Norwood, MA, with Virtual Opportunties, October 6th, 2026, with Vision and Vision Loss Services at the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). “Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference – Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss, is a multi-tracked Educational Program reaching out to the needs of individuals, families, professionals and all concerned with the vision and vision loss needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disability.
* Registration required by September 22nd.
2026 Keynote Becoming Vision Detectives: Spotting Eye Problems in Individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.
Speaker: Greg Waldorf, OD, MPH, FAAO Associate Dean for Clinical Programs Associate Professor MCPHS School of Optometry.
Remarks at Lunch: John Oliveira, Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.
Awards at Lunch:
Mark Holt “Gift of Lunch”
Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Service
Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Leadership
Focus” on Talent: Closing Performance: Matteo Faso and Sai Pitman
Workshop topics:
- Implicit Bias” Toward Persons with Disabilities and Its Impact on Vision
- Best Practices for Planning Activities for Individuals With Intellectual And Visual Impairments
- Communication Without Limits: AAC in Deafblind Education
- Out and About! Access and Inclusion in Community-based Arts and Leisure
- New Products and Services
- Beyond Acuity: The Role of Vision Therapy in Functional Vision
- Body, Brain, and Vision: Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment, Sensory
Processing, and Practical Tools to Support Self-Regulation - Guiding with Confidence: Human Guide Skills and Vision Loss Awareness
- Guiding with Confidence: Human Guide Skills and Vision Loss Awareness
- Beyond Treats: Fueling Independence in the Kitchen – Accessible Cooking Strategies for Adults with Vision Loss
- AI, Accessibility, and Real-World Outcomes: Emerging Technology in Vision Rehabilitation
- How Can We Expand Access to Eye Care for People with Neurodevelopmental Disorders?
- The Strength in Collaboration
- The Benefits of Adaptive Yoga
- Accessible Recreation Opportunities with DCR
