Conference Program

Schedule At-A-Glance

A printer friendly, agenda-focused version of the program if you'd like a phyiscial copy of the schedule

• Schedule At-A-Glance(.docx)
• Schedule At-A-Glance

Danville

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  Danville Visitor Information

Session Handouts

Session 1

Sam Seavy Learn How to Live Your Best Blind Life!

• Sam Seavey VAER Keynote Presentation.pptx 

Session 2

Updates from the Virginia Department of Education: Supporting Students with Visual Impairments

• Amy Scott VDOE AER Presentation 2026.pdf 

Have Questions? We have Answers! Let's Collaborate!

• Tish Harris Have Questions We have Answers Wed 210.pptx 

Session 3

Unlocking Independence: SMART Technology Solutions for Wheelchair Users with Visual Impairments

• Lindsey Sharpe LUCI 3.6.26 Unlocking Independence .pdf 

Unlocking Independence: Supporting the Transition to Guide Dog Travel

• Alyssa Otis Virginia AER 2026.pdf 

Here's What is Ahead for Next Year! Embracing Families with Student Programs!

• Tish Harris AER Heres What is Ahead for Next Year.pptx 

Session 4

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: How BIT's Apprenticeship Program Empowers Talent with Disabilities in Tech

• Mike Hess BIT_Learning_Earning_Dec25AM_Remediated_031926_AM-LG.pptx 

Enhancing Independence for Children Age 11 Through 17 with Visual Impairments Through Guide Dog Partnerships: The Mira Foundation USA Model

• Bonnie Archibald Conference Mira USA Presentation.pptx 
• Bonnie Archibald O&M Assessment of Skills.pdf 

Beyond Sight: Uncovering Strength Through Questions, Motivation, and Skillful Adjustment

• Jimmy Morris Motivation Interviewing Presentation.pptx 
• Jimmy Morris Motivational Interview Role Play for Jane Doe.docx 

Math Manipulatives for All Learners at All Levels

• Jimmy Morris Motivation Interviewing Presentation.pptx 

Session 5

From Potential to Performance: How NSITE?s Building Professional Behaviors Transforms Work Readiness through Behavior Change in the VR Space

• Marianne Haegeli NSITE Presentation 2026 VA AER Danville Conference_DISTRIBUTION_2026-03-26.pptx 

How Does Brain Based Visual Impairment Impact Adults Differently from Children?

• Valery Kircher Virginia AER Conference 2026 .pptx 
• Valery Kircher adult-cvi-coping-strategies-1693888484.pdf 
• Valery Kircher adult-cvi-inventory-1706338436.pdf 
• Valery Kircher adult-cvi-inventory-scoresheet-1706338395.pdf 
• Valery Kircher BIVI-IQ-EnglishJun24.pdf 
• Valery Kircher Red circle activity.docx 
• Valery Kircher VISable,Hints,and,Tips,A4.pdf 
• Valery Kircher Visual,impairment,activity,book,1.pdf 
• Valery Kircher Visual,impairment,activity,book,2.pdf 

Exploring Virtual Training Programs for Visually Impaired Participants

• Joseph DiNero data program.pdf 
• Joseph DiNero HKSB TEAM Program Flyer.pdf 
• Joseph DiNero TEAM program overview presentation.docx 
• Joseph DiNero Teen Tech FINAL QR.pdf 

Making the World More Accessible for Everyone

• Darren Gladstone RightHear Presentation to Virginia AER 2026 Conference.pptx 

Fun with Bookmaking

• Rebecca Peek Book making session powerpoint (1).pptx 
• Rebecca Peek Books and Videos with Activities.docx 

Session 7

Navigating Possibilities with GREAT Rewards

• Tish Harris AER Navigating Possibilities with Great Rewards.pptx 

Ask the Eye Doctor: A Conversation with Dr. Crews About Vision, Eye Care, and Common Procedures

• John Crews VandAToolkit_Powerpoint1_combined Modules.ppt 

Calendar Systems: A Gateway to Language and Literacy

• Hilary Hodes Calendar Systems_AER 2026 HodesPadhye.pptx 
• Hilary Hodes Calendar System Session Notes Document.docx 
• Hilary Hodes Guide to Selecting Time Frames for Calendar Systems [TEMPLATE].docx 

The Future of Orientation and Mobility: From Smart Canes to Robots

• Sam Seavey VAER OM Presentation.pptx 

Session 8

Teaching People who are Deafblind to Communicate with the Public

• Dona Sauerburger Communication with the Public- VA AER March 2026.pptx 
• https://www.sauerburger.org/dbcomtech.htm 
• https://sauerburger.org/dbcomm.htm 

AI and Assistive Tech: The Smart Revolution for the Blind and Visually Impaired

• Sam Seavey VAER AI Presentation.pptx 

Session 10

From Classroom to Career: Fostering Resilience and Opportunity with Project RISE

• Joe Orozco Project RISE Flyer.pdf 

Fine-tuning IEP Goals, Data Collection, and Progress Report Writing for Students with Vision Impairment

• Rebecca Peek Communication Log.docx 
• Rebecca Peek Fine-tuning IEP Goals^LJ Data Collection^LJ and Report Writing.pptx 
• Rebecca Peek Student Goal Sheet.docx 
• Rebecca Peek Student Information Form.docx 

Voice Accessibility: A New Friend on Your iPhone

• AER Nitesh, Harini.pptx