“Creating the Dream”
Iowa Braille School
Statewide System for Vision Services
Spring Conference
For parents, and professionals who work with their children
April 8-10, 2011
Adventureland Inn
3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, Iowa
Special room rates and stipends for parents
“Creating the Dream”
Keynote Speaker: Jane Bernstein
Author of Loving Rachel and Rachel in the World
Jane Bernstein
was born in Brooklyn, New
York and educated at New York University and
Columbia University. She is the author of five
books, most recently Rachel in the World. Among
her fellowships and awards are two Pennsylvania
Council of the Arts Fellowships, one in creative
writing and one in media arts, two National
Endowment for the Arts Fellowships in Creative
Writing. Jane is a professor of English and Creative
Writing at Carnegie Mellon University and lives in
Pittsburgh, PA.
Rachel in the World, which begins in Rachel’s fifth year and ends when she turns twenty two, tells of
their barriers and successes with the same honesty and humor that made Loving Rachel, Bernstein’s first
memoir, a classic in its field. As Rachel prepares to leave her mother’s constant protection, Bernstein
invites the reader to share the frustrations and unexpected pleasures of finding a place for her daughter,
first in her family, and then in the world.
Friday, April 8:
Families must choose one activity or the other, on the registration form.
6:30-8:00 pm
Geocaching
Everyone is catching the Geocaching bug! Learn about Geocaching and modifications for low
vision and blind students. Learn how to enter GPS coordinates onto selected GPS units, and examples of
modifications to meet students' needs. Families must arrive by 6:30 p.m. to participate in this session.
Experience Your Child’s World
Let the fun begin! Try your hand at following a schedule and completing activities similar to
what your child may experience daily. Family members will use low vision simulators or sleep shades to
participate in a variety of fun activities. Everyone will have the opportunity to explore the environment,
overcome an obstacle, play a game and discover new ways of looking at the world. Come and join the
fun whenever you arrive. This event will run continuously throughout the evening.
8:15 – 9:00 pm
Snacks and prizes will follow the activities. You will also have an opportunity to meet friends and share
the evening experiences.
Saturday, April 9:
8:45-9:45 am
Welcome and Future Changes in the Statewide System
Patrick Clancy, Superintendent / Administrator Statewide System for
Vision Services
In addition to welcoming everyone to the Spring Conference, Patrick will describe the changes underway with the Statewide
System and the rationale for the changes. The changes will bring more services to children and families closer to their homes
in regions of the state. This session will seek additional input into the type of services that are needed. This session will also
provide an overview of the Individual Education Program (IEP) to set the framework for the Sunday morning session.
9:45-10:00 am
Break
10:00-11:00 am
What Happens When Love is no Longer Enough?
Jane Bernstein
Jane Bernstein thought that learning to accept her daughter’s disabilities meant her struggles were over. But as Rachel grew
up and needed more than a parent’s devotion, both mother and daughter were confronted with formidable obstacles.
Audience members will have the opportunity to share obstacles they have encountered.
11:00-Noon
Resources for Families
George Abbott, Vice President of Education and Training for the
Hadley School for the Blind
The Hadley School for the Blind, founded in 1920, has as its mission to promote independent living through lifelong,
distance education programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, their families and blindness service
providers. Hadley offers courses free of charge to its blind and visually impaired students and their families and affordable
tuition courses to blindness professionals. George will be sharing the different resources provided by Hadley. You won’t
want to miss information about the family education program, professional studies, additional resources as well as the many
partner agencies with which Hadley works to support children who are blind or visually impaired and their families.
Noon-1:00 pm
Lunch
1:15-2:30 pm
Breakout Sessions
A Live Perspective from Fathers – Facilitators: Brook Nolin and Jason Yessak
Brook is the father of Zachary, a 4 year old blind child. Jason is the father of Marissa, a 7 year old visually impaired
child. Sit back and enjoy hearing from fathers who have years of experience being a parent of a blind or visually impaired
child. Join in this interactive session. You will have plenty of opportunity to discuss issues, ask questions, and gain support.
This will be a great chance to talk to dads who understand. This session is only for male family members and caregivers.
A Live Perspective from Mothers – Facilitator: Jane Bernstein
Sit back and enjoy hearing from mothers who have years of experience being a parent of a blind or visually impaired
child. Join in this interactive session. You will have plenty of opportunity to discuss issues, ask questions, and gain support.
This will be a great chance to talk to moms who understand. This session is only for female family members and caregivers.
Professionals’ Panel – Facilitators: Kay Jahnel, Regional Director East and Gwen
Woodward, Regional Director West
This session is for professionals who support families and students with visual impairments and blindness including
those with additional disabilities. The session will explain the Expanded Core Curriculum Needs Checklist and how the
entire team can support the student’s learning. The session will cover how to identify priority areas for instruction, how to
get everyone involved including their roles and responsibilities and actions that can be taken when students need more
support.
2:30-3:00 pm
Visit the many exhibits
Accessibility.net
Camp Sunnyside
Hadley School for the Blind
Math / Science
Active Learning
Department for the Blind
Independent Living Skills
Technology
American Printing House
Discovery Toys
Iowa Braille School
Vision Helpers
Saturday, April 9: continued
3:00-3:15 pm
Break
3:15-4:30 pm
Breakout Sessions
Transition – Jane Bernstein
Transition is the most important part of the lives of our sons and daughters – and often the most
misunderstood. Advice from a parent on helping a child on the long road toward independence.
Braille Readiness – Carrie Cimmarusti-Erickson, TVI, Roseann and Bryce Drapeau,
Parents, and Margie Ortgiesen, Literacy Consultant,
Having a strong foundation for learning is necessary for all children to succeed at reading. Participants
will learn about a specific set of abilities necessary for future achievement by braille readers. In this
session, some of those important building blocks and enrichment activities will be discussed, explored,
be available for viewing, and demonstrated. The session will integrate what parents can do at home to
make the learning come full circle.
Experience Books and Boxes: Literacy for Students with Visual Impairments and
Additional Disabilities - Cindy White-Botello, Special Education Consultant
Participating in literacy activities is important for all individuals. For those who have severe multiple
disabilities that include visual, cognitive, and motor impairments, accessing and understanding written
symbols of language can be difficult. Realizing that objects are symbols that can be “read” broadens the
options for literacy activities for students with significant disabilities. This session will target the use of
objects in experience books and boxes as an easy-to-implement approach to promote literacy.
Professionals - Saturday dinner on your own
Families are invited to a Pizza and Ice Cream Party
sponsored by an anonymous family.
Gather in the West Court Yard (pool area) from 6:00-9:00 pm Saturday
for pizza, ice cream, and classic rock and roll.
The Schmidt Family Band will perform from 7:00–9:00 pm
Sunday, April 10
8:45-9:45 am
Parking Lot Questions – Patrick Clancy
Throughout the weekend participants will be able to ask questions, regarding the new model of services,
by posting questions on a community bulletin board. On Sunday, Patrick will attempt to answer these
questions primarily related to the changes in the way services will be offered throughout the state, as
well as, addressing questions related to students’ IEP documents and process.
9:45-10:45 am
My Personal Story and Keys to Success – George Abbott
George Abbott will describe what it was like for him growing up as the only blind child, not only in his
home, but in his school district. He will share his and his family's adjustment to blindness, George's
education and career. George will also explain the keys critical for success that every blind or visually
impaired person should possess and how the family plays an important role.
10:45-11:00 am
Break
11 am- Noon
End Note and Wrap-up Discussion – Jane Bernstein
How will we proceed to create the dream for our children? Thoughts about keeping our connections
going.
Noon
Box Lunches you can eat in the dining room or take them with you
Iowa Braille School/Statewide System for Vision Services
“Creating the Dream”
Adventureland Inn
3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, Iowa
Parent Registration Form
Parent Name:
First
Last
First
Last
Parent Name:
Address:
Street Address
City
State
Zip
Home Phone: (____)___________ Email Address:
Child’s Name:
First
Last
Visual Diagnosis: ___________________Additional Disabilities:
Date of Birth: _________________Current Grade: _____________ Gender:
AEA: ____________ TVI: ______________________COMS:
School District:
Number attending:
Friday evening
Friday evening activity
Saturday breakfast
Saturday lunch
Saturday evening Pizza Party
Sunday breakfast
Sunday lunch
Adult(s)
Geocaching
Adult(s)
Adult(s)
Adult(s)
Adult(s)
Adult(s)
Child(ren)
Experience Your…
Child(ren)
Child(ren)
Child(ren)
Child(ren)
Child(ren)
Special diet
Material Format needed: ____ print ____ electronic
Childcare will be available, but limited to the first 20 families who register. If you would like to take
advantage of free childcare, please complete the following and return ASAP.
Child’s Name
Child’s Age
Special Needs
Return Registration by March 25 to:
Kathy Hintz
Iowa Braille School
1002 G Ave., Vinton, IA 52349
Fax 319-472-4371 or khintz@iowa-braille.k12.ia.us
Iowa Braille School/Statewide System for Vision Services
“Creating the Dream”
Adventureland Inn
3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, Iowa
Professional Registration Form
Name:
First
Last
Address:
Street Address
City
State
Zip
Home Phone: (____)___________ Email Address:
Place of Employment:
Address:
Street Address
City
State
Work Phone: (____)
Number attending:
Zip
Cell Phone: (____)
Friday evening
Saturday breakfast
Saturday lunch
Saturday evening meal on your own
Sunday breakfast
Sunday lunch
Special diet
Material Format needed: ____ print ____ electronic
Return Registration by March 25 to:
Kathy Hintz
Iowa Braille School
1002 G Ave
Vinton, IA 52349
Fax 319-472-4371
khintz@iowa-braille.k12.ia.us
Iowa Braille School/Statewide System for Vision Services
“Creating the Dream”
Friday, April 8, 2011
Please stop at the registration table when you arrive.
6:30-8:00 pm
Experience Your Child’s World or Geocaching
8:00-8:15 pm
Break
8:15-9:00 pm
Socialize and Share Evening Experiences
Saturday, April 9, 2011
8:00-8:30 am
Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:45-9:45 am
Welcome and Future Changes in the Statewide System – Patrick Clancy
9:45-10:00 am
Break
10:00-11:00 am
Keynote
Creating the Dream – Jane Bernstein
11:00-Noon
Resources for Families – George Abbott, Hadley School for the Blind
Noon-1:00 pm
LUNCH
1:15-2:30 pm
Breakout Sessions
A Live Perspective from Fathers – Brook Nolin and Jason Yessak
A Live Perspective from Mothers – Jane Bernstein
Professionals’ Panel: Effective Methods of Working with Families –
Kay Jahnel and Gwen Woodward
2:30-3:00 pm
Visit the many exhibits
3:15-4:30 pm
Breakout Sessions
Transition – Jane Bernstein
Braille Readiness – Carrie Cimarrusti-Erickson, Margie Ortgiesen, and Roseann
and Bryce Drapeau
Experience Books and Boxes: Literacy for Students with Visual Impairments and
Additionals Disabilities – Cindy White-Botello
Professionals – dinner on your own.
Families invited to Pizza and Ice Cream Party.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
8:00-8:30 am
Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:45-9:45 am
Parking Lot Questions – Patrick Clancy
9:45-10:00 am
Break
10:00-11:00 am
My Personal Story and Keys to Success
11:00-Noon
End Note and Wrap-up Discussion – Jane Bernstein
Noon
Box Lunches – you can eat in the dining room or take them with you
– George Abbott
Location/Meals/Parking/Hotel Rooms
Adventureland Inn, 3200 Adventureland Dr., Altoona, Iowa
Rooms have been set aside at a group rate of $89. You must make your own room reservations.
Call 515-265-7321 or 800-910-5382 and ask for a room for the Iowa Braille School Spring
Conference or Group #3730.
Room reservations need to be made by March 18, 2011
Saturday breakfast & lunch provided
Saturday evening meal - professionals meal on your own, families are invited to a Pizza and Ice
Cream Party
Sunday breakfast and lunch provided
Free parking
Stipends will be available for parents as they leave the conference
Within 50 miles of the hotel - $50 per day (maximum $150)
Further than 50 miles of hotel - $100 per day (maximum $300)
Parents please bring a picture of your child for a sharing activity.
Relax and soak up the rays at Adventureland Inn’s sunlit tropical courtyards surrounded by
lush plants and sparkling blue water. Enjoy the fun of all the playful water activities, sit at the
swim-up bar or relax in one of their two hot tubs.
For more information: http://adventureland-inn.com/info/faq/
Iowa Braille School/Statewide System for Vision Services
1002 G Ave
Vinton, IA 52349