Exploring Effective Models for Retreat Training

Description

Are you looking for an innovative and effective way to help older adults navigate their daily lives with confidence and independence while maximizing staff time and resources? Join us for an enlightening webinar focused on Retreat Training Programs specifically designed for OIB consumers.

Learn about three unique retreat-style programs: New Jersey's A Shore Thing, Virginia's Senior Retreat, and Wisconsin's Adventures in Vision Loss Program. Discover what these programs have in common and what sets them apart, including their implementation methods, duration, structure, and more!

We’ll discuss how each retreat helps participants build essential skills like orientation and mobility training, daily living techniques, effective communication, and social engagement strategies while providing opportunities for peer support. Resources for retreat programs in other states will also be shared. Gain inspiration and valuable information that can be adapted to create similar opportunities that meet your programming needs.

Release date: 2025

Registration

Presenters

New Jersey

Ally Cohen

Ally Cohen graduated with her Master’s Degree in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from Western Michigan University in 2012.  Upon completion of her internship, she began her career at the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired as a Rehabilitation Teacher.  In 2019, she transitioned into the role of Supervisor of the Independent Living Unit at one of their regional offices, overseeing a team of dedicated Rehabilitation Teachers, Orientation & Mobility Instructors and Eye Health Nurses providing itinerant services to the residents of the central portion of New Jersey.  In 2024, she accepted the role of the Independent Living Program Coordinator, overseeing the programmatic operations of services to our consumers aged 54 and under who are not working and consumers 55 and older in the OIB Program.

Virginia

Dave Fuller

Dave Fuller began his journey with the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) back in 2011 while performing his internship as part of his Graduate Studies in Rehabilitation Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University.  Following his graduation, Dave was hired as a part-time Job Placement Specialist with DBVI.  In 2013, he was hired as a full-time Rehabilitation Teacher.  Then, in July of 2018, Dave began working as a Personal and Home Management Instructor at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired.  Dave transitioned back to work as Rehab Teacher at the Richmond Regional Office in December of 2022.  In April of 2003, Dave became the Program Director for DBVI’s Rehabilitation Teaching and Independent Living Services.

Wisconsin

Angie Zalig

Angie Zalig is employed as a Rehabilitation Specialist for the State of Wisconsin Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired for over 18 years. She provides in-home services to people with vision loss in the counties of Brown, Kewaunee, Door, Marinette, and Oconto. Angie has also worked as a sign language interpreter for students who are deaf and hard-of-hearing from elementary school through college and has taken several courses in deafblind studies. She enjoys working with people one-on-one to help them regain independence and improve their quality of life. 

Jennifer Shimon

Jennifer Shimon works for the State of Wisconsin Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired, as a Rehabilitation Specialist for the Blind. She has been in this role for 5 years, and has been an Occupational Therapist for over 25 years. She is currently a co-leader of the Adventures in Vision Loss Program, which is a five-day introductory training for people that are new to vision loss or who have not attended a similar program.