will be closed from 11:45 until 1:00, so children can eat lunch with their parents.
Continued Childcare General Information:
If you put your child(ren) in childcare, they must stay with their childcare group until picked up by a parent, unless other arrangements are made between parents and the childcare director.
Please mark your child’s name on any items they bring, including canes, to the childcare room. Please bring any adapted eating/drinking utensils your child uses. A pack and play or playpen, high chair, or booster seat is recommended for younger children. If your child does not eat table food, please bring their food. If you plan on taking advantage of our pool, which will be open Saturday evening, please bring swimsuits, life jackets, swim diapers, and floaties.
Please include a phone number where you can be reached during the conference in case your child needs your assistance.
The enclosed Childcare Information Form must be completed with registration to adequately staff for children’s needs.
Childcare Hours
SaturdaySunday
8:00 am - 11:45 am8:00 am – 12 noon
1:00 pm – 5:15 p.m.
Photos:
Photos will be taken during this conference and used mainly to promote and publicize future events sponsored by IESBVI. A Photo Release Form is included in this brochure.