AFB eNews

November 2008

Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) Special Issue on Macular Degeneration

In the United States today, senior adults diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) make up the greatest population of individuals living with vision loss and this population is only expected to increase. In fact, according to a recent study from the National Eye Institute (NEI), the diagnosis rates of AMD are expected to double by the year 2025, along with the country's aging population.

Senior adults are a population unique from all others—they require different rehabilitation strategies and approaches, different visual and functional devices, and different teaching approaches and methods for effective rehabilitation. To address this growing population, AFB recently released the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) Special Issue on Macular Degeneration. The goal of this groundbreaking issue is to encourage further discussion in the field of geriatric vision rehabilitation and low vision practice and to raise awareness of the methods of effective vision rehabilitation for individuals living with AMD.

Edited by Lylas Mogk, M.D., Medical Director, Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center, Henry Ford Health System, and Gale Watson, M.Ed., C.L.V.T., National Director, Blind Rehabilitation Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, Washington, DC, the special issue includes a Guest Editorial, which highlights the fact that professionals who work with senior adults with AMD need to understand the importance of the physical, psychological, and cultural differences that affect seniors' experiences with vision loss and how these factors influence their approach to rehabilitation.

With the research and findings outlined in the special issue, vision rehabilitation specialists, occupational therapists, and other professionals in the field will have access to cutting-edge information that will help expand their knowledge of how seniors are affected by this condition and prepare them to help their patients cope with living with macular degeneration, especially as diagnosis rates are on the rise. The JVIB Special Issue on Macular Degeneration is available in print and online. Single copies of the print edition are available for purchase from the AFB Press online bookstore at www.afb.org/store. For more information, AFB also offers resources on living with vision loss at AFB Senior Site.

2009 Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute (JLTLI) Update

Registration for AFB's 2009 Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute (JLTLI) is now available online. The conference will take place from March 5-7 at the Washington Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC. Please visit www.afb.org/jltli.asp for more information.

News and Announcements

A New CareerConnect Success Story: Sharing Hope Through Music
Need a dose of inspiration for the day? Check out the newest CareerConnect success story. Musician, educator, scholar, and humanitarian, Richard Donald Smith, is making a difference in the world by assisting in the development of musicians and music education in Africa and beyond.

NIMAS Braille Translation Software Training
AFB is pleased to offer braille translation software training with NIMAS updates on November 21 and 22, 2008, in Detroit, Michigan. Sessions are designed to help people who currently transcribe instructional materials into braille learn more about the new updates associated with NIMAS and the three braille translation software programs. Provided by experts in braille software development and braille transcribing, the training will be a train-the-trainer approach for national capacity building. For more information, contact Mary Ann Siller at siller@afb.net.

Braille Literacy: A Functional Approach
AFB presents Braille Literacy: A Functional Approach, a hands-on workshop for teachers who provide braille instruction to children and adults, including those who have additional disabilities, developmental delays, or deafblindness; speak English as a second language; or have other learning challenges. The workshop will be held February 5-7, 2009, at AFB's National Literacy Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be presented by Dr. Diane P. Wormsley, Brenda Brodie Endowed Chair and Professor of Special Education at North Carolina Central University.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Shirley Landrum at slandrum@afb.net, or call 404-525-2303 to request an application. All applications must be received by Friday, December 19, 2008. Since there are only 24 spaces available, applicants will be notified of their acceptance status within one week of the submission deadline.

Assistive Technology Assessment for Students Who are Blind or Visually Impaired
AFB's Ike Presley will conduct a training on April 23-25, 2009, in Atlanta, Georgia, on assistive technology assessments for students who are blind or visually impaired. Participants will learn to identify the major components of an assistive technology assessment: the gathering of the needed background information, assessing the student's options for accessing printed and electronic information, determining appropriate writing tools, and determining the tools needed to produce materials for the student in alternate formats.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Shirley Landrum at slandrum@afb.net, or call 404-525-2303 to request an application. Applications must be received by March 12, 2009. There are 24 spaces available; applicants will be notified of their acceptance status within one week of the submission deadline.

AFB Blog
Check out AFB's blog and read about Election Day, an avid Halloween fan, braille jewelry, and much more!