Georgia Vision Educators Statewide Training (GVEST)
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2021-2022 GVEST.

Welcome to the Georgia Vision Educators Statewide Training (GVEST). The GVEST mission is to provide educators an opportunity to learn and to share effective practices and strategies specific to the needs of students with visual impairments. ​

2021-2022 GVEST: Stronger Together

The Georgia Chapter of AER and the GVEST Conference Planning Committee were excited to join together to offer our first joint vision conference!  Our conference for the 2021-2022 school year was virtual using the Zoom platform. While we are disappointed to not be able to gather together in person this year, we are grateful we will continue to provide professional development and networking opportunities for educators during the COVID-19 pandemic. ​Our goal is to meet the professional development needs of all professionals in the field of visual impairments. 
Cover of GVEST GaAER 2021 Stronger Together Conference Program
Downloadable pdf file of GVEST GaAER 2021 Stronger Together Conference Program

Conference Overview

Day 1, Friday, October 15, 2021 Theme: Tools to Move Forward

12:00 to 1:00
Welcome and Keynote Address featuring Karen Blankenship
Begin with the End in Mind: What does it mean to increase the employment rate for all students who are blind or visually impaired?

1:00 to 2:00 Session 1
Choose one session to attend live. All sessions will be recorded and available to watch to earn additional ACVREP or CRC credits!
  • Meet the APH ConnectCenter Programs and Sites with Richard Rueda and APH's Career Connect team
  • Cortical Visual Impairment: Considerations for Augmentative & Alternative Communication part 1 with Christopher Russell
  • Literacy for all students who are blind or visually impaired with Karen Blankenship 
  • ​Process of Obtaining Bioptics Panel Discussion with Dr. Jon Forche, Nancy Parkin-Bashizi, and Nathan's Driving School

2:00 to 3:00 Session 2
Choose one session to attend live. All sessions will be recorded and available to watch to earn additional ACVREP or CRC credits!
  • Gaining a Career Advantage: A Practitioners Perspective with Cantrice Moffitt.
  • Cortical Visual Impairment: Considerations for Augmentative & Alternative Communication part 2 with Christopher Russell
  • ​ECC: A Collaborative Approach to Ensuring Positive Adult Outcomes with Karen Blankenship.
  • Process of Obtaining a Guide Dog with Guide Dogs with Marc Gillard

3:00 to 3:30
​Closing and Raffle

Day 2, Friday, March 11, 2022 Day 2 Theme: Where Am I Going and How Do I Get There?

​12:00 to 1:00
Welcome and Keynote Address featuring Cindy Bachofer 

1:00 to 2:00 Session 1
Choose one session to attend live. All sessions will be recorded and available to watch to earn additional ACVREP or CRC credits!
  • General Principles and Activities for Using Optical Devices for Near Tasks with Cindy Bachofer
  • Assistive Technology for Visual Access with Danny Housley
  • Personal Experiences with Transition with Richard Rueda
  • Learning Through Touch with Christine Spratling & Kate Beals
  • O&M for VI Wheelchair users Assessment and basic movement with James Scott Crawford 
2:00 to 3:00 Session 2
Choose one session to attend live. All sessions will be recorded and available to watch to earn additional ACVREP or CRC credits!
  • General Principles and Activities for Using Optical Devices for Distance Tasks with Cindy Bachofer
  • Adapting the Home for Independent Living with Ben Jacobs.
  • Implementing Active Learning in the Classroom with Patty Obrzut
  • O&M Assessment: A Team Approach with Dr. Justin Kaiser & Dr. Tina Herzberg 
  • O&M for VI Wheelchair users:  Navigating tight spaces, doorways, etc.  ​with James Scott Crawford

3:00 to 3:30
​Closing and Raffle

Conference Theme: Stronger Together

Professional Development Credits
This year’s conference will offer certificates of attendance for all attendees as well as ACVREP Continuing Education Credits for Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists, Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, Low Vision Specialists, Rehabilitation Counselor, and Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists. Additionally, CRC credits will be available for Rehabilitation Counselors. 
​
At the beginning of each session, you will be given a beginning code and at the end of each session you will be given an ending code. Participants seeking a certificate of attendance or ACVREP or CRC credits will need to complete and submit the required Google Form including the beginning and ending code to receive ACVREP credits and a certificate of attendance. This will also include a session evaluation form. 
Cover of GVEST GaAER 2021 Stronger Together Conference Program
Downloadable pdf file of GVEST GaAER 2021 Stronger Together Conference Program

About

Learn more about GVEST and the GVEST planning committee who are committed to supporting vision educators with high quality professional development opportunities.

Contact Us

Please reach out to us with any questions you may have.

Conference Presenters

Learn more about the amazing line up of presenters who will be sharing their expertise throughout our GVEST conference. 

Agenda 

Learn more about the agenda and plan to join us at our upcoming virtual conference!
The Georgia Vision Educators Statewide Training (GVEST)
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  • Home
  • About
  • Registration
  • Details
  • Presenters
  • Sponsors
  • Exhibit Hall
  • Macon Restaurants
  • Contact Us