Special Education/Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Resume:
VITA
Kenalea Ruth Johnson, Ed.D., COMS
**** ******** **., ***** *********
Georgetown, TX 78633
*********@**********.***
Education
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Post-Graduate coursework for Administrator License
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas Ed.D., 2000
Major: Special Education
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas M. Ed., 1996
Major: Special Education
Missouri Southern State College, Joplin, MO B. A., 1992
Major: Studio Art
Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing, Springfield, MO 1961
Current Certifications
New Mexico Department of Education/Level 3/Administrative
until 2020
New Mexico Department of Education/Level 3/Sp Ed K-12
until 2020
ACVREP/Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)
until 2025
Missouri Licensed Practical Nursing
on inactive status
Professional Organization Memberships
International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Pediatric Cortical Visual Impairment Association
Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of Blind and Visually Impaired
Specialized Training
Vision and the Brain Winter 2018, January 13th, 2018
Perkins School for the Blind
The NICU Experience, January 4, 2018
CVI Focus Webinar 5: Building Language and Learning Skills
6/10/2017
CVI Focus Webinar 4: Facilitating Literacy,
6/10/2017
CVI Focus Webinar 3: Designing Interventions and Opportunities, 5/6/2017
CVI Focus Webinar 2: Using the CVI Range for Functional Visual Assessment
5/6/2017
CVI Focus Webinar 1: Beginning with the Basics
4/2/2017
SCI: Beyond the Chair, Beth Scalone PT, DPT, OCS, Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute Aug 2016
Brain Gym in the Pool, Susan Grosse, MS, Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute Aug 2016
Autism Spectrum Disorders, Susan Grosse, MS, Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute Aug 2016
Aquatic Modalities for Spasticity and Contractures, Julie Meno, CTRS, CMT, ATRIC, Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute Aug 2016
A Touch of Watsu, Minakshi, CMT, Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute Aug 2016
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Lecture, American Foundation for the Blind eLearning Center, 6/1/2015
Demographics of Aging and Visual Impairment Lecture, American Foundation for the Blind eLearning Center, Jul 2015
Cataracts Lecture, American Foundation for the Blind eLearning Center, Jul 2015
Glaucoma Lecture, American Foundation for the Blind eLearning Center, Jul 2015
Neuro-Opthalmic Causes of Vision Loss Lecture, American Foundation for the Blind eLearning Center, Jul 2015
Mentor Training, TSBVI Outreach Department, April 15-17, 2012
Best Start Pilot Training, Lone Star College, Houston, TX Dec 15, 2011
Mentor Training, TSBVI Outreach Department, Dec 2&3, 2011
Child-Guided Strategies: The van Dijk Approach to Assessment
Houston, TX 2011
Adjunct Certification Program, Lone Star College, CyFair Campus, Houston, TX, Spring 2011
Accommodating OTHER Students with Disabilities: Beyond the
Need for Screen Readers 2010
Launching an Online Learning Program: Lessons Learned and
Best Practices 2010
Accelerated Learning 2010
Online Teaching Certification Lone Star College 2010
IDEA 2004 2005
IDEA, Sect.504 & NCLB: Balancing the Legal Requirements2003
Braille Proficiency – Level 2/NMSVH 2002
Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors 2002
Dealing Effectively with Unacceptable Employee Behavior 2002
Test Editor Training, American Printing House for the Blind 2002
Troubleshooting & Supporting PCs 2002
CEC/Alternate Assessments: Strategies for Including All 2000
Team Building Process 2000
Choosing Outcomes and Accommodations for Children 1999
Learning Media Assessment 1998
Intellitools 1999
Project Forward Literacy Curriculum 1997
Developing WWW Pages for Educational Applications 1995
Lilli Nielsen ‘Little Room’, Beginning Course 1995
Lilli Nielsen ‘Little Room’, Beginning and Advanced 1994
Ski-Hi Training 1993
Insight Training 1988
Ski-Hi Training 1987
Professional Experience
Employment Experience
Private Contractor with Abilene and Austin State Supported Living Center, providing Orientation and Mobility Services June 2013 to present – some of my duties include Aquatic O&M for residents with multiple disabilities and visual impairments or blindness, providing direct interventions with individuals with visual impairments or blindness including those with multiple disabilities and those with no expressive communication, providing training to team members about the necessary accommodations and modifications necessary to provide optimal care for the residents, organizing, planning and leading a Day Habilitation Cohort of residents with visual impairment and blindness and without expressive language and wheelchair bound that included soundscape and activities in the O&M and sensory curriculum
Photo Specialist, Walgreens, Round Rock, TX 9/2012 to July, 2013
Substitute Teacher, Florence ISD, Florence, TX, SY 2012-2013
Substitute Teacher, Jerrell ISD, Jerrell, TX, SY 2012-2013
Adjunct Faculty, Lone Star College, Houston, TX
Teaching College and Career Success, EDUC 1300 2010 to 2012
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist – Spring Independent School District, Houston, TX 2010-2012
Office Manager, H&R Block, Tomball, TX 2010 Tax Season
Managed tax office from January 4, 2010 to April 16, 2010
Teacher and Updater, Sylvan Learning, Cypress, TX, May 2009 to Jan 2010
Taught assigned students their unique curriculum and updated teaching files
Adjunct Faculty, Virginia Sowell Center, Texas Tech University, 2008 to 2010
Outreach Director, New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped, 1999-2006
Supervised Outreach Department serving students around the state
Instituted direct specialized education by highly qualified itinerant teachers of students with blindness or visual impairment (TVI) and Orientation and Mobility (COMS) to students attending New Mexico schools, the production of specialized Braille, large print, and audio materials for persons with visual impairment, and a circulating library of accessible media materials and specialized vision technology. Supervisory duties consist of monitoring $1M budget for the Outreach Services Department, hiring and training personnel, maintaining performance evaluations of staff, planning for growth in the departments based on the mission and strategic plan of the school and working with national and state agencies to establish optimal vision services in New Mexico.
Interim Co-Superintendent New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped
March-May, 2000
Team managed the school and all departments while there was a search for a new superintendent
Itinerant Orientation and Mobility, Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School 1998-
1999
Delivered itinerant services to students throughout the northwest quadrant of Iowa
Research Associate, Texas Tech University, College of Education, Visual
Impairment Program, 1998
Assisted with the current grant in developing and teaching courses
Project Training Specialist at Underwood Advanced Technology Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1994-1998. Duties included assessment, design, configuration of assistive technology systems, and training of consumers, caregivers, etc. in the use of assistive technology systems. Videoconferencing for team assessment of individual assistive technology needs: system development and usage.
Private Contracting - Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Texas Commission for the Blind, May 1996 to Sept. 1998
Home Intervention Parent Advisor, Missouri School f/t Deaf, Fulton, MO 1986 -1996
Assistant School Nurse, Aurora R-8 Schools, Aurora, MO, 1983 -1986
Many different nursing positions since 1961, including supervising duties in hospital and nursing home situations, and 3 years as staff nurse at Joplin Regional Diagnostic Clinic for Mental Retardation, 1967-1970
University Teaching Opportunities
Adjunct Faculty 2010 – 2013
Education Department
Lone Star College, Cypress, TX
Courses Taught: EDUC 1300 – Learning Framework/College and Career Success, Face-to-Face, Hybrid, and totally online
Adjunct Faculty 2008 - 2009
Virginia Sowell Center
College of Education
Texas Tech University
Courses Taught: Basic Orientation and Mobility Skills for TVI and O&M Specialists, Hybrid
Intermediate Orientation and Mobility Seminar, Online
Advanced Orientation and Mobility Seminar, Online
Adjunct Assistant Professor Fall 2003
Development of the Orientation and Mobility component of New Mexico State University/New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped Personnel Prep Project
Developed and taught the required courses for ACVREP certification for COMS using a combination of face-to-face classes, testing via Respondus and WebCT during the first semester of the project
Guest Speaker on Educational Implications of Sensory Impairments, Western New Mexico University, Silver City, NM for 480/580 Teaching Low Incidence Special Education Students, Summer, 2002
Research Associate, Texas Tech University, College of Education, Visual
Impairment Program.
Intermediate Orientation and Mobility Skills (TA), Professional Development School, Summer I, 1998
Basic Orientation and Mobility Skills for Students with Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities (TA), Spring, 1998
Advanced Orientation and Mobility Skills (TA), Spring, 1997
Intermediate Orientation and Mobility Skills (TA), Fall, 1996
Survey of Programs and Services for Students with V I and Multiple Disabilities (TA), Fall, 1996
Other Professional Opportunities
People to People Ambassador Special Education Ambassador to South Africa, October 10-21, 2005
Member of Educational Products Advisory Committee, American Printing House for the Blind, 2001 - 2005
North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement Team, 2002
Ex-Officio Trustee, American Printing House for the Blind 2000 to 2006
Peer Reviewer, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 2001-2006
Honors
Gordon C. Lee Scholarship 1996-1997
Raymond E. Garlin Scholarship 1996-1997, 1995-1996
Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship 1996-1997
Kappa Delta Pi 1996
Phi Kappa Phi 1996
Golden Key National Honor Society 1995
1995 TAER Scholarship 1995
Junior Full Scholarship 1989-1990
B. L. Parker Scholarship 1989-1990
Presentations
National and International Conference Presentations
Johnson, K. Sound is a River, AER International Conference 2018 “Evolve. Empower. Succeed” July 25-29, 2018 Reno, Nevada.
Johnson, K. Everybody Counts or Nobody Counts, AER International Conference 2018 “Evolve. Empower. Succeed” July 25-29, 2018 Reno, Nevada.
Johnson, K. Compromised Brains and How to Maximize Efficiency for Learning Skills, AER International Conference 2018 “Evolve. Empower. Succeed” July 25-29, 2018 Reno, Nevada.
Johnson, K. Wonderful Achievements through O&M in the Water. AER Conference on Vision Loss in Older Adults & Veterans, November 4-6, 2015. Norfolk, Virginia.
Johnson, K. Active Learning Center in a Residential Facility for Elderly Developmentally Delayed. AER Conference on Vision Loss in Older Adults & Veterans, November 4-6, 2015. Norfolk, Virginia.
Johnson, K. Triggering Vision in the Aging Brain Using CVI Strategies. AER Conference on Vision Loss in Older Adults & Veterans, November 4-6, 2015. Norfolk, Virginia.
Johnson, K. Mining the Potential of the Aging Brain Using O&M Strategies. AER Conference on Vision Loss in Older Adults & Veterans, November 4-6, 2015. Norfolk, Virginia.
Griffin-Shirley, N., Mullins, E., Jordan, P., Johnson, K. A Snapshot of Education and Rehabilitation Services for Persons with Visual Impairments Around the World. The Big Picture, Texas AER 2011, March 24-26, 2011. Dallas, TX.
Johnson, K. Delivery of Vision Specific Services to Blind and Visually Impaired Special Education in Rural Areas, Athlone School for the Blind. October 18, 2005. Capetown, South Africa.
Johnson, K. Digital Envelopes and Scissors: One example of Data Collection and Analysis in Y2K. First International Conference: Advances in Qualitative Methods. February 18-20, 1999. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Johnson, K. Parenting children with disabilities: The lived experience. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting: Diversity and Citizenship in Multicultural Societies. April 13-17, 1998. San Diego, California.
Johnson, K.R., Janssen, H.F., Clark, D., & Green, B. ‘Telly’ the Teleassistive Technology Device. CSUN: Technology and Persons With Disabilities. March 17-21, 1998. Los Angeles, California.
Johnson, K.R., Janssen, H.F., Clark, D., Crabtree, J., & Green, B. Tango With ‘Telly’ the Teleassistive Technology Device. RESNA ‘97 Annual Conference. June 20-24, 1997. Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Griffin-Shirley, N., Koenig, A.J., & Johnson, K. R. Survey of Active Learning for Children with Visual Impairments and Severe Disabilities. Council for Exceptional Children 1997 Annual Convention. April 9-13, 1997. Salt Lake City, Utah.
Janssen, H. F., Li, H., & Johnson, K. (1996). Cross Disciplinary Design and Process Applications: Assistive Technology Delivery to Remote Areas using Interactive Digital Communication, The Second World Conference on Integrated Design & Process Technology, Dec. 1-4, 1996. Austin, TX.
Johnson, K.R., 1995, Active Learning Environments for Parents and Professionals, Technology that Empowers - 13th Annual International TAM Conference on Special Education and Technology, January 11-13, 1996, Austin, TX.
Johnson, K.R., 1995, University Student’s Forum, Second Biennial Getting in Touch With Literacy Conference, December 7-10, 1995, Austin, TX
State and Regional Conference Presentations
Johnson, K.R., Soundscape Project, Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities Habilitation Therapy Conference, November, 2017, Austin, Texas.
Johnson, K.R. Brain and Learning and the Impact of Visual, Hearing and Other Sensory Impairments. TAER 2012, Houston, TX. March 29, 2012.
Johnson, K R. Connect the Dots. CyFair Lone Star College, Getting Connected. October 1, 2011.
Johnson, K R. Reminiscences of an Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Alaska Council of the Blind 2006 Conference. September 29, 2006.
Marsh, R.A. and Johnson, K. R. Orientation and Mobility Tips. American Council of the Blind 1998 Texas State Conference, May 24, 1998, Lubbock, TX.
Griffin-Shirley, N., Koenig, A.J., & Johnson, K. R. Survey of Active Learning for Children with Visual Impairments and Severe Disabilities. Texas Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Handicapped. April 4, 1997, El Paso, TX.
Griffin-Shirley, N., Koenig, A.J., & Johnson, K. R. Survey of Active Learning for Children with Visual Impairments and Severe Disabilities. Southwest Educational Research Association. Jan. 23-25, 1997, Austin, TX.
Nes, S., Li, D., Marsh, R.A., & Johnson, K.R. The Many Faces and Perceptions of Inclusion. Southwest Educational Research Association. Jan. 23-25, 1997. Austin, TX.
Johnson, K.R., Janssen, H.F., & Boddy, D.J. (1996). Teleassistive Technology for Rural Areas of Texas, Texas Rural Health Association 12th Annual Conference, Sept. 11-13, 1996. Austin, TX.
Janssen, H.F., Johnson, K.R., Green, B., Boddy, D., Crabtree, J., & Zapf, R.., Delivery of Assistive Technology to the Rural Areas, Texas Medical Association, May 8-11, 1996, San Antonio, TX. 2 nd Place - Group II, Scientific Exhibit Award.
Janssen, H.F. & Johnson, K.R. Delivery of Assistive Technology to the Rural Areas, 2nd Annual Rural Health Conference - Community Oriented Care: Community Survival in the New Environment, April 19-20, 1996, Lubbock, TX.
Janssen, H.F., Boddy, D. J., & Johnson, K.R., Rural Delivery of Assistive Technology, 1 st Annual Texas Assistive Technology Project Conference on Assistive Technology - Changing the Face of Assistive Technology Service Delivery in Texas, June 8-10, 1995, Austin, TX.
Janssen, H.F., Johnson, K.R., & Bryant, B., Texas Assistive Technology Partnership: Working to Provide Continuing Education in Assistive Technology, Texas Medical Association, May 18-21, 1995, Dallas, TX. 1st Place - Group II, Scientific Exhibit Award (from 41 exhibitors).
Community Service
Secretary, Lubbock Regional Advisory Committee, Texas Commission for the Blind (1998)
Member, Lubbock Home and Community Support Committee (1997)
Grants and Scholarship Committee, & Co-Editor SPRA Newsletter, South Plains Rehabilitation Association
Lilli Nielsen’s Active Learning Philosophy, (Discussion Group) Heaven’s Very Special Children, Lubbock, Texas, July 1995.
Johnson, K.R., Akins, J., & Allumbaugh, S., Active Learning and Sensory Impairments and the Implications to Learning Workshop, Mount Vernon School System, July 1994.
Publications
Johnson, K. R., Griffin-Shirley, N., & Koenig, A. J. (2000). Active learning for children with visual impairments and additional disabilities. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness. 94, 584-594.
Janssen, H. F. (Series Editor), & Johnson, K. R. (Series Editor). (1998). Assistive Technology: Perspective of Rehabilitation By Team Professionals. [Video Series: 13 videos].
Janssen, H.F., Johnson, K.R., Tiggs, C., & Harp, D. Access Texas Tech. 2005 Grant. Texas Tech University. [Video].
Johnson, K.R. (1996). An Argument for Orientation and Mobility from Birth to 3 for Motorically Involved Visually Impaired Children. Division on Visual Handicaps, 41, (2), 16-17.
Grants
Finston, D., Lampert, G., Weaver, C., Johnson, K., Wood, J., Nemeth, A., Burma, K., Osterhaus, S., Bennett, G., & Geiger, S.: MAVIS, Mathematics Accessible to Visually Impaired Students, 2001-2001.
Janssen, H.F., Johnson, K. R., Harp. D. & Tiggs, C.: 2005 Award. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, November, 1996 to June 1, 1997.
Project Training Specialist on Janssen, H.F.: Llano Estacado Assistive Technology Demonstration Project. Subcontract #UT94-051, US Dept. of Education Grant #H224A20012, July 1994-June 1996, $78,713.
Research
A Mother’s Experience Parenting Children with Disabilities: Overwhelmed but Growing, Dissertation study completed July, 2000. https://ttu-ir.tdl.org/ttu-ir/handle/2346/18930; file C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/312***********.pdf
Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experience of Parenting a Child with Disabilities
Survey of Active Learning for Children with Visual Impairments and Severe Disabilities
Single Subject Study to Compare Shared Reading and Paired Reading Increase Fluency in an Adult with Multiple Disabilities
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