Beginnings and Blueprints: Helping build strong
foundations for a successful future

2009 National Federation of the Blind
Early Childhood Conference
NFB Jernigan Institute

Amy Phelps teaching a young boy and his family how to use a white cane.How can you as a parent help build your child into the best individual they can be without a successful blueprint to follow? What tools do you need to construct a successful future for your child?  The NFB Jernigan Institute held an innovative Beginnings and Blueprints Early Childhood Conference in collaboration with the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children and various resources in the field of early childhood. This two-day conference brought together families of blind children ages birth to seven, early childhood providers, teachers, and professionals in order to disseminate the NFB's approach to best practices in early childhood education for blind children.          

Families and educators of blind and low vision children ages birth to seven were encouraged to attend.  Various organizations and programs within this area were present for consultation and to provide presentations to families on what resources are available in their state. Children were encouraged to attend with their parents as there were activities designed with the needs of young blind children in mind.      

Carol Castellano instructing a work group at the conference.Parents had the opportunity to network with other parents and experts in the field of early childhood education as they enjoy a variety of breakout sessions, informative panels, and guest speakers. Topics included: early intervention needs, the importance of early movement and exploration, emergent literacy skills, age-appropriate behaviors, physical and social development, transitional skills, and much, much more.     

Listen below to topics from the May 2009 Beginnings and Blueprints Early Childhood Conference, and learn how great beginnings in the early years can lead to future success for your blind or low vision child.

                                                                                                                    

Mark Riccobono speaking at the conference.Mark Riccobono visiting with a parent from the conference and her blind daughter.
Early Childhood Initiative at the NFB Jernigan Institute (mp3 file)
Presenter: Mark Riccobono, Executive Director, NFB Jernigan Institute

Carol Castellano leading a workshop at the conference.
Why "Beginnings and Blueprints" (mp3 file)
Presenter: Carol Castellano, President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)

Karen Frank speaking at the conference.
Working with the Contractors: What to expect from a good early intervention or home service program (mp3 file)
Presenter: Karen Frank, Early Childhood Coordinator, Maryland School for the Blind

Carol Castellano speaking at the conference. Susan Polansky speaking at the conference. Carlton Walker speaking at the conference.Stephanie Kieszak-Holloway speaking at the conference.
Confessions of a Real Parent of a Blind Child: Panel of parents (mp3 file)
Panelist: Carol Castellano, President, NOPBC
Panelist: Susan Polansky, President, Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children
Panelist: Carlton Walker, President, Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children, Board Member, NOPBC
Panelist: Stephanie Kieszak-Holloway, President, Georgia Organization of Parents of Blind Children, Board Member, NOPBC

Mary Jo Hartle speaking at the conference.Jane Clark speaking at the conference.
What Your Child's Blueprint Should Look Like: A look at basic child development and blindness (mp3 file)
Presenter: Mary Jo T. Hartle, Director of Education, NFB Jernigan Institute
Presenter: Jane Clark, Professor and Chair, Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland

Jesse Hartle speaking on the panel for the conference.Jason Ewell speaking on the panel for the conference.Denna Lambert speaking on the panel for the conference.
"What I wish my parents would have known when I was a child.": Panel (mp3 file)
Panelist: Jesse Hartle, Government Programs Specialist, NFB
Panelist: Jason Ewell, Affiliate Action Department, NFB
Panelist: Denna Lambert, Equal Opportunity Specialist, Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA)

Tools for Parents of Multiply Disabled Blind Children: A parent's perspective (mp3 file)
Presenter: Kristi Bowman, National Outreach Manager, NFB
Presenter: Andi Borum, Virginia Organization of Parents of Blind Children

The Do-It-Yourself Home Kit: Teaching independent living skills from the beginning (mp3 file)
Presenter: Carol Castellano, President, NOPBC
Presenter: Stephanie Kieszak-Holloway, President, Georgia Organization of Parents of Blind Children, Board Member, NOPBC