VRATE 2023
27th Annual Expo
Vision Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Expo
The Southwest’s Largest & Longest Running
Vision Loss & Blindness Resource Event
7:00 AM - 5:15 PM
With doors opening at 7:00 AM for in-person registration
For continuing education units (CEU), please register at
7:30 AM
Tucson camp abilities
A presentation on Tucson Camp Abilities and recruitment of volunteers & campers.
presented by
Jeff May & Kimberly Egleston May, ASDB
Sapphire Room
"Jeff is a former paralympic swimmer, for the last 8 years of work at ASDB, as an aid / intervener. For the last 6 years I've been helping put on Tucson camp abilities. Kim has worked at asdb for the past 25 years as a bus chaperone, aid in the class, and now is a site trainer."
TrainingWare®, A Comprehensive Assistive Technology Teaching Curriculum and Student Learning Measurement system
presented by
Mark Nelson
Emerald Room
"Mark Nelson is a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist with over 30 years of experience in the vision field working in positions ranging from direct provider to C suite executive."
Senior Services provided by SAAVI services for the Blind
SAAVI Services for the Blind is on the cutting edge of providing services to Arizona's seniors undergoing vision loss. We would like to share information about The L.I.F.E Skills sessions we are providing as well as information about the Independent Living Blind Program. What makes SAAVI effective is our positive attitudes as well as our belief in alternative techniques. We want this to be an interactive session. Ask questions and we will do our best to answer.presented by
Connie Leblond, & Kimberley Fetterman SAAVI
Garnet Room
"Connie is a certified teacher in Unified English Braille. She has worked in the field of rehabilitation for over 25 years. Connie works with seniors undergoing vision loss. Kimberly is the Adaptive Technology Instructor for SAAVI."
8:00 AM
Exhibit Hall is Open
8:45 AM
Employment Panel
presented by
Nathan Pullen, David Steinmetz, Michael Armstrong
Sapphire Room
"A discussion among leaders of the BVI community about challenges in employment,how to overcome obstacles and opportunities available to the community."
AzABLE: Protect Your Benefits and Build Financial Security!
Millions of individuals with disabilities and their families depend on a wide variety of public benefits for income, health care, food and housing assistance. Unfortunately, these individuals are ineligible for benefits if they have more than $2,000 cash savings and retirement funds. However, opening an AZ ABLE account will not only protect benefits, but also build savings and financial security!
presented by
Brittaney Chipley, MPA
Emerald Room
"Brittaney Chipley is the Executive Director of AZ ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) State of Arizona Department of Economic Security"
From Education to Employment and Beyond: Exploring Braille and Low Vision Assistive Technology for Every Stage
In this presentation, we will inform you of the technology that exists to help everyone take their next step.
presented by
Rachel Ramos, HumanWare
Garnet Room
"Rachel Ramos is a Blindness Product Specialist for HumanWare"
10 AM
Vision Through Experience: Encouraging The Blind Understand The Language Of the Sighted World
A somewhat unconventional, often overlooked perspective on teaching blindness skills to both children and adults. Lindsey will discuss, and possibly demonstrate!, her experiences working in the music classroom and theatre., Lindsey will describe the key elements that would enable a person with vision loss to learn to navigate the mainstream world functionally, socially, and psychologically. Based on the principles of universal design and human-compatible learning, you will learn to nurture those who are blind with an inside-out, whole-part-whole approach that will build conceptual knowledge in complete safety, without fear.
presented by
Lindsey McHugh
Sapphire Room
"Lindsey McHugh has been totally blind from birth. She holds a Master's degree in Music Education from the University of Arizona and is currently pursuing her doctorate. Lindsey has taught music in the public school system; sung in various prominent concert venues around the world; helped individual blind students learn braille music; and served as musical director and sound designer for several community, youth, and radio theatrical productions."
Introducing Alexa through the Amazon Echo Flex
This breakout session will introduce participants to Alexa through the Amazon Echo Flex device. Up to 30 attendees will be provided with an Echo Flex device, be oriented to its features, and learn how to set up and operate this device.
presented by
Frank Vance, ACBVI & Lupita Hernandez, VA
Emerald Room
"Frank has Bachelor's and Master's degrees from ASU in Psychology and Counseling. He has been with ACBVI since 1985 and serves as the Director of Rehabilitation Services. In addition to his work, he enjoys spending time with Chris, his wife of 37 years and his involvement in the community. Frank serves on the Board for Arizona Friends of Talking Books, his HOA, his church, and his work with Feed My Starving Children. He also enjoys reading, spicy food, and camping. Lupita has worked at ACBVI as a CVRT but recently switched to the VA as a Blind Rehab Specialist. She has degrees in Social Work and Special Education from NAU and her a TVI cirtification from U of A."
Building a DREAM: Employment Resources & supports for People with Disabilities
In this presentation we will discuss details and history of the job fair, how you can be best prepared to enter into the job market, and resources to help get you there.presented by
Jody Gardner, DREAM
Garnet Room
"Jody Gardner is an Associate Director of Employment Services at Banner University Health Plans, and Co-Chair of Building a DREAM Job Fair in Pima County; Mitchell Eskritt is the Director of Marketing for Beacon Group; Zane Labros is a Vocational Rehabilitation/Employment Administrator at United Health Care; Monica Amaya is the Vocational Rehabilitation Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinator; Nichole Walla is the Senior Manager, Employment Services for Beacon Group; Nelly Sanchez is a Transition Specialist – Region 2, Vocational Rehabilitation"
11:15 AM
Family Panel
A discussion among 3 couples in the BVI community about marriage and raising children, the challenges and the rewards.
presented by
Ron & Lisa Brooks, Michael & Tiffany Armstrong, Randy & Lily Bogan
Sapphire Room
Self-Advocacy 101: The Basic Skills to Be Prepared to Speak Up
Learn the basics of effective self-advocacy. We will review tips from some of the best Self-Advocates we know and help you think about how to start taking action today.
presented by
April Reed, Ability 360
Emerald Room
"April Reed is the Vice President of Advocacy and Designated Legislative Lobbyist at Ability360. Reed received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. She creates programs that empower individuals with disabilities and their families through advocacy-related workshops, one-on-one mentoring, facilitating wellness groups, providing technical assistance to develop consumer-driven initiatives and developing community partnerships to address barriers to consumer choice, equal rights and self-determination."
It’s Not What You Can See, It’s What You Can Do - Breaking Down Myths
Blindness? Can it be seen in a positive light? How do you create opportunities out of blindness? What are the true barriers of blindness and what are some myths about blindness? Come join us to get these questions answered and more! During this presentation you will learn how to turn stumbling blocks into steppingstones that lead to freedom without boundaries!
presented by
Rachel Kuntz, SAAVI
Garnet Room
"Rachel Kuntz has a bachelors degree from Wright State University and has been in the blindness field for over 5 years. Currently, Ms. Kuntz is Community Relations Liaison for Saavi Services for the Blind. Previous jobs Ms. Kuntz has held includes Student Employment Specialist, Residential Coordinator and Grant Writer. Ms. Kuntz is a blind woman and mother of one child who is now in college."
12:30 PM
Pathways to Further Education Employment and Independent Living through Benefits Management
Many individuals struggle with the thought of returning to work and they do not realize that benefits do not end; actually, they just shift. There are numerous work incentives specifically intended for individuals with blindness and low vision that can support you to achieve financial wellness and independent living. “Pathways to Further Education Employment and Independent Living through Benefits Management’ will discuss resources for support, we will review Social Security rules, Social Security benefits, healthcare, and employment. We will provide information on how you can gain free access to a Community Work Incentives Coordinator at Ability360 that will work with you one-on one to ensure that you are taking advantage of all the resources that are available without compromising your health benefits.
presented by
Ivan Rivera & April Reed, Ability 360
Sapphire Room
"Ivan L. Rivera is a Community Work Incentives Coordinator and the Manager of Ability360’s Benefits 2 Work Arizona Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program since 2017."
High & Low Tech Items for Independent Living
Discussing various apps and technology along with other items that assist in independent living for the blind and visually impaired.
presented by
Lupita Hernandez & Patty Arnold, ACBVI
Emerald Room
"Lupita Hernandez & Patty Arnold (ACBVI) are Blind Rehabilitation Specialists"
It’s Not What You Can See, It’s What You Can Do: Transformational Tools for Solving Everyday Problems
We always talk about problem solving and problem-solving skills, but what does that really mean? How do you create opportunities for our students to learn problem solving skills in your lessons? What might you be inadvertently doing that is limiting your students’ ability to build their personal problem-solving skills? Come join us to get these questions answered and more! During this presentation you will learn how to turn stumbling blocks into steppingstones that lead to freedom without boundaries!
presented by
Joanne Williams, Tarik Williams & Desiree Romero, SAAVI
Garnet Room
"Jody Gardner is an Associate Director of Employment Services at Banner University Health Plans, and Co-Chair of Building a DREAM Job Fair in Pima County; Mitchell Eskritt is the Director of Marketing for Beacon Group; Zane Labros is a Vocational Rehabilitation/Employment Administrator at United Health Care; Monica Amaya is the Vocational Rehabilitation Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinator; Nichole Walla is the Senior Manager, Employment Services for Beacon Group; Nelly Sanchez is a Transition Specialist – Region 2, Vocational Rehabilitation"
1:45 PM
Sports Panel
A discussion among athletes in the BVI community about accessible sports available, where to go and how to play.
presented by
Lupita Hernandez, Michael Armstrong, Dan Thuenen, Chris Schmidt
Sapphire Room
"Lupita is President of the Tucson Chapter of Achilles International. She is a runner & cyclist. Mike has practiced martial arts for over 40 years, he teaches self-defense and is an avid hiker. Dan plays goalball and is a representative of Arizona Disabled Sports, Chris plays golf and is currently ranked 4th in the world."
Easy Read: Making Documents Accessible to All
Our digital world offers a platform for immediate sharing of information but also can create barriers for people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including communications.
presented by
Vicki Cuscino& Hailey Thoman, Direct
Emerald Room
"Vicki Cuscino is the Executive Director & Hailey Thoman is the Associate Director for Direct Advocacy & Resource Center"
Mental Health & Vision Loss
Dealing with vision loss, often feels like a chronic battle causing depression and anxiety. Let’s explore together some of these mental health struggles as well as possible solutions. We may never get our vision back, but we can get our joy back, we can get our mental toughness back.
presented by
Jordan Lopuszanski LMSW, IHRSS
Garnet Room
"Jordan Lopuszanski resides in Tucson, Arizona working as an employment specialist, assisting individuals in recovery find work. He holds a masters in social work, is licensed at the state level, and is a former mental health therapist. Currently, he is studying to become a nationally certified health coach, hoping to soon counsel individuals about nutrition, sleep, and metabolic syndromes like diabetes and heart disease."
3:00 PM
Wearable Devices for Low Vision & No Vision
This presentation will provide information about the different wearable devices available in the market, their features and prices. Then we will demonstrate a couple of them. Two for people with low vision and two for people with no vision.
presented by
Karla Rivas Parker, AzTAP
Sapphire Room
"Karla Rivas Parker works for AzTAP as an Assistive Technology Specialist. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS), and she is a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT). She has over 25 years of experience and a lifelong passion and advocacy work in the field of disabilities."
Updates from the Social Security Administration
presented by
Jack Burns, SSA
Emerald Room
"Jack is the Public Affairs Specialist for Social Security Administration"
"the new, Focused Core Curriculum- a reasonable, realistic and respectful approach to educating learners with visual impairment., Part 1"
This presentation will share new, and current research that challenges some well entrenched thinking in the field of visual impairment, presenting new, evidence-based perspectives and actions relating to rethinking the concept of an expanded core curriculum.
presented by
William S. Koehler, B.A. Ed.; M.Ed.; COMS, TVI
Garnet Room
"William S. Koehlerhas 45 years of experience with ECFE-22 learners with visual impairments including those with multiple disabilities; their families and teachers. He is an Itinerant TVI/O&M; administrator in public schools and special schools for the blind in 4 states."
4:15 PM
Independent Life Skills Trays
presented by
A fun way to enhance a child’s fine motor development.
Gina Lipko, FBC
Sapphire Room
"Gina is a media center braille technician and braille instructor for adults at the Foundation for Blind Children. She has worked at FBC for 48 years and as a paraeducator for 41 years. Gina has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. As a former FBC student, she has a passion for literacy and has a gift for bringing stories to life."
Best Practices for Choosing a Video Magnifier for People with Low Vision
Learn best practices for choosing the video magnifier that is right for the user. Kimberly will discuss the questions one should ask of the user and about the video magnifier. Once you have the right questions, finding a match is easy.
presented by
Kimberly Cline, LVI America
Emerald Room
"Kimberly Cline has over 30 years of experience in the assistive technology industry. Over the years, she has contributed to the success of individuals who use assistive technology for their careers, education, and personal growth."
"the new, Focused Core Curriculum- a reasonable, realistic and respectful approach to educating learners with visual impairment., Part 2"
This presentation will share new, and current research that challenges some well entrenched thinking in the field of visual impairment, presenting new, evidence-based perspectives and actions relating to rethinking the concept of an expanded core curriculum.
presented by
William S. Koehler, B.A. Ed.; M.Ed.; COMS, TVI
Garnet Room
"William S. Koehlerhas 45 years of experience with ECFE-22 learners with visual impairments including those with multiple disabilities; their families and teachers. He is an itinerant TVI/O&M; administrator in public schools and special schools for the blind in 4 states."