Welcome Remarks: Jane Ryder

Deputy Commissioner

Department of Developmental Services

Keynote Speaker: Randy Pierce

President, 2020 Vision Quest

”Reaching Our Peak Potential”

Awards at Lunch:

Mark Holt “Gift of Lunch”

Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Service

Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Leadership

“Focus” on Talent!!!

Special Closing Performance by: “MAI Group Inc.”

A Very Special Thank You…

To Our Exhibitors Including:

Vendors:

AdaptiVision/Optelec

American Printing House for the Blind

Carroll Center for the Blind

Easter Seals Massachusetts

Helen Keller National Center

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

MA State 911 Department

New England Consortium for Deafblind Technical Assistance

New England Index

Perkins eLearning

Perkins Library

Perkins Solutions

UMass Amherst University without Walls

A Very Special Thank You…

To Our Exhibitors Including:

Literature Table:

Eye Care America

Hadley School for the Blind

Independent Living Aids

LS&S

MaxiAids

National Eye Institute

National Institute on Aging

Prevent Blindness America

and more…

Poster Displays:

Play the Day Away: Utilizing Music Therapy for Relaxation,

Self-Awareness, and Socialization

Lisa A. El-Lakis, MT-BC

DDS/Hogan Regional Center

How Technology Made My Job Accessible for Me

Diana Julian

DDS/Plymouth Area Office

E-News: Employment News You Can Use

Kerri Moran

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Self Advocacy

Yashira Correa

People, Incorporated - Fall River

Poster Displays: (continued)

Postural Care for Individuals with Intellectual Disability

Mary S. Clark RPT, COMS, ATP

Northeast Residential Services, DDS

Integrative Movement Therapy (Yoga/Pilates)

Tina Sorel, PT

Erin Dalton, PTA

Crystal Springs, Inc

DPPC

Jennifer Edwards-Hawkins

Disabled Persons Protection Commission

Let’s Walk Together

Tony Miranda, Orientation & Mobility Assistant

EDCO/Wrentham Developmental Center

Providing Exceptional Eye Care to Children and Adults with

Intellectual Disability

New England Eye Southeastern Massachusetts


Introducing our Keynote:

Randy Pierce

During two short but significant weeks in 1989, a devastating neurological disease transformed Randy Pierce from a healthy and ordinary man to a blind man completely uncertain of his future. Randy’s passion for experience encouraged him to utilize adversity as a positive catalyst for growth and opportunity, resulting in such amazing adventures as earning his second-degree black belt, making history as a blind hiker, and his induction into the “VISA Hall of Fans” at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Randy earned his BSEE from the University of New Hampshire and enjoyed a successful career at Digital Equipment Corporation as a hardware design engineer. The practical challenges of blindness encouraged Randy to pursue other productive opportunities. These included tutoring children and adults, teaching martial arts, advising on adaptive technology, and consulting for The Library of Congress.

Today Randy holds the positions of Founder and President of 2020 Vision Quest, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of New Hampshire Association for the Blind, and First Vice President of the Hudson, NH Lions Club. The University of New Hampshire’s Alumni Associationhas named Randy as its 2014 winner of the Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement. Randy provides motivational speaking presentations to corporations, schools, and non-profit organizations. Some notable presentations, of the hundreds Randy has provided, include Google, TJX, Yankee Candle, and Bank of New Hampshire.

Four compelling documentaries highlight Randy’s historical hiking achievements; the founding of 2020 Vision Quest; and his New England Patriot fandom. The latter documentary was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award. Randy has been on multiple national television shows, most notably Rosie O’Donnell, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Best Damn Sports Show Period.

Conference Agenda “At-a-Glance”

8:00 – 8:25 Registration / Vendors Open / Refreshments

8:25 – 8:30 Opening Remarks

8:30 – 8:45 Welcome Remarks

8:45 – 9:45 Keynote

9:45 – 10:00 Break / Exhibits Open

10:00 – 11:00 1st Concurrent Session

11:00 – 11:15 Break / Exhibits Open

11:15 – 12:15 2nd Concurrent Session

12:15 – 12:30 Exhibits Open

12:30 – 1:30 Lunch & Award Presentations:

● Mark Holt Gift of Lunch

● Paul McDade “Focus” Awards for Distinguished

Service and Leadership

1:30 – 2:00 Dedicated Time for Exhibits Session

2:00 - 3:00 3rd Concurrent Session

3:00 – 3:15 Break / Refreshments / Exhibits Open

3:15 – 3:45 “Focus” On Talent!!! (Performance) / Raffle

Directions!!!

Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike

Route 1 (18 miles south of Boston)

Norwood, MA 02062

Phone: 781-769-7900

www.fourpointsnorwood.com

Please see page 16 for a full listing of directions!!!!

We look forward to seeing you on March 9th!!!

“Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness

8:00 – 8:25 Registration / Exhibits Open / Refreshments

8:30 – 8:45 Welcome Remarks:

Jane Ryder

Deputy Commissioner, DDS

8:45 – 9:45 Keynote:

Randy Pierce

President, 20/20 Vision Quest

”Reaching Our Peak Potential”

Using personal experiences developed through his transition from fully sighted to total blindness, Randy will demonstrate the methodology which enabled him to strive for and achieve his peak potential both figuratively and literally. Anecdotal references are a fundamental part of the goal setting, problem solving and perseverance means by which risk manipulation can help any of us strive to achieve a vision beyond our sight as we all reach for our Peak potential.

9:45 – 10:00 Break / Exhibits Open

10:00 – 11:00 Concurrent Sessions

A. Glaucoma: An Overview for Patients and Caregivers

Presenter: Bridget C. Hendricks, OD, MS, FAAO

Assistant Professor of Optometry, NECO

Attending Optometrist, New England Eye

Description: This presentation will provide an overview of Glaucoma, a complex eye disease in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive and irreversible blindness. We will discuss risk factors, signs/symptoms, tests that are performed to diagnose and evaluate glaucoma, treatment, and patient resources. This presentation will allow patients, health care providers, and caregivers to better understand risks, detection, and management of glaucoma.

10:00 – 11:00 Concurrent Sessions (continued)

B. Yoga for Everyone! Individuals with Intellectually Disability and Their Service Providers.

Presenter: Lynne Bridges, COMS, CYI (Certified Yoga Instructor)

Carroll Center for the Blind

Description: Yoga can be practiced by anyone. It has been used for centuries to enhance health and wellbeing: physical, emotional and mental. This presentation will share some of the ways I have used yoga to enjoy movement with my students, while simultaneously improving physical, emotional and mental health. This presentation will also consider simple practices for people working with special populations to decrease stress and enhance focus.

C. Cerebral/Cortical Vision Impairment and Adults

Presenters: Barry S Kran, OD, FAAO

Professor, NECO

Clinic Director, NE Eye Low Vision Clinic at Perkins

Luisa Mayer, PhD

Clinical Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School

Associate Professor, NECO

Visual Fields/Functional Vision Specialist, NE Eye Low Vision

Clinic at Perkins

Darick W Wright, MA, COMS, CLVT

Adjunct faculty, Vision Studies Program, UMass- Boston

Adjunct, Assistant Professor, NECO

Clinic Coordinator, NE Eye Low Vision Clinic at Perkins

Description: Many adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) have other impairments that include vision. Vision impairment relative to ocular causes is well known and is being increasingly diagnosed. What has only recently come to the attention of providers is the possibility of brain based visual impairment. This is the leading cause of pediatric blindness in the developed world and is likely underappreciated in our adult population of adults with ID. This introductory lecture will provide a basic understanding of the differences between an ocular and brain based visual impairment, a pragmatic differentiation between cortical and cerebral visual impairment and case examples of how we determine the presence of CVI. Resources will work-arounds will also be provided.

10:00 – 11:00 Concurrent Sessions (continued)

D. Community Inclusion for Individuals with Vision and Additional Disabilities

Presenter: Stephen Perreault

New England Representative - Helen Keller National Center

Description: This presentation will focus on a process and plan to expand inclusion in community-based social/recreation activities for individuals with visual and/or multiple disabilities. The content will be based on person-centered planning to identify personal preferences in developing individual planning. Presentation will include strategies for addressing access/support needs and provide suggestions for achievement of successful outcomes.

E. New Products and Services

Five different companies/agencies will discuss the services and products they provide, including assistive technology, that are helpful to individuals with visual impairment or blindness and those who support them.

·  AdaptiVision/Optelec: Traveller HD

·  Perkins eLearning: Professional Development opportunities

·  Perkins Solutions: Digital accessibility, emerging technology for navigation

·  Massachusetts Commission for the Blind: Benefits and Services

·  New England Consortium for Deafblind Technical Assistance: Services

PLEASE NOTE: CEU’s are not offered for this session.

11:00 – 11:15 Break / Exhibits Open


11:15 – 12:15 Concurrent Sessions

A. Why Your Patient May Not See: A Presentation of Ocular Diseases Commonly Seen in Patients With Intellectual and Developmental Disability and the Currently Available Treatment

Presenter: Jean Ramsey, MD, MPH

Associate Professor for Ophthalmology and Pediatrics

Boston University School of Medicine

Vice-Chair of Education and Program Director

Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center (BMC)

Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs

Boston University School of Medicine

Description: Ocular diseases to be discussed will include cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal vascular diseases, retinopathy of prematurity, strabismus, keratoconus, and cortical visual impairment. Treatment options will be discussed and will include the new anti-angiogenic drugs currently being used with dramatic results in vascular disorders.

B. Public Speaking & Communication Skills for Improved

Self Advocacy

Presenters: Susannah Locketti, Wellness Coordinator

New England Village

Ginger Comeau, Director of Enrichment & Community Services

New England Village

Description: This training is devoted to improving the communication skills of the visually impaired to improve their self advocacy efforts. The skills taught will allow an individual to gain more awareness of their posture, body language, tone, emotions, volume, and clarity of thought when advocating for their personal needs in small or large group settings. Participants will have an opportunity to practice these skills in small breakout groups as well as large group work. If you want to self advocate effectively or support someone to do the same, this training is for you!

11:15 – 12:15 Concurrent Sessions (continued)

C. We See Things a Bit Differently

Presenters: Marianne Gilmore, Workforce Development Specialist

Carroll Center for the Blind

. Theresa E. Kane, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer

The Polus Center for Social & Economic Development, Inc

Joe R. Buizon, Employment Services Specialist
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Description: In the spring of 2015, The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind funded The Carroll Center for the Blind and the Polus Center to implement a transition to work program called Project SEARCH. Project SEARCH combines business partners with onsite supports for a full immersion in the workplace for individuals to gain marketable skills and gain competitive employment.

D. Transition Perspectives and Lessons Learned: A Candid Discussion with Parents of Youth and Young Adults Who Have Combined Vision and Hearing Loss

Presenter: Tracy Evans Luiselli, Ed.D.

Project Director

New England Consortium for Deafblind Technical Assistance and Training

Description: For many parents of teenagers and young adults who have combined vision and hearing loss, the transition from school to adult services is often overwhelming. There are many agencies and roads to travel, often resulting in confusion about how to access critical services after graduation. During this session, parents will speak about their journey, what was and was not helpful, and provide a brief roadmap of lessons learned along the way.


11:15 – 12:15 Concurrent Sessions (continued)

E. Simple Assistive Technology Options for the Blind &

Visually Impaired

Presenters: Catherine Bly, Program Coordinator

Assistive Technology Regional Center,

a MassMATCH program, managed by Easter Seals

Maureen Coyle, COMS

Carroll Center for the Blind & Shriver Clinical Services

Description: Please join us to learn about a variety of wonderful devices that help those with low vision or blindness function more effectively at work, their day program, or in their personal life. We will review and demonstrate each device for its functionality with our population. The emphasis will be on devices that assist with daily living, memory, organization, and having FUN! We plan to make this an interactive and hands-on session with our audience. Come and have a chat with a clock!

12:15 – 12:30 Exhibits Open

12:30 – 1:30 Lunch & Award Presentations:

● Mark Holt “Gift of Lunch”

● Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Service

● Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Leadership

1:30 – 2:00 Dedicated Vendor & Poster Session!!!

We listened to you!!!

We have again scheduled more time after lunch for meeting

our Exhibitors, viewing the Posters, and networking. Enjoy!!!


2:00 – 3:00 Concurrent Sessions

A.  The Power of Technology: Fundus Photography and OCT Use in Diabetes and Macular Degeneration

Presenter: Elena Z Biffi, OD, MSc, FAAO

Assistant Clinical Professor, NECO

Staff Optometrist, South Boston Community Health Center

Description: Fundus Photography (photography of the back part of the eye) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) have revolutionized our approach to retinal disease identification, diagnosis and decision making. This lecture will introduce the mechanics of the image acquisition, as well as will demonstrate the applicability of imaging technology in diagnosis and management of ocular conditions. Characteristic, disease-specific Fundus Photography and OCT patterns can be identified; these patterns will be illustrated via engaging case presentations in the overall framework of epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical features for Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration. Furthermore, understating of normal and abnormal retinal layer architecture will be tied to potential visual function; in turn, these conditions will be placed in the overall diagnostic and management framework used in day-to-day primary care and ocular disease.