Norwood, MA, with Virtual Opportunties, October 7th. 2025, 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.
2025 Keynote: Melissa Pepin, MS, ATP, Director of Assistive Technology and, Therapy Services, LifeStream, Inc – “Assistive Technology for Vision Loss”
Remarks at Lunch: Sarah Peterson, Commissioner, Department of Developmental Services.
Awards at Lunch:
Mark Holt “Gift of Lunch”
Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Service
Paul McDade “Focus” Award for Distinguished Leadership
Vendor & Exhibitor Expo 12 noon – 2 pm – find the latest resources and examples of support for Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss
“Focus” on Talent Closing Performance: Matteo Faso
For workshops topics and signup information, visit www.focusonvisionandvisionloss.org/conferences–workshops.html or contact Lisa.DiBonaventura@state.ma.us or 508-384-5539 
2024 Workshops Included:
- Individualized Approaches in Examination of Functional Vision and Vision Rehabilitation: Question and Answer Session
Presenter: Nicole C. Ross, OD, MSc, FAAO, Dip. AAO (LV), Associate Professor of Optometry, New England College of Optometry - Incorporating Haptic into Daily Interactions with DeafBlind Individuals. Presenter: Christine Telford, COMS, New England Regional Service Coordinator, Helen Keller National Center.
- Inclusive Postsecondary Education: Trends and Opportunities in Massachusetts for Students with Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities. Presenters: Maria Paiewonsky, Program Director, Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts, Boston
Ashley Luce, Program Manager, Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts, Boston - Dog and Human Guides. Presenters: Karin Barrows, M.Ed., COMS, Mass Commission for the Blind, Region 5, Kara Peters, M.Ed., COMS, Mass Commission for the Blind, Region 4
- New Products and Services. Different companies/agencies will discuss the services and products they provide that are helpful to individuals with visual impairment or blindness and those who support them.
- Beyond 20/20: Understanding the Nuances of Vision for Daily Living. Alexis G. Malkin, OD, FAAO, Associate Professor of Optometry, New England College of Optometry.
- Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) & Environmental Considerations. Marguerite Tibaudo, Education Director of the Deafblind Program, Perkins School for the Blind.
- All About Switches. Wendy L. Buckley, M.Ed., Ed.S., Assistive Technology Specialist, Deafblind School, Perkins School for the Blind
- Love is in the Air: When Friendships Deepen, Please Support Our Relationships! Maureen O’Rourke King, Trainer Department of Developmental Services, SE Region, Panel: Celia Walsh and JR Foley & John Shimkus and Cheryl Marshall.\
- March Music Madness! Same Song, Different Artists! Song of the Month! Incorporating Choice Making and Orientation and Mobility into Music Therapy. Mollie Caravello, MT-BC, Board Certified Music Therapist, South Shore Educational Collaborative, Laisee Schipper, COMS, PTA, South Shore Educational Collaborative
