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Winter/Spring 2005 Newsletter                  

Strategic Advocacy – The Experience of RI Parents of Blind and Visually Impaired Children (RIPBVIC)

By: Elizabeth Frampton, President RIPBVIC and Paul Loberti Vice President RIPBVIC

It seems that nothing is what it appears to be when it comes to educating blind and visually impaired children in the United States. On the one hand, we have what legal counselors assure us is sufficient protection in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) federal law. On the other hand, we have a national educational system that simply cannot and sometimes will not meet the fundamental needs articulated in IDEA for blind and visually impaired children. In fact, that is the stage and setting by which the RI Parents of Blind and Visually Impaired Children (RIPBVIC) made their debut in the state almost four years ago. It was a cold, brisk December evening, days before Christmas in 2000 when a group of motivated, outraged, and yes even desperate parents met at the School for the Deaf to discuss the gaps in services and education of our children. As key officers in the now viable parents group, we were a tad naïve that evening as to what to expect from our peers. In addition, we were perplexed as to how educating blind children had fallen out of favor in the educational system and how, seemingly, no one was paying attention. As fate allowed, RIPBVIC was born that evening on the coat tails of the years of unraveling unmet needs for blind children. So here it is on the precipice of 2005 and where are we? Well the notion of what we call strategic advocacy comes to mind to describe this new, improved parents group. As we define this approach to assertively advocate for our children, we have the following to report:

1. The establishment of a Special Legislative Commission in 2003 to study and make recommendations regarding services and education to blind and visually impaired children.
2. The creation of a Strategic Plan that articulates the needs, gaps and delivery of education and services for our children.
3. The relocation and renaming of the Vision Education and Services Program (RIVESP) from RI School for the Deaf to the Sherlock Center at RI College.
4. The hiring of a Program Coordinator for the RIVESP.
5. The development of a Rhode Island Agenda which will specify standards for vision education as well as a specially designed assistive technology plan for the state .
6. The creation of a RIVESP Advisory Board .
7. The establishment of a graduate level degree program to credential and place Teachers of the Visually Impaired.
   

So that December back in 2000 made way for some palpable changes. However, it isn’t over till its over. As we embark upon a new year, it is strategic advocacy that keeps us moving and focused on what we have done and what is needed for our children. We trust that 2005 ushers in a renewed sense of what needs to be accomplished and what is right and best for our children. RIPBVIC has made this our life’s work. Any takers for some strategic advocacy for blind children? Contact us by email RIPBVI01@aol.com.

Director’s Corner

Welcome to the New Year! I love this time of the year when we say goodbye to the Old Year and welcome to the New Year. It gives us the opportunity to look back at what we have accomplished and to look ahead with new energy at the possibilities of the future.
2004 was a good year for TechACCESS. More people than ever before were helped through our information services, our evaluation and training consultations, our Conference and workshops, and our involvement in systems change activities. More people than ever before were able to feel the empowering role technology can play in their lives at home, in the classroom, on the job and in the community. And more people than ever before had their lives changed because of assistive technology.
But there is still much to do! There are many more people with disabilities in Rhode Island who do not have the information or access to technology they need. As we look ahead to 2005, we have much to do. We need to increase our outreach to those who have not heard about technology. We need to work with other agencies to see that all who need assistive technology have equal access to the information, devices and services they need. We need to work with funding sources such as Medicare and Medicaid to insure the timely funding of devices and services, and we need to initiate new programs that meet the growing needs of children and adults with disabilities.
2005 is full of promise and potential. The possibilities for the future are endless, exciting, and calling us to work!
The focus of this issue is on RIVESP- a new educational program for students with visual impairment. An example of collaboration leading to success. A must read! Over the last few years, there has been an exciting collaboration between parents, legislators, public and private agencies, educational institutions, and people with visual impairments to review and address the educational needs of children and adults with visual impairments in Rhode Island. The parents who started the collaboration by asking questions, the Program Director of the new Vision Education and Services Program, and the RIDE, Office of Special Populations Director tell the story of how everyone got together, what they have accomplished, and what’s planned for the future. A story of how systems can change when people work together.

Take a look at upcoming workshops and think about getting involved with our Sailing Into Summer Fundraiser. We need your help and besides…. It lots of fun!
Have a great 2005!
Judi

In memory of Frances Romano
1926 - 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with Fran Dixon and her family

TechACCESS STAFF

Executive Director: Judi Hammerlind Carlson
Business Manager: Fran Dixon
Information Specialist & TechACCESSory Editor: Beverly Andrade Johnson
AT Consultant & Clinical Manager: Kelly A. Charlebois
AT & AAC Consultant: Sally Cole-Major
AAC Consultant: Joanne Heffernan
AT Consultant: Cheryl Simmons
AT Consultant: Gloria B. Stuart

TechACCESS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2004-2005

Chair: Jeanne Cola
Vice Chair: Robert Mullaney
Secretary: Sharon Charette
Financial Officer: Lawrence Hershoff

General Board:
Jason Holt, Esq.
James Langevin, US House of Representatives
Kate McCarthy-Barnett
Joanne McClatchy
Rep. Eileen Naughton
Bernard Selby, Board Emeritus

ATAP FUNDING REPORT

Message from ATAP's Project Director:
ATAP is looking ahead to the future…the new AT Act will increase resources to enable the Project to sustain existing programs, while developing new initiatives. There is also language that strengthens the need for coordination and collaboration with other key service providers. ATAP believes that the new law will be a significant benefit to Rhode Islanders with disabilities.
Regina Connor

New AT Act Signed Into Law
In a victory for millions of Americans who use or could benefit from assistive technology, the new Assistive Technology Act was signed into law on October 25, 2004. The Act replaces the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, which was scheduled to sunset on September 30, 2004. Like it’s predecessor, the new AT Act funds the state AT Programs that establish systems to help individuals with disabilities gain access to assistive technology. However, Congress has made some updates to the structure of and funding of the programs.

Duration
One of the most important changes in the new AT Act is that there is no sunset provision. This means that the Act will never expire, and the AT Programs will continue to be funded indefinitely. It also means that Congress wants the AT Programs to be permanent.

Funding
The Act also changes the funding structure for the AT programs. As long as Congress allocates more than it did in 2004, states will receive a minimum of $410,000 in AT funding. Based on the population, Rhode Island will receive the minimum amount, however, it will actually result in an increase over the current funding level.

Activities Required Under the Grant
The Act requires that 60% of the funds received by each state be used for certain types of activities called “state level activities” including:

• State finance systems (including an alternative loan program)
• Device reutilization programs
• Device Loan Programs
• Device Demonstrations

The remaining 40% goes to what the Act calls “state leadership activities”. These include:

• Training and technical assistance: including training in skills-development, use and application, assessment and implementation and technical integration as well as transition assistance
• Public awareness: including communication between providers and users, dissemination of information and a statewide information and referral system
• Coordination and collaboration- coordination with entities responsible for policies, procedures, or funding for AT devices and services

There is also a state flexibility provision in the bill that permits the state to perform just two of the four required state level activities so long as they devote 70% of their funding to those two activities. For more information about the Assistive Technology Act go to http://www.ataporg.org. For the full text of the Act, go to http://www.ataporg.org/pl105.asp.

Call ATAP in state at 1-800-916-8324 or 401-463-0202 (TTY) with your funding questions.
ATAP- Partners in Removing Barriers and Improving Access to Assistive Technology

RI Vision Education and Services Program joins The Paul V. Sherlock Center at RI College

Partnerships at Work- The RI Department of Education and RI Parents of Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

The RI Department of Education’s Office of Special Populations has many relationships with parents both formally and informally. One such formal relationship is with the Rhode Island Special Education Advisory Committee (RISEAC), which meets on a monthly basis to advise on the education of children with disabilities including unmet needs within the state, comment publicly on any rules and regulations proposed by the state regarding the education of students with disabilities, corrective action, and development of policies. In addition, parents are part of many decisions, advisory committees, etc. that are part of the work at the RI Department of Education.

Together RIDE and the RIPBVIC in conjunction with the Special House Commission to Promote and Develop a Comprehensive System of Education for Visually Impaired Children have built a positive relationship that has resulted in many positive steps for children who are blind or visually impaired. These steps include working with parents to bring the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) seminar to the local school districts entitled Improving Educational Services for Students with Visual Impairment as well as facilitating the relocation the RIVESP to the Paul V. Sherlock Center. Parents were part of the selection and hiring of the Program Coordinator for the program, and are an important partner in the development of the new RIVESP Advisory Board. The positive partnership with the parents has allowed RI to take many first steps, as the RIVESP becomes a nationally recognized model for delivering a quality education to students who are blind or visually impaired. The RIVESP Advisory Board will help by advising the program and the department on a variety of issues unique to the needs of visually impaired or blind students. This advisory board will be comprised of parents and professionals. Currently, two parents sit on the planning and development workgroup that is advising the membership of this advisory board.

However, there are still many challenges yet to overcome. One challenge that faces RI and the nation is the need for quality vision teachers. RI has a partnership through RIC and UMASS to train people to become teachers of the visually impaired or Orientation and Mobility specialists. Through this program and aggressive recruitment measures, RI hopes to increase the amount of services available and to service all students who are blind or visually impaired in RI. We continue to work with TechACCESS and others to provide assistive technology services to students and families and to provide professional development opportunities to Teachers of the Visually Impaired and other professionals. It is our continued commitment to the students and their families that RIDE will continue to promote the inclusion of all students with special needs in education initiatives.

Resources for Parents and Teachers of Blind and Visually Impaired Children:

To read more about the activities of the RI Parents of Blind and Visually Impaired Children (from page one) visit their website: www.ripbvic.com/index.html

For information on the RI Vision Education and Services Program (RIVESP) Advisory Board, contact Kim Carson, M.Ed., Educational Specialist, at the RI Department of Education, 401-222-4600x 2336 (phone), 401-222-6030 (fax), 800-745-5555 (TTY), or email rid03265@ride.ri.net.

To learn about the Special House Commission to Promote and Develop a Comprehensive System of Education for Visually Impaired Children; their scope of work, meeting schedule, presentations and Interim Report please visit: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/gen_assembly/vision/vision.htm

For information on the UMASS graduate program for those interested in becoming Orientation and Mobility Specialists, please visit: http://www.umb.edu/academics/graduate/orientation_mobility/

The V.I. Guide website contains information on many topics pertaining to parenting and teaching a child with visual impairments. Website address : http://viguide.com/

The New York Institute for Special Education (NYISE) provides a wide range of resources for the blind and visually impaired: http://www.nyise.org/blind.htm

SPED 545-01: Assistive Technology in the Classroom
Offered by Rhode Island College, in collaboration with TechACCESS of RI and the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities. All classes held at the TechACCESS Center.

Explore the wide range of technologies that enable students with disabilities to participate effectively in general curriculum and to meet individualized goals. Classes begin January 24, 2005. 3 graduate credits.

Course call # 21451 Times: Monday evenings, 4:00 - 7:00 pm, 15 weeks/one evening per week

Registration is web-based. Log on to www.ric.edu to register. Regular college tuition and fees apply– contact Records at 401-456-8212/8213 for registration information. Other questions? Contact Betsy Dalton at 401-456-8072 ext.4736 or email edalton@ric.edu.

Win A NEO!!!

TechACCESS Assistive Technology Club

Teachers and therapists, are you looking for activities to add to your bag of tricks? Each session will consist of a fun, creative “make & take” low-tech activity and software previews.

Where: TechACCESS Technology Lab
When: 3:30 pm -5:00 pm

• Thursday, January 27, 2005- Getting Organized*- Materials and strategies for keeping students on task
• Thursday, February 17, 2005- Interactive Song Boards* Making language and text visual
• Thursday, March 31, 2005- Trifold Choice Board* Make a portable veltex choice/communication board
• Thursday, April 28, 2005- Adapt-A-Book**

Cost: $20.00 for each session

*Sessions are limited to 12 participants. **Session limited to 10 participants
These sessions will fill up! Call Beverly to register at 401-463-0202.

Sailing Into Summer II

OK, we realize summer is a long time away, but ...we are planning our second annual Sailing Into Summer Silent Auction and Dinner Dance for June 16, 2005. If you would like to join our crew and help us put together another successful event, we’d love to hear from you.

• Maybe you would like to help us solicit donations for the auction...

• Perhaps you would like to donate an item to the auction yourself– a vacation home for a week, a piece of artwork, sports memorabilia, etc...

• Maybe you would like to help us sell advertising space or tickets to the auction…

Call Beverly Andrade Johnson at 401-463-0202 to become part of our crew. Visit our auction page for more ways you can help. In the meantime, keep warm and have a happy and safe winter. See you in the Spring!

TechASSETS

Equipment:
Lois Blazer
Bradley Hospital
Coast to Coast Promotional Products
Joy Dennis
Mary & Ralph Dexter
Freedom Scientific B/LV Group
Give Tech
Intellitools, Inc.
Madentec
Sally Cole Major
Optelec, US Inc.

Support:
Detta Ali
George Blais
In memory of Thomas & Claire Heelon
Leslie Brown
Christopher & Ellen Connery
V. Dalessandro
Joy Dennis
Fran Dixon
In memory of Frances Romano
Gail Fogarty
Selena Genovese
Jackie Lavernge
Representative Eileen Naughton
Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program
John Preece
Rita Price
RI Foundation
Herman H. Rose
Shriner’s of RI Charities Trust
Margarita Viera
Cheryl Webster

Thank you to all who helped us put together yet another successful Assistive Technology: Improving Lives Daily conference!
Conference Volunteers:
Paul Autote
Sharon Charette
Joy Dennis
Kathleen Fresher-Samways
Jim Hannah
Lisa Labitt
Shea Obremski
Jeanne Panarace
Lezlee Shaffer

Thank you to all who have made anonymous donations through the United Way, SECA and the Combined Federal Campaign.
If your name was inadvertently left off this list please let us know by calling 401-463-0202.

Donation Form (click here to print out form on separate page)

I would like to help TechACCESS of RI change lives…

Enclosed is my gift for: $________________

Name: __________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________

City: _________________________ State: ________Zip: __________

Phone: _________________ E-mail: __________________________

____ Visa / MasterCard

Card #: __________________________Expiration date: _________

Signature of cardholder: ___________________________________

_______My gift qualifies for employer matching funds from ___________________________________

_______ Form enclosed

I would like to make my gift: ___ In Memory of: ____In Honor of: _______________________________________________________

Please send acknowledgement card to:

Name: __________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________

City: _______________________ State: _____ Zip_______________

Make checks payable to:

TechACCESS of RI
110 Jefferson Blvd., Ste. I
Warwick, RI 02888

Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law.

If you need assistance filling out this form, please call Beverly at 401-463-0202.

CALENDARS

January 2005

Center closed January 17- Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Public Demonstrations (Regularly scheduled exhibits of current technology. Please call for appointment.)

Monday, January 3- Low Vision Access 1:00-3:00pm

Monday, January 10 -Computer Access 1:00-3:00pm

Monday, January 24 - Technology for Personal Communication 1:00-3:00pm

Member Hours (Designated time for members only. An appointment must be made. Call Gloria to insure equipment availability.)
Tuesdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25  9:00am-1:00pm

ATAP Resource Center (Open to public. Call Beverly for an appointment.)
January 4, 11, 18, 25 by appointment   9:00am-1:00pm
January 6, 20 by appointment   2:00pm-6:00pm

After School Tech Time (Offered to RI teachers, parents and students. Please call for appointment.)
January 6, 20 by appointment   2:00pm-6:00pm

AT in the Classroom (graduate class)
Mondays January 24 - May 9
January 24, 31 4:00 - 7:00pm

AlphaSmart® Product Demonstration
Neo- January 13 -sign up necessary - 3:30 - 5:00pm

Assistive Tech Club ($20.00 materials fee)
January 27 3:30pm-5:00pm

Board of Directors Meeting
January 19 4:00pm-6:00pm

Contents

February 2005

Center closed February 21- President's Day

Public Demonstrations (Regularly scheduled exhibits of current technology. Please call for appointment.)

Monday, February 7- Blind Vision Access 1:00-3:00pm

Monday, February 14- Computer Access1:00-3:00pm

Monday, February 28- Technology for Personal Communication 1:00-3:00pm

Member Hours (Designated time for members only. An appointment must be made. Call Gloria to insure equipment availability.)
Tuesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22   9:00am-1:00pm

ATAP Resource Center (Open to public. Call Beverly for an appointment.)
February 1, 8, 15, 22 by appointment  9:00am-1:00pm
February 10, 24 by appointment  2:00pm-6:00pm

After School Tech Time (Offered to RI teachers, parents and students. Please call for appointment.)
February 10, 24 by appointment  2:00pm-6:00pm

AT in the Classroom (graduate class)
Mondays January 24 - May 9
February 7, 14, 28 4:00 - 7:00pm

Board Committee Meetings
February 16  4:00pm-6:00pm

March 2005

Monday, March 7- Low Vision Access 1:00-3:00pm

Monday, March 14 - Computer Access 1:00-3:00pm

Monday, March 21 - Blind Access 1:00-3:00pm

Monday, March 28- Technology for Personal Communication 1:00-3:00pm

Member Hours (Designated time for members only. An appointment must be made. Call Gloria to insure equipment availability.)
Tuesdays , March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29    9:00am-1:00pm

ATAP Resource Center (Open to public. Call Beverly for an appointment.)
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29  by appointment   9:00am-1:00pm
March 3, 10, 24  by appointment   2:00pm-6:00pm

After School Tech Time (Offered to RI teachers, parents and students. Please call for appointment.)
March 3, 10,  by appointment   2:00pm-6:00pm

AT in the Classroom (graduate class)
Mondays January 24 - May 9
March 7, 14, 21, 28 4:00 - 7:00pm

Kurzweil Product Demonstration
March 24 -sign up necessary - 3:30 - 5:00pm

Assistive Tech Club ($20.00 materials fee)
March 31 3:30pm-5:00pm

Board of Directors Meeting
March 16 4:00pm-6:00pm

April 2005

Monday, April 4- Low Vision Access 1:00-3:00pm

Monday, April 11- Computer Access 1:00-3:00pm

Monday, April 18- Blind Access 1:00-3:00pm

Monday, April 25- Technology for Personal Communication 1:00-3:00pm

Member Hours (Designated time for members only. An appointment must be made. Call Gloria to insure equipment availability.)
Tuesdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26  9:00am-1:00pm

ATAP Resource Center (Open to public. Call Beverly for an appointment.)
April 5, 12, 19, 26 by appointment   9:00am-1:00pm
April 7, 21  by appointment   2:00pm-6:00pm

After School Tech Time (Offered to RI teachers, parents and students. Please call for appointment.)
April 7, 21  by appointment   2:00pm-6:00pm

AT in the Classroom (graduate class)
Mondays January 24 - May 9
April 4, 11, 18, 25 4:00 - 7:00pm

Assistive Tech Club ($20.00 materials fee)
April 28   3:30pm-5:00pm

Board Committee Meetings
April 20  4:00pm-6:00pm

MEMBERS HOURS: Designated time for members only. An appointment must be made. Call Gloria to insure equipment availability.
PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION: Regularly scheduled exhibits of current technology. Please call for appointment.
AFTER SCHOOL TECH TIME: Offered to RI teachers, parents and students. Please call for appointment.
ATAP RESOURCE CENTER: Open to public. Call Beverly for an appointment.

Need information on assistive technology? Call the ATAP Information Center at TechACCESS 1-800-916-8324 (TECH) toll-free in state

Mention of products or services in this newsletter does not constitute endorsement by TechACCESS of RI. Our intent is to increase awareness of programs and information which may be helpful to our readers. If you find an error or omission please let us know.

To request this newsletter in large print, on computer disk, or on audiotape, or to update your mailing information or to be removed from our mailing list, please call TechACCESS.

This newsletter is published with support from ATAP (under federal grant award H224A30012) and RIDE.
TechACCESS is an affiliate of the Alliance for Technology Access (ATA).

Please remember us when making your donation through the United Way, SECA, or Combined Federal Campaign payroll deduction plan. Our designation number is 4892.

Contents |    TechACCESS Homepage    |

TechACCESS of RI
110 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite I
Warwick, RI 02888-3854
Phone: 401-463-0202 (v/tdd)
FAX: 401-463-3433
In-State: 800-916-(TECH)8324
Contact: TechACCESS of RI | techaccess@techaccess-ri.org|

Last revised:December 22, 2004

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