“Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference
15th Annual

Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss

October 3, 2023
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood, MA

Keynote Speaker: 	Felipe A. Jain, MD
Director of Health Aging Studies, Depression Clinical and Research Program, 
Massachusetts General Hospital
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, 
Harvard Medical School
Member of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard-MIT
“Supporting Caregivers: Using Guided Imagery 
Focused on Relationships to Improve Mood”
											
Remarks at Lunch: 	Jane F. Ryder, Commissioner
					Department of Developmental Services			Awards: 

		Mark Holt “Gift of Lunch” 
		Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Service
		Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Leadership

“Focus” on Talent!!!   
Special Closing Performance by The M.A.I. Band

A Very Special Thank You…

Lead Sponsors: 	       
Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
	
Sponsors:  
Perkins School for the Blind
DDS Southeast Region Training Council

Friends:  
New England College of Optometry
Shriver Clinical Services

To Our Exhibitors Including:
Perkins School for the Blind
Hope
Carroll Center for the Blind
Arc of MA, Pathways to Friendship
Disabled Persons Protection Commission
Visiting Rehab and Nursing Services 
Campus School at Boston College
Careforth
LifeStream, Inc.
Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library 
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts
HESSCO
Talking Information Center
Helen Keller National Center

Literature Table:
LS&S 
NECO Center for Eye Care Southeastern Massachusetts
MCPHS University Eye and Vision Center - and more…
	
Poster Displays: 

	Seeing Through Art of Nature
	Jonathan Spiller
	Arc of Massachusetts

	You Are Music: Express Yourself Through Music
	Lisa El-Lakis, MT-BC
	DDS Hogan Regional Center

	Beyond the Eye: A Holistic Approach to Eyecare
	Jacqueline O’Connell, Elisabeth Schaffer, Matthew Beaulieu
	New England College of Optometry

	Living Life to the Fullest
	Kimberly Babbs
	Laurel Ridge Senior Living Residence

The Woven Project: A Redesign of CO-OP Productions North Dighton, Massachusetts Facility
Rebecca Khan, Victoria Phillips, Carla N Pina, Bianca R Cunha, 
and Dr. Rose Mary Botti-Salitsky
Interior Architecture and Design, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Murmuration: A Redesign of CO-OP Productions North Dighton, Massachusetts Facility
Shannon M McNally, Morgan L Palm, Brianna R Wetherbee, and Dr. Rose Mary Botti-Salitsky
Interior Architecture and Design, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

	Human Rights for All
	DDS Office of Human Rights
	Department of Developmental Services

	We Can
	Amanda Brennan and Paula Honzik
	Campus School at Boston College

	Hearing Color 
	Paul Greely
	BAMSI

Introducing our Keynote:
Felipe A. Jain, MD

Dr. Felipe Jain is a Psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, as well as the Director of Healthy Aging Studies at the Depression Clinical and Research Program. Dr. Jain graduated from Brown University, magna cum laude, with a Sc.B. in neuroscience in 2000, and from Harvard Medical School and the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences in Technology cum laude in 2008 with a thesis on neurophysiology. His research focuses on guided imagery and mindfulness practices for the treatment of depression and anxiety with a special emphasis on family caregivers, and biomarkers that may be used to personalize treatment. He has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health (National Institute on Aging) and private foundations to develop a new guided imagery and mindfulness treatment approach, Mentalizing Imagery Therapy, that seeks to encourage perspective taking and other relationship skills, in addition to promoting well-being and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.  Along with studying the therapeutic benefit of this approach, Dr. Jain studies how it impacts functional brain activation and brain structure using magnetic resonance imaging. More broadly, Dr. Jain studies how brain imaging markers, neurohormones, and the autonomic nervous system may be used to understand depression and its response to treatment.  Dr. Jain sees patients in clinical practice at the Depression Clinical and Research Program and supervises psychiatry residents in their training in the #1 ranked Massachusetts General Hospital – McLean Hospital Psychiatry Residency Program at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Jain will also be offering a concurrent session as a follow-up to his keynote.
       
Conference Agenda “At-a-Glance”

8:00 – 8:30		Registration / Vendors Open/Refreshments

8:35 – 8:45		Welcome Remarks

8:45 – 9:45		Keynote

9:45 – 10:00	Break / Exhibits Open

10:00 – 11:00 	1st Concurrent Session

11:00 – 11:15	Break / Exhibits Open

11:15 – 12:15   	2nd Concurrent Session

12:15 – 12:30 	Exhibits Open

12:30 – 1:30		Lunch, Remarks & Award Presentations:
					● Mark Holt Gift of Lunch 
					● Paul McDade “Focus” Awards for Distinguished
		   Service and Leadership

1:30 – 2:00		Dedicated Time for Exhibits Session

2:00 – 3:00		3rd Concurrent Session

3:00 – 3:15		Break / Refreshments / Exhibits Open

3:15 – 3:45		“Focus” On Talent!!! (Performance) / Raffle 

Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike
Route 1 (18 miles south of Boston)
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: 781-769-7900
www.fourpointsnorwood.com
Please see page 17 for a full listing of directions.

We look forward to seeing you on October 3, 2023!

 “Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness

8:00 – 8:30	Registration / Exhibits Open / Refreshments

8:35 – 8:45	Welcome Remarks

	8:45 – 9:45	Keynote:  Felipe A. Jain

“Supporting Caregivers: Using Guided Imagery 
Focused on Relationships to Improve Mood”

Providing care to a person with a chronic or debilitating illness, whether as a family member or professional, can be challenging and stressful. Caregivers often struggle with a balance between empathizing with the pain of the person living with illness and maintaining their own personal sense of wellness. The balance between providing appropriate care for the realities of illness and holding normal “expectations” for what the person living with illness can do is sometimes unclear. Finally, caregivers often have difficulty maintaining a balance between attending to their care recipient’s needs and engaging in healthy and fulfilling activities for themselves. The stresses of caregiving challenge the caregivers’ ability to understand the care recipient, the dynamic and changing social situation, and themselves. 

One approach that can help caregivers thrive is that of using mindful guided imagery techniques to facilitate greater self and other understanding, or balanced mentalizing. Dr. Jain will outline this approach, the evidence for its use in caregivers based on research at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Harvard Medical School, and measurable changes in brain connectivity that result from practicing these techniques.

9:45 – 10:00	Break / Exhibits Open

	

10:00 – 11:00 	Concurrent Sessions

1A. 	Fifteen Years and Counting: Lessons Learned from a Successful Cataract Surgery Program for People with Intellectual Disability
Presenters:	 Susannah Rowe, MD MPH FACS
 Director, Exceptional Vision Service
 Vice Chair for Safety and Quality
 Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center

 Madhura Shah, BS
 Medical Student, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School
 of Medicine     

Description:  We will begin by reviewing the natural history of cataracts, how they present in this population, and how they are diagnosed. We will then give an overview of the cataract surgery process, including risks and benefits, and discuss what cataract surgery and post-operative care entails for both the individual and the caregivers. Finally, we will share some of our experiences from the Exceptional Vision Service at BMC, including some anecdotes and lessons learned from interviews with caregivers about their experiences. We will focus on the needs of this population addressing what cataracts are, causes (including syndromes that cause IDD where cataracts are more prevalent), when surgery is indicated, signs and symptoms, how surgery is done, and resources.

1B.	A Practical Introduction to Mentalizing Imagery Techniques  
Presenter:  Felipe A. Jain, MD
Director of Health Aging Studies, Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School 
Member of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard-MIT
Description: Following on Dr. Jain’s keynote address on new guided imagery strategies for caregivers, this breakout session will provide the opportunity for more in-depth questions and answers as well as an experiential practice of a guided imagery technique for caregivers.   

7

10:00 – 11:00 	Concurrent Sessions (continued)

1C. 	CVI Visual Behaviors and Considerations for Orientation 
and Mobility 
		Presenter:  Lisa Miller, MS. Ed, TVI, COMS, CLVT
				Perkins School for the Blind
Description: Addressing Orientation and Mobility skills is a required component of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for individuals who are visually impaired. In this workshop, the presenter will describe the visual behaviors of Cortical/Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in relation to Orientation and Mobility and considerations for assessment for individuals with CVI. Individuals with CVI may have difficulties which impact visual attention, recognition of people and information in the environment, visual fields, visual clutter and crowding, perception of motion, and visual guidance of the upper and lower limb. These difficulties may impact an individual's participation, engagement and travel in school and in the community as well as unfamiliar places and/or crowded environments.

1D. 	“Hello World”: Celebrating the Process and Impact of the Visual, Performing and Literary Arts for Individuals with Diverse Abilities.
Presenters: Malissa Kenney, Director of Outreach, Inclusion and 
CapeCodCAN, Cotuit Center for the Arts

Donna Rockwell, Outreach/CapeCodCAN Art Director, Cotuit Center for the Arts
Description: As an introduction of Cotuit Center for the Arts inclusive outreach program, Cape Cod Collaborative Arts Network (CapeCodCAN), Directors Malissa Kenney and Donna Rockwell will share the process of art making and performance with youth and adults who have diverse abilities. The conversation will outline adapting projects and class structure to meet the needs of the students; the importance of accessibility, inclusion and partnerships; and the impact the arts have had on students, our organization, and the community.  

10:00 – 11:00 	Concurrent Sessions (continued)

1E.	New Products and Services 
Different companies/agencies will discuss the services and products they provide that are helpful to individuals with visual impairment or blindness and those who support them, including:
•	Perkins e-Learning
•	Carroll Center for the Blind
•	DPPC
•	Campus School at Boston College
•	Bureau of Engraving and Printing

PLEASE NOTE: CEU’s are not offered for this session. 

11:00 – 11:15	Break / Exhibits Open

11:15 – 12:15   Concurrent Sessions

2A.   Seasons of Life in Disability Eye Care
		Presenters: Greg Waldorf, OD, MPH, FAAO
				 Associate Dean for Clinical Programs
				 MCPHS School of Optometry
				
 Dot Tolls, OD
				 Center for Eye Care Southeastern Massachusetts
				 New England College of Optometry
				 Developmental Disabilities Services, The Eye and Vision Center 
				 MCPHS School of Optometry
Description: All people need lifelong eye care. This is especially true for those with developmental disabilities for whom there are not only boundaries to receiving routine eye evaluation but also misconceptions about why it matters. In this lecture, we will discuss the importance of ocular evaluation, diagnoses, and management strategies at every stage of life in the patient with developmental disability.

	
11:15 – 12:15   Concurrent Sessions (continued)

2B.  	Exploring Employment Supports for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Vision Loss	
Presenters: Jill Eastman, Program Coordinator, Employment & Training
 Institute for Community Inclusion
 University of Massachusetts Boston

Andrea Cooper, M.Ed., CESP, Senior Employment Specialist
Institute for Community Inclusion
University of Massachusetts Boston
Description:  Today, we know that employment can be an option for many who have in the past been excluded. Join us to learn about employment service and supports that can lead to success in the workplace for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are blind or have low vision. We will talk about key concepts such as competitive integrated employment, supported employment, and customized employment as well as the service options in Massachusetts. We will share stories and talk about how families and service providers can create pathways to employment for those who may not currently see employment as an option. Time will be provided for questions. 

2C.   Leveraging Mainstream Consumer Technology for Consumers with 
Visual Impairments
		Presenter: 	Alexander Pooler, MPA
Director of Assistive Technology and Consumer Database Information
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Description: While dedicated assistive technology has been the primary go-to for deployment to visually impaired consumers, there has been a shift to leveraging mainstream consumer technology that can be rendered accessible for those in need.  From built-in accessible options in iOS devices and add-ons to smart phone technology, to working with identifying tasks that smart speakers can help our consumers with, Assistive Technology professionals are able to use more mainstream consumer technology every year to maintain, and in many cases, improve community independence with easy-to-learn and easy-to-use technology that many of us already have at home.

	11:15 – 12:15   Concurrent Sessions (continued)

2D.	Drum Strategies for Healing: Accessible Rhythm and Music
		Presenter: 	Sam Holmstock
Drumming Instructor, Drum Circle Facilitator
Cotuit Center for the Arts, Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education
Description: This presentation will explore the connections between therapeutic drumming and its usefulness as an adjunct to rewiring and calming the brains of Neurodiverse communities including Vision impaired individuals with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. It will illustrate the methods used to create access and adaptations for ease of participation by Neurodiverse individuals.

2E.   	Must Have APH Quota Fund Products!
Presenter:	Denise Dudash, M.Ed.
Teacher for Students with VI/Blind 
Lawrence Public Schools 
Description: Review of products available with quota funds from American Printing House (APH). A must have list of important products that are frequently used including a review of important product features and functionality of which consumers might not be aware.  

	12:15 – 12:30	Exhibits Open	

	12:30 – 1:30	Lunch Remarks:   Jane F. Ryder

Award Presentations:
•	Mark Holt “Gift of Lunch”
•	Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Service 
•	Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Leadership
               1:30 – 2:00		Dedicated Vendor & Poster Session!!!   
		Enjoy this time after lunch for meeting our Exhibitors, viewing the 
		Posters/Displays and networking. Happy Networking!  

	2:00 – 3:00 Concurrent Sessions 

3A.  	Demystifying and EYE-Dentifying Visual Function and Behaviors
Presenter: 	Jem Martin, OD, FAAO
New England College of Optometry 
Description: This presentation will review common causes of vision loss among individuals with IDD, review symptoms patients may experience, as well as signs that caregivers and family members can look for. Finally, we will discuss the adapted eye examination, how these exams may differ from a typical eye appointment, and resources for eye care in the state of Massachusetts.  

3B. 	Identification of individuals who are DeafBlind and Support 
Strategies
Presenter: 	Christine Telford, COMS 
New England Regional Representative
Helen Keller National Center
Description: This session will discuss how to identify an individual who is DeafBlind, the various etiologies that cause DeafBlindness and the diversity of the population. We will discuss numerous ways the DeafBlind population access information and their environment. Local and National Resources will be shared with the audience.  

3C.	Friends Matter! One Friend Can Change Your Whole Life
Presenters: Zach Rossetti- Associate Professor, Boston University 
Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Maureen O’Rourke King- Parent/Regional Trainer, Department of Developmental Services, Southeast Region

Self-Advocates: TBD
Description: Friendships are personally valuable and developmentally important relationships for all people, yet friendships between individuals with and without intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and vision loss remain infrequent. This panel presentation will share personal stories of social successes and challenges, as well as research-based strategies to promote authentic friendship between individuals with and without I/DD and vision loss.

2:00 – 3:00 Concurrent Sessions (continued)

3D.	Beyond the Mat: Yoga and Mindfulness Strategies for ALL Individuals 
to Improve Their Well-Being
		Presenter: 	Lisa Irvine 
Occupational Therapist
Registered Yoga Instructor, Brave Yoga for All 
Description: An interactive session to learn and practice proven yoga and mindfulness techniques and strategies which improve body awareness, self-regulation, and focus. Session will include yoga poses, breathing exercises, and guided relaxation. Individuals may participate in a chair or yoga mat*. (*Please note yoga mats will not be provided. You are welcome to bring your own. Space for mat use will be on “first come first served” basis as space may be limited depending on number of participants).  Modifications will be provided.

3E.	New Products and Services 
Different companies/agencies will discuss the services and products they provide that are helpful to individuals with visual impairment or blindness and those who support them, including:
•	Hope
•	Arc of Massachusetts
•	Careforth
•	Visiting Rehab and Nursing Service
•	Perkins Library

PLEASE NOTE: CEU’s are not offered for this session. 

3:00 – 3:15	Break / Refreshments / Exhibits Open

3:15 – 3:30		"Focus" On Talent!!! 

A special musical performance by the M.A.I. Band will put the finishing touch on the day!

3:30 - 3:45    		Closing Remarks
		RAFFLE Wonderful PRIZES!!! 
		Must be present to WIN! 

Registration Information
1.	Due Date: Please register BY September 15, 2023.  Thank you!

2.	Paying by Credit Card? - PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE/see link in box at top of page 15.  Thank you!!
3.	Paying by Check OR Purchase Order? –PLEASE USE THE FORM on PAGE 15 of this Brochure and return with payment to:
	Rebecca McLean / Shriver Clinical Services / May Center Medical Office
	Wrentham Developmental Center, PO Box 144, Wrentham, MA 02093
Please make check payable to:  Shriver Clinical Services Corporation

4.	Questions re: Registration? Rebecca.C.McLean@mass.gov or 508-384-5558.

5.	Refunds:  We regret that refunds cannot be given after September 8, 2023, unless by notification from us to you that your check (# and amount) will be returned to you. This refund protocol will also be used if conference capacity is reached at the time we receive your registration and payment.

6.	Continuing Education Information:
	Application for 4 hours of Continuing Education will be submitted to:
•	ACVREP: Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals - Questions: Samantha.Linden@mass.gov 
•	CRC: Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification 
•	CEC: An application has been made for 4 CECs for Social Workers.
•	MA Board of Registration in Nursing: 4 contact hours will be granted. Questions:  Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov
•	MA CE: NECO has applied for 4 hours of MA CE approved credits.
Questions: Gary Chu, O.D.: Chu@neco.edu
•	PDP: Perkins Training Center will award 5 Professional Development Points. Questions: Mary.Zatta@perkins.edu
•	OT CEU: Perkins Training Center will award .4 CEUs. 
	Questions: Mary.Zatta@perkins.edu
    Please indicate your choice of CEUs on the registration form.

7.	Scholarships are available for individuals with intellectual disability and their families (priority given for the Southeast Region). 
Information: Dianne.Rodrigues@mass.gov 
8.	Reduced Room Rates of $155 per night, exclusive of taxes, will be available at the Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood, phone: 781-769-7900. Please mention Shriver Clinical. Rooms at this rate are held until September 5, 2023, and subject to availability.

9.	This Registration Brochure and Form can be downloaded from the "Training” section of: focusonvisionandvisionloss.org.
10.	General Questions: Please contact Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov

NEW - Paying by Credit Card?  Please register online: https://bit.ly/focus2023registration

Paying by Check or Purchase Order?  Please use this form.  Thank you!

Please Register Early if you can!     Registrations Due by September 15, 2023

“Focus” On Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood, Massachusetts

Name:_________________________________________________________				
Agency Name:______________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________
Email:						Phone:
________________________________________________________________
Can we share your contact information with sponsors?  Yes ___  No___

Lunch Choice: If no choice is indicated, the Vegan lunch will be ordered.

•	___Chicken Milanese: Boneless chicken breast encrusted with herbs, parmesan breadcrumbs, and a lemon velouté.   
•	      Roasted Vegetable Tower*: Portabella mushroom, red pepper, zucchini, and squash over quinoa with a balsamic glaze.
*Vegan/Gluten Free 

Accommodations Needed: *Please request Interpreting Service by Sept. 1, 2023.

														
Concurrent Session Selection: Circle the letter of the 3 you plan to attend.
10:00 - 11:00	11:15 - 12:15	2:00 - 3:00	
   A    B    C    D    E	  A    B    C    D    E   	   A    B    C    D    E	
			
Please circle the type(s) of CE you will be requesting:
 ACVREP	  CRC      CEC      Nursing CEU      MA CE	PDP     OT CEU
         
Conference Rate with Lunch:  
General Admittance 
postmarked by 7/31/23:  	General Admittance 
postmarked after 7/31/23	Physician (MD, DO, OD)	
$55.00	$65.00	$110.00	

Total: $______ Check or Purchase Order Number:__________________
Please make check payable to:  Shriver Clinical Services Corporation and mail along with this form to: Rebecca McLean, Shriver Clinical Services May Center Medical Office, Wrentham Developmental Center / PO Box 144 / Wrentham, MA 02093

We would love to hear from you!

We consider all feedback when planning the "Focus" Conference each year. Please share your ideas and suggestions with us! 

•	If paying by Credit Card online, please email your ideas/suggestions: Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov
•	If paying by Check or Purchase Order, please share your ideas on this page and mail along with your Registration. 
We appreciate your input and support.   Thank you!!!

Additional Copies of this Registration Brochure can be found:

www.focusonvisionandvisionloss.org 
Go to the "Training Resources and Events" section. 

DIRECTIONS

Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
                     1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike
Route 1 (18 miles south of Boston)
                                  Norwood, MA 02062
                                 Phone: 781-769-7900
                          www.fourpointsnorwood.com

From Boston and points North
Take I-93 South which turns into I-95 (Route 128) North.
Take Exit 15B, Route 1 South toward Norwood.
Travel 4.5 miles, the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Hotel & Conference Center will be on your right after the Staples Plaza.

From the West
Follow Mass. Turnpike (I-90) East
Take Exit 14 onto I-95 (Route 128) South. (Note: From the West, this Exit is number 14, from the East, it is number 15.)
Continue South to Exit 15B. Route 1, Norwood,
And proceed as above.

From Providence, TF Green Airport & points South
Take I-95 North to Exit 11B, Neponset Street, Norwood.
Drive 7/10 of a mile and turn left onto Dean Street.
At traffic light, turn left onto Route 1, heading South.
The Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Hotel & Conference Center is on your right after the Staples Plaza.

From Logan Airport
Exit airport, follow signs through Williams tunnel (toll) to I-90 /I-93 South. Follow signs for I-93 South about 7 miles.
I-93 South turns into I-95 (Route 128) North.
Proceed on I-95(Route 128) North to Exit 15B, Route 1 Norwood.
Travel Route 1 South 4.5 miles to the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Hotel & Conference Center, located on your right after the Staples Plaza. 

“Let’s Walk Together:
Safe Guiding Techniques for Individuals
with Intellectual Disability and Vision Loss”

Video – Free Copies Available!!!

This 23-minute video describes the human guide technique (also known as sighted guide).  Throughout the video you will see people using the technique or variations of the technique, in everyday situations including:

Doorways, Narrow Spaces, and Crowded Areas
Stairs, Steps and Ramps
Uneven Surfaces
Seating at a Table and a Couch

Video and Printable Resources 
AVAILABLE ONLINE!

Video and Printable Resources: 

http://www.focusonvisionandvisionloss.org/lets-walk-together.html

Getting Into and Out of a Car and Van

Free Copies: To request a free DVD of the complete “Let’s Walk Together” video please email Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov.

Please share these resources!

This video was made possible through the support of the
Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) in collaboration with:
Emerson College, Shriver Clinical Services, and 
The Carroll Center for the Blind
Be sure to check out the "Focus" website focusonvisionandvisionloss.org

The "Focus" website is a resource of the MCB/DDS Partnership Project created to raising awareness of services and information for individuals with intellectual disability and vision impairment, legal blindness, or deafblindness.

MCB/DDS Services & Resources 
Learn about Certified Orientation & Mobility Services, the American Printing House for the Blind Federal Quota Account, support groups for caregivers and for individuals, and other initiatives focused on the needs of individuals with intellectual disability and vision loss.

Eye Care, Safety, & Finding an Eye Care Provider
Find an eye care provider near you; learn about specialty eye clinics; review DDS Vision Care Guidelines; explore tips for keeping eyes safe and reducing glare; learn how to best prepare for eye exams and eye surgery; see how vision can be affected by specific eye disorders; focus on nutrition for eye health, vision and aging eyes, and more!

Everyday Life 
Discover useful strategies, including orientation & mobility techniques; find additional resources about deafblindness, communication and recreation.

Tech and Access
Find a collection of apps, technology equipment and resources for those with vision loss, in addition to accessible ways to acquire news and information.

Students 
Explore specialized resources available to students with vision loss and their families to promote education, healthy vision, and a smooth transition to adult life. 

Connect 
Read inspiring stories of individuals with vision loss; check out the Focus Blog, discover answers to frequently asked questions, and connect with us!  

Training & Events
Check out upcoming training events, including “Focus” Talks, virtual on-demand options related to vision care and vision loss; access downloadable resource handouts and the Let’s Walk Together Human Guide video; and sign up to receive email notification of upcoming events!

Lisa DiBonaventura, MA, COMS
Statewide Director for Vision & Vision Loss Services, DDS
WDC, 131 Emerald Street, PO Box 144
Wrentham, MA  02093