2015 CNIB National Braille Conference

Braille +

October 29 & 30, 2015 at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto

Presenter Biographies

Monali MalvankarAssistant Professor, University of Western OntarioPresenter: Low-Vision Rehabilitation Strategies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Monali Malvankar works as an Assistant Professor with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Department of Ophthalmology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University in London, ON. In 2011, she received her PhD in Health Care Management Science from the Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University in London, ON.

Her research interest focuses on healthcare analytics and economic evaluations using various mathematical and statistical techniques that she has learnt throughout the course of her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, which are focused on quantitative methods. Her dissertation investigated the impact of using incentives in a multi-level allocation process of HIV prevention funds that often traverse several levels of distribution and decision-making. Decision-makers at each level often use equity-based heuristics that may lead to sub-optimal allocation of prevention funds. She investigated dynamic programming to encourage optimal allocation by modelling an incentive scheme that characterized the optimal solution to the resource allocation problem (published in Health Care Management Science and Information Systems and Operational Research). Prior to enrolling in Ivey’s PhD program, the hands-on experience in SPSS and SAS that she received at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) was applied to develop a logistics regression model to optimize costs and profit by subcontracting operations in Indian textile industries.

At the Western University, Department of Ophthalmology, her research focuses on systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and economic evaluations of ocular treatment. A meta-analysis (published in PLoS ONE) and cost-

effectiveness analysis (published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology) by Dr. Malvankar received positive encouragement and interest from the Government of Ontario with respect to its findings. She conducted a cost analysis to evaluate various treatments, including iStent, Trabectome, endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP), and medical therapy for glaucoma patients (published in the Journal of Glaucoma, in Top 10 Publication list of World Glaucoma Congress, 2013) was recognized by the Canadian Ophthalmology Society (COS) as the recipient of its 2013 Stephen Drance Award for Excellence in Glaucoma Research and 2014 COS Award of Excellence.

Dr. Malvankar has four active grants from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Glaucoma Research Society of Canada and Lawson Health Research Institute and has received in total seven grants including Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC) Academic Funding Plan (AFP) Innovation Fund. Since 2011, she has published twelve refereed journal articles in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, a refereed conference proceeding and a business case through Ivey Publishing. She has also worked on seven journal manuscripts (under review), nine journal manuscripts (under preparation), 16 invited presentations and 50 conference presentations. During the course of her career, she plans to achieve excellence in the area of healthcare analytics, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and economic evaluations.

In addition to her work as a published researcher, she supervises/co-supervises five master’s students and 12 undergraduate students and serves as a member of a supervisory committee that oversees eight master’s students. She has acted as a thesis examiner for one PhD candidate and four master’s degree candidates.

Apart from conducting research, she has been engaged in teaching at various levels following her master’s degree. She taught two courses in quantitative methods at Gujarat University, India, in 2004-2005, a course in Operations Management at King’s University College, Western University, in 2008-2009, and taught a course in Advanced Health Economics at Western University, in 2013-2014. She also designed/developed and taught a new course on Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Western University in 2014-2015. She has conducted several guest lectures at Western’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics during 2011-2013. She found the case-teaching and case-writing workshops offered by the Richard Ivey School of Business to be highly productive, and her participation in these workshops during 2007-2008 resulted in a published case study (Nokia India: Battery Recall Logistics, Ivey Publishing, which was the Finalist in the Decision Sciences Institute Best Case Studies Award Competition, 2009).

Andy KeyworthAccessibility Specialist, T-Base CommunicationsPresenter: 102. Accessibility Trends in Corporate Communications

Andy Keyworth combines over a decade of Web development experience with strong research and communication skills. He has designed, developed, tested and managed Web sites, databases and Web applications for numerous clients. Andy has extensive knowledge of web standards and technologies including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, eCommerce, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and Content Management

Systems (CMS). He has researched and written strategic reports on these topics, and has delivered training and critical advice on their implementation.

Bonnie ReadBraille Transcriber and Instructor, Saskatchewan Alternate Format Materials LibraryPresenter: 103. FIRM: Formatting the Infrequent or Rare Materials

Bonnie Read is a certified braille transcriber in Literary and Mathematics, certified transcriber in UEB, and a certified braille instructor. She has been a braille producer, primarily for Saskatchewan Education, since 1988. She is a member of Braille Literacy Canada (BLC) and National Braille Association (NBA); and served as a member on the board of directors for the Canadian Braille Authority (now BLC). Bonnie has attended the CNIB National Braille Conferences since 1990 and has been a presenter for several years. She

is the Chair of the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) ELMP (this needs to be spelled out) Committee.  Bonnie currently serves on the Review Committee for BANA UEB Formats; on the Canadian UEB Technical Standards Committee; and as an observer on the UEB Braille Maintenance Committee.

Dan Weirich Vice President of Strategic Programs, Ai SquaredPresenter: 104. It’s Here! The Newest ZoomText!

Dan Weirich co-founded GW Micro in 1990, an assistive technology company which is the creator of Window-Eyes. In May of 2014, Dan joined Ai Squared and has continued to utilize his knowledge of the low vision and blindness

community and is now focusing more on the sales side of the business. As part of Ai Squared, he presents the entire Ai Squared product line including Window-Eyes, at several blindness-related conferences throughout the world, meeting with various AT evaluators, counselors and end-users. Dan is a former member of the Board of Directors of ATIA, the Assistive Technology Industry Association.

Dr. Ana M. JuricicLow Vision Optometrist, The Clearview InstitutePresenter: 105. Smartphones, Tablets and Apps: What’s New and What You Need to Know

307. Wearable Technology ... What’s all the Touch, See, Hear about

Dr. Ana Juricic is a leading authority and educator in the field of Low Vision in Canada. Over the last 19 years, Dr. Juricic has helped thousands of individuals maximize their vision through the use of specialized glasses and vision aids. As a Low Vision Optometrist she is able to help patients living with vision loss see again so they can read the paper, watch TV and identify people’s faces. Many of the patients she has helped have eye conditions such as macular degeneration, Stargardt’s, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, albinism,

rod/cone dystrophy, optic neuropathy and retinitis pigmentosa. Dr. Juricic graduated from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry in 1996. She is currently the Director of the Low Vision Clinic at the Clearview Institute in Toronto and only sees patients with vision loss. Several times a year, you will find Dr. Juricic lecturing to health care professionals and the general public in Canada and in the US of the advancements and help that is available for those living with vision loss especially in the area of advancing technologies. Dr. Juricic is the proud mother of four young children who keep her and her husband very active. Dr. Juricic has participated in the Foundation Fighting Blindness Cycle for Sight on a tandem bike with her visually impaired cycling partner since 2012. Cycle for Sight is an annual fundraising cycling ride from Toronto to Collingwood/Blue Mountain. For the last two years, she has been the co-chair of this great fundraising event that supports vision research. Dr. Juricic has previously been a Regional CNIB committee member and is a supporter of CNIB.

Hu JinR&D Director, Sunrise Social Develop CenterPresenter: 106. Non-vision Photography & Tangible Image

Hu Jin is a senior special educator with more than 30 years teaching experience in special education. He has been engaged in research and development in blind tactile perception for more than 20 years and has won many national awards.

International academic experience2004 - blind education academic exchanges in Britain2013 - participated in the International Conference on Asia-Pacific Institute for the visually impaired and gave a speech on the topic of "three-dimensional massage tester" design and teaching.

Chen YaoExecutive Secretary-general, Sunrise Social Develop CenterPresenter: 106. Non-vision Photography & Tangible Image

Chen Yao is an assistant manager in R&D Center with more than 10 years in NGO field, focusing on people with vision loss. She holds a Master’s Degree in applied psychology.Senior counselor

Lucia BellafanteItinerant Vision Teachers, Toronto District School BoardPresenter: 107. Empathy through Knowledge and Understanding

Lucia Bellafante graduated in 1987 with her Association Montessori Internationale and in 1991 graduated from York University with her Bachelor of Education. Since graduating she has acquired both her Primary Specialist and Specialist as a Teacher of Students who are Blind. With over 24 years of teaching experience working with students of various ages and capabilities, Lucia continues to be passionate about teaching, always collaborating with colleagues, and bringing a fresh approach to her role as an Itinerant Vision Teacher.

Ellen KimPresenter: 107. Empathy through Knowledge and Understanding

Ellen Kim received her Bachelor of Education in 2006 from OISE at the University of Toronto. After acquiring her Specialist as a Teacher of Students who are Blind, Ellen was the lead teacher of the Blind Low Vision Program at Hollywood Public School, Toronto. Currently working as an Itinerant Vision Teacher, she continues to be a passionate and resourceful educator who enjoys collaborating with colleagues. 

W. Ross Macdonald School StaffPam Petrella, Life Skills InstructorHeather MacNeilJessica Kuranc Michelle Wilson Tracie MacPhee

Presenters: 108. Discovering Everyday Opportunities in My World (Thursday a.m.)

Coming from various backgrounds - Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Developmental Services Worker, Child and Youth Worker, Social Worker, Educational Assistant and Recreation and Leadership- Each instructor has 15-21 years of experience, knowledge and education to service the low vision and blind population at the W. Ross Macdonald School. These instructors teach students between the ages of 5 - 21 years old with various eye conditions, physical and developmental disabilities and use a creative approach to help students reach their individualized goals.

David ErringtonPresident and CEO, Accessible Digital Media, Accessible Media Inc. (AMI)Presenter: 109. Making Accessible Media for all Canadians

David is a passionate advocate for media accessibility, which combined with his more than 20 years of broadcast experience, makes him the ideal President and CEO of Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), a world leading company dedicated to making accessible media for all Canadians. Under David’s leadership, AMI had the broadcast licenses for AMI-tv and AMI-audio renewed for a five-year term with the addition of a third license to launch a French channel. AMI-télé launched in December 2014 as the only French language channel in the world to offer open format described video and closed captioning on all content.

Additionally, David has been instrumental in guiding the organization during the launch of the DV Guide, the Described Video Best Practices and the AMI-player, the first accessible online media player in North America. David also serves on the Board of Directors of the Broadcast Accessibility Fund (BAF), an independent and impartial funding body for innovative projects that provide cost-effective, inclusive solutions to help advance the accessibility of broadcasting in Canada.

Bob MinneryManager, Alternate Education Resources Ontario (AERO), Ministry of Education, W. Ross Macdonald School Presenter: 110. The Big Easy: Create Accessible Documents

Bob Minnery has been the manager of Alternative Educational Resources Ontario (AERO) at the W. Ross Macdonald School for the Visually Impaired and Deafblind in Brantford Ontario for 15 years. Before managing AERO Bob was a Program Coordinator for the Canadian Deafblind Association in Ontario. Bob is also a self-proclaimed historian and tour guide for the city of New Orleans. Want to know where to go to get good gumbo and hear great music? Just ask him.

Christopher MarshallManager, Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired (PRCVI) and Accessible Resource Centre-British Columbia (ARC-BC)Presenter: 201. UEB Instructional Strategies

Christopher started teaching in the UK in the early 1990’s after a successful career in the arts. His first position was as a teacher in a special school for children with severe learning difficulties. Chris went on to take an Advanced Diploma in Psychology and Special needs (Visual Impairment) at the Institute of Education in London leading to Qualified Teacher for Visual Impairment status (QTVI). He joined the Physical and Sensory service in

Kent and worked as a visiting VI teacher before moving into a more strategic role as Inclusion Coordinator for VI. He moved to Canada in 2006, initially working as an education consultant for visual impairment with REACH in Alberta, a multi-disciplinary assessment and consultation service; in 2010 he moved to British Columbia and worked for one year with SET-BC before taking up the position as manager of PRCVI and ARC-BC. Chris is currently the Chair of the Canadian Association of Education Resource Centres (CAER). Over the last couple of years he chaired a CAER subcommittee looking at developing a Canada wide coordinated approach to UEB implementation within the Education sector. He is currently chairing a National UEB technical standards committee working on developing constancy in style and formatting between all major Canadian braille producers.

Jennifer JessoOutreach Coordinator, Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually ImpairedPresenter: 201. UEB Instructional Strategies

Jennifer completed a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2005 followed by a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education with a specialization in learning disabilities in 2007, both at Simon Fraser University. She completed a Master of Arts in Special Education with a specialization in teaching students with visual impairments at the University of British Columbia in 2014. She is currently working on completing the Braille Transcriber

certification. After a short period working as a teacher on call, Jennifer has worked with children and adults with visual impairments in various roles over the past eight years, including as an itinerant vision teacher in the K-12 school system, as an instructor at Vancouver Community College’s Program for Visually Impaired Adults and as an Assistive Technology Specialist with CNIB. Jennifer currently works at the Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired as an Outreach Coordinator. She is also an active volunteer with

advocacy organizations, serving as past National Secretary with the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians and as a current committee member with Braille Literacy Canada.

Jason FayreAccessibility and Adaptive Technology Specialist, CNIBPresenter: 202. Overview of Android Accessibility

409. What’s New in Windows 10 for Accessibility

Jason’s specialties include: assistive technology training and support, linux administration and support, Windows desktop support, hardware troubleshooting.

Jen GouldenQuality Assurance Specialist, Crawford Technologies; Chair, Braille Literacy CanadaPresenter: 203. Duxbury for Braille Users

406. Braille Literacy Canada: The Brailler Bounce and Other Initiatives to Promote Braille Literacy506. Sighted Parents Raising Blind Kids

Jen Goulden has ten years of experience in the field of document accessibility with the Government of Canada and then as a consultant with Crawford Technologies. She holds a Master's degree in linguistics from the University of Ottawa and speaks English, French and Spanish. She is also a certified transcriber/proofreader of Unified English Braille (UEB). Before joining Crawford Technologies as a full-time employee, Jen worked for the Government of

Canada as a human resources advisor in employee performance management. Since 2008 she has been a board member of Braille Literacy Canada (formerly the Canadian Braille authority) and has been its president since 2011. In this capacity she participates on various committees of the International Council on English Braille and is also Crawford Technologies’ representative to the Braille Authority of North America. She plays the piano, is an avid reader and loves to travel.

John RaeHuman Rights ActivistPresenter: 204. Why Do Some Blind People Also Love to Travel?

John Rae brings a broad combination of community, government and union involvement to all of his varied activities.

John took early retirement from the Ontario Public Service in 2005 after a 24-year career, during which time he was a Consultant with the Centre for Disability and Work, an Education Officer with the Employment Equity Commission, and prior to retirement, a Program Officer with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario.

He brought his community perspective to the Canadian labour movement where he served in elective positions at the local, provincial and national levels. Today, as a retiree, he remains a member of OPSEU's Disability Rights Caucus.

During the past 40 years, John has been a board member of many human and disability rights organizations, including Co-chair of the Coalition on Human Rights for the Handicapped, which secured the first human rights coverage for persons with disabilities in Ontario. John is a Past President of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), the Canadian Legal, Advocacy, Information and Research Association of the Disabled (CLAIR), and PAL Reading Service.

John is now 2nd Vice Chair of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities National Council, and Chair of its Social Policy Committee and is also a member of the Boards of Directors of ARCH Disability Law Centre, Injured Workers Consultants, and the Executive of the Association of Community Legal Clinics of Ontario. He is also a member of the Canadian Museum on Human Rights' Inclusive Design & Accessibility Committee, and the ODSP Action Coalition.

John is also interested in world travel, history, live theatre, visiting museums and art galleries, music and he writes and speaks frequently on a broad range of disability and other human rights’ issues.

Julia FosterOccupational Therapist, Coordinator, Vision Technology Service and SNOW, Inclusive Design Research Centre Presenter: 205. Ergonomics to Promote Health and Productivity when Using Technology

401. When It’s More than Just Visual Access: How Technology Can Support Individuals with Multiple Diagnoses

Julia Foster is an occupational therapist and ADP authorizer for high-tech visual aids, which includes

assessment and prescription of assistive technology for individuals with low vision or blindness, including those who also have physical and/or cognitive limitations. Julia co-instructs a third year course on Ergonomics at the University of Toronto, and coordinates the Special Needs Opportunity Window (SNOW) online resource on inclusive education and technology.

Marie MarionVision Teacher, Conseil Scolaire Catholique ProvidencePresenter: 206. Geometry, Intermediate Grades

Marie Marion is passionate about educating the students of today for a brighter tomorrow for everyone. She studied in Canada and in France and has taught in the Northwest Territories as well as in Ontario. Marie is certified from primary to secondary. She is a seasoned teacher with more than 15 years of experience, many of them specializing in teaching mathematics. Marie began teaching blind and low vision students in 2012 and has since become an outspoken advocate for removing barriers to education. Be it through the use of technology or through good old fashioned hands on learning, she believes comprehension and understanding of a new concept is always within reach. Finding new ways to make learning accessible is an ongoing passion. Currently enrolled in an MPEd in the field of Aboriginal Education at Western University, Marie holds an Honour’s BA, a BEd, and many more certifications, such as Teacher of Students Who Are Blind, Special Education, and Cooperative Education, to name but a few. A lifelong learner, she continues to advance her own education in order to help others to do the same.

Amy Di NinoMusic Therapist at W. Ross Macdonald SchoolPresenter: 207. Music Therapy with the Partially Sighted

Amy was fortunate enough to be exposed to choral music at a very early age, and began piano lessons when she was five years old. Since then, Amy has obtained degrees, diplomas, and certificates from the University of Windsor, University of Toronto, Humber College, and Berklee College of Music. She is also a certified REMO HealthRHYTHMS instructor and Kindermusik teacher

Currently, Amy teaches music and is the Music Therapist and conductor at the world renowned W. Ross Macdonald School for the Visually Impaired, Blind, & Deafblind, where she was the recipient of the 2012 Premier's Award for Teaching Excellence in Ontario. She is also the Artistic Director of the Millennium Choral Organization, Music Director/organist at St. John's-on-the-hill United Church and teaches piano, guitar, and voice in her private studio. As a conductor, pianist, and percussionist, Amy has performed with ensembles and symphonies, and as a soloist throughout North America and Europe.

Additionally, Amy is also an arranger and composer. She has written works for choirs, orchestra, chamber music, and songs both classical and popular.

Amy resides in Cambridge with her husband, drummer Domenic Di Nino. Leading an active life, she competes in triathlons, plays in several soccer and hockey leagues, and enjoys skiing and snowboarding. Travelling and exploring new cultures and their music allows Amy to continually expand her passion for the arts.

Darleen BogartNational Braille Convenor, CNIBPresenter: 208. Proofreading for Good Form

611. My How You Have Changed!

Darleen Bogart is a volunteer with CNIB and is CNIB’s National Braille Convenor. She chaired the Unified English Braille Project Committee from UEB's inception until the completion of the project in 2010. She serves as the CNIB representative on BANA (Braille Authority of North America).

Louis M. TuttExecutive Director, AERPresenter: 209. The Way We Were – The Way We “AER”

Being Executive Director of AER is only the latest in an illustrious career that started as a Motor Skills Teacher for Deafblind children with rubella at the Michigan School for the Blind in 1971. Since then, Lou has been a teacher of children with multiple disabilities, a track & field/wrestling coach, Principal at the Michigan School for the Blind, Superintendent of the Missouri School and was President of the Maryland School for the Blind from 1990 – 2003. In 1995 he was the recipient of the William English Leadership Award by the Council of Schools for the Blind (COSB). Lou

also received the distinguished APH 2014 Wings of Freedom Award last October.

Believing that “once a teacher…always a teacher”, and after his “retirement” from Maryland, Lou accepted the position of Principal at the Colorado School for the Blind until returning to the east coast and becoming the 5th AER Executive Director in April 2011.

Martin BerrisfordVice President of Technical Services, Frontier ComputingPresenter: 210. How to Use Index-Direct-Braille

Martin Berrisford has over 20 years of experience installing, maintaining and educating people about their assistive technologies. He is also an expert on braille embossing technologies and is currently the product manager for the Index line of embossers in Canada.

Leona EmbersonSpecialist, Independent Living Skills, CNIBPresenter: 301. Get Together with Technology Program: The Power of Peer and Community Support

Leona Emberson has established herself as a professional, an advocate and a resource for the blind and partially sighted community. As a specialist for Independent Living Skills at the Ottawa CNIB she supports individuals living with vision loss to maintain and increase their independence through one-on-one or group instruction. She was a key member in the development of the Get Together With Technology program; a program which connects individuals with adaptive technology and the

peer support and training needed to learn how to use accessible features or products. Leona also works part-time as a broadcast/reporter for AMI, Canada’s first network providing fully captioned and described content of interest to the disability community. In her spare time, Leona trains for triathlons and was the first blind female to complete the Mont Tremblant 70.3 Half Ironman race. Through her involvement in the community Leona has advocated for inclusive sports and recreation opportunities, and has been recognized through various awards and certificates including the Celebration of People Sports Award.

Kim KilpatrickPresenter: 301. Get Together with Technology Program: The Power of Peer and Community Support

Kim Kilpatrick started the GTT (Get Together With Technology) program in Ottawa in 2012. She started this program so that people who are blind or have low vision can learn from, and teach each other, technology. Since then, this program has grown and expanded.

Kim is a Music Therapist, Professional Storyteller, Radio Show Co-Host, Disability awareness and access technology trainer.  

Mary Ann MarchandSpecialist, Independent Living Skills, CNIBPresenter: 303. Clever Uses of Small Appliances and Household Gadgets

Mary Ann received her BA in Geography from the University of Guelph and worked for CNIB for three years before taking 10 years off to be home with her four children.When she was ready to get back into the workforce, CNIB needed another Independent Daily Living Skills Specialist, so she got her CVRT certificate. Some of Mary Ann’s hobbies are gardening, researching things via the computer, trying out new appliances and going for walks in the nice weather.

Dominic GaglianoVP Sales, HumanWarePresenter: 304. Case Study on How New Reading Aids Benefit Seniors for Sustained Reading

608. iPad + Assistive Technology = Growing Student Success in the Classroom

Dominic Gagliano, VP of Sales for HumanWare, has 26 years of experience in the assistive technology industry. He has conducted many training workshops, seminars and presented at many international disability and assistive technology conferences such as AER, AFB Leadership, CSUN, ATIA and Closing the Gap as well as numerous regional conferences throughout the US and Pacific Regions. He serves on the board for the Deaf Blind Citizens in Action and currently manages all sales and marketing activities for blindness, deaf blind and low vision for

HumanWare in the US and Canada.

Michel PepinCorporate Key Account Manager, HumanWarePresenter: 304. Case Study on How New Reading Aids Benefit Seniors for Sustained Reading

608. iPad + Assistive Technology = Growing Student Success in the Classroom

With just over 12 years of experience in the Assistive Technology market, Michel comes from a sales and marketing background. Working with HumanWare for the last 12 years, he has worn multiple hats within the organization. Hired as a market development manager, back then with Visuaid, Michel’s role was to develop the distribution channels in Canada for the Victor Reader line of products notably working with the CNIB Canadian offices and Patrons during the Daisy conversion period. A strong advocate on the importance and role assistive

technology plays on a daily basis for people living with vision loss, he has participated and spoken at multiple assistive technology events and conferences throughout his career.

Bryan WolynskiOptometrist, OrCam Technologies Presenter: 305. OrCam – Wearable Innovation for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Dr. Bryan Wolynski has been in the eye-care field for over 25 years. He is a 2000 graduate of the New England College of Optometry and previously was a licensed optician since 1992. He completed a residency in Primary Care at NOVA Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a member of the American Optometric Association and is President of The Optometric Society.

Dr. Wolynski currently maintains a private practice in New York City providing primary eye care and low vision evaluations. He previously practiced low vision at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. He also provides mobile eye care to financially underprivileged children in Florida and vision screenings for Babies and Pre-K children in New York City. 

Dr. Wolynski has provided community outreach and education on the importance of eye care to school administrations and government. Dr. Wolynski has also presented cases at the Southern Council of Optometry, the American Academy of Optometry and has provided continuing education

lectures for Optometrists, Opticians, professionals in the field of low vision and the Association of School Nurses. He has recently spoken at the annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference, the American Optometric Association and Envision. Dr. Wolynski also consults for OrCam Technologies.

Dr. Wolynski is committed to improving access to eye care, education, and an advocate for meaningful and responsible technology.

Denis RondeauMusic Teacher for the Blind, W. Ross Macdonald School Presenter: 306. Teaching Music to the Blind using Braille and Technology

Denis Rondeau has been teaching music at the W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind for over 30 years. He has presented at many workshops concerning teaching music to the student who is blind.

At W. Ross Macdonald School, music staff incorporate many teaching techniques and tools to share the knowledge of music. These techniques include rote, hand over hand, large print and music braille to name a few.

Solutions for delivery of the curriculum can be administered by using digital media, reduced Music Braille format, digital large print reader such as Limelighter and Leggerio, SMART BOARDS, recording and music notation software such as LIME, GOODFEEL, SONAR and FINALE.

Denis is a freelance musician and uses this experience to translate the industry to the music students. For more information about the W. Ross Macdonald music program please contact Denis at rondeau2000@rogers.com 

Ryan JonesSenior Trainer, Freedom ScientificPresenter: 308. What Does it Say? Access to Printed Text

403. Success in the Classroom with JAWS and Braille

Ryan Jones has been in the assistive technology training industry since 2005 and has done one-on-one training and group training in the United States and abroad. From 2007 to 2010 he worked for a non-profit organization in Washington, DC doing assistive technology training for the federal government and several state rehabilitation agencies. Ryan also worked to promote the use of assistive technology in several countries in the Caribbean region and is currently work for Freedom Scientific where he teaches both in-person trainings as well as online webinar trainings. He has presented at

several conferences including ATIA, CSUN, and in October 2014 presented at the CNIB Braille Conference in Canada. In 2014, Ryan lead an effort to create an audio based JAWS training system designed to bring quality one-on-one style training to JAWS users who may otherwise not be able to receive timely training.

Ryan received his Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management from Auburn University in 2003. Most recently, he received a Master’s degree in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from Florida State University in 2013 along with the Vision Rehabilitation Therapist certification from ACVREP.

Judy DixonConsumer Relations Officer, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, The Library of CongressPresenter: 310. Accessibility of the Apple Watch

510. Using an iPhone to Scan Text

Judith M. Dixon is Consumer Relations Officer at the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress in Washington, DC. During her thirty-four years at the library, she has been concerned with all aspects of reading by people with print limitations. In recent years, the advent of new technologies has brought about an increased availability of information access through many types of assistive devices and services and she has been in the forefront.

Dr. Dixon earned a B.A. from Stetson University, DeLand, Florida in 1974; an M.A. from Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, in 1976; and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology also from Adelphi in 1980. Dr. Dixon was the 2005 recipient of the Francis Joseph Campbell Award from the American Library Association for her many years of excellent work in the field of library service for blind and physically handicapped persons and for her pioneering efforts in the area of electronic braille materials on the Internet through the NLS service, Web-Braille. She was also the 2009 recipient of the American Foundation for the Blind's Gallagher Award for serving as an outstanding role model to others who have vision loss.

In addition to publishing numerous articles, she edited the volume "Braille into the Next Millennium" published by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress in 2000. She served as Chair of the Braille Authority of north America from 2007 through 2011 and Secretary of the International Council on English Braille from 2008 to the present.

One of her hobbies is writing books for National Braille Press about things that are important to her. These include braille and mobile devices. She has authored or co-authored seven titles. They include: Label It! Braille and Audio

Strategies for Identifying Items at Home and Work; Get the Picture! Viewing the World with the iPhone Camera; Anyone Can Play: Accessible Games for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; and Out and About: Our Favorite Travel Apps.

Helen McMillanVolunteer Mathematics Braille Specialist, CNIBPresenter: 311. UEB Technical Material

Helen and Lorraine are CNIB volunteer transcribers and instructors and are part of a team developing a self-directed course for UEB Technical.

Lorraine BanksVolunteer Mathematics Braille Specialist, CNIBPresenter: 311. UEB Technical Material

Lorraine and Helen are CNIB volunteer transcribers and instructors and are part of a team developing a self-directed course for UEB Technical.

Phyllis LandonChair, International Council on English Braille (ICEB) Code Maintenance CommitteePresenter: 402. How Do I Braille ...?

Phyllis has been involved in braille since 1975 when she enrolled in the braille course as a volunteer for CNIB in Toronto. In the years since, she has been involved in leadership positions with CNIB's volunteer transcribers, in authoring Canadian teaching manuals for braille transcribers, in conducting workshops on braille and as a member of the BANA Literary Technical Committee.

Her involvement with UEB started in 1998 as a member of the Rules Committee. She was its chair from 2006 until its dissolution in 2010. She then assumed her current position as the chair of the ICEB Code Maintenance Committee (CMC). The CMC is responsible for maintaining The Rules of Unified English Braille. It operates primarily through email and is comprised of members and observers from the eight member nations of the International Council on English Braille.

Tommy ThébergeAccessibility Counselor, Medeo Group CanadaPresenter: 404. GUIDINO: Powerful Indoor GPS Solution for the Blind

Tommy Théberge has been working in the field of accessibility and vision loss for more than ten years. Living with vision loss, he has held various positions such as clinical instructor and the head of an assistive technology department in a rehab center in Montreal. Tommy has developed innovative solutions such as "Tactile maps of Montreal subway stations" and "DAISY Full Text document with synthetic voice" with his team. Tommy graduated in Practice of Rehabilitation at the

Medicine and Health Sciences Department of the University of Sherbrooke.

Maureen ReedAssociate Professor, Psychology, Ryerson UniversityPresenter: 405. Coping with the University Challenges for Students with Disabilities: The Reasons for Going to University Matter

Maureen Reed, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and was the Director of the Learning and Teaching Office at Ryerson University in Toronto for four years. She has expertise and interest in higher education and methods to improve academic success for students with and without disabilities. Her focus has been to examine success and access to university for students with disabilities and has written several articles and reports surrounding the challenges for students with visual impairment and blindness. She has recently written a book chapter outlining the challenges non-traditional university students face in educational

institutions and methods professors should follow to better reach all students.

Betty NobelPast Chair, BLC and Teacher of the Visually Impaired for the North Vancouver School DistrictPresenter: 406. Braille Literacy Canada: The Brailler Bounce and Other Initiatives to Promote Braille Literacy

Betty Nobel is a native British Columbian. She has been a braille user since age five, and still loves to read and write braille. After graduating from Killarney Secondary School in 1969, Betty attended UBC where she graduated first with a BA and later with a diploma

in adult education and a MA in Higher Education. Betty worked at Vancouver Community College for more than 30years teaching adults who were blind and visually impaired. She taught braille and computer courses and was the Department Head for much of that time. Currently, she is a teacher of the visually impaired for the North Vancouver school district. 

 Her many volunteer activities include serving as the Past chair of Braille Literacy Canada. Betty is presently the Vice Chair of the board of Accessible Media Inc. She is on the board of Blind Beginnings and serves on the executive of the International Council on English Braille. During her career, Betty served as the Division Chair of Adult Basic Education. She also worked as Special Advisor on Disability Issues for the Ministry of Advanced Education.  In the year 2000, Betty received the YWCA Woman of Distinction award in the category of Education Training and Development in recognition of her community work and innovative educational leadership.

Aquinas PatherTactile Graphics Specialist, T-Base CommunicationsPresenter: 407. UEB’s Guidelines for Tactile Graphics

Aquinas Pather is the Tactile Graphics and Transcription Specialist at T-Base Communications where he advises on all matters related to tactile graphics and braille to ensure adherence to BANA standards both internally and externally. As an expert in this area, he trains and mentors T-Base transcribers on tactile graphics design and participates in customer meetings. He manages tactile graphic production at T-Base and represents the company on the BANA Tactile Graphics Technical Committee which he currently chairs. He has been instrumental in the development

of instructional materials for novice tactile graphics designers and transcribers and continues to support the application of tactile graphics, braille and accessible communications within the education sector, and is well known in North America by experts in this area. Aquinas is a member of Braille Literacy Canada (BLC) where he serves on the web committee. A certified braille transcriber and tactile graphics instructor, Aquinas began working with braille and tactile graphics as a volunteer at CNIB in 1993 and played a significant role in the initial research stages of the development of tactile graphics guidelines. He served as one of the Canadian representatives on the joint CBA/BANA Ad hoc Committee on Tactile Graphics which spear-headed the creation of the now published Guidelines and Standards for Tactile Graphics, 2011, and in 2013 received the Braille Excellence Award as a member of this group of dedicated individuals.

Aquinas has contributed as an author for The Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research and has peer reviewed for the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness. He devotes much of his spare time as an advisor for software development of design solutions for computer generated tactile graphics.

Karen WoodCertified Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Private Contractor with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School BoardPresenter: 408. Proprioceptic Techniques to Improve Cane Technique

Karen Wood is a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist with aB.A in Sociology and diplomas in both Youth & Childcare Worker andRecreation Leadership.

She has been a private contractor in the field of orientation and mobility for Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board in Hamilton, Ontario since 1997. Karen was also aninstructor in the Orientation & Mobility Program at Mohawk College from 1993 to 2012 and anOrientation & Mobility Specialist with Hamilton CNIB from 1989-1997.

Lars Ballieu ChristensenAdviser and Accessibility Consultant, Sensus ApS and Synscenter Refsnaes - Danish National Center for Blind and Partially Sighted Children and Youth Presenter: 410. Universal Access to Alternate Media

Lars Ballieu Christensen works with technology and design for people with special needs. He advises government, organizations, academic institutions and companies on accessibility and inclusive design. Furthermore, he is the inventor of a range of innovative technologies that support inclusion and self-sufficiency amongst people with special needs, including the award-winning RoboBraille service. Lars holds master degrees in computer science and journalism, as well as a Ph.D. degree in computer science, all from the University of Roskilde, Denmark.

Tanja StevnsSensus ApS and Synscenter Refsnaes - Danish National Center for Blind and Partially Sighted Children and Youth  Presenter: 410. Universal Access to Alternate Media

Tanja Stevns works with education and technology to support inclusion of people with disabilities. With more than 20 years of experience working at the Danish National Center for Blind and Partially Sighted Children and Youth, Tanja is a special education teacher and speech therapist, specializing in visual impairment and general learning disorders. 

Andrea ByersSpecialist, Orientation and Mobility, CNIBPresenter: 501. Youth Programming Opportunities

Andrea started her career with CNIB in June of 2012 as a duel certified Orientation and Mobility and Independent Living Specialist. She received her post-graduate certification from Mohawk College in 2008 (ILS) and 2010 (O&M). Andrea enjoys that each day on the job she is able to work with a variety of different clients and use creative solutions to solve new challenges. She finds it extremely rewarding working with clients to help them accomplish their goals after vision loss. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys

spending time at her family’s cottage and horseback riding.

Adam DupuisSpecialist, Orientation and Mobility, CNIBPresenter: 501. Youth Programming

Adam has been an O&M instructor for more than 15 years and most of those have been with CNIB in Niagara. He works with all ages and provides instruction to children attending both the public and Catholic boards throughout the Niagara region. He also works with guide dog users regularly and enjoy teaching clients how to become as independent as they wish, relative to O&M.

Daiene VerissimoSpecialist, Orientation and Mobility/Independent Living Skills, CNIBPresenter: 501. Youth Programming

Daiene Verissimo started her career as an Early Childhood Educator. She furthered her education by attending Mohawk College and received her post-graduated certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Daiene has been with CNIB for 20 years and works with a variety of clients, of different ages and needs.

Dave WilkinsonBusiness Development Manager, HIMS Inc.Presenter: 502. The BrailleSense U2: A Vital Tool in the Classroom

Dave Wilkinson is the National Education Manager for HIMS, a leading manufacturer of blindness and low vision assistive technology based in Austin, TX. Dave has a B.A. of Fine Arts in History and Radio and a Masters of Education in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from New York University.

Dave is a lifelong user of assistive technology and has over 15 years of professional experience in assistive

technology for the blind. He has presented at national and international events on a wide range of assistive technology including refreshable braille, braille mathematics, creating and accessing e-books and GPS for the blind. During his personal time, Dave was a former cross-country skier, and since 2003 he has run numerous marathons and half marathons.

Karen BropheyContent & Program Coordinator, CNIB LibraryPresenter: 503. Readasaurus Literacy Kit

With more than 30 years of experience at the CNIB Library, Karen’s primary focus is developing and delivering services and programs for youth. She is passionate about literacy, braille, advocacy and inclusion.

Michael CiarcielloComputer Educator, Mab-MackayPresenter: 505. Breaking the Barrier of Inaccessible Music Softwares

Michael Ciarciello is an educator and computer instructor at the Mab-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre in Montréal, Québec. Mike teaches students who are blind how to use screen readers (such as JAWS), scanning and reading software (such as OpenBook), and other assistive devices used by the blind, such as the PacMate. Mab-Mackay has one very unique advantage in having Mike in this position, in that it is the only rehabilitation center in Québec which is able to offer specialized adaptive

technology training in music notation software (most notably with GoodFeel and Sonar/CakeTalking), enabling them to effectively serve the needs of blind music students and professionals.

Indeed, it is Mike's passion for music which has defined many of his personal and professional endeavours over the years. Inspired by his grandfather's love for the accordion, Mike was strongly encouraged to pursue his musical interests by his family, ultimately learning the accordion, piano and guitar before starting high school. In 1984, he was afforded an opportunity to appear on Don McGowan's television show - and it was at this point that music became a serious affair for Mike. His high school career saw him joining various bands and winning numerous 'Battle of the Bands' competitions, and learning about music in a more in-depth, theoretical manner.

Mike's success in music led him, naturally, to pursue the program at Vanier College during his CEGEP years as well, starting in 1990. He studied the guitar in-depth, and Mike recalls Two of his instructors “Mark Fleury, Tony Romadini,” stating at the outset that "just because you have a good ear, that's fine, but I’ll teach you how to play properly - the proper way, the way it was supposed to be done." In fact, up to this point, he had learned everything he knew by ear, without ever having been taught much of the theory, terminology, or technicalities behind it. After all, none of his earlier teachers necessarily had any experience with a student who is blind, and while they found ways to adapt their methodology to suit Mike's abilities, this was a time when greater formality became necessary.

Crucial to Mike's success has been his learning and knowledge of music braille. Mike asserts that knowledge of music braille is essential for serious pursuers of the craft, in much the same way as knowledge of sheet music is essential for sighted students. Many musical subtleties simply cannot be accurately represented - and more importantly, communicated - in any other way. That being said, at the time, resources were very limited, and it was

only through the tireless efforts of Mab-Mackay volunteers that Mike was able to participate fully in the music program at Vanier, including Mable Edgerton and Don, the security guard, who together spent several days each week transcribing music into braille.

Looking beyond CEGEP to university, Mike was determined to pursue music at Concordia University. University was a very different realm from CEGEP, though, and the expectation was that he would have or find some way to communicate his musical knowledge with sighted professors and peers. After much reflection, Michael decided that, in spite of the odds, and in spite of the challenges to be overcome, music was his passion, and he was going to set out to prove to all those who doubted just what was possible. Of course, in 1990, personal computers were only in their infancy, and to the extent that any musical notation software existed, it certainly wasn't accessible to someone who was blind. After years of searching for a solution (beyond spending hours upon hours dictating musical scores by hand), Michael was put in touch with a company called Dancing Dots, which was working on a product called "Goodfeel," a braille music translator. This was, in fact, the answer to Michael's number one impediment to the industry, as he was now able to create a musical score and produce both braille and regular print versions, so others could benefit from his labour.

Where does this leave Mike now? Happy and content to teach at the Mab-Mackay Center during the day, play in his bands, direct and accompany his church choir (and, more recently, teaching instruments such as the Guitar, Piano, Bass, and vocal coaching, in private studio’s here in Montreal), Mike has reached a point where he will, as he put it, "probably stay for the rest of my life." Someday, when he retires from teaching at Mab-Mackay, his music will still be with him. Speaking with Mike, you quickly realize that he is just an ordinary, down-to-earth person who has taken a passion, overcome the obstacles and barriers, and made a life he can be happy with out of that passion. Sure, there are those who have taken pity on Mike (such as the band that let him in, only to kick him out a few weeks later, admitting in the process that they just couldn't have said "no" to the blind guy); and there are those who have doubted that he could succeed. Sometimes that will mean banging down a few doors and making a bit of a ruckus; at other times, when Mike stumbles across a product or service that truly meets his needs and is accessible to him, it means congratulating a company or person for a job well done - whether or not its applicability and usefulness to a person who is blind was, in fact, intentional. But to Mike, challenges are meant to be overcome, and if you really want to make something work - if it is truly your passion - then you will find a way to do it, sooner or later, someway, somehow.

Ann BreenParentPresenter: 506. Sighted Parents Raising Blind Kids

Ann Breen is the mother of two, now grown, children. Her daughter, who is 25 years old, was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) at age 4. Vision loss further added to her daughter’s challenges of kidney failure/transplant and many other symptoms which are part of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS). The RP diagnosis is what confirmed the BBS diagnosis, a complex genetically-inherited syndrome. Very little was known about BBS in 1994.

During her daughter’s growing years, Ann‘s full-time job was parenting and volunteer work. In 1998, Ann responded to a newspaper ad seeking individuals who were interested in learning braille and willing to volunteer their time transcribing books into braille for CNIB. Ann successfully completed the nine month course and became a Certified Literary Braille Transcriber in 1999.

At present, Ann continues her career as full-time mom. In recent years, she added to her job title, graduating from George Brown College (GBC). Ann attended the Intervenor for Deafblind Persons Program, graduating in 2012 with an honour’s diploma. In 2013, Ann earned an honour’s certificate in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, also from GBC.

Ann volunteers as a teaching assistant at GBC in the Intervenor Program Braille Course and works as a supply Deafblind Intervenor and Educational Assistant Deaf/Hard of Hearing with the Toronto District School Board. In addition, Ann is currently serving a volunteer term as president of the Intervenor Organization of Ontario.

Anne GouldenParentPresenter: 506. Sighted Parents Raising Blind Kids

Anne Goulden is the mother of Jen Goulden who has been blind from birth. Presently living in Waterloo, Ontario, the Goulden family resided in Welland, Ontario at the time of Jen’s birth and until nine years ago. Jen was fortunate to have been able to attend area schools during the time Bill-82 (universal access to public education for all children) was being introduced into the Ministry of Education’s curriculum in 1980. Although it was not an easy process to gain access to area schools for Jen, it was done and at the time of her graduation from Secondary School, Jen was the only braille-using student to go through the entire Ontario Public school system, thanks in part to a

decision by the then Director of Education for Niagara South Board of Education — Marv Townsend. Following graduation from Centennial High School in Welland, Jen proceeded to the University of Ottawa where she graduated from the Arts Program.

Many teachers, CNIB workers, and friends have contributed to the success of Jen’s education and many difficult decisions were made along the way. Right from the very beginning, my then unanswered question was “Am I doing the right thing by keeping this child at home for her education?” … sometimes you never know; but I do now.

Cheryl HampsonParentPresenter: 506. Sighted Parents Raising Blind Kids

601. An Introduction to Braille for Parents

Cheryl is the parent of a son who lost his vision at the age of four as the result of a brain tumour. Robert is now 23-years-old and going to College in Kingston. Their journey together took them through the twists and turns of the medical system and the education system. Sports and volunteer opportunities were important in making Robert the person he is today.

Christopher McLeanDirector of Public Affairs (Ontario) and Regional Director (GTA Region), CNIBPresenter: 507. Path to Change

Christopher McLean works at CNIB as Director of Public Affairs, and Regional Director, Services and Operations, for Ontario. In this role, Christopher has supported CNIB’s advocacy efforts to increase the availability of services for blind and partially sighted Canadians. He has participated on a number of advisory committees with the Government of Ontario on topics including the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Intervenor Services for Ontarians who are deafblind. Before joining CNIB,

Christopher worked in public affairs and communications in the private sector. His volunteer work includes the Board of Directors for Halton Family Services, where he was Chair from 2008 to 2011. He has Masters Degrees in both Journalism and English from The University of Western Ontario; and

attended McMaster University for a Bachelor of Arts degree. Christopher and his family live in Milton, Ontario.

Debbie GillespieCoordinator, Accessibility and Braille Promotions, CNIBPresenter: 508. Harmonizing UEB and BANA Format Guidelines

Debbie can best be described as an all-round information hound fueled by a healthy dose of curiosity. Her need to know drives her forward to learn and investigate. She believes knowledge is empowerment which enables people to make informed decisions that affect their daily lives.

She is responsible for various projects, evaluating and testing both hardware and software products for accessibility, as well as other advocacy initiatives.

Previously, Debbie was Manager of Braille Publishing for the CNIB Library, President of the Canadian Braille Authority and served as a Canadian Delegate to the International Council on English Braille. 

Darleen BogartNational Braille Convenor, CNIBPresenter: 508. Harmonizing UEB and BANA Format Guidelines

Darleen Bogart is a volunteer with the CNIB and is the CNIB National Braille Convenor. She chaired the Unified English Braille Project Committee from UEB's inception until the completion of the project in 2010. She serves as the CNIB representative on BANA (Braille Authority of North America).

David MacDonaldPresident, CanAdaptPresenter: 509. Introduction to the International Association of Accessibility Professionals

David MacDonald is the president of CanAdapt Solutions Inc. (can-adapt.com). He is a member of the IAAP Certification committee. David is the only Canadian on the Web Content Accessibility (is this dash correct) Guidelines Working Group (WCAG) which is the web standard used in the AODA. He has been in the disability accommodation field for 19 years and has provided direct accommodations of employees with

disabilities for TD Bank, Scotiabank, RBC, the Government of Canada and

numerous other large and small organizations. He has provided accessibility training through the University of Ottawa in English and French. David wrote the WCAG theme song and has received over 40,000 combined views on YouTube.com. 

Mina SedaghatjouPhD Candidate of Mathematics Education, Simon Fraser University - Faculty of Education Presenter: 511. Visualizing Pre-calculus Concepts

Mina Sedaghatjou is part of the faculty at Learning Centre in Douglas College and doctoral candidate in mathematics education at Simon Fraser University. Her primary research interests focus on the ways that digital technology (e.g. iPad apps, GSP and GeoGebra) enhances thinking and understanding. She strongly believes in embodied cognition and studies the role of the body in learning mathematics in the area of touchscreen-based technology. 

In addition to her other ongoing research, Mina recently started a new study called “Issues and Aids for Teaching and Learning Mathematics to Visually Impaired Undergraduate Students”. For this study, she explores and innovates new/alternative ways of learning and visualizing advance mathematical concepts and objects in the absence of sight.

Cheryl WorboyVision Resource Teacher, Durham District School BoardPresenter: 602. Roundtable: Switch Access and Software for Our Students

Cheryl Worboy is a Special Education Teacher with 19 years of experience working with students who present with severe, profound and multiple challenges in a variety of settings including small class placements, mainstream classrooms and home-school/hospital settings. Technology and access to technology have been key components to student success in the Developmental Program Class which Cheryl has taught for the past 14 years. She is currently a Vision Resource Teacher with the Durham District School Board and works with blind and low vision students and their teachers who have a variety of access challenges.

David BestAccessibility IT Specialist, BEST ConsultingPresenter: 603. Vision through Digital Communications

As an IT Specialist and Accessibility Consultant, with more than 30 years of working experience in software design and development, project management, diversity leadership, and disability advocacy, David is persistent in seeking out accessibility solutions to business challenges for greater productivity gains and market growth. He started his career with Air Canada as a software engineer, and recently retired from IBM to focus more time in supporting organizations with creating

accessibility business solutions and workplace best practices to help Ontario achieve a fully inclusive society by 2025.

David's life experiences and IT knowledge skills have given him a unique opportunity to advocate for disabled professionals. In January 2013 he was appointed, by the Ontario Premier, to the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council (ASAC), under the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, to review and update the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). He also is on the advisory board for some nonprofit organizations and universities.

Rob Nevin Principal owner of U-R-AblePresenter: 603. Vision through Digital Communications

Rob Nevin is Principal of U-R-Able.com, a Canadian company focused exclusively in the support of persons who are blind. U-R-Able works with blindness organizations around the world in supporting clients with emerging technologies. clients run the range of Educators, Doctors, Lawyers, Developers, Administrative, Business Executives, and call-center staff with the common thread of wanting to increase their contribution to self, their work and the organizations they support. Rob’s 30 year career history

includes executive and C-level positions in Information Technology within Private sector, Government, Venture Capital andentrepreneurial ventures.

James McCarthyPresident, HIMS Inc.Presenter: 605. On the Go with eBot

James McCarthy, President of HIMS Inc in Austin, TX., received his MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management, was former founder and President of Freedom Vision Inc. in Mountain View, CA. He has worked in the assistive technology field since 1982. James has presented at various conferences such as ATIA, CSUN and the American Academy of Optometry. James is visually impaired and a long-time user of video magnifiers.

Classy Cyborgs Lisa Andrade, Parent and Coach Chaperone Linar Smigalob, Mechanical Engineering Student at Lassonde School of

Engineering, York University Nicolas Casali Mechanical Engineering student at Lassonde School of

Engineering, York University Classy Cyborgs Team: Logan Maier, James Andrade , Disha Prashar,

Isabel Neufeld , Jenna Pezzack, Sean Lloyd, Sammay Emamian, Sebastian Villate, Vera Cotturo, Rhys Binnie

Presenters: 607. Treasure Box Braille - Learning for Children

The Classy Cyborgs is a team of 12-14 year old boys and girls who are on a quest to help solve the braille literacy crisis. Through a research project that began in September 2014, the team from Lester B. Pearson P.S. in Aurora, ON learned that only 10% of the blind can read braille. The students’ immediate question was “how can we improve the way blind children learn braille?” Since millions of sighted children enjoy digital learning games like LeapFrog and Disney programs, the team

felt that there must be a way to adapt these systems so that children without sight can learn how to read with the help of a computer. The Classy Cyborgs are now working with engineering students from Lassonde School of Engineering at York University to develop tablet based learning software for the visually impaired.

Achievements: Winners of the “Globalization Champion Award” of the CST Inspired

Minds Learning Project national competition

Winners of the 2015 Applause Award with the York Region District School Board

Winners of the “Best Innovation Solution Award” at York Region’s First Lego League competition

Semi-finalists in the Global Innovation Award competition in St. Louis, April 2015

First Lego League Global Innovation Ambassadors Creators of the Classy Cyborgs Blog: Inspiring Youth in Innovation

Adam SpencerHead of Document Accessibility Services, Accessibil-ITPresenter: 610. Revolutionizing PDF Accessibility

Adam Spencer is the Head of Document Accessibility Services for Accessibil-IT Inc, a dedicated PDF accessibility specialist. As an active member on a number of ISO Committees for PDF and PDF Accessibility, Adam was also an active contributor to the development of the new international standards to ensure the accessibility and usability of PDF and adaptive technologies.

One of the major focuses for Adam is ensuring that all content is completely usable and accessible for users of adaptive technologies, including the development of accessible advanced mathematics techniques within PDF.

Adam is also the Vice-Chair of the Canadian Advisory Committee on TC 171 and TC 171/SC2 PDF and PDF Accessibility for the Standards Council of Canada.

Victoria NolanSpecial Education Teacher and Former ParalympianPresenter: Sports panel

Victoria Nolan wanted to be a teacher ever since she was five. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at 18, she went on to obtain a Master's in Child Study and Education and became a special education teacher in 1999. She has faced many challenges because of her RP, but it has never deterred her from succeeding in her career or in competitive sports.

True to her competitive nature Nolan has participated as a competitive rower. After just one year of learning to row,

Victoria made Canada’s national rowing team. Victoria has competed in four World Championships (Germany, Poland, New Zealand and Slovenia) and two Paralympic Games (Beijing and London). In 2010 Victoria broke the world record and she and her crew won gold. Her medal count now includes a bronze, silver, and gold medal. She has been awarded female athlete of the year, Oarswoman of the year and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

Although retired from rowing, Victoria is still competing with one of Canada’s Olympic rowers (Sarah Bonikowsky Chaudhery) in tandem cycling, and finished fourth in this year’s National Road Race.

Victoria Nolan teaches Special Education students in Grades 2 through 6 at Gledhill Public School in the east end of Toronto.

Melissa DermodyB.PHE, B.Sc, M.Sc, PT   Presenter: Sports panel

Melissa is a physiotherapist on the neuromuscular team at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. She has a Master’s degree in physiotherapy as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education from Queen’s University. Melissa has worked with pediatric clients with a wide variety of physical disabilities throughout her career. She is certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment for pediatrics and has a special interest in aquatic therapy. Melissa participates in clinical research at SickKids and Holland Bloorview, completes Changing Minds, Changing Lives

presentations for the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and is being trained to become a medical classifier for para swimming. Melissa is passionate about promoting sport for her clients and currently volunteers with a local swim team for athletes with a disability

Dr. Virginia Duff Presenter: Sports panel

Dr. Ginny Duff is a psychiatrist practising in Toronto. She went to Medical School at Queen's University and did her Psychiatric training at McGill University in Montreal.  

Ginny works at St. Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto. As part of her practice, she works with people who are struggling with vision loss to help them sort out how they can live the life they want.   

Ginny is legally blind. She is an avid downhill skier, sailor and cyclist. She has skied competitively with the Ontario Disabled Ski Team and with the Canadian Disabled Ski team.   

George QuarcooPresenter: Sports panel

George was born fully sighted, but lost most of his vision at the age of 9. He has never let his vision loss get in the way of any goal, dream, or opportunity that comes his way. George successful competed in the 2015 Toronto Parapan Am Games and also co-hosted CNIB’s first annual mini-games event in Toronto.