"Focus"
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Home   >   Training ​
"Focus" Talks
Learn whenever the time is right for you! “Focus” Talks is an on-demand webcast series on topics related to eye care, vision and vision loss. Presented by colleagues from across Massachusetts, we are so appreciative of everyone’s collaborative spirit and for the sharing of expertise, time and informational resources.  Using the Zoom platform, with both captioning and deaf interpreting available for all sessions, “Focus” Talks vary in length from 25 minutes to 65 minutes and are always free.  Featured “Focus” Talks will be highlighted monthly, and new topics and sessions uploaded when available. Be sure to visit often!
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Attending is Easy as 1-2-3
  1. Click the title for the “Focus” Talk you are interested to virtually attend.
  2. After reviewing the information about the session, click "REGISTER to view this free session".  
  3. After registering, the "Focus" Talk of your choice will be available immediately. Please Note: The date you will see when registering for the "Focus" Talk is the date that the presentation was recorded. All "Focus" Talks are on demand.
​Register for as many topics as you’d like. Happy Learning!
Featured "Focus" Talks: 
Sessions from the 16th annual "Focus" Conference
  • Individualized Approaches in Examination of Functional Vision and Vision Rehabilitation
    • ​Presenter: Nicole C. Ross, OD, MSc, FAAO, Dip. AAO (LV), Associate Professor of Optometry, New England College of Optometry
    • Length: 40 minutes
  • ​Beyond 20/20: Understanding the Nuances of Vision for Daily Living
    • Presenter: Alexis G. Malkin, OD, FAAO Associate Professor of Optometry, New England College of Optometry
    • Length: 50 minutes
  • ​​When and When Not to Worry about Eye Pain
    • ​Presenter: KC LaMattina, MD Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Medicine, Director of Pediatrics Service, Director of Uveitis Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center
    • Length: 50 minutes
  • You Don’t Have to Have Vision to Have a Vision! Creating a Meaningful Vision while Incorporating Charting the Life Course Tools              
    • Presenters:  Maureen O’Rourke King, Trainer, Department of Developmental Services, SE Region; Nancy Sharon, TVI, COMS, Director of Education and Community Services, The Carroll Center for the Blind; Lily McDonagh, M.Ed, Teacher of the Visually Impaired. The Carroll Center for the Blind
    • Length: 54 minutes 
  • Creative Arts for All Abilities and Interests           
    • ​Presenters:  Malissa Kenney, Director of Outreach, Inclusion and CapeCodCAN
      Donna Rockwell, Art Director, Cotuit Center for the Arts
    • Length: 22 minutes
Sessions By Category
Aging
DeafBlind
Environment
Eye Care/Visual Function
News/Info
Self Determination
Sensory
Technology & Access
Wellness
Post Session Support
Certificates
Continuing Ed
Connect with Us

At a Glance
Enjoy reading through these snapshots of available "Focus" Talks. For a full description and to register for each session, please click the corresponding title.
Aging
  • Dementia Friends
    • Presenters: Beth Soltzberg, LICSW, MBA and Kathy Service, RN, MS, FNP-BC, CDDN 
    • Length: 69 minutes​
DeafBlind
  • Communication and Conversations:  Give Me A Reason!
    • Presenters: Sharon Stelzer, M.Ed., Lead Teacher & Mary Zatta, Ph.D., Director of Professional Development Perkins School for the Blind
    • Length: 44 minutes
  • Helen Keller National Center Intro to Inclusive Communication for Individuals Who Are Deafblind with Additional Disabilities
    • Presenters:
      • Tara Brown-Ogilvie, M.S.Ed, COMS, VRT, New England Regional Representative (Serving MA, VT, RI, NH, CT, ME), Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults 
      • Michael Richards, DeafBlind Immersion Experience (DBIE) Coordinator
        Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults
    • ​​Length: 50 minutes
Environment
  • Managing Light to Enhance Visual Functioning
    • Presenter: Bob McGillivray, Certified Low Vision Therapist, Rehabilitation Engineer, Carroll Center for the Blind
    • Length: 51 minutes
  • Modifying the Environment for People with Vision Loss
    • Presenter: Darick Wright, O&M Coordinator, Vision Studies Program, School for Global Inclusion & Social Development, UMASS Boston 
    • Length: 25 minutes ​​
Eye Care
  • CVI: Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment - An Introduction to CVI
    • ​​​Presenter: Ali Mahady, M.S., Outreach and Engagement Manager, CVI Now, Perkins School for the Blind and CVI Parent​
    • Length: 25 minutes
  • Individualized Approaches in Examination of Functional Vision and Vision Rehabilitation
    • ​Presenter: Nicole C. Ross, OD, MSc, FAAO, Dip. AAO (LV), Associate Professor of Optometry, New England College of Optometry
    • Length: 40 minutes
  • ​Beyond 20/20: Understanding the Nuances of Vision for Daily Living
    • Presenter: Alexis G. Malkin, OD, FAAO Associate Professor of Optometry, New England College of Optometry
    • Length: 50 minutes
  • ​​When and When Not to Worry about Eye Pain
    • ​Presenter: KC LaMattina, MD Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Medicine, Director of Pediatrics Service, Director of Uveitis Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center
    • Length: 50 minutes
  • Seasons of Life in Disability Eye Care
    • Presenters: Greg Waldorf, OD, MPH, FAAO, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs, MCPHS School of Optometry and 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
    • Length: 61 minutes
  • Orientation and Mobility (O&M) and the Visual Behaviors of Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment
    • Presenters:  Lisa Miller, MS. Ed, TVI, COMS, CLVT, Perkins School for the Blind
      and Kristen Clark, M.Ed., COMS, Perkins School for the Blind
    • Length: 53 minutes
  • Demystifying and EYE-Dentifying Visual Function and Behaviors
    • Presenter: Jem Martin, OD, FAAO, New England College of Optometry
    • Length: 52 minutes
  • Fifteen Years and Counting: Lessons Learned from a Successful Cataract Surgery Program for People with Intellectual Disability  
    • ​Presenter: Susannah Rowe, MD, MPH, FACS and Madhura Shah, BS, Medical Student
    • Length: ​32 minutes
  • "Implicit Bias” Toward Persons with Disabilities and Its Impact on Vision Care
    • Presenter: Greg R. Waldorf, OD, MPH, FAAO, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs, MCPHS School of Optometry
    • Length: 43 minutes
  • The Role of Binocular Vision on Learning, Development, and Activities of Daily Living
    • Presenter: Sarah Williams, OD, FAAO, Assistant Professor of Specialty Care, New England College of Optometry, Attending Pediatric Optometrist, NECO Center for Eye Care​
    • Length: 41 minutes
  • Glasses: Considerations for People with Developmental Disabilities
    • Presenter: Greg Waldorf, OD, MPH, FAAO, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs, MCPHS School of Optometry
    • Length: 44 minutes
Self Determination
  • You Don’t Have to Have Vision to Have a Vision! Creating a Meaningful Vision while Incorporating Charting the Life Course Tools              
    • Presenters:  Maureen O’Rourke King, Trainer, Department of Developmental Services, SE Region; Nancy Sharon, TVI, COMS, Director of Education and Community Services, The Carroll Center for the Blind; Lily McDonagh, M.Ed, Teacher of the Visually Impaired. The Carroll Center for the Blind
    • Length: 54 minutes 
Sensory
  • Creative Arts for All Abilities and Interests           
    • ​Presenters:  Malissa Kenney, Director of Outreach, Inclusion and CapeCodCAN
      Donna Rockwell, Art Director, Cotuit Center for the Arts
    • Length: 22 minutes
  • The Use of Props and Adaptive Materials in Music Therapy, Part 1
    • ​Presenter: Mollie Caravello, MT
    • Length: 36 minutes
  • The Use of Props and Adaptive Materials in Music Therapy, Part 2
    • ​Presenter: Mollie Caravello, MT
    • Length: 48 minutes
  • American Printing House for the Blind Tactile Book Building Kit Simplified
    • Presenters: Georgia Wattendorf Guiney, M.Ed., COMS & Meaghan Famularo
    • ​Length: 29 minutes
Technology and Access
  • 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
    • Length: ​55 minutes
  • Intro to Assistive Technology Assessments
    • Presenters: Kate Kutalak, M.Ed., TVI and HuyenTran Vo, M.Ed., TVI, COMS, CVRT, CATIS, Perkins School for the Blind (recorded at "Focus" Conference 2019)
    • Length: 47 minutes 
  • Talking Information Center
    • ​Presenter: Anna Dunbar, Executive Director
    • Length: 20 minutes​​​
Wellness
  • Supporting Caregivers: Using Guided Imagery Focused on Relationships to Improve Mood
    • Presenter: Felipe A. Jain, MD
    • Length: 51 minutes 
  • New Ways Caregivers Can Benefit from Guided Imagery: A Focus on Mentalizing, Mindfulness and Connectedness
    • 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​​ 
    • Length: 44 minutes  
  • ​Friends Matter! One Friend Can Change Your Whole Life (from "Focus" Conference 2023)
    • 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:  Colleen Goff, Brenda Hunt, John Shimkus, Tricia Phillipe
    • Length: 53 minutes​ 
  • Friends Matter! One Friend Can Change Your Whole Life (2021)
    • Presenters: Colleen Goff, Training Consultant; Maureen O'Rourke King, M.Ed., DDS SE Region Learning and Development; Luke Hutter Ross, Trainer; Zach Rosetti, Ph.D., Boston University, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development
    • Length: 59 minutes​ 
  • You Are What You Eat
    • Presenter: Marcia Richards, MEd, RD, MCHES
    • Length: 20 minutes 
  • Anatomy of a Food Label​
    •  Presenter: Marcia Richards, MEd, RD, MCHES
    • Length: 20 minutes 
  • Building a Healthy Meal
    • Presenter: Marcia Richards, MEd, RD, MCHES
    • Length: 20 minutes 
  • Let's Get Moving: Exercise Considerations During COVID
    • Presenter: Matt LaCortiglia, M.Ed, CSCS, CIFT, Adapted Physical Education Teacher
      Deafblind Program, Perkins School for the Blind
    • Length: 44 minutes

Connect with Us
If you have any questions or comments, ideas for topics not yet part of the “Focus” Talks series, and/or if you or someone you know would like offer a session, we’d love to hear from you!  Please always feel free to reach out to [email protected] 
Thank you!
For more information please contact: 
Lisa DiBonaventura,  M.A.,  COMS
Statewide Director Vision & Vision Loss Services
Department of Developmental Services  (DDS)
131 Emerald Street, Wrentham, MA 02093

Email: [email protected]
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"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 Centers
    • 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
    • Holyoke Vision Center
    • Center for Adaptive Eye Care SEMA
    • 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
    • Focus Blog
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Training
    • "Focus Talks"
    • Conferences & Workshops >
      • "Focus" Conference Archive
    • Equitable Access
    • 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)