Smaller Print

Discovery 2000
The Low Vision Conference

SEPTEMBER 21-23, 2000 at The Congress Plaza Hotel
520 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

A Regional Perspective on Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation

Designed to bring together people with vision impairments) their families, educators) rehabilitation professionals and vendors. 

60 presentations and 70 exhibits!
Register by September 1st and save $30!

Discovery 2000 The Low Vision Conference is a program of Discovery Conference, Inc., a coalition of non-profit organizations and government agencies working together to bring you the best in low vision education:

	Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Blind Services
	The Chicago Lighthouse for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired
	The Deicke Center for Visual Rehabilitation
	Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness
	Illinois Blind Service Planning Council
	Illinois Eye Institute (Illinois College of Optometry)
	Macular Degeneration International
	American Optometric Association Low Vision Section
	Blind Service Association
	National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired
	Illinois Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired
	National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation
	National Association of Vision Professionals
	U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
	Prevent Blindness America
	Illinois Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
	The Guild for the Blind
	Illinois Consortium for Leaders of Vision Support

	James M. Kesteloot - Chair, Board of Directors The Chicago Lighthouse
	Glenn Craw ford - Vice President, Board of Directors; Dept. of Human Services/Office of Rehabilitation Services
	Richard E. Zabelski, Secretary/Treasurer Illinois Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired
	James A. McKechnie, Jr. - Immediate Past Conference Chair Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness
	R. Tracy Williams, OD - 2000 Conference Chair Deicke Center for Visual Rehabilitation
	Joan Stelmack, OD - Program Committee Co-Chair Blind Rehabilitation Center, Hines VA Hospital
	Derrald Taylor, OD - Program Committee Co-Chair Illinois College of Optometry
	Leah A. Gerlach, MS - Exhibits Committee Chair Deicke Center for Visual Rehabilitation

Discovery 2000: The Low Vision Conference

Preliminary Program

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2000

900AM to 1015AM OPENING GENERAL SESSION

Welcome Message - R. Tracy Williams OD, Conference Chair
James A. McKechnie, Immediate Past Chair
James M. Kesteloot, Board Chair

Keynote Address - "I' m Blind, So What?" - Derrick Phillips, Illinois Department of Human Services, Bureau of Blind Service, Chicago, IL

1015AM to 500PM EXHIBITS

The exhibit hall, located on the second floor, features over 70 vendors and service providers. Be sure to visit!

1015AM to 1045AM MORNING BREAK

1045AM to 1200PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

TIA. Macular degeneration update - Joseph Pizzimenti OD, NOVA Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL

TIB. What to consider when choosing adaptive technologies for the visually impaired - Mike Scott, Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Rehabilitation Services, Springfield, IL

TIC. What's new in driving research? - Janet Szlyk PhD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL

TID. Living and working with low vision - Patricia Wisner TRC, Maine Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Bangor, ME

TIE. What's happening in Washington? - Colleen Wanderlich, Chicago Lighthouse, Chicago, IL

TIF. The deaf-blind world - Juan Bemal, Diane O'Neill, Chicago Lighthouse, Chicago, IL

TIG. Encouraging self esteem in your child-Mary Zabelski, Chicago Lighthouse, NAPVI, Chicago, IL

TIH. An ophthalmologist's approach to the blind child - Lawrence Kaufman MD, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL

1200PM to 130PM LUNCH BREAK (on your own)

130PM to 245PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

T2A. Diabetes and vision - Jack Cohen MD, Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center, Illinois Retina Associates, Chicago, IL

T2B. Technology for the visually impaired in the 21" century - R. Tracy Williams OD, Leak Gerlach MS, Deicke Center, Wheaton, IL

T2C. Still learning after all these years - Roxanne Calibraro, Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, Chicago, IL

T2D. The role of work adjustment training for job seekers who are blind or visually impaired -Robert Mantsh, Chicago Lighthouse, Chicago, IL

T2E. Making visual and performing arts accessible -Rana McMarray Arnold, Sight Loss Support Center, State College, PA

T2F. Low vision peer support group - Illinois Consortium for Leaders of Vision Support

[NOTE: This support group sessions will also be held Thursday evening and Friday afternoon and evening. You may attend any of these sessions.]

T2G. Teaching visually impaired toddlers through innovative play strategies - Maria Garstha, Sharon Williams, Chicago Lighthouse, Chicago, IL

T2H. Understanding optic nerve hypoplasia - Lawrence Kaufinan MD, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL

245PM to 315PM AFTERNOON BREAK

315PM to 430PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

T3A. The doctor is in: A panel forum for questions and answers - Facilitators: Jim McKechnie, Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness, Chicago, IL; Joan Stelmack OD, Blind Rehabilitation Center, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL

T3B. Video magnifiers used by employed visually impaired persons. Mark Uslan, American Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, New York, NY

T3C. Low vision: Not just eyes - Donald Bensing LCSWDCSW, Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, IL

T3D. Job placement and adaptive technology-Don Helpingstine, Hugh McCourty, Chicago Lighthouse, Chicago, IL

T2E. Working hand in hand: Functional vision evaluation and assistive technology evaluation- Patricia Langdon and Bumell Hackman, Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, Jacksonville, IL

T3F. Support groups and living with being visually impaired - William Bowman, VIP Organization Inc., Selma, AL

T3G. Promoting early literacy for children with low vision - Frances Mary D 'Andrea, American Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Atlanta, GA

T3H. Pediatric vision impairment highlights: Albinism and cone dystrophy - Susan Gormezano OD, Southfield, MI

430PM to 500PM LATE AFTERNOON BREAK

500PM to 630PM 

Eye condition networking sessions - An opportunity to meet others with similar conditions, share your unique experiences, and learn:

2. Age-related/hereditary/acquired and other macular disorders, including histoplasmosis
3. Retinitis pigmentosa, Leber's congenital amaurosis
4. Diabetes and vitreoretinal disorders including retinal detachment
5. Glaucoma and other optic nerve disorders
6. Usher Syndrome and other multi-sensory disorders
7. Retinopathy of prematurity
8. Albinism/aniridia and others

730PM to 900PM

Low vision peer support group - Illinois Consortium for Leaders of Vision Support

Evening (Time TBD) 

Illinois Association of Orientation and Mobility Specialists (IAOMS) Annual Meeting [members only]

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2000

900AM to 1015AM GENERAL SESSION

Introductions -
R. Tracy Williams OD, Conference Chair
James McKechnie, Immediate Past Chair
James Kesteloot. Board Chair

Keynote Address - A look at the future: Genetic screening and the treatment of hereditary disorders - Gerald Fishman MD, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL

1015AM to 500PM EXHIBITS

The exhibit hall, located on the second floor, features over 70 vendors and service providers. Be sure to visit!

1015AM to 1045AM MORNING BREAK

1045AM to 1200PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

FIA. Vision and aging: General and clinical perspectives -Al Rosenbloom OD, Chicago Lighthouse; Ellen Browne MPH, Chicago, IL

FIB. Computer technology in the year 2000 - Mike Scott, Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Rehabilitation Services, Springfield, IL

FIC. Vitamins and low vision - Pauline MerrillMD, Illinois Retina Associates

FID. Can't someone just make stronger glasses so I can see better? -J. Coalter OD and Connie ArendsMSEd, Deicke Center, Wheaton. IL

FIE. Asking questions to get results - Leak Gerlach MS, Deicke Center, Wheaton, IL

FIF. The blind can lead the blind: An interactive discussion of the importance of peer support and self advocacy - Karen McCulloh RNBS, Illinois Consortium for Leaders of Vision Support, Morton Grove, IL [NOTE: This session will be repeated on Saturday at 1230PM. You may attend either or both sessions.]

FIG. Surviving the transition into preschool: A primer for parents of visually impaired children -Jean Osterby MSEd, Batavia, IL

FIH. Functional vision evaluation for children - Tracy Matchinski OD, Chicago Lighthouse, Chicago, IL

1200PM to 130PM LUNCH BREAK (on your own)

130PM to 245PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

F2A. The National Eye Health Education Program's Low Vision Awareness Campaign - Rosemary Janisewski MS CHES, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD

F2B. Accessing the Internet - George Abott, Hadley School for the Blind, Winnetka, IL

F2C. Life transitions: Driving with low vision and driving cessation -Derrald Taylor OD MS, Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, IL

F2D. This is driving me crazy! Why can I see well enough to do some things but not others? Leah Gerlach MS CRC, John Coalter OD, Connie Arends MSEd, Deicke Center, Wheaton, IL

F2E. How visually impaired older adults can navigate the service delivery system -Paula Coffrey, Blind Service Association, Chicago, IL

F2F. Low vision peer support group - Illinois Consortium for Leaders of Vision Support

F2G. Preparing youth for life beyond the classroom - Susan Dalton, Transvision Services, Rockford, IL; Glenn Crawford, Illinois Department of Human Services, Bureau of Blind Services, Springfield, IL; Rebecca Cassady, Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Rehabilitation Services, Springfield, IL

F2H. Vision evaluation for multiply handicapped students in special education - Susan Gormezano OD, Southfield, MI

245PM to 315PM AFTERNOON BREAK

315PM to 430PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

F3B. Louis database: A tour of its new interface and Braille file - Maria Delgato, American Printing House for the Blind, Louisville, KY

F3C. Making mass transit work for you: An advocate's view -James Femeborg, Metra Accessibility Committee, Chicago, IL

F3D. How to reach your maximum visual potential - John Coalter OD and Connie Arends MSEd, Deicke Center, Wheaton, IL

F3E. It's out there: Deciding what you need and where to start looking for it - Gwen Dina, Special Education Association ofPeoria County, Bartonville, IL; Linda Seth, Illinois State University, Normal, IL

F3F. Transitioning to a seeing eye dog: Who, when and.-hQW-- Jay-Stiteley, SeeingJ~ye-_Inc., Morristown, NJ

F3G. Career education for children: What are you going to be when you grow up? Julie Lee Kay, Hadley School for the Blind, Winnetka, IL

F3H. Clinical low vision rehabilitation for youth - Susan Gormezano OD, Southfield, MI

430PM to 500PM LATE AFTERNOON BREAK

500PM to 730PM RECEPTION - All are welcome!

800PM to 930PM

Low vision peer support group - Illinois Consortium for Leaders of Vision Support

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2000

900AM to 1015AM CONCURRENT GENERAL SESSIONS

Introductions -
Adult Keynote Address -
Pediatric Keynote Address -

R. Tracy Williams OD, Conference Chair
James McKechnie, Immediate Past Chair
James Kesteloot, Board Chair

What's new in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration? -Jon GeiserMD, Wheaton Eye Clinic, Wheaton, IL

The parent/teacher partnership: Strategies that work for the low vision child - Laurel Barman, Director of Citywide Special Education, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL

1015AM to 1230PM

EXHIBITS

Saturday morning is your last chance to visit the exhibit hall, located on the second floor.

1015AM to 1045AM MORNING BREAK

1045AM to 1200PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

SIB. What's new: Exploring telescopes in low vision rehabilitation - Peter Russo OD, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL

SIC. But I need to drive! -R. Tracy Williams OD, Deicke Center, Wheaton, IL; Ann Hegberg OT, Marianjoy Rehablink, Wheaton, IL

SID. The 2000 office: Where you fit in - David Porter, Blind Service Association, Chicago, IL

SIF. I am more than my eyes: Changing barriers into opportunities - Sheila Kimmel MA LCPC, Chicago, IL

SIG. Families and advocates: Partnership for education - Susan LaVenture and Mary Zabelski, National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired, Watertown, MA [NOTE: This session continues until 145PM.J

SIH. Pediatric vision impairment highlights: Albinism and cone dystrophy - Susan Gormezano OD, Southfield, MI

1200PM to 1230PM AFTERNOON BREAK

1230PM to 145PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS

S2B. The role of glasses in vision rehabilitation - Peter Russo OD, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL

S2C. Going places independently and with others: You can do it all - Mac Michels MSEd, Deicke Center, Wheaton, IL

S2D. Job placement initiatives for persons with low vision or blindness -James Moore, Illinois Department of Human Services, Bureau of Blind Services/Office of Rehabilitation Services, Springfield, IL

S2E. Tips for using your peripheral vision - Stephen Rinne, Central Blind Rehabilitation Center, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL

S2F. The blind can lead the blind: An interactive discussion of the importance of peer support and self advocacy - Karen McCulloh RNBS, Illinois Consortium for Leaders of Vision Support, Morton Grove, IL [NOTE: This session will be repeated on Friday at 1045AM. You may attend either or both sessions.]

SIG. Families and advocates: Partnership for education - Susan LaVenture and Mary Zabelski, National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired, Watertown, MA [NOTE: This session begins at 1045AM.]

145PM END OF PROGRAM

REGISTRATION

Fees
$50 per person - Pre-registration (must be postmarked by September I")
$80 per person - At the door (space may be limited)

All attendees must pay the registration fee. Sorry, there are no discounted fees, one-day fees, or reduced companion rates. No refunds will be made.

Print and mail this form with your check (payable to the Discovery Low Vision Conference) to:

Discovery 2000
c/o The Chicago Lighthouse
1850 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
Questions? Call the Deicke Center at 630-690-7115.

Special Needs

The conference will endeavor to accommodate the services below if requested prior to the pre-registration deadline, September 1"' Please indicate if you will require any of the following during the conference:

Lodging

Congress Plaza Hotel - 530 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605

• Rates: $115 single, $125 double,+14.9% tax
• Rooms must be guaranteed with a credit card.
• Special accommodations must be arranged with hotel.

For room reservations, call 1-800-635-1666 by August 20th and mention the Discovery Low Vision Conference. Do not call this number for conference info.

For meeting room assignment and accessibility purposes, please indicate which sessions you plan to attend each day. Your choices are not binding - you will be free to attend any sessions during the conference. For concurrent sessions, please refer to the program and write-in the session number in the space provided below:

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

CAN TV Eye Care Eye Disease Eye Safety Visionary Research
What's New About us Contact Links Search Donations

© Copyright 2001 - 2006
Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness
Web design - Voras