Thank You!
We would love to hear about your experience and how we can improve future events. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey - your feedback will help shape the future of our conferences and ensure we continue delivering valuable content.
A big thank you to our presenters, exhibitors, and planning committee for their support and contributions.
Presenters:
- Allyson Bull, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Emily Cantillon, Perkins Community Programs
- Kelley Challen, Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children and Adolescents
- Tina Laffer, The Carroll Center for the Blind
- Alexander Pooler, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Brian Switzer, The Carroll Center for the Blind
- Brittany Taylor, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Leslie Thatcher, Perkins Transition Center
Exhibitors:
- Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) Library
- Adaptive Sports New England
- Boston College Supported Employment Program
- Learn, Earn, and Prosper (LEAP)
- MCB Orientation & Mobility
- MCB/DDS Partnership Project
- National Braille Press
- Perkins School for the Blind
- Polus Center for Social & Economic Development
- The Carroll Center for the Blind
- Work Without Limits
Planning Committee
- Paula Barry, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Allyson Bull, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Adrienne Callaghan, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Kristen Clark, Perkins School for the Blind
- Martha Daigle, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Dahlia James, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Tina Laffer, The Carroll Center for the Blind
- Samantha Linden, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Mayanne MacDonald-Briggs, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Thomas Miller, Campus School at Boston College
- Dina Rosenbaum, The Carroll Center for the Blind
- Kara Sittig, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Brittany Taylor, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
If you attended the full event in person and submitted your attendance sheet, your Certificate of Attendance or confirmation for Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) will be emailed to you within the next two weeks. Please note that approval for Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification (CRCC) credits is still pending and not guaranteed, but we expect to receive approval soon. If you do not receive an email by Monday, April 15, 2025, please contact us at mcbtraining@mass.gov.
This conference website will remain live, offering access to presentation slide decks and additional resources.
We look forward to continuing our work together in providing individualized training, education, and empowerment to people who are legally blind, with the goal of fostering life-long independence and full community participation.
Thank you once again for your participation and support!
2025 Visions of Collaboration Conference: Advancing Opportunities for Students who are Legally Blind
Additional Materials
A Welcome Message from Commissioner Oliveira
Now Accepting Nominations for the 5th Annual Meg Robertson Mobility Award
Register Today: "Harnessing Your Potential: An Introduction to Guide Dog Travel"
Presentations
From Assessment to Action: Using Transition Assessment to Guide Postsecondary Planning for Students with Visual Impairments
Presenter: Kelley Challen, Ed.M., CAS, Director of Transition Services, Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children and Adolescents (NESCA)
Download the PowerPoint Presentation (PPT)
Download the PowerPoint Slides (PDF)
- Explain federal requirements for transition assessment and identify key components of a comprehensive transition assessment process.
- Explore transition assessment tools, including accessible options and strategies for modifying standard assessments for students with visual impairments.
- Learn how to use transition assessment results to inform key sections of the Massachusetts Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Supporting College Success: Technology Solutions
Presenters: Tina Laffer, MA, M.Ed., CVRT, Director of Outreach and Community Engagement, The Carroll Center for the Blind; Brian Switzer, M.Ed., M.E.P.P., CATIS, Program Manager of Accessibility Technology, Training, and Research, The Carroll Center for the Blind
Download the PowerPoint Slides (PDF)
- Identify key challenges students with vision loss face in college settings and explore best practices for supporting their academic and social success.
- Learn about available resources and accommodations that promote student independence and confidence.
Reflecting on the Transition to Post-Secondary Education
Facilitator: Kara Sittig, Northeast Regional Director, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
This presentation is centered around a live interactive dialogue. There are no prepared materials for attendees.
- Hear directly from students with vision loss about their experiences transitioning to post-secondary education.
- Identify common barriers and successful strategies that contribute to a smooth transition.
Navigating the Future: How Today’s Technology Impacts Tomorrow’s Orientation & Mobility
Presenter: Allyson Bull, M.Ed., COMS, TVI, Director of Orientation and Mobility, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Download the PowerPoint Presentation (PPT)
Download the PowerPoint Slides (PDF)
- Learn about some of the latest pieces of assistive technology designed for orientation and mobility and how they impact students and lessons.
- Connect with other COMS about the effect of assistive technology on orientation and mobility instruction.
- Understand how these tools can enhance student independence in educational and employment settings.
Assistive Technology & Low Vision Devices
Presenter: Alexander Pooler, MPA, Director of Assistive Technology and Consumer Database Systems, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Download the PowerPoint Presentation (PPT)
Download the PowerPoint Slides (PDF)
- Discover best practices for introducing assistive technology early in a student’s transition journey.
- Understand how training and ongoing support can maximize the effectiveness of assistive technology in post-secondary education and employment.
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind: Services Beyond High School
Presenter: Brittany Taylor, CRC, MetroWest Vocational Rehabilitation & Children's Services Supervisor, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Download the PowerPoint Presentation (PPT)
Download the PowerPoint Slides (PDF)
Download MCB Information Exchange Form (DOC)
Download MCB Consumer Responsibilities - College Training (DOC)
- Learn about the resources, programs, and services that the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) offers to support students in their transition to college and employment.
- Understand how to collaborate effectively with MCB to optimize student outcomes.
Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI): What You Need to Know to Support Your Transition-Aged Student with Secondary Planning
Presenter: Emily Cantillon, PhD, Lead Itinerant Teacher, Perkins Community Programs; Leslie Thatcher, Ed.M., Director, Program Development and Strategy, Perkins Transition Center
Download the PowerPoint Presentation (PPT)
- Gain an understanding of Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).
- Explore paths for those with CVI in a range of post-secondary environments including work and college.
- Learn about resources to better understand and support students with CVI and their families as they plan for transition.
Agenda
| Time | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 A.M. - 8:45 A.M. | Location: Foyer
| |
| 8:45 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. | Location: Ballroom B
| |
| 9:00 A.M. – 10:15 A.M. | Location: Ballroom B
| |
| 10:15 A.M. - 11:15 A.M. | Location: Ballroom B
| |
| 11:15 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. | Location: Foyer
| |
| 11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. | Location: Ballroom B
| |
| 12:30 P.M. – 1:15 P.M. |
| |
| Breakout Session #1 | ||
| 1:15 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. | Location: Lennox/Essex
| Location: Ballroom B
|
| 2:00 P.M. – 2:15 P.M. | Location: Foyer
| |
| Breakout Session #2 | ||
| 2:15 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. | Location: Lennox/Essex
| Location: Ballroom B
|
| 3:00 P.M. – 3:15 P.M. |
| |
Conference Exhibitor Tables
Massachusetts Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) Library
Boston College Supported Employment Program
Learn, Earn, and Prosper (LEAP)
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Orientation & Mobility
MCB/DDS Partnership Project for Orientation & Mobility/Low Vision Services
Polus Center for Social & Economic Development
Pre-Employment Transition Services 2025: Office Hours for Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals
Join The George Washington University Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) team for virtual office hours aimed at vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals. There are no formal presentations. The conversation is driven by participant comments and questions on various topics. Feel free to join for the hour, share ideas, drop by to ask a question related to the monthly topic, or simply listen in. Please note that ideas shared may require further research before they can be replicated. No registration is required!
Office hours are held the last Monday of the month from 3 P.M. to 4 P.M. EST
- March 31, 2025
- April 28, 2025
- May 19, 2025 (Rescheduled due to Memorial Day)
- June 30, 2025
- July - No Office Hours
- August 25, 2025
- September 29, 2025
- October 27, 2025
- November 24, 2025
- December - No Office Hours
How to Join the Meeting
Meeting ID: 977 2765 0395
Passcode: 163690