The Missouri Chapter of AER is pleased to announce the 2016 Fall Conference and Business Meeting.
When: Monday November 7, 2016
Where: Hilton Garden Inn-Columbia, MO
3300 Vandiver Drive, Columbia, MO
Contact:
Aundrayah Shermer
Treasurer – MOAER
4134 W. 94th Ter., Apt. 211
Prairie Village, KS 66207
Session Descriptions:
- Comparing Braille to Printed English, Dr. Mackenzie Savaiano
In this presentation, we will discuss the relationship between the braille code and printed English as it affects beginning readers. Specifically, we will describe the efficiency of braille contractions related to the frequency of words and letter combinations in 3rd and 4th grade texts. Results suggest that braille contractions are a generally strong representation of printed American English. In terms of the instructional sequence, early braille lessons tend to prioritize characters with easily recognizable dot configurations, but many later lessons appear to group contractions and short form words that are similar without consideration of how frequently they occur in print (e.g., teaching thyself with yourself). We concluded that, despite its nineteenth century French genesis, the braille system represents current American English orthography efficiently, but that braille instructional practices could be refined to support earlier acquisition of important features of English.
Presenter Background Information: Dr. Mackenzie Savaiano is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, where she coordinates the graduate specialization in visual impairments and is currently PI on an OSEP personnel preparation grant to train TVIs and TODs in the Midwest region. Dr. Savaiano also conducts research related to literacy for students with visual impairments, and in addition to the research presented here, her research focuses on writing of students with VI. If that wasn’t enough, Dr. Savaiano also has two girls, a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old, who take up the rest of her time.
- Preparing for Post- Secondary Education –Barbara Hammer
When students begin their college careers, the transition is often exciting and unsettling – new people, changes in environment and daily routine, and increased academic demands all create challenges. For disabled students, the experience is complicated by the additional requirements of learning to navigate the process to request accommodations, and then putting those accommodations in place. This session will highlight the differences between the K-12 and higher education experiences, and provide suggestions for how education professionals can assist students in preparing for that transition. Specific suggestions will be offered that focus on the experience of students who are blind or low vision.
Presenter Background Information: Barbara Hammer is the Director of the Disability Center at the University of Missouri. With over 15 years’ experience in disability services in higher education, and over 35 years in the field of disability services in general (public and private sector), Barb is a seasoned counselor and consultant. In addition to her responsibilities at the Disability Center, Barb is active in the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), serves as an Editor on the Practice Brief Review Board for the Journal of Post-Secondary Education and Disabilities (JPED), is Past-President of the Missouri Association on Higher Education and Disability (MO AHEAD), is a member of the Board of Directors for Services for Independent Living in Columbia, and recently completed a two year term on the Missouri State Advisory Board for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Barb presents regularly at professional conferences and for small and larger groups on a wide range of topics related to post-secondary education for students with disabilities.
IIA. Comparing Braille to Printed English – Dr. Mackenzie Savaiano
In this presentation, we will discuss the relationship between the braille code and printed English as it affects beginning readers. Specifically, we will describe the efficiency of braille contractions related to the frequency of words and letter combinations in 3rd and 4th grade texts. Results suggest that braille contractions are a generally strong representation of printed American English. In terms of the instructional sequence, early braille lessons tend to prioritize characters with easily recognizable dot configurations, but many later lessons appear to group contractions and short form words that are similar without consideration of how frequently they occur in print (e.g., teaching thyself with yourself). We concluded that, despite its nineteenth century French genesis, the braille system represents current American English orthography efficiently, but that braille instructional practices could be refined to support earlier acquisition of important features of English.
Presenter Background Information: Dr. Mackenzie Savaiano is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, where she coordinates the graduate specialization in visual impairments and is currently PI on an OSEP personnel preparation grant to train TVIs and TODs in the Midwest region. Dr. Savaiano also conducts research related to literacy for students with visual impairments, and in addition to the research presented here, her research focuses on writing of students with VI. If that wasn’t enough, Dr. Savaiano also has two girls, a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old, who take up the rest of her time.
IIB. Transition Changes: Rehab Services for the Blind – Janet Moore and Keith Roderick
Changes are coming in transition services. This will be a two part presentation. First, come see what services are provided and how you can tap into services provided by the Center for Braille and Narration Production. The second part will be discussion on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) changes to transition services. This will include eligibility for services, Pre-Employment Transition services, and working with schools and IDEA in the provision of transition services.
Presenter Background Information: Janet has worked for Missouri RSB for 29 years. She has been a Rehabilitation Assistant and Administrative Office Support Assistant. Currently, she is executive Director of the Center for Braille and Narration Production. Keith has worked for Missouri RSB for 17 years in many positions including Children’s Specialist, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Prevention of Blindness Program Coordinator, Management Analysis Specialist, Policy Development Coordinator, and is currently the Fiscal and Administrative Manager for RSB.