2008 Council for Exceptional Children Convention and Expo; April 2-5, 2008; Boston, Massachusetts

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest organization for professionals dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities. CEC held its annual International Convention and Expo on April 2-5 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. The purpose of the convention was to provide professional development opportunities on the most current trends, research, practice, and public policy across the diverse field of special education. Of the over 38,000 members of CEC, 7,237 special education professionals attended this year's convention. GENERAL SESSION AND NATIONAL AWARDS This year's conference began on April 2nd with the opening General Session featuring actor and author Henry Winkler as its keynote speaker. Mr. Winkler is an advocate for children with disabilities around the world and is a coauthor of a children's book series entitled "Hank Zipzer: The World's Most Amazing Under-Achiever." During his speech, Mr. Winkler recounted his struggles as a child with learning disabilities and dyslexia in a staunch German family. The over 4,000 individuals in attendance were inspired by his message of hope as he boldly proclaimed, "If you will it, it will happen!" CEC's Professional Awards were also acknowledged at the opening session, and the field of special education for students with visual impairments was well represented. Two of the nine national awards were presented to members of the Division on Visual Impairments (DVI), one of the 17 specialty divisions of CEC that is made up of professionals that work with students with blindness and visual impairments. Sheila Amato was recognized for her tireless work as an itinerant teacher in East Meadow, New York, with the Clarissa Hug National Teacher of the Year Award, which honors a CEC member whose work reflects significant educational success for students, continued professional development, and the highest standards of educational quality. During the presentation, CEC President Susan Fowler described Dr. Amato as "brilliant, innovative, and passionate." During her speech, President Fowler discussed Dr. Amato's love for braille, her ceaseless efforts on behalf of her students, and the standard she sets for all other special education teachers. The second award recipient from the field of visual impairment was Donna McNear, who received the CEC Outstanding Leadership Award. Ms. McNear was presented this award for her tireless efforts as a leader in the field of special education. President Fowler stated that Ms. McNear's "service to CEC and the field has resulted in improved educational practices for children with visual impairments, teacher training, professional standards, and national reform initiatives." She was the first teacher to ever win this award. PRESENTATIONS RELATED TO VISUAL IMPAIRMENT The convention included over 800 concurrent sessions covering 28 topical areas, including visual impairment. The program included 12 Program Chair Invited Sessions featuring outstanding scholars and 17 Division Showcase Sessions. The field of visual impairment was well represented with 23 sessions, including the DVI Showcase Session. In the showcase session, Audrey Smith, Kerry Lueders, and Mitchell Scheiman from the Pennsylvania School of Optometry offered a presentation entitled "Vision Therapy and Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments: Roles and Controversies," which provided teachers of students with visual impairments with an overview of vision therapy. A sequence of activities prescribed and monitored by optometrists to develop efficient visual skills and processing, vision therapy is used to correct or improve specific dysfunctions of the visual system, such as strabismus and amblyopia. The presenters attempted to clarify the definitions and controversies surrounding vision therapy through a candid and open discussion. In brief, the presenters explained that vision therapy should be provided by an optometrist trained in vision therapy and not by any member of the educational team. …