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Home   >   Training 

Conferences & Workshops


illustration of eyeglasses
Registration Extended until September 22! 
15th Annual
“Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference:
Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Vision Loss
 
​
Tuesday, October 3, 2023

8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood Massachusetts
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
​
Massachusetts 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
We are so happy to be able to welcome everyone back! This day-long collaborative event provides a multi-tracked Educational Program reaching out to the needs of individuals, clinicians, family members, support staff at day and residential programs, nurses, eye care providers, administrators, advocates and all concerned with the vision and vision loss needs of individuals with intellectual/developmental disability.  Many resources are also shared at the Exhibit Area and through Poster Presentations. The “Focus” Conference is organized by Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and Massachusetts Commission for the Blind together with Perkins School for the Blind, Boston University School of Medicine, New England College of Optometry, and Shriver Clinical Services Corporation. Additional collaborators for Program Planning include the Carroll Center for the Blind. Funding support is generously provided by our Collaborating Partners. 
  • Registration Fee: $65
  • Space is limited. All registrations must be received by September 22, 2023.
  • Please review the Registration Brochure for more information.​
    • Registration Brochure PDF   /   Registration Brochure RTF  
  • To Register and Pay by credit card: https://bit.ly/focus2023registration
Questions about the Conference? Please do not hesitate to contact: Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov

Virtual Opportunities
We invite you to explore opportunities for virtual learning and meeting:
  •  Caregiver Support Group for Caregivers of Individuals with Vision Loss
Virtual monthly meetings hosted via phone or online where caregivers, staff and team members can learn, ask questions and share ideas. Discussion topic changes monthly.
  • “Focus” Talks
 On-demand webcasts called “Focus” Talks are our newest virtual training resource on topics related to eye care, vision and vision loss. Presented by our colleagues from across Massachusetts, we are so appreciative to everyone for collaborating, and for sharing their expertise, time and informational resources. 
  •  “Focus” Conference Archives
Listen and Learn: Thank you to the Talking Information Center Network for recording selected sessions from previous gatherings of the "Focus" on Vision Impairment and Blindness Conference: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Vision Loss.  ​
​
If you would like to be added to a mailing list for future trainings, please send your name and email address to:  Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov

See Also:

Picture: laptop computer
   Online Courses & Webinars
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Downloadable Resources & Videos
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MCB/DDS Services & Resources
For more information please contact: 
Lisa DiBonaventura,  M.A.,  COMS
Statewide Director Vision & Vision Loss Services
Department of Developmental Services  (DDS)
Email: Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov
About                   Contact                  FAQ
Site Accessibility & Download Policy
Please note: By posting these Web links, it is not our intention to endorse or recommend the sites. These sites are being offered only as informational resources.  
"Focus" on Vision and Vision Loss: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability
  • MCB/DDS
    • About >
      • Site Accessibility & Download Policy
      • Vision Loss Terminology
    • APH Federal Quota Account >
      • APH Activity Ideas
    • DDS Collaborative Eye Care Clinics
    • Orientation & Mobility/Low Vision Services >
      • Areas Served
      • COMS Log In
    • Let's Walk Together
    • Vision Loss Support Groups
    • EOHHS Resources
  • Eye Care
    • Find an Eye Care Provider >
      • By Town >
        • Ayer
        • Beverly
        • Boston
        • Burlington
        • Cambridge
        • Chelmsford
        • East Bridgewater
        • East Harwich
        • Fairhaven
        • Fall River
        • Falmouth
        • Fitchburg
        • Framingham
        • Franklin
        • Gardner
        • Greenfield
        • Holyoke
        • Lowell
        • Marlborough
        • Melrose
        • New Bedford
        • Newton
        • North Dartmouth
        • North Reading
        • Plymouth
        • Quincy
        • Revere
        • Sagamore
        • Salem
        • Sandwich
        • South Dennis
        • Spencer
        • Sturbridge
        • Sudbury
        • Taunton
        • Tewksbury
        • Waltham
        • Watertown
        • West Springfield
        • Worcester
    • NECO SEMA >
      • NECO Student Access
    • MCPHS Eye and Vision Center
    • DDS Vision Care Guidelines
    • Eye Health & Safety
    • Eye Conditions & Simulations >
      • A
      • B
      • C
      • D
      • E
      • F
      • G
      • H
      • I
      • K
      • L
      • M
      • N
      • O
      • P
      • R
      • S
      • T
      • U
      • V
    • In the News
  • Everyday Life
    • Strategies
    • COVID Resources
    • Deafblind Resources
    • Orientation & Mobility >
      • Movement, Safety and Fun
    • Recreation >
      • Leisure and Learning at Home
    • Local & National Organizations
  • Tech and Access
    • Apps for Vision Loss
    • Technology Equipment
    • Technology Resources
    • Products for Accessibility
    • News and Information Access
  • Students
    • Birth - 22 >
      • Team and IEP
    • Transition
  • Connect
    • Inspiring Lives >
      • Dejan
    • Focus Blog
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Training
    • "Focus Talks"
    • Conferences & Workshops >
      • "Focus" Conference Archive
    • Online Courses & Webinars
    • Downloadable Resources & Videos
    • Train the Trainer: Human Guide >
      • Trainer Log In (password needed)
    • Train the Leader: Support Groups >
      • Support Group Leader Log in (password required)