Supervisors required for University of NSW O&M Students
The Graduate Diploma of O&M program at UNSW needs additional supervisors to guide students through their practical placement. From June 2023 UNSW are seeking supervisors across Australia. Regardless of whether you have supervised many O&M students before or never supervised a student, this experience can be an excellent development opportunity as well as being a great way to support our profession. COMS O&Ms can also gain ACVREP CEU points. O&Ms who work for an organisation (with organisational support) and those who work as independent O&Ms can supervise students. If you are interested, please contact Matthew at matthew.g.walker@unsw.edu.au
Master of Disability Studies Enrolment
A message from Sue Silveira, Course Director, Master of Disability Studies, Macquarie University and the NextSense Institute:
If you’re committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with sensory disabilities and you want to acquire the skills and knowledge to promote inclusive practices based on evidence, competency, empathy, and understanding, we invite you to consider applying for the Master of Disability Studies program offered by NextSense and Macquarie University for Session 2, 2023 (July) intake. This fully online course provides you with the flexibility to self-plan your studies according to your needs, whether you want to study part-time or full-time. Detailed information about the range of units (subjects) available in the course can be found on the NextSense website. Applications close 7 July 2023. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact Tanya Kysa, Graduate Studies Coordinator at student.enquiries@nextsense.org.au.
Upcoming ConferencesÂ
- 18th International Mobility Conference (IMC18), 22-26 May 2023, Warsaw, Poland. This is a brilliant opportunity to get a global perspective on O&M. For more information, please visit https://imc18poland.com/. You can also contact the Professional Development Committee (PDC) on pdc@omaaustralasia.com
- Dog Guide Handlers Australia (DGHA) National Conference, 4-6 August 2023, Brisbane. The conference is a fantastic opportunity to meet, connect and get to know other Dog Guide Handlers from across Australia. Click here for more information and to register. Â If you have any questions, please visit the Dog Guide Handlers Australia Facebook page or email dgha@dgha.org.au
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- NextSense Institute professional learning program:
For details on pricing and a list of all the fantastic NextSense CPE event topics, go to: http://www.nextsense.org.au/professional-education.
An example of one of the NextSense courses is Blind and Low Vision Masterclass Series 2023: Post-School Transition to Higher Education & Employment for Students with Visual Impairments. In this six-part series, Dr. Wolffe will describe the post-secondary trajectory of students with visual impairments as they move from secondary educational settings into higher education, training, and employment.
Remember SPEVI members are eligible for discounts on the above NextSense professional learning events in 2023. Please contact Trudy Smith, Manager of NextSense Institute CPE program if you have any questions – trudy.smith@nextsense.org.au
- Save the Date for Save Sight Institute’s 11th Annual Community Information Event which will be held in Sydney on Saturday 29th July 2023. This in-person event is for people living with low vision or blindness and those who care for them. Educators are also invited. Further information to follow.
If you’re looking for more CPD opportunities, remember to check the OMAA website for suggestions where you’ll find many great course and conference options listed for your convenience.
Are you hosting or attending an upcoming CPD event? Would you like to be able to earn points towards ACVREP recertification at the same time? Click here to find out how you can register your event.
Job Vacancies
Have you looked at the Job Vacancies page on the OMAA website recently? You’ll find position vacancies listed for various agencies and locations across Australasia so remember to check it out.
Journals
- In case you missed this insightful journal article on robotic technology and O&M published in the December 2022 Vision Rehabilitation International, please read here.
- The latest Journal of the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (JSPEVI) has now been published and will be available for free download from the SPEVI website.
Other News
- Sydney-based paediatric ophthalmologist Professor Frank Martin discusses the pursuit of an Australia-wide early childhood vision screening program in this article.
- Public consultation on alerting technology for electric vehicles: The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is seeking public input on whether electric cars should feature acoustic vehicle alerting systems to warn other road users and bystanders of their presence. These electric vehicles can pose a particular risk for blind and low vision pedestrians, who rely on sound such as vehicular noise to navigate roads. You can read the Impact Paper and have your say here. Public submissions into the electric vehicle technology will be accepted until 26 May 2023.
- Read about Disability Services Minister Bill Shorten’s plan to overhaul the NDIA, as outlined in his recent National Press Club address.
Return to OMAA homepage