Training Activities | The National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision

We conduct a wide variety of training activities centered around our mission of improving employment and independent living outcomes for people who are blind or have low vision.

Are you interested in the NRTC providing training for your organization?

NRTC Training Topics Contact NRTC for Training

Blindness Experience Training

The Blindness Experience Training aims to help participants understand how people who are blind or have low vision (B/LV) remove barriers and work to achieve their goals, recognize and reduce negative perceptions about B/LV, the importance of training and advocacy, and the importance of supporting success through providing individualized services.

The training also provides multiple experiential learning activities for participants, including hands-on braille introduction, an overview of orientation and mobility, practice with human guide technique, interactive activities using assistive devices to complete daily living tasks, and demonstration of assistive technology. Additionally, participants will be exposed to the wide variety of lived experiences of people who are B/LV.

The NRTC can customize this training for individual agencies and periodically offers the training at our campus at Mississippi State University. To learn more about The Blindness Experience Training, please visit our page below.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Putting Your Best Foot Forward is a job search skills training program for transition-age youth with visual impairments. It includes about 40 hours of content and covers topics such as preparing for an interview, disability disclosure, resume development, online job searches, and improving self-presentation. The program is designed to be implemented by two trainers with 10-15 youth. To become a Putting Your Best Foot Forward trainer and gain full access to the program materials, you must complete a free, two-day trainer workshop.

Vision Specialist Certificate Program

The Vision Specialist in Vocational Rehabilitation program provides a graduate certificate in blindness and low vision rehabilitation for rehabilitation counselors and other vision rehabilitation professionals. Applications are received annually, from June 1st - October 1st.

Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center

The NRTC is home to the Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC). The OIB-TAC supports state agencies that provide services to older individuals who are blind or have low vision by providing various training and technical assistance activities. This project is funded by two grants (#H177Z200001) and (#H177Z150003) from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) under the U.S. Department of Education. Click here for more information about OIB-TAC's three major projects. Click here for more information about OIB-TAC's three major projects.

Online Short Courses

The NRTC offers a wide selection of free online courses for rehabilitation professionals. Topics vary, from introductory courses like “Basics of Blindness and Low Vision” to more in-depth topics like “Employer Attitudes toward Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired." There is no fee for CRCC, ACVREP, or NBPCB credits. For more information and to access our courses, visit www.ntac.blind.msstate.edu/courses/.

Business Enterprise Program Training

The National Online Training Curriculum for Randolph-Sheppard (R-S) Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Staff course is designed to help orient new BEP staff members to the Randolph-Sheppard Program. This course is composed of 16 individual modules, each covering an important aspect of the R-S program. An overall certificate of completion may be requested when a student successfully completes and passes all module quizzes with a score of 80% or better. There is no fee associated with taking and completing individual modules or the entire course.

State and Regional Training Programs

NRTC staff can design training sessions to fit the needs of individual programs or organizations. Popular topics include:

Adjustment to Vision Impairment or Blindness
Ethics
Functional Implications of Low Vision
Sensitivity Training
Job Readiness Activities for Transition-Age Youth
Data Collection and Case Documentation

Click here for more training topic ideas. To talk with our training staff, contact nrtc@colled.msstate.edu or 662-325-2001.

Training and Outreach Activities

2022

Moffitt, C., & Steverson, A. (2022, September 27-28). Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop. [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

Moffitt, C. (2022, August 2). Adult Resources from the NRTC [Virtual]. The Blind and Low Vision Support and Resource Group.

Moffitt, C. (2021, July 7). Career Advantage & Blind Rehabilitation Professionals [Virtual Training]. NFB National Convention: National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals.

Moffitt, C. (2021, June 16). Deciphering Individualized Education Plans. [Virtual Training]. MA Commission for the Blind.

McDonnall, M. (2022, June 13). Access technology use in the workplace by people who are blind or have low vision. [Virtual]. Vispero.

Farrow, K. (2022, June). Focus on reliable data collection. [Virtual Training]. New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Moffitt, C., & Leslie Hoskins (2022, May 25). Collaboration event. [Webinar]. Leader Dogs & National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

McDonnall, M., & Silverman, A. (2022, May 3). Access technology use in the workplace: Initial findings from longitudinal study. American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Leadership Conference. Arlington, VA.

Farrow, K. (2022, May). Initiating Disclosure of Vision Impairment in the Workplace. [Virtual Training]. Vision Corps VIP Group.

Wasner, H., Moffitt, C., Davenport, S., Schoen, B., Castillo, Y. (2022, April 28). Public Policy for Rehabilitation Professionals: Ethical Foundations and Current Legislative Issues. [Virtual Training]. National Rehabilitation Association.

Antonelli, K., Cmar, J., & Steverson, A. (2022, April 9). 4to24 – A transition app for parents and students. Virtual presentation at the California Transcribers and Educators for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CTEBVI) 62nd Annual Conference – Higher Ground.

Antonelli, K. (2022, March 19). 4to24: A transition app for parents of youth with blindness or low vision. [Webinar]. American Printing House for the Blind Connect Center.

Farrow, K. (2022, February). Committing to use of a long cane. [Virtual Training]. Second Sense RP Support Group.

Rogers, P., Farrow, K., Lovell, A., Hughey, S., & Chillemi, M. (2022, February). Identifying vision impairment and connecting with visual impairment services. [Virtual Training]. Elder Care Locator Call Center.

Moffitt, C., & Steverson, A. (2022, January 25-26). Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop. [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

2021

Moffitt, C. (2021, November 19). NRTC: Blindness & Low Vision. Psychology of Individual Differences and Exceptional Ability. Mississippi State, MS.

Moffitt, C. (2021, October 21). Ethics: Examined through diverse perspectives [Virtual Training]. MA Commission for the Blind.

Moffitt, C. (2021, October 21). Setting the course: promoting the ethical treatment of persons with visual impairments [Virtual Training]. MA Commission for the Blind.

Moffitt, C. (2021, October 15). Gaining a career advantage: A practitioner’s perspective [Virtual Training]. GVEST & GaAER 2021 Stronger Together Conference.

Moffitt, C. (2021, October 13). Navigating the VR system: Services are better when we work together [Webinar]. National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision.

Farrow, K. (2021, October 8). Partnering with families of individuals who are blind or have low vision. [Conference session]. Mississippi Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired 2021 Conference.

Moffitt, C., Farrow, K., Cmar, J., Antonelli, K., & Crudden, A. (2021, October 8). Put the NRTC on your map. [Conference session]. Mississippi Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired 2021 Conference.

Moffitt, C. (2021, October 7). Setting the course: promoting the ethical treatment of persons with visual impairments [Conference session]. Mississippi Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired 2021 Conference.

Moffitt, C. & Steverson, A. (2021, September 28-29). Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

Moffitt, C. (2021, September 9). Psychosocial and Vocational Aspects of Blindness & Low Vision [Virtual Presentation]. Medical Aspects of Disability. Mississippi State, MS.

Moffitt, C. & Antonelli, K. (2021, August 4). Career Resources from the NRTC [Virtual Presentation]. AER School Year Start Up Summer Camp.

Moffitt, C. (2021, July 6). Gaining a Career Advantage [Virtual Presentation]. NFB Jobseeker Seminar.

Moffitt, C. & Steverson, A. (2021, June 29-20). Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

Moffitt, C. (2021, May 20). Career Advancement and Job Retention [Virtual Training]. MA Commission for the Blind.

Moffitt, C. (2021, May 17). GA VR Job Readiness and Job Placement for Blind and Low Vision Consumers [Virtual Training]. Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Moffitt, C. & Steverson, A. (2021, March 30-31). Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

Moffitt, C. & Steverson, A. (2021, January 26-27). Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

2020

Moffitt, C. & Farrow, K. (2020, November). Ethics: Examined through diverse perspectives. Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services Beyond 2020 Vision Conference.

Antonelli, K. (2020, November). Transition-age youth: There’s an app for that. Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services Beyond 2020 Vision Conference.

Cmar, J. (2020, November). Putting your best foot forward – new research-based curriculum for teaching job search skills. Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services Beyond 2020 Vision Conference.

Moffitt, C. & Farrow, K. (2020, November). Being resourceful: Free NRTC blindness and low vision resources. Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services Beyond 2020 Vision Conference.

Clark, S. (2020, November). Part I: Adjustment to vision loss – behavioral health strategies. Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services Beyond 2020 Vision Conference.

Clark, S. (2020, November). Part 2: Adjustment to vision loss – behavioral health strategies. Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services Beyond 2020 Vision Conference.

Farrow, K. (2020, November). Focus on strategies for functional vision. Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services Beyond 2020 Vision Conference.

Moffitt, C., & Farrow, K., & Templeton, C. (2020, November 4). From adversity to transformation [Virtual Training]. Mississippi Business Enterprise Program.

Farrow, K. (2020, September 9). A Fresh Look at Data Collection and the 7-OB. [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

McDonnall, M. C. (2020, October 8-10). Changing employer attitudes towards people who are blind or have low vision [Conference session]. Mississippi Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired 2020 Conference.

Moffitt, C. & Steverson, A. (2020, October 6-7). Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

Moffitt, C. & Steverson, A. (2020, September 23-24). Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

Moffitt, C. & Steverson, A. (2020, September 9-10). Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center (2020, August 31 - September 4). OIB Program Manager's Technical Assistance Conference.

Cmar, J. L., Moffitt, C., & Steverson, A. (2020, July 28-29). Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

Perez, S., & Moffitt, C. (2020, April). Inquiring Minds: Should I Hire a Person that is Blind [Webinar]. College of Business. Mississippi State, MS.

Cmar, J. L., Moffitt, C., & Steverson, A. (2020, March 11-12). Putting Your Best Foot Forward Trainer Workshop [Virtual Training]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision.

Farrow, K., & Moffitt, C. (2020, January). Introduction to Blindness and Low Vision. School Psychology Colloquia, Mississippi State, MS.

2019

Perez, S. (2019, November). Older Blind Independent Living Panel. Presentation at the National Council of the State Agencies for the Blind Conference, Jacksonville, FL.

Perez, Sylvia (2019, October). Updates from the OIB-TAC. Presentation at the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, Jacksonville, FL.

Steverson, A., Kershaw-Patilla, S., Druesdow, B., & Moffitt, C. (2019, September). Improving Business Development Skills Training for Bosma Enterprises, [Workshop]. Indianapolis, IN.

Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center. (2019). OIB-TAC Managers Conference.

Damm, E. (2019, August). Social Media and Document Accessibility. Mississippi State University Libraries. Mississippi State, MS.

Perez, Sylvia (2019, August). Developing Community Partners and Resources. Blinded Veterans Association, Tulsa, OK.

Perez, Sylvia (2019, July). Innovations in Services to Seniors with Vision Loss. American Council of the Blind Conference, Rochester, NY.

Perez, Sylvia (2019, July). Update from the NRTC on Blindness & Low Vision. American Council of the Blind Conference, Rochester, NY.

Perez, Sylvia (2019, June). Women Aging with Disabilities: Challenges and Solutions. National Council on Aging Conference, Washington, DC.

Perez, S. (2019). NRTC Update and Overview. National Federation of the Blind Mississippi Chapter Meeting, Tupelo, MS.

Crudden, A. (2019, March). Successful aging with a visual disability. Social Work Baccalaureate Program, Director's Meeting, Jacksonville, FL.

Crudden, A. (2019, March). Job retention & career advancement: Perspectives of persons with vision loss. ENVISION East Conference, Birmingham, AL.

Crudden, A., Farrow, K., & Stinson-Perez, S. (2019). Best practices and collaborations in service delivery to older persons with vision loss. ENVISION East Conference, Birmingham, AL.

Damm, E. (2019). Document Accessibility. Mississippi State University Libraries. Mississippi State, MS.

Perez, S., Townsend, A., & Dillon, L. (2019, February). Providing effective direct service: Evaluating staff and monitoring outcomes [Pre-conference workshop for OIB program managers]. American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference, Arlington, VA.

Farrow, K. (2019, January). All about braille. The Claiborne at Adelaide Senior Living and Care, Starkville, MS.

2018

Jeffords, N. (2018, November). Overview of the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision: Projects, products, training, and technical assistance. National Council of State Agencies for the Blind Fall Conference, Long Beach, CA.

Jeffords, N. (2018, October). Team building and blindness sensitivity training. Pennsylvania Association for the Blind Annual Conference, State College, PA.

Jeffords, N. (2018, September). Overview of vocational rehabilitation. Arizona Statewide Rehabilitation Council, New Member Orientation, Phoenix, AZ.

Farrow, K., Tomlin, B., & McMahon, J. (2018, August). Workshop: Tools for success for the OIB program. State 9.

Jeffords, N. (2018, July). Counselor 101. Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration, Phoenix, AZ.

LeJeune, B.J. & Tomlin, B. (2018, April). OIB-TAC matrix profile of states and territories. OIB Program Managers’ Meeting, American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference. Oakland, CA.

Farrow, K., McMahon, J., Tomlin, T., & Perez, S. (2018, March). Tools for success for the OIB program. Workshop. Topics included understanding the big picture, telling the client’s story, developing SMART goals, and developing a mission statement. State 7.

McDonnall, M., LeJeune, B.J., Steverson, A., Kershaw-Patilla, S., & Auer, A. (2018, February). Improving Business Development Skills: A training for vocational rehabilitation counselors. [Workshop]. State 3.

McDonnall, M., Steverson, A., Kershaw-Patilla, S., & Auer, A. (2018, February). Improving Business Development Skills: A training for vocational rehabilitation counselors. [Workshop]. State 4.

2017

Farrow, K. & McMahon, J. (2017, October). Workshop: Tools for success for the OIB program, Topics included elements of documentation, art of assessment, working with older adults, community outreach, and the low down on the 7-OB. State 5.

Crudden, A., Steverson, A., & McDonnall, M. (2017, October). Job retention and WIOA changes: Results from a survey of NCSAB members. National Council of State Agencies for the Blind annual conference. Greenville, SC.

Crudden, A., Sui, Z., & Steverson, A. (2017, September). Job retention among persons who are blind or have low vision. Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi training conference. Natchez, MS.

LeJeune, B.J. (2017, September). Workshop: Ethics, Serving Consumers with Secondary Disabilities, and Employment-Oriented VRT Instruction. Virginia Department for Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Statewide Staff Meeting, Richmond, VA.

Crudden, A., LeJeune, B.J., & Farrow, K. (2017, July). Person-centered strategies for aging with vision loss. Envision conference. Glendale, AZ.

LeJeune, B.J. (2017, June). Updates and resources for serving older individuals who are blind. Mississippi State-Wide OIB Training Workshop for New Employees. Jackson MS.

LeJeune, B.J. (2017, June). Adjustment and acceptance of blindness and low vision. Mississippi State-Wide VR Training Workshop. Jackson.

McDonnall, M., Auer, A, LeJeune, B.J. & Steverson, A. (2017, May). Improving business development skills: A training for vocational rehabilitation counselors. [Workshop]. State 2.

McDonnall, M., Auer, A, LeJeune, B.J. & Steverson, A. (2017, May). Improving business development skills: A training for vocational rehabilitation counselors. [Workshop]. State 1

McDonnall, M., Auer, A., Jeppson, D., Kershaw, S., LeJeune, B.J. & Steverson, A. (2017, May). Improving Business Development Skills: A training for vocational rehabilitation counselors. Vision Specialist Program. [Workshop]. Starkville, MS.

Richert, M. & LeJeune, B. J. (2017, May). A National Conversation of Aging and Vision Loss. Pennsylvania OIB Online In-service.

Farrow, K. R & LeJeune, B.J. (2017, April). Best Practice in the OIB Program Task Force. NCSAB Spring Conference, Bethesda, MD.

Richert, M., Rogers, P., LeJeune, B. J., & Sheffield, R. (2017, March). Advancing Policy Priorities: Continuing Our National Conversation on Aging and Vision Loss (Part 2). American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference, Washington, DC.

Richert, M., LeJeune, B.J., et al. (2017, March). Recalculating Our Route: Updating Our GPS to Navigate the Future of Services and Opportunities for People with Vision loss. American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference, Washington, DC.