This newsletter is not an endorsement of any organization or product that may appear.

We regret to inform you that the following session has been cancelled: Urban Navigators: Empowering Orientation and Mobility on Public Transportation webinar on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM. We are working to schedule a new date for the session.

In this new 3-part PaTTAN Webinar Series learn about important Financial Literacy components for your students with Blindness/Low Vision.

• Dates - March 3rd, 10th, and 17th
• Time: 12-1pm for each session

More information coming soon!

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)/Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) Summer Academy Program is designed to offer high school age students with visual impairments an opportunity to develop their knowledge, experiences, and awareness as it relates to their future academic and employment goals. Students will participate in 7-day program on a college campus where they will receive assessments, information, and educational experiences in various curriculum areas related to independent living, travel skills, vocational development, and assistive technology.

Location: Penn State University Park Campus

When: Monday, June 16, 2025, to Monday, June 23, 2025 (7 Days)

Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Link to Apply: 2025 BBVS Student Application

Learn more by checking out the Flyer and Student Pamphlet in the Professionals Serving Students with VI Google Drive.

Consider Attending the The 2025 Penn-Del AER Conference "Sharing Our Stories and Continuing Our Legacy."

When: Wednesday, April 30–Friday, May 2, 2025

Where: Best Western Premier Central Hotel and Conference Center - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Registration: Registration Open

Access the Conference Registration Brochure and Exhibitor Information to learn more. Also, check out the nomination information for Penn-Del AER awards and scholarship in the On The Horizon section below.

MathSpeak is a standard developed by SeeWriteHear, which aims to integrate mathematical and scientific content into structures for print-disabled readers. MathSpeak maximizes the student’s comprehension by communicating information to students in a clear, unambiguous manner, well beyond the capabilities offered by ordinary Text-To-Speech processing. Best of all, the learning curve is minimal. Learn more on the SeeWriteHear website.

• The PaTTAN Pub Matching Assistive Technology (AT) Features to Low Vision Needs - For students who have low vision, various interventions have the potential to maximize the use of functional vision, which varies from student to student. Specifically, these strategies can maximize clarity, optimize the field of view, maximize color and contrast, optimize lighting, minimize glare, and enhance visual efficiency, visual comfort, and visual confidence. This booklet explains the general process for matching students with appropriate low vision interventions within a functional setting.

• The PaTTAN Pub Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Visual and Environmental Considerations - The purpose of this framework is to help school teams assess a student's ability to visually access a communication system/display and to address the impact of environmental issues.

• The APH book Access Technology for Blind and Low Vision Accessibility form Evaluation Checklist for Blind and Low Vision Needs - This AT Checklist covers the following categories of access technology:

• Technologies for Accessing Printed Text & Images (Chapter 2)
• Technologies for Accessing Digital Text (Chapter 3)
• Technologies for Authoring (Chapter 4)
• Strategies for Accessing Multimedia and Data (Chapter 6)

• The Maryland School for the Blind's Technology Inventory Checklist - This technology skills inventory provides targeted areas (iPad specific, PC, and Microsoft Office) for students who are blind and visually impaired. Target grades for independence are provided to assist determining scope and sequence with instruction.

• The Michigan Assistive Technology Guidelines for Teachers of Students Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired is a series of documents for teachers of students who are Blind or Visually Impaired (BVI) in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. These guidelines follow six key concepts:

• Technology Operations and Concepts
• Creativity and Innovation
• Communication and Collaboration
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Research and Information Technology
• Digital Citizenship

This training will provide supervisors an opportunity to delve into low incidence sensory impairments topics. Sessions will explore topics and trends relevant to current practice.

When: March 4-6, 2025

Where: In-person at PaTTAN Central - Harrisburg, PA

More information coming soon!

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (BSE), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) is sponsoring a year-long opportunity for early career (three years or less) special education teachers, teachers of the deaf, teachers of the visually impaired, special education administrators, and school psychologists to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of special education professionals with five or more years of experience. The application for mentees is currently open. Learn more on the APR website.

• Monarch Multiline Braille Device - Take flight with the Monarch, a radically inclusive multiline braille device that renders tactile graphics integrated with braille on the first-of-its-kind 10-line by 32-cell refreshable braille display. With access to downloadable digital textbooks and APH’s Tactile Graphics Image Library (TGIL), the Monarch drastically reduces time to fingertips for users who are blind and low vision.
• EXPLORE 12 ELECTRONIC MAGNIFIER - Get ready to experience the remarkable explorē 12, the ultimate electronic portable magnifier designed specifically for individuals living with low vision or sight loss. As the largest member of our esteemed explorē series, this cutting-edge video magnifier offers unmatched HD image quality, taking your reading and viewing experience to extraordinary heights. Whether you're exploring text or examining objects up close or from a distance, prepare to be astounded by its capabilities.
• VR Cardinal LE - A limited edition, multiuse handheld device designed to make mobility easy and enjoyable for people who are blind or visually impaired. The VR Cardinal is designed as an innovative orientation aid and an advanced high-performance DAISY, MP3, and NISO player for students, professionals, or on-the-go people who have extensive reading needs. It allows you to transfer content from your PC to its removable flash memory card and provides advanced navigation of multiple formats including DAISY, MP3, NISO and electronic text.

• COMPACT 7 HD ELECTRONIC MAGNIFIER - The high contrast widescreen provides an increased field of view and the ability to see even more of the material compared to traditional portable magnifiers. You can rely on the ultra sharp High Definition and Auto-Focus camera with a patented LED lighting system for even, glare-free illumination to deliver the best available image quality. Reading newspapers, letters or viewing photos anywhere at home, in the office, at school or while traveling is easier than ever!

• SENSEPLAYER MULTIMEDIA PLAYER - The SensePlayer is more than your normal multimedia player. With a built-in screen reader, you have access to NLS Bard, Audible, and your other favorite third-party apps. Read and play your favorite documents and media from a wide variety of supported file types using the tactile keyboard that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Access web radio, download books, make high-fidelity recordings, connect and control your mobile device, and so much more.

• PEBBLE HD HAND-HELD MAGNIFIER - Pebble HD boasts a new HD camera providing a crisp, clear, colorful, high definition picture. A new ergonomic lightweight compact design makes it the perfect companion whether at home or on the go. Carry Pebble HD in your purse, pocket, or clip it on your belt with the included carrying case.

• VICTOR READER STREAM 3 - Victor A pocket-sized digital media audio player to harness the power of wireless content access. Featuring a fully tactile interface, the Victor Reader Stream 3 is a handheld digital audio player to enjoy your media content. This assistive device lets you listen to books, newspapers, web radio, music, podcasts, and other online resources. Simple to use for anyone who is blind or living with a visual impairment, the Stream talking book player packs all your media into place and gives 15 hours of battery life, leaving more time to enjoy media content.

The 2025 Penn-Del AER Awards Committee is currently accepting nominations/applications for the following:

• Penn-Del AER Richard L. Welsh Service Award (WELSH) - To be eligible for the Welsh Award, an individual must be a current member of AER and not a current member of the AER Board of Directors. Nominees do not have to be direct service providers.
• Elinor Long Educator of the Year Award (ELEY) - This award highlight the achievements and dedication of individuals to the field of visual impairment. The awardee is encouraged to be an AER member, but it is not a requirement.
• 2025 Penn-Del AER $1000 Student Scholarship - Students who are pursuing certification related to the field of visual impairment and are a member of the Penn-Del AER Chapter are eligible for this scholarship.

Nominations/Applications are due by February 3, 2025.

Consider attending the 2025 Pennsylvania Department of Education Conference (PDE) Making a Difference: Educational Practices That Work. This annual statewide conference offers an opportunity to learn and engage with nationally recognized presenters, as well as colleagues from across the state, highlighting effective instructional strategies and interventions designed to make an educational difference for all students.

When: February 5-7, 2025

Where: Hershey Lodge & Convention Center - Hershey, PA

Registration is open! Locate answers to all your questions on the conference webpage.

Consider attending the 8th Annual 2025 Mobility Matters Conference. This year's theme, Navigating Knowledge: Mapping and Community Partnerships, explores the connection between navigation and community as a part of our ongoing quest to build more inclusive communities. Don't wait to register to reserve your spot and join in on these rich discussions. This event is appropriate for anyone interested in accessible maps, environmental literacy, multimodal transportation, and community partnerships.

Where: Virtually

When: Thursday, February 27, 2025

Time: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Cost: Professional - $100, Educator or Parent (of registering students for the event) - $60, Individual Advocate - $20, College Student - $20

Credit: ACVREP; Professional Development certificate available for non-Washington State educators

Registration Closes February 24th, 2025

The content in this section remains the same in each newsletter.

The BVI Family Resource Group Newsletter includes information about upcoming events, seasonal topics (such as summer camps), the expanded core curriculum, family organizations, and a family feedback form. We encourage you to share this resource with families!

• Sign up

All families of children who are blind or visually impaired (BVI), deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), or deaf-blind (DB) are invited to sign up for the PaTTAN Family Resource Group.

The goal of this group is to send out resources, event information, and contacts that can benefit your family and child. It is an easy way for you to get updates and take advantage of any available opportunities.

For more information:

• Watch our 2-minute video
• Contact us by email: FamilyResourceGroup@pattankop.net
• Check out the PaTTAN website for additional information!
• Sign up today: Blind-Visual Impairment Initiative and Family Resource Group Sign up

Resources to share with families:

• Family Resource Group Information
  
• Family Resource Group Poster
  
• Family Resource Group Flyer
  

Do you know families who may be interested in connecting with other families of children who are blind or visually impaired? APH (American Printing House for the Blind) FamilyConnect and the Chicago Lighthouse have partnered together to provide a virtual support group that connects on the first Wednesday of every month from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm (ET). Visit the FamilyConnect website to view additional details and resources.

AER continues with synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities, with a discount if you are an AER member. AER is releasing has a slew of exciting upcoming live opportunities, which can be viewed on their events page. They also created an extensive library of recorded courses, presented by experts in the field. Complete your continuing education from anywhere: home, work, even at the park! Every webinar on this site is approved for ACVREP credits and will provide a certificate upon completion.

The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Hive offers a variety of free online courses for vision professionals and educators to increase their ability to respond to the needs of students with visual impairments. This “one-stop” for professional development offers ACVREP continuing education units upon successful completion of a course.

The APH ConnectCenter includes FamilyConnect, CareerConnect, and VisionAware – a hub of websites that offer curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives.

Access Academy is your one-stop resource for the meaningful education and training webinars you need to get the most out of APH products and services. From tutorials on new products and hacks on how to get the most from your beloved tech, to information on resources, services, and programs: our goal is to give you the info you need for home, the classroom, and the workplace.

APH is also hosting many live events, including a focus on transition. Visit the APH Connect Event page to register for live online learning opportunities and earn ACVREP credits.

Eschenbach Academy is a "new online educational platform designed to supplement the knowledge and training they currently provide via in-person and webinar formats. Eschenbach Academy’s educational content ranges from interactive low vision courses, low vision training modules and general business courses useful for practice managers and owners.

This new eLearning platform provides training content that will help you and your staff become more efficient and effective in providing low vision care to your patients who have a vision impairment. In so doing, it will allow your low vision care service to deliver even more successful outcomes for both your patients and your practice."

This resource will be added to future newsletters under "Leisurely Learning."

Hadley offers a variety of free online learning opportunities in the following categories:

• Daily Living
• Recreation
• Braille
• Adjusting to vision loss
• Technology
• Vision loss

*Sign-up/log-in to get access to the entire training.

Perkins School for the Blind has a number of offerings for those working with students with visual impairments to increase their knowledge and skills. Visit the following sites to learn more:

• Perkins eLearning - Professional Development
• Accessible Science
• College Success
• Paths to Literacy
• Paths to Transition
• Paths to Technology

We encourage all supervisors and professionals in the field of visual impairment to sign up for access to our drives. We will be posting recorded presentations, resources and much more! Sign up today! Select your group below to request access.

• Supervisor Access Request Form
• Professional Access Request Form

PaTTAN East - 333 Technology Drive Malvern, PA 19355

• Jennifer Edgar - jedgar@pattan.net - Educational Consultant; BVI State Lead

PaTTAN Central - 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112

• Greg Gerhart - ggerhart@pattan.net - Educational Consultant

PaTTAN West - 3190 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238

• Tim Knight - tknight@pattan.net - Educational Consultant

PaTTAN Statewide

• Tess Nasehi - tnasehi@pattan.net - Statewide BVI Family Support Specialist