Session Information

Session 1: Visionary Independence: Lessons Learned from a Successful Blind Professional

Speaker Bio: Eric Yarberry is the President and CEO of World Services for the Blind (WSB), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired to achieve sustainable independence. With over a decade of experience serving blind youth and adults—and as someone who lives with a visual impairment himself—Eric leads WSB with both professional insight and lived perspective. A native Arkansan, Eric holds a Bachelor's in English and a Master’s in Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has worked to align WSB’s programs with industry demands, including technology certifications and career-readiness training, positioning the organization as a national leader in blindness rehabilitation. Under his leadership, WSB has expanded its training capacity, enhanced infrastructure, and grown its community impact through statewide and national partnerships. He also champions certification-based learning to open sustainable career pathways for people with vision loss. Eric was selected as one of Arkansas Business’s 2025 “40 Under 40” honorees for his leadership and impact. He also serves on the boards of the Arkansas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Arkansas School for the Blind Alumni Association. He lives in Little Rock with his wife, Emily, and his Leader Dog, Hank.

Presentation Description: This session will explore effective strategies and resources that support individuals with visual impairments in transitioning from education to sustainable independence, with insights from World Services for the Blind (WSB). Hear from Eric Yarberry, President and CEO of WSB, who grew up utilizing available resources and benefited from transition services for the Blind.   

Learning Outcomes:  

• Understand the Importance of Early Planning: Learn how early transition planning can significantly impact the success of visually impaired individuals in achieving sustainable independence. 

• Leverage Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Discover the vital role of vocational rehabilitation services and how to utilize them for career exploration, job training, and securing work experiences. 

• Skill Development for Independence and Employability: Gain insights into essential skills such as orientation and mobility, assistive technology, daily living skills, and self-advocacy that contribute to independence and employability. 

• Professional Soft Skills: Learn the importance of developing professional soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are crucial for workplace success and long-term independence. 

• Networking and Mentorship: Understand the importance of connecting with mentors and peers for support, guidance, and building a professional network. 

Session 2: Be My Eyes: Free AI and Volunteers for the Community

Speaker Bio: Michael Buckley is Chairman and CEO of Be My Eyes. He is an angel investor and advisor, a founder and Chairman of a successful food company, and for more than twenty-five years, has advised companies on M&A, IPO's and a host of strategic issues. Recently he served as VP of Communications at Twilio, where he was a member of the management team reporting to CEO Jeff Lawson, and prior to that worked as California Communications Director for Mike Bloomberg's presidential campaign.

Presentation Description: An overview of all the product offerings from Be My Eyes, including some tips and tricks for getting the most out of the application; and a look at what's coming in the new product pipeline.

Learning Outcomes:  

• how to best use the Be My Eyes App

• understanding the value of how to prompt the AI engine

• how to use the Ray Ban Meta glasses with Be My Eyes

Session 3: Transition Goals for the Oklahoma School for the Blind 

Speaker Bio: Laci Goins is a dedicated educator born and raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma. A graduate of Northeastern State University with both a BAED and MAED, Laci has spent 24 years as a certified teacher for the visually impaired at the Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB). With 23 years of experience teaching high school English Language Arts (grades 9-12), Laci moved into the role of Transition Specialist last year, though has been collaborating with students and the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired on transition goals throughout her tenure. Passionate about helping students achieve independence and success, Laci is committed to developing a comprehensive transition program at OSB, ensuring that students graduate with a clear plan for their future and the tools necessary to reach their goals. 

Presentation Description: In this presentation, we will explore the growth of the transition program at the Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB) and how it has evolved to better support students as they prepare for life beyond high school. Emphasizing the importance of community support, we will discuss how forging strong connections with local organizations plays a critical role in providing meaningful off-campus work experiences. Additionally, we will highlight the significance of integrating transition planning across all departments—not just within independent living skills and work study programs—and how this holistic approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded preparation for their futures. Finally, we will examine the role of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for visually impaired students and its vital contribution to the success of the transition program at OSB.

Learning Outcomes:  

• Participants will understand the importance of cross-departmental collaboration in the transition process, recognizing how integrating transition planning across various educational areas—beyond just independent living skills and work study—ensures comprehensive preparation for visually impaired students.

• Attendees will gain insights into the role of community partnerships and the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) in providing meaningful off-campus work experiences and equipping visually impaired students with the necessary skills for successful post-graduation transitions.

Session 4: Supporting Transition Success: Free Tools from APH for Youth, Families, and Professionals 

Speaker Bio: Stephanie Walker serves as the Outreach Specialist for the South Central Region at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), supporting professionals and families in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. She is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments with over 20 years of experience. Stephanie is pursuing her Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation, focusing on evaluating the impact of professional development for vision professionals. She is dedicated to expanding access to inclusive, research-informed tools that promote independence, self-determination, and successful transitions.

Presentation Description:  Successful transition planning for students who are blind or have low vision relies on strong partnerships and access to the right tools. This session will guide participants through free resources from APH that support youth, families, and professionals across key areas of need. Participants will explore the APH ConnectCenter, including CareerConnect for employment readiness, FamilyConnect for caregiver engagement, and VisionAware for adult learning and adjustment. The session will also emphasize professional learning supports available through the APH. Whether you guide students toward employment, support families after a diagnosis, or equip professionals with training, this session provides practical strategies for connecting people with inclusive, accessible tools that promote independence and confidence throughout the transition process.

Learning Outcomes:  

• Identify key APH resources that support transition planning for students who are blind or have low vision, including tools for families, professionals, and job seekers.

• Describe how to integrate APH ConnectCenter platforms and professional learning resources into their practice to support independence and career readiness.

• Evaluate the relevance of APH resources to specific student or family needs and select appropriate tools for implementation.

Session 5: Bridging the Gap: Meeting the Rising Demand for Assistive Technology Instructors

Speaker Bio: Eric Yarberry is the President and CEO of World Services for the Blind (WSB), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired to achieve sustainable independence. With over a decade of experience serving blind youth and adults—and as someone who lives with a visual impairment himself—Eric leads WSB with both professional insight and lived perspective. A native Arkansan, Eric holds a Bachelor's in English and a Master’s in Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has worked to align WSB’s programs with industry demands, including technology certifications and career-readiness training, positioning the organization as a national leader in blindness rehabilitation. Under his leadership, WSB has expanded its training capacity, enhanced infrastructure, and grown its community impact through statewide and national partnerships. He also champions certification-based learning to open sustainable career pathways for people with vision loss. Eric was selected as one of Arkansas Business’s 2025 “40 Under 40” honorees for his leadership and impact. He also serves on the boards of the Arkansas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Arkansas School for the Blind Alumni Association. He lives in Little Rock with his wife, Emily, and his Leader Dog, Hank.

Presentation Description: Approved by the Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP), World Services for the Blind offers a comprehensive path to certification as an Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CATIS). This session introduces participants to the CATIS exam process and requirements, explores our course curriculum, and outlines the employment outlook for program graduates. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the CATIS credential and the skills required to become an Assistive Technology Instructor, regardless of their current education level. Our program prepares students to teach individuals how to use a wide range of assistive technology hardware and software, while developing a strong instructional mindset through 350 supervised direct service hours. Graduates leave with the ability to conduct comprehensive assessments, write recommendation reports, create custom lesson plans, and pass certification exams for JAWS, NVDA, ZoomText, and Microsoft applications. They also gain working knowledge of braille, visual acuity, and magnification systems. Career opportunities include roles as assistive technology instructors or trainers, access technology consultants, AT support technicians, independent state vendors, and website accessibility consultants. The ATI program equips professionals with a full toolkit to confidently lead in the growing field of assistive technology.

Learning Outcomes: 

• Participants will take away a strong understanding of the Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist credential and be able to identify the skills needed to become an Assistive Technology Instructor no matter their current education level.