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Winter 2025 Newsletter

By January 23, 2025No Comments

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, AMY SCHREINER

 

Happy New Year! I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season and enjoyed some much-needed time off. As 2024 came to a close, I reflected on a busy and eventful year for your board. We hosted our 40th annual conference in Traverse City, donated to the Blind Athletic Association, awarded $2,000 in scholarships, provided $1,000 in grants, and began planning your 2025 annual conference. I am excited and hopeful for what 2025 will bring.

 

While the past year brought its share of challenges, it also highlighted the strength and determination of our community.  As we enter 2025, let us look forward to new opportunities, knowing that we can continue to support and uplift one another.

 

I am especially looking forward to our 2025 MAER Annual Conference, “Enhancing Opportunities: MAER and NCOMA.” The MAER board has been working hard to prepare for your annual conference, which will take place on April 24 and 25 at the Lansing Center in Downtown Lansing. Our keynote speaker this year will be Jeff Hawkins. Jeff, who lost his vision in 2010, will speak about harnessing the power of leadership. Additionally, we are pleased to announce that Deafblind Central will host a pre-conference event on April 23.

 

As always, our conference would not be possible without our members! A huge THANK YOU to all the members who answered our call for papers and submitted proposals. We are thrilled with the proposed topics and are optimistic about a strong turnout at this year’s conference.

 

To better meet the needs of all our members, the board is working to rotate the conference location each year. This change aims to accommodate members who may find it challenging to travel long distances. We are already exploring options for next year’s conference and would love to hear your suggestions. Please let us know where you think our next conference should be held.

 

It’s also that time of year when the board is looking for new members. We would love for you to join us and share your ideas. Are you passionate about the field of blindness and low vision? Do you want to see MAER grow? Please consider running for a position on the MAER board. You can email us at Michiganaer@gmail.com. We would be delighted to have you on the team!

 

Please keep an eye on your email for announcements about conference registration and additional information.

 

We hope to see you in April!

 

Sincerely,

Amy Schreiner, MAER President 2024-2025

JOIN US ON THE MICHIGAN CHAPTER OF AER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

 

Are you passionate about supporting the future of our profession and contributing to the growth of the blindness and visual impairment field? The Michigan Chapter of AER invites you to get involved! In 2025, we will be looking to fill two Board Member at Large (Director) positions and one President-Elect position. All three roles offer an opportunity for a 3-year commitment to help shape the future of the Michigan AER Chapter. Plus, as a board member, you can earn ACVREP credits!

Being a part of the AER Board is your chance to continue the powerful legacy of one of the nation’s most active and supportive chapters. But what does it really take to serve? Do you have the skills, time, and passion? Keep reading to find out more!

What Does the Michigan AER Board of Directors Do?

The Michigan AER Board is a dynamic volunteer group that drives the direction of the Chapter, overseeing business operations and organizing our signature annual conference. Each year, we invite individuals to nominate themselves for positions on the Board, and members vote on their candidates just before our annual business meeting in April, typically held during the conference.

New Board members are announced at the meeting in April and formally welcomed during our first meeting after the conference in May.

 

Key Details You Need to Know:

  • Our Chapter’s History
    The Michigan Chapter of AER was established in 1984 through the merger of AAWB and AEVH. We are proud to be part of the North Central Region.
  • Our Mission
    We are committed to promoting and improving all aspects of education and rehabilitation for blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages.
  • The Structure of Our Board
    Our eleven-member board includes the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, and six Directors.
  • Eligibility
    To be eligible, you must be a member in good standing with AER.

 

Board Member Responsibilities:

While the board meets a minimum of twice a year, we typically gather more frequently—during the months of January, February, March, April, May, September, October, and November. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed. Here’s what’s expected from board members:

  • Attend regular board meetings
  • Represent and promote the Michigan Chapter of AER
  • Support ongoing chapter business between meetings
  • Plan and execute the annual conference
  • Assist in developing policies and procedures for chapter governance
  • Contribute articles to the MAER Newsletter
  • Serve on at least one committee

 

Why Serve on the Board?

Serving on the AER Board has many rewards:

  • Waived conference fees
    As a board member, your conference registration fee is covered, making it easier to stay engaged.
  • Reimbursement for business expenses
    We make sure your expenses are covered for board-related activities.
  • Personal Satisfaction
    You’ll take pride in knowing that you’re directly contributing to the advancement of professionals in the blindness and visual impairment field. Your work will help us all become more effective in making a positive impact.

 

How to Get Involved:

The form soliciting nominations for the 2025 Board positions will be sent out on February 1, 2025. If you are interested in being part of the leadership team or know someone who would be a great fit, please be sure to complete the form by the deadline.

 

Ready to Get Involved?

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back to the field and play a role in shaping its future, consider nominating yourself for the AER Michigan Chapter Board of Directors. We welcome passionate individuals eager to contribute to this vital mission.

 

Submitted By Beth Brabbs, Michigan Chapter Past President

MAER AWARDS

 

EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MICHIGAN AER AWARDS!

 

Michigan Chapter AER has two awards: The MAER Award and the David and JoAnn Search Lifetime Achievement Award.  These awards are presented at the MAER Annual Conference.  It is not mandatory that they be presented in any given year.

 

The MAER Award is designed to commemorate an event, organization, and/or activity.  It can be presented to one or more persons or to an entity such as an organization serving individuals who are blind or have low vision.  We solicit nominations for the MAER Award in the fall or early spring to be awarded at our annual conference (usually held in late April).  Anyone can submit a nomination, and the person or organization being nominated does not have to be a member of MAER to be eligible to receive the award, however preference is given to persons and organizations who have been involved with MAER.

 

Here are some of the individuals and organizations who have received the MAER Award: Abraham Nemeth, Michigan Commission for the Blind (10th Anniversary), Michigan Braille Transcribing Service (Jackson Prison), Lou Alonso, Alice Raftary, David and JoAnn Search, Sue and Paul Ponchillia, Michigan School for the Blind, Seedlings Braille Books, Dorothy Goldie, Teresa Gest, John Metz, and many more.

 

The David and JoAnn Search Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who is near or has recently retired in honor of a lifetime dedicated to serving individuals who are blind or have low vision.  It is intended to commemorate activities above and beyond the ordinary and recognize colleagues who are above average in their level of commitment to MAER and the blindness field.  It is not intended to be a reward for “making it to retirement”; rather it is to recognize a life spent above and beyond the typical work life in the blindness field.  The award is presented primarily to individuals who were involved with MAER in a leadership role, served on the Board or on a committee, and who generally supported MAER throughout their career.  The award was established in 1992 to honor David and JoAnn Search who dedicated many hours working within MAER in service to our organization from its inception in 1984.  They coordinated conferences, served on the MAER Board of Directors, and chaired the Program Planning Committee for the AER Regional Conference held in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the late 1990s.  They were both Rehabilitation Teachers.  JoAnn died in 2001, and David retired a few years later.

 

Here are some of the individuals who have received the David and JoAnn Search Lifetime Achievement Award: Wilma Seely, Abraham Nemeth, Virginia Dean, Paul Ponchillia, Sue Ponchillia, Marv Weesies, Cheryl Nametz, Paul Glatz, Jeanne Church, Catherine Hula, Collette Bauman, Rod Haneline, Helen Lee, Ann McKay-Bacon, Judy Holmes, and Kathy Christensen.

 

Please consider nominating one of your colleagues for these prestigious awards.  Materials for submitting a nomination will be posted to the MAER membership and distributed widely.

 

Please return your completed nomination(s) to Roberta McCall, Awards Chair no later than February 15, 2025 to the email address

Mccallr6246@att.net

 

Submitted By Roberta McCall, CVRT

MAER Secretary

Awards Chair

MINI GRANT ARTICLE: A DAY IN DETROIT

 

STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS TAKE DETROIT BY STORM!

So much of Michigan’s landscape is rural, dotted with small towns. That makes it hard for O&M Specialists to expose students to the big city concepts and skills they’ll need to become independent travelers as adults. Michigan Mobility Matters, an O&M Professional Learning Community, creates large group lessons for instructors and students to address these gaps.

 

This spring, the group lesson was “A Day in Detroit.” Despite the crazy weather, we had a blast practicing urban travel skills, learning about transportation options, and getting acquainted with all things “Detroit!”

We tackled streetcars, elevated trains, urban block travel,

elevators, escalators, revolving doors and the OKO app. 

 

Students learned to use their hands as a Michigan map to

 show where they live and learn where Detroit is located.

 

We hit the highlights of iconic Detroit, including the QLine, People Mover, Joe Louis Monument “The Fist”, and the Renaissance Center, and then stuffed ourselves with Detroit-style pizza.

 

 

 

This awesome opportunity was made possible through a mini-grant provided by MAER. If you have a program or project and need funding, MAER offers 2 grants per year up to $1000 each. 

Thank you, MAER, for supporting an amazing Day in Detroit! 

 

Submitted By Rikilynn Layher

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

 

#1: National Legislation 

 

Legislation information from NFB:

 

Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 3702/ S. 1467) | National Federation of the Blind

 

Issue—The cost of critically needed access technology is out of reach for most blind Americans.  

 

The high cost of access technology creates a difficult economic reality.  

 

Medical insurance will not cover the cost of access technology.  

 

Access technology enables blind Americans to participate in today’s workforce.

 

Solution—Access Technology Affordability Act:

 

Makes access technology more affordable so that blind Americans can procure these items for themselves.  

 

It establishes a refundable tax credit for blind Americans in the amount of 2,000 dollars to be used over a three-year period to offset the cost of access technology.  The credit created by ATAA will sunset after five years and will be indexed for inflation. 

 

Provides flexibility for individuals to obtain access technology based upon their specific needs. 

 

Accessibility requires an individualized assessment of one’s own skills and needs.  Therefore, blind Americans should be given the opportunity to procure access technology on their own to ensure that they are receiving the tools that are most useful for them.  

 

Will increase federal income tax revenue.  More blind Americans working means more people paying taxes.  It also means that those blind Americans who obtain gainful employment through this tax credit will no longer need to draw from federal programs such as Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance and will instead be paying into the Social Security Program.

 

Goal—Improve Affordability of Critically Needed Access Technology Necessary for Employment and Independent Living. 

 

Cosponsor the Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 3702/ S. 1467):

 

To cosponsor the Access Technology Affordability Act in the House of Representatives, contact:
Lori Prater, Legislative Director for Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA), 
Phone: 202-225-5406, Email: Lori.prater@mail.house.gov

 

To cosponsor the Access Technology Affordability Act in the Senate, contact:
Shivani Pampati, Tax and Economic Policy Advisor for Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)
Email: shivani_pampati@sbc.senate.gov 

 

For more information Contact NFB:
Jeff Kaloc, Government Affairs Specialist
Phone: 410-659-9314, extension 2206, Email: jkaloc@nfb.org, or visit www.nfb.org

 

#2: Michigan Legislation

 

Senate Passes Bill Allowing Remote Meeting Participation For Members With Disabilities

 

Nearly all Senate Republicans voted against legislation Thursday that would allow appointed members of public boards who have disabilities the option for participating remotely, citing concerns that it could enable leaders to avoid contact or scrutiny from members of the public.

 

Members voted 22-16 on SB 870, which would apply to appointed boards and commissions as well as local elected governments.

 

Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) said prior to the vote that the bill should have a requirement for board members to have documentation for a disability waiver to be permitted remote participation.

 

He expressed concern over the lack of access by members of the public to boards members. Runestad said the bill is too loosely worded and that board members could too easily find ways to participate remotely.

 

“The whole purpose of the Open Meetings Act is that the people have the right to confront the people that are going to be making these major decisions,” Runestad said.

 

Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) acknowledged there has been pressure to enable public bodies to operate with options for virtual participation.

 

He pointed to the need for remote hearings during the coronavirus pandemic due to mandates for virtual meetings. The use of remote meetings over time, he said, has become lax.

 

“We saw members of boards and councils who were attending the meeting while at the McDonalds drive thru, or while in their home drinking a beer or while in the bathroom,” McBroom said.

 

He said until further standards can be enacted for remote meetings to ensure appropriate levels of participation and public access to board members, he could not support the legislation.

 

Democrats were joined by two Republicans in support of the bill: Sen. Ruth Johnson of Groveland Township and Sen. Mark Huizenga of Walker.

 

An S-4 floor substitute offered by Johnson was adopted which specified that a person seeking to participate remotely on the basis of a disability would not be required to disclose the nature or extent of the disability.

 

It further clarified that only appointed members of public boards with a disability could attend remotely, not elected members and that those without a disability could not participate remotely. Members would also have to be within the state during a meeting.

 

The substitute also included clarifying language that the bill does not apply to state legislative meetings in which votes are taken.

 

Submitted By Pat Duyck

NEWS FOR YOU

 

THANK YOU FROM LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND!

 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Unmet Needs survey sent out by Leader Dogs for the Blind.  In total, we received 436 responses from individuals who are blind, and 115 responses from professionals providing services to individuals who are blind.  With these results, we can better understand some of the services gaps that exist in the blind rehabilitation industry, and the impact they have on a person’s ability to reach their long-term goals.  As we look ahead, we plan to use these results for our own strategic planning. Additionally, we plan to share them with other organizations so that together we can learn and grow our impact for the people we serve.  Here’s a brief summary of some of our survey results:

 

  • Survey for people who are blind
    • 73% feel access to mental health services is either important or very important.
    • 31% do not feel they have access to the blind rehabilitation services they need to reach their independence goals
    • 43% have struggled to gain access to the services they need to reach their independence goals.
  • Survey for Blind Rehabilitation Professionals
    • 93% notice some type of service gap for people in their territories.
    • 72% feel that lack of awareness of the services that exist is the main barrier to services within the blind rehabilitation industry.
    • Lack of professionals to provide blind rehabilitation services, and large caseloads/territories were also sighted as main barriers to services. 

 

We plan to take a much deeper dive into these results and discuss their future implications during the 2025 Annual MAER Conference.  Thank you once again for anyone who completed our survey or shared them with their clients. 

 

Submitted By Kristy Plesscher

 

DEAFBLIND CENSUS IS DUE FEBRUARY 14TH!!!

 

Ring your Silver Bells this season for the holidays and for DeafBlind Central’s silver birthday!! DeafBlind Central turns 25 this year and it is bringing us a year of firsts! We are moving to an online process that will allow you to register and login in for any future updates/reregistration.  

The timeline for the annual census, or Annual Registry of Children Who Are DeafBlind, has shifted this year and is due much earlier! DB Central staff must aggregate the data and submit a report for the federal count by March 15, 2025.  This is two months earlier than all previous years. Our birthday wish is to get all census data in our new system by February 14th and please note that we are going to raffle off a gift afterward worth a grand prize of $500 toward a conference of your choice (MAER, Family Matters, CHARGE). Earn an entry for every registration completed!

 

Here is what you need to know:

  • DeafBlind Central is a federally funded grant that provides information and resources to families and service providers throughout the state of Michigan.
  • Most children/young adults registered with DB Central have an IEP eligibility that is NOT “DeafBlind.” This means that the DB Central census is the only way for policy makers to see how many children and young adults have a dual sensory impairment. 
  • The DB Central census is NOT affiliated or connected with APH, so registry information is not shared- students who are blind or visually impaired and Deaf or hard of hearing should be registered with both organizations. 
  • Our annual census helps to maintain DB Central funding to conduct trainings, offer consultation, resources for families and service providers, and coaching for interveners and teachers who participate in some trainings FREE OF CHARGE.
  • Being on the registry also means that families can participate in DB Central events, in-person or virtual, in order to have opportunities to network with other families who have one or more children who are DeafBlind. 
  • Some DB Central events will include adults with live experience of deafblindness, offering an important opportunity for parents/guardians and kids who are DeafBlind to meet people who have important insights to share. 

 

Here is how you can help:

  • Watch for the census/registry materials in early January and respond as quickly as possible. You will receive an information sheet to provide updates for those people already registered with DB Central. Remember, the turnaround is much tighter- make note of the dates on the cover letter. 
  • You will also have a link and QR code that will be sent to you for our new online registration process with our new database. You can simply follow the link or QR code to register your child in the new system.
  • If you prefer to mail us the census materials back with corrections or a new registration, please place it in the return envelope and drop in the mail or scan and email it back to us at dbcen@cmich.edu.
  • Call DB Central at 989-774-2725 with questions or to have a staff member walk through registration with you.

 

Submitted By Laura Johnson (lauram.johnson@cmich.edu) and Beth Kennedy (beth.kennedy@cmich.edu

 

SAVE THE DATES

 

The Michigan AER 2025 Annual Conference (Enhancing Opportunities-MAER and NCOMA) will be held at the Lansing Center located at 333 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing, Michigan 49833 on April 24th-25, 2025.  The primary Annual MAER Conference will feature a variety of sessions, workshops, vendors and networking opportunities.  There will be an optional pre-conference on April 23rd, 2025.  The pre-conference will focus on working with individuals who are deaf-blind.  The deadline to register for the Annual MAER Conference is April 1st, 2025.  Come join us for another amazing conference!

 

REMINDER ABOUT ACVREP AND SCECH CREDITS

 

According to the MAER policy and procedures, there will be a $25 charge for a replacement ACVREP certificate from our conferences. Certificates will be provided at the end of each conference. In addition, SCECH credits for conferences will be sent to the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). To get your SCECH credits, you must go into the MOECS to fill out a survey before your credits appear. MAER sends the record of your attendance to the SCECH Coordinator, and it is your responsibility to do the rest to get your credits. If you have questions about this process, you may contact MOECS at (517) 241-5000. The MOECS website is https://mdoe.state.mi.us/moecs/login.aspx.

 

MEMBERS SPEAK OUT

 

Let your voice be heard!  Do you have an article, resource, educational opportunity, employment opportunity or other information you would like included in the MAER Newsletter?  Utilize this opportunity to share information with other professionals in the field of Blindness and Low Vision!  The next newsletter goes out on September 4th, 2025.  Please send your submissions to Linda Billings, Newsletter Chair at LFB_1980@YAHOO.COM with the words MAER NEWSLETTER ARTICLE in the subject line of your email.  We look forward to hearing from you!

 

MAER BOARD OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 

 

Please contact michiganaer@gmail.com with any questions.

 

PRESIDENT: Amy Schreiner

 

PAST PRESIDENT: Elizabeth Brabbs

 

PRESIDENT ELECT: Kristy Plesscher

 

SECRETARY: Roberta McCall

 

TREASURER: Jessicia Klenk

 

DIRECTORS:  Linda Billings, Johanna Brutvan, Pat Duyck, Leanne Ford, Kimberly Kernstock and Garret Waldie

 

Our AER Mission: To render all possible assistance to the promotion, development, and improvement of all phases of education and rehabilitation of blind and visually impaired persons of all ages.

 

Visit our website at Michigan AER.

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