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2024 Visions of Collaborations Conference Agenda

Friday, March 22, 2024 | 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

8:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.

Registration 

  • Explore Exhibit Tables
  • Continental Breakfast
  • Networking

9:00 A.M. to 9:15 A.M.

Welcome

Moderators: 

  • Mayanne MacDonald-Briggs, Pre-Employment Transition Counselor, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
  • Ally Bull, Orientation and Mobility Director, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Overview:

  • Housekeeping
  • Regional Director Introductions

9:15 A.M.  to 10:15 A.M.

Thinking Outside the Individualized Education Program (IEP): Fostering Effective Socialization Through Extracurricular Skill-Building Experiences

Presenters:

  • Ally Bull, Orientation and Mobility Director, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
  • Courtney Wescott, Associate Director of Outreach Short Course Programs, Perkins School for the Blind

Overview:

  • Identify the benefits of transition-age socialization programs
  • Understand the importance of generalization of social skills across all environments
  • Learn different ways to engage students to foster socialization through skill building experiences
  • Different ways to engage your students to foster socialization through skill building experiences

10:15 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Resources and Accommodations for Legally Blind Students

Presenter:

  • Robert Pelychaty, Manager of Inclusive Assessment, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

Overview:

  • Understand MCAS for students who are legally blind.
    • Student Registration/Personal Needs Profile (SR/PNP)
    • MCAS accommodations A1 to A17 and SA1 to SA7
    • Decision-making tool for selecting MCAS accommodations
    • Suggested guidelines for assistive technology MCAS accommodations
    • Approved English Language Arts, Math, and Science graphic organizers and reference sheets
    • Requesting unique MCAS accommodations

11:00 A.M. to 11:15 A.M.

Break

11:15 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

The New Individualized Education Program (IEP) in Action

Presenters:

  • Jordynn Nowak, Assistant Education Director for Curriculum & School Success, Perkins School for the Blind

  • Stephanie Provenzano, IEP Coordinator & Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Perkins School for the Blind

Overview:

  • Brief overview of significant changes in new IEP form
  • How needs and services can be incorporated in new and revised sections
    • Increased student voice and explicit post-secondary transition planning
    • New Tables for Present Levels of Academic Achievement & Functional Performance
      • How to Incorporate Evaluation Data/Summaries
  • Talking through scenarios

12:00 P.M. to 12:15 P.M.

Break

12:15 P.M. to 1:00 P.M.

Working Lunch

Program and Service Offerings: Hear from Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Vendors

Moderator: 

  • Mayanne MacDonald-Briggs, Pre-Employment Transition Counselor, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Vendors: 

1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

What’s Next? Options for Post-Graduation

Moderators:

Lesli Baker Johnson, DeafBlind Extended Supports Director, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Kara Sittig, Regional Director, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Justin McCarthy, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Overview:

  • Student panel of current vocational high school students and staff discuss their trade focus
  • MCB’s College Process
  • Self-employment programs (NSITE, BIT) 
  • Discussion on DeafBlind Extended Supports

2:00 P.M. to 2:15 P.M.

Break

2:15 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Technology for Completing School Work

Presenter: 

  • Eileen Curran, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, Boston Public Schools & The Carroll Center for the Blind

Overview:

  • Explain IDEA and technology 
  • Assess technology needs for students
  • Identify devices, software, and strategies to meet student needs
  • Explain the role of the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) with Assistive Technology (AT)
  • Review additional technology resources for completing schoolwork for students

3:00 P.M. to 3:15 P.M.

Sign-out for Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

  • Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP)
  • Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification (CRCC)
  • Certificate of Attendance

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