North Carolina Central University

About Us : Newsletters : VITP Visionaire Spring/Summer 2003

Please Note: As this is an archive of a previous newsletter, information may no longer be applicable. At time of original publication, however, all information was verified as accurate. The format of this publication may differ from what was originally published, and may include ommissions such as no longer-relavent contact information.

Vol. 5 Number 2
Spring 2003

Faculty Search Continues
The search to fill the recently vacated faculty position continues, with the next candidate to be inteviewed visiting the second week of April. This candidate will be visiting the GMS campus on April 8, 2003 and will be available to meet all interested parties at 3:30. For further information regarding the GMS visit please contact Dr. Walker at 919-715-6342.

VITP Advisory Board
The goal of the Advisory Board is to provide input, service, support, advocacy, and direction for the NCCU-VITP and its various educational components. The individuals on the Board meet at least twice per year. The VITP Advisory Board is composed of representatives from various consumer groups and agency officials who have a vested interest in meeting the needs of visually impaired citizens of North Carolina and the surrounding region.

The Advisory Board offers advice on matters such as long-range planning, user needs, and resource development. Organization heads and members of the Governing Board appoint the members. Generally the Advisory Board members will be individuals whose professional responsibilities include Vision Partnership programs.

Current members of the Advisory Board for the 2003-2004 academic year are:

VITP Advisory Board Co-Chair
Dr. Deborah Hatton - Research Scientist, FPG Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina
VITP Advisory Board Co-Chair
Mr. Tom Winton - Visual Impairment/Technology Consultant, NC Department of Public Instruction
VITP Advisory Board Secretary
Ms. Miriam Dixon - Blind Rehabilitation Teacher DSB Rehabilitation Center
President, Triangle Federation of the Blind (NFB)

Mr. John DeLuca - Director NC Division of Services for the Blind (DSB)
Ms. Cyndie Bennett - Superintendent Office of Education Services (GMS)
Mr. John Miller - Chair Governors Council of Agencies for the Blind (CAB)
Mr. Wayne Yelton - President NC Council of the Blind (ACB)
Mr. Tim Jones - President NC Federation of the Blind (NFB)
Mr. Rod Poole, COMS - Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Governor Morehead School (GMS)
Ms. Susan Potter - Parent of child with visual impairment

A Special Course-Offering
The VITP, in partnership with the Early Intervention Training Center for Infants and Toddlers with Visual Impairments at the Frank Porter Graham Center, MUNC-CH, are offering a special 3-credit course this summer entitled "Family-Centered Practices for Young Children with Visual Impairments.

The course, a field test of new material, will be taught by faculty from UNC-CH, and will be held June 23-27, 2003.

Financial support is available according to the following priorities:

For additonal information please contact Susan Potter or Dana Fox toll free at 866-842-2237 or via e-mail at susan_potter AT unc DOT edu

Summer & Fall Schedules Announced
The schedules for Summer 2003 and Fall 2003 have been posted to the VITP website. Although tentative, and subject to change, the schedules have been posted to allow students to plan their course of study. More information may be found by visiting the VITP website, a link to which can be found at the top of this newsletter.

VITP Wish List
We are currently in need of the following:
RealServer - $5000.00 (approx.)
Office Supplies
Assistive Devices
Children's Videos

The VITP is unique in that it is permanently funded by the State of North Carolina. However, with the tightening of budgets at both the state and university levels, the need for your support of the VITP is at an all-time high. Having a world-class program to teach teachers of the visually impaired, low vision specialists, orientation & mobility specialists, and deafblind specialists takes equipment that is, more often than not, extremely expensive. For that very reason we have a Foundation designed to accept donations to directly support the VITP in its mission. If you, or someone you know, would like to make a TAX DEDUCTABLE contribution in your name or as a memorial to a loved one, the VITP will have a lasting impact. Donations may be made to:

VITP Foundation (Acct. 02-534)
North Carolina Central University
1801 Fayetteville
Durham, NC 27707

You can also make TAX DEDUCTABLE donations of new and/or used equipment (computers, office equipment, vision-specific equipment, etc.). Please contact Dr. Walker at 919-715-6342 for information on donating such items.

VITP Store
One unique way you can support the VITP is by visiting our new store, VITP@ CafePress. Dr. Walker has combined his 20 plus years of experience in the field with Ray Dragon's graphic design skills to come up with a number of creative items ranging from apparel, to mugs and cups, and even wall clocks (to name but a few of the many items available). All items contain graphics ranging from the VITP logo to catchy, fun slogans touting the various areas of VI training. ALL proceeds go directly to the VITP, so get out there and show your support.

You can visit the store at http://www.cafeshops.com/vitp

Open House Redux
Well, the weather cooperated (mostly) and we were able to hold our previously-scheduled Open House on Valentine's Day, 2003. The Open House was a resounding success, with over 50 people showing their support while getting a glimpse of what goes on behind the scences at the World's 7th Largest university program in VI Training. Thanks to all who attended - we look forward to your visiting again soon.

News from a Broad
Recently, Dr. Walker had the opportunity to interview former VITP Faculty Dr. Laura Bozeman for the readers of the Visionaire. The interview, conducted via MSN Messenger, finds Dr. Bozeman well and happy in Auckland, New Zealand.

Walker: Where do you live and how far is the commute? Any thing in particular about the commute (mountains, terrain, view, beauty?

Bozeman: We live on the Hibiscus Coast, which is north of Auckland City on the North Island of New Zealand. I commute 10 minutes to the university and have a lovely view of mostly bush (hills and greenery), a few sheep and cattle, and a glimpse of the Pacific here and there. The temperature extremes range from the low 40s in winter to high 70s in summer.

Walker: Where do you work and what is you current role/rank/etc?

Bozeman: I teach in the School of Health Sciences at Massey University-Auckland. I am a Senior Lecturer which seems to equate to something in between an Assistant and Associate Professor. I teach General Vision and O&M papers (that's what they call courses, here).

Walker: How many hours do you work and what do you do in you spare /leisure time?

Bozeman: I work 1/2 time. That usually means that when I work, I am at the university full time, but have many weeks "off". In my spare time, I have done a little traveling with [my husband] Ken, explored more of this island, and sailed a bit. We took sailing lessons and bought a sailboat. We are learning more and trying to sail as much as we can. We also take the dog [Harry] to the beach most weekends.

Walker: Lucky dog - I miss the water. And speaking of dogs, how is Harry doing?

Bozeman: He is great. Asleep at my feet, now (what a surprise). The beach is nice here. I was swimming until a week or so ago (too cool).

Walker: How do you like it there in general?

Bozeman: Really good. The round abouts at many intersections take some getting used to as they have free "yield lanes" with no control...from an O&M perspective, that is.

Walker: Any other language barriers that relate to O&M?

Bozeman: Yes. Curb cuts or blends are called Pram Ramps here. Yield is called "give way". Streets are not marked well and the lush foliage does block the views of many street signs-from a low vision standpoint. There are "scramble intersections" that have some weird name--I think it is "barnyard"--where the traffic light goes red in all directions for the peds to cross. Certainly having no traffic to cross with makes a difference--2 of my students accomplished nice diagonal crossings (not planned) at the busiest intersection in downtown Auckland.

Walker: hahaha - any new skills you have had to learn with the differing terrain and/or left hand drive?

Bozeman: Not really. I still have not come up with a good, generalizable way to handle the "give way" lanes yet. (Well, other than the "step out and hope for the best" rule.

Walker: Sounds good to me -- very Ponderesque. Any particular thing you would like to say to you students back home?

Bozeman: Well, I do miss everyone and welcome any emails and updates. Also, that they should try to attend the O&M conference in Dec. in New Orleans. They can get a reduced rate for registration and, by helping us out a bit, work off that registration in full and have a free place to stay in the hotel.

If anyone would like Dr. Bozeman's e-mail address, please contact Dr. Walker or Ray Dragon.

Bulletin Boards
We have recently purchased and installed bulletin boards in the South Building. Each area of concentration has a board specific to it containing information and announcements, with an additonal board in the Library for Program-related student announcements. Next time you are in the South Building, take a look at the wealth of information these boards contain; if you would like something added to a board, plese see the faculty for that area of study.

Until next time.... never allow anything to keep you from your dreams.

You are receiving this newsletter because you are affiliated with NC Central University, the Governor Morehead School, Division of Services for the Blind, or the Visual Impairment Training Program, are a member of a Lions Club in North Carolina, or have indicated you wish to receive newsletters from the VITP. If this is no longer the case, please contact ray DOT dragon AT ncmail DOT net to be removed.

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