VAVF 2023 Conference
Current Conference - 2023 - 2022
Thank you for joining us for VAVF's 2023 Annual Conference!
This year's Conference was a success! Archives of the event are available below to Attendees.
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Welcome and Introduction (Archived)
Jane Thompson, PresidentFormatting for New Transcribers, emphasis on Front Matter for manuscript submission (Archived)
Sue FarnsworthThis session will focus on formatting for new transcribers, with special emphasis on preparation for your certification manuscript submission. This means: Front Matter material. What does this mean, where do you get the information and what are the format specifics that you must follow. Time permitting, other types of formatting will be addressed, so come prepared with questions.
CorelDRAW Basics (Archived)
Shawn GreinerThis workshop will introduce transcribers to the basic functions of CorelDRAW needed to produce good quality tactile graphics for the Tiger embosser. We will cover the CorelDRAW tools used to make your graphics and how to use layering to add features that make your graphics easier on the braille reader.
A Look Inside the New "Nemeth with UEB" Lesson Manual (Archived)
Lindy WaltonAs the new Nemeth Code unfolds, what has changed in the lesson manual? Do I need to recertify in "UEB with Nemeth"? How does a new student pass the course? These questions and more will be addressed in this session.
All Things Prison Braille (Archived)
Jayma HawkinsThe session will give both general information about prison braille programs and the impact the programs have on educational opportunities for blind and low vision students across the nation.
CorelDRAW Macros (Archived)
Shawn GreinerThis workshop will introduce transcribers to the Tactile Macros used in Corel Draw. First, we will demonstrate how to install Tactile Macros so you can begin using it to design and create tactile graphics. Second, we will show you how to use some of the features most commonly used by transcribers that make tactile graphic production easier for you.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Braille More with BrailleBlaster V2 (Archived)
William FreemanBrailleBlaster- Join me for a hands-on session with BrailleBlaster V2. We'll go over the basics of using this program and have time for questions.
Unusual Textbook Formats (Archived)
Lynnette TaylorHow to transcribe unusual print formats into easily understood braille. Discussions will include menus, puzzles, transcriber’s notes for some omitted graphics. If there are specific questions, please send them to Lynnette.
Duxbury (Archived)
Susan ChristensenSee what is new and interesting in Duxbury.
Fidgeting, Figuring, and Formatting Your Favorite Tactile Graphics (Archived)
Lucia HastyThis workshop is not so much about the how-to for "building" a great tactile graphic, but about the decisions you make when you design it, both before and after the "build". We will look at questions such as:
- Where do page numbers go on single-sided, interpoint?
- Where is a multiple-page key for a US map placed?
- Where does this added description go?
- Methods of producing graphics,which is better for different content and subjects.
- Systems for storage of masters.
If you have specific questions you would like answered during the workshop, please Contact Lucia at least a week before the event and your question will be included in the workshop. Include a copy of the print image you are working on, if possible.
Intro to the eBRF, a New Braille File Type (Archived)
William FreemaneBRF- Join me for an introduction to a new braille file type being developed by APH and the international community. You will learn all about how this new file type will change how your students interact with and navigate braille files.
Exercises in Textbooks (Archived)
Lynnette TaylorHow to set up exercises in textbooks, especially those with odd situations like displayed material within the exercise.
Source Files to Final Format (Archived)
Susan ChristensenProviding material during COVID, as well as changes in the publishing world (such as EPUB), have created new challenges. This session focuses on strategies for accessing text from different formats and providing the readers’ preferred format.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
What is New in Braille2000 V3 (Archived)
Dr. Robert SteppBraille2000 V3 is designed to replace both V2 and V1. There are useful and novel new features in V3. This workshop will give you the insight you need to happily abandon V2 and V1 and profit from V3.
Abacus Bee (Archived)
Jeff SchwartzJoin Jeff Schwartz, APH Regional Specialist for the SE, to learn about an exciting pilot event – the first ever APH ABACUS BEE. From the first regional event held in Florida to the finals in Kentucky, learn how students demonstrate their math abilities on one of the oldest, most accessible (and arguably the best) math tools ever designed.
Braille 2000 V3: Math! From Word and From NIMAS (Video) (Archived)
Dr. Robert SteppLearn about the new math mechanisms of V3: input from the Math Toolbar, input from Word, and input from Nimas.
Is Microsoft Word in Your Toolbox? (Archived)
Susan Christensen2:15 to 3:15 PM
Word can be a powerful complement to braille production, no matter which transcribing software is used. Word provides greater flexibility in manipulating text and managing many tasks globally. Learn about configuring Word, setting up auto features, and become familiar with some basic find and replace functions that can improve efficiency (for example, quickly modifying an index with subentries in paragraph format).
Hints for UEB Math (Archived)
Kyle DeJuteDescription: Psst! Could you use some tips about UEB for math and science? Would you like to know what to watch out for? Wanna know where to find good reminders? We will discuss all that and more in "Hints for UEB Math."