Voices of Vision Leaders
By VisionServe Alliance
Operated and supported by VisionServe Alliance
Voices of Vision LeadersJun 07, 2023
The Powerful Benefits of Executive Leadership Coaching
In this episode, John Ramerman, CEO of the Ramerman Leadership Group, and Lee Nasehi, CEO of VisionServe Alliance, discuss the importance and benefits of Executive Leadership Coaching. John and Lee also discuss their joint program that offers individual coaching sessions, plus group sessions with leaders in the vision loss field. Learn more about this program at visionservealliance.org/executive-leadership-coaching/
About Ramerman Leadership Group & John Ramerman
Ramerman Leadership Group assists clients locally, nationally, and internationally in various business and organizational categories, including non-profit, advertising, healthcare, education, engineering, architecture, manufacturing, high-tech, and professional services. Learn more at ramermanleadershipgroup.com
As CEO, John’s work is results-oriented and designed to create significant value for his clients. John has personally experienced coaching as a catalyst for transforming individuals, teams, organizations, and communities. John provides executive coaching, organization design, team development, culture building, presentation skills, transformational mediation, experiential workshop design, and strategic planning. John is a core faculty member for the prominent Leadership Coaching Certificate Program in partnership with the University of Rochester. John has a Master’s in Organization Development from Pepperdine University.
About VisionServe Alliance & Lee Nasehi
VisionServe Alliance (VSA) leads a powerful alliance that enhances the overall health of the vision loss industry by addressing strategic issues most impacting the field and people facing blindness and vision loss. VSA cultivates industry leadership at the highest levels, strengthens the vision loss field through enhanced management systems, innovation, and shared industry best practices, and helps member organizations increase capacity-building and sustainability. Learn more at VisionServeAlliance.org
Lee Nasehi has been President & CEO of VisionServe Alliance since 2019 and is considered a visionary, consensus builder, and nationally recognized leader in vision-specific rehabilitation and employment for people with blindness and low vision. Lee previously served as President & CEO of Lighthouse Central Florida and Lighthouse Works, and managed Early Intervention Services for Infants and Toddlers with Special Needs in the Florida Panhandle, following a decade in the administration of Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Programming in Central Florida.
Leveraging Collective Impact through Public Policy with Lance Robertson
Lance Robertson is the Director of Healthcare at Guidehouse, and past 5th US Assistant Secretary for Aging and Administrator of the HHS Administration for Community Living.
During this podcast we address some of the strategic challenges facing the vision loss field, and frame the Strategic Discussion at our CEO Summit “Leveraging Collective Impact through Public Policy”.
Creating a Culture of Innovation & Harnessing Generational Differences
Jamie notter, leadership and organization culture expert, shares insights on enhancing your organization's culture.
Jamie also hosts a half-day session at VisionServe Alliance's 2023 "Celebrating Innovation" CEO Summit.
Learn more about Jamie Notter at jamienotter.com.
The Importance of Innovation in Leadership
In this episode, Kelli Vrla addresses the importance of innovation for leaders and discusses some of the leadership strategies that she will share with attendees of VisionServe Alliance's CEO Summit. Learn more at visionservealliance.org/conferences/
The Significance of Accessible Medical Testing and Online Portals with Dan Spoone and Clark Rachfal
This episode, we speak with Dan Spoone and Clark Rachfal from the American Council of the Blind (ACB) to discuss the importance of accessibility in regards to Covid-19 testing kits and online medical portals.
Recently, the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services issued guidance on nondiscrimination in telehealth, which can be found here:
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2022/07/29/hhs-and-doj-issue-guidance-on-nondiscrimination-in-telehealth-the-week-of-the-32nd-anniversary-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-ada.html
Understanding the Cogswell Macy Act with Mark Richert, Dr. Bernadette Kappen, and Libby Murphy
The Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act is a Bill that aims to strengthen the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to improve results for deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind children. On this episode of Voices of Vision Leaders, we are joined by the architect of the Bill, Mark Richert, as well as Dr. Bernadette Kappen and Libby Murphy to explain the importance of the Bill in the blind and visually impaired communities and what you can do to support it.
To learn more about the Bill, visit
cogswellmacyact.org.
Recapping the Executive Leadership Conference with Lee Nasehi
If you were unable to attend this year’s Executive Leadership Conference, or want to relive it again, Lee Nasehi is here to recap of some of the Conference’s highlights in the newest episode of Voices of Vision Leaders!
Previewing the Big Data Project with Lee Nasehi
This episode, Lee Nasehi and several guests preview the initial findings of the Big Data Project. The Big Data Project is a collaborative effort with the Ohio State University to analyze data on people 65+ living with visual impairments. The findings will be released on April 4th at VisionServe Alliance's Executive Leadership Conference.
Lee's guests on today's episode include:
Lauren Branch - VisionServe Alliance Chairperson of the Board and President & CEO of New View Oklahoma.
Dr. Dean VanNasdale - Associate Professor with The Ohio State University.
Dr. John Crews - Visionary for the Big Data Project. Former Lead Scientist with the Disability and Health Team in the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Introducing the 2022 Executive Leadership Conference with Kevin O'Connor
We sit down with the leadership coach, consultant, and speaker, Kevin O'Connor, to discuss his life and career working within the visually impaired community. Additionally, we talk about what attendees can expect at VisionServe Alliance's 2022 Executive Leadership Conference, for which Kevin will present as the Master of Ceremonies. The Conference takes place on April 3-6, 2022.
The Intersection of Justice and Equity with Justice Shorter
We sit down with the National Disaster Protection Advisor for the National Disability Rights Network, Justice Shorter, to discuss her work as a Disability Justice Advocate, Black Disabled Lives Matter amplifier, and National Expert on disability inclusive disaster protections. Justice will be joining us at VisionServe Alliance's Executive Leadership Conference in April as a keynote speaker on "Power Moves: Transforming Leadership by Centering Marginalized Communities."
The Importance of Inclusion with John Samuel
We sit down with John Samuel, Co-Founder and CEO of Ablr 360, to discuss his life journey to creating more accessible workplaces for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. John will be joining us at VisionServe Alliance's Executive Leadership Conference in April as a keynote speaker on "The Idea of Belonging in a Diverse World." Register now at https://visionservealliance.org/conferences/
Hall of Fame 2022 with Bill Weiner, Jim Deremeik, and Mark Richert
Voices of Vision Leaders is back with former and current board members of the Hall of Fame of Leaders and Legends in the Blindness Field. Bill Weiner, Jim Deremeik, and Mark Richert discuss the history and importance of the Hall of Fame, as well as how to nominate for this year's inductees. https://sites.aph.org/hall/
Leadership and Doubt with Marc Pittman
We sit down with Writer, Speaker, and Executive Coach Marc Pittman, CSP, author of The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be. Marc opens our eyes to the diverse word of leader and how doubt plays a role in our management and leader of our organizations. ConcordLeadershipGroup.com
Critical Research with Penny and Kirk of AFB
Survey results, upcoming data, and what's to come from this important research with Penny Rosenblum, Director of Research, and Kirk Adams, President, and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind. www.afb.org
Diversity and Inclusion with Tai Tomasi
We sit down with Tai Tomasi, Director, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion at the America Printing House for the Blind (APH) to talk about her upcoming keynote at the VSA Executive Leadership Conference. Join us at the VSAELC 2021. Register now at www.vsaelc.com
Belonging and Cooperation with Kevin O'Connor
We are joined by Kevin O'Connor, CSP, LCPC, LMFT, CCMHC, AAPL/ACHE, keynote speaker at our upcoming Executive Leadership Conference (VSAELC). Kevin gives us a peek into his keynote and to create belonging and togetherness, especially after this crazy year of being apart. Register to attend Kevin's session and so much more at www.vsaelc.com.
NSITE by NIB with Jonathan Lucus
We speak with Jonathon Lucus, Senior Director of Workforce Development at NIB and the NIB National Social Business Enterprise, NSITE. This new initiative by the National Industries for the Blind (NSITE) provides a continuum of employment services that connect employers with talented, dedicated people who are blind, visually impaired, and/or veterans to meet their workforce needs. Check them out today at www.nsite.org
Technology and Ophthalmologists with Dr. Cal Roberts
We sit down with Lighthouse Guild International President and CEO, Dr. Cal Roberts to discuss their new focus in technology and how to get ophthalmologists to refer their clients. Dr. Roberts shares about their upcoming new smart home and assistive technology center. www.lighthouseguild.org
Welcoming Change as a Guest with Bob Kodzis
We are joined by Bob Kodzis, Flight of Ideas, a keynote speaker at the Executive Leadership Conference. Bob shares a deeper look at his session Ready For Anything with use. He focuses on how change should be an invited guest we welcome when it comes rather than an intruder that we attempt to fight off and delay. www.flightofideas.net
Delight and Wow Moments with Teri Yanovitch
We are joined by Teri Yanovitch, author and former Disney Institute speaker to talk about her upcoming keynote session at the Executive Leadership Conference (VSAELC). She shares how to delight your clients and add "wow" moments to your organization that keep people coming back, donating, and volunteering.
www.vsaelc.com
Your Story. Your Brand. with Mark Freid
We are joined by Mark Freid, founder of Think Creative Inc. to discuss the importance of sharing your story adn keeping your values at the center of your brand. Get a taste of Mark's upcoming keynote session at the Executive Leadership Conference (VSAELC). Register to attend today. vsaelc.dryfta.com/
The CHAT System with Claudia Virga
We are joined by the upcoming VSAELC keynote speaker, Claudia Virga, Founder of The CHAT System to talk about how this communication system can help leaders network and connect in an increasingly virtual world. Don't forget to register for the Executive Leadership Conference at VSAELC.com
Blind & Beyond Radio Show with the Golders
We are joined by Michael and Lynne Golder of the Blind and Beyond Radio Show to talk about how their show is helping bridge the gap between the sighted and blindness communities. Listen to their radio show Sundays at 7 pm EST. Just say "Alex, play WOKB 1680". www.blindandbeyondradioshow.org. tunein.com/radio/WOKB-1680-s23142/
NW Association for Blind Athletes with Billy Henry
We are joined by Billy Henry, President, and Founder of the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes. We talk to Billy about his story, how he came to found NWABA at 15 YEARS OLD, and how their organization has pivoted during the pandemic. Hear the good being done in the North West and how this young leader has grown his organization from a small start-up to providing across multiple states. www.NWABA.org
Accessible Voting with ACB and NFB
We are joined by Lou Ann Black Deputy Executive Director Blindness Initiatives at NFB and Clark Rachfal, at ACB to discuss voting with a disability. Guest host Paul Schroeder, Senior Public Policy Advocate at VisionServe Alliance.
Election Assistance Commission round table discussion on accessible voting during the COVID: https://www.eac.gov/roundup-and-review-virtual-roundtable-assist-voters-disabilities-and-election-officials Blind Voter’s Guide, Blind Voter Registration Drive Guide, Accessible Vote-By-Mail Toolkit available, the blind voter experience video, and other resources: https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/national-center-nonvisual-election-3
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) with Jennifer Sheehy
We are joined by Jennifer Sheehy, Deputy Assistant Secretary leading the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), U.S. Department of Labor. The mission of ODEP is to develop policy that increases job opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities. Staring guest Host Paul Schoeder.
ODEP: www.DOL.gov/odep
SAW/RTW: www.dol.gov/odep/topics/SAW-RTW/research-publications.htm
RETAIN https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/SAW-RTW/how-to-apply.htm
NILG: https://www.nationalilg.org/
EARN: AskEARN.org
JAN: AskJAN.org
PEAT: PEATWorks.org
ADA 30th Anniversary: www.DOL.gov/ada30
Fitness Programs with Mark Lucas
We sit down with Mark Lucas, Executive Directors of USABA to see how blind athletes and fitness programs are being affected during COVID 19. Are you a part of a fitness program as an individual with a visual impairment? Are you offering a fitness or health program at your organization? Share it with us at info@visionservealliance.org or on our social media pages: @VisionServeAlliance @VisionServeA . View resources on Blind fitness programs: bit.ly/vvlfitnessprogram
Guide Dog Training with CUSDOGS
We are joined by Sandy Merrill, Chairmen of the Council of US Dog Guide Schools (CUSDOGS), and CEO of Guide Dogs of Texas as well as David Locklin, Director of Programs at Leader Dogs for the Blind. We speak about the difficulties of guide dog training during COVID, new initiatives for training users from a distance, and the latest priorities in the guide dog community.
Share your voice. Request a topic or to join our show at info@visionservealliance.org
Distance Learning with Virginia Jacko
We sit down with Miami Lighthouse for the Blind President & CEO, Virginia Jacko, and Director of Technology, Bill Rivera to talk about their distance learning platform and how they are adapting during the pandemic. We talk about the importance of accessible learning now more than ever while so many are learning from home.
Have a topic you want to hear or discuss? Send us a request at info@visionservealliance.org
Virtual Events
Executive Pathways Series: Navigating the Return to the Workplace: bit.ly/ExecutivePathwaysseries
Spiel & Steal: https://bit.ly/spielsteal
State of Vision rehabilitation in the Age of COVID-19: bit.ly/stateofvisionrehab
Accreditation With Elly Du Pre
We are joined by Dr. Elly Du Pre, DPA, Consultant to AER, and Executive Director of Flordia Associations for the Blind (Florida ASB). We talk about the value of accreditation and living independently with a visual impairment. Dr. Dup Pre shares how she got started working in the blindness and low vision field.
Have a topic you want to hear or discuss? Send us request at info@visionservealliance.org
Early Intervention with Diane Nelson
Earl intervention, virtual teaching from home, providing in multiple states, and caring for children during COVID-19. We speak with Diane Nelson, Executive Director of Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS) to hear how she is meeting the needs of her community in Kentucky and Indiana for children with visual impairments. If you are interested in donating to VIPS, you can text "vips" to 56651.
VIPS Virtual Gala & Auction: www.cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=vips
Line Lofts: www.indyeast.org/1815-2/
Have a topic you want to hear or discuss? Send us request at info@visionservealliance.org
Laughs & Educational Content with Mark Richert
We are joined by Mark Richert, Interim Executive Director of AER. Mark shares the unique position of stepping into an executive role right before a global pandemic and how AER is trying to pivot and maintain in the new normal.
Have a topic you want to hear or discuss? Share your voice by sending us a request at info@visionservealliance.org.
EOS: Built for the Crisis with Courtney Plotner
We are joined by Courtney Plotner, President & CEO of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina (ABVISC). We talk about EOS, Entrepreneurial Operating System, and how it has prepared ABVISC to weather the storm of a crisis. We offer EOS implementation to all VSA members. Learn more and schedule a 90 min meeting to discuss your business on our website: www.visionservealliance.org/consulting/
EOS worldwide: https://www.eosworldwide.com/
Share your voice! Have a topic you want to hear or discuss? Send us a request at info@visionservealliance.org
Vocational Training with Sharon Giovinazzo
We are joined by Sharon Giovinazzo, Executive Director of World Services for the Blind to hear what they doing to help train the workforce of tomorrow through their vocational training services. Hear how COVID-19 has affected their residential campus and how they are keeping it light amongst a pandemic.
World Services for the Blind: www.wsblind.org/
Have a topic you want to hear or discuss? Share your voice by sending us a request at info@visionservealliance.org.
Congressional Vision Caucus with Sara Brown
We are joined by Sara Brown, Director of Governmental Affairs at Prevent Blindness to hear what they doing to advocate for nonprofits serving people who are blind and visually impaired and their constituents. Hear about the Congressional Vision Caucus (CVC), a bipartisan coalition of Congressional Members dedicated to strengthening and stimulating a national dialogue and policy on vision-related problems and disabilities. Prevent Blindness was instrumental in the initial formation of the caucus and works closely with its members today.
Congressional Vision Caucus: www.preventblindness.org/congressional-vision-caucus
Prevent Blindness: www.preventblindness.org/
Have a topic you want to hear or discuss? Share your voice by sending us a request at info@visionservealliance.org.
Education, Employment, & Digital Resources with Kirk Adams
We talk about blindness education, employment of people who are visually impaired, and digital resources during COIVD-19. We are joined by the American Foundation for the Blind President and CEO, Kirk Adams to hear what AFB is doing to provide support to the blindness field with their digital leadership conference.
"[during trying times]... get centered on your values and set a daily intention around living your values. Our values are learning, collaboration, innovation, and excellence...and you don't do any of these things by yourself. " - Kirk Adams
AFB COVID-19 Resources: bit.ly/afbcovid
AFB virtual Leadership Conference: bit.ly/virtualafblc
Have a topic you want to hear or discuss? Share your voice by sending us a request at info@visionservealliance.org.
Working WITH the community, not just FOR it - Eric Bridges
Have a topic you want to hear or discuss? Send us a request at info@visionservealliance.org.
Leaders, Share Your Voice!
How has your organization been affected by COVID-19? How are you adjusting to a "new normal"? Share your voice with the Voices of Vision Leaders podcast. Do you have a topic your dying to hear about? Do you want to come on the show as a guest? We want to know whats on your mind and share it with our listeners. Send us a request at info@visionservealliance.org.
Providing Virtual Services with Mike McGowan
Serving Veterans with Visual Impairment with Joe Bogart
We want to hear from you!
Want to hear on a particular topic? Want to join as a guest speaker? Send us a request at info@visionservealliance.org.
Paul Schroeder: Senior Policy Advocate
We want to hear from you!
Want to hear on a particular topic? Want to join as a guest speaker? Send us a request at info@visionservealliance.org.
Special Edition: Event Cancellation & Contingency Planning
Groups.io Digital Forum: groups.io/g/visionservealliance
Crisis Management Guide: drive.google.com/open?id=14UA3_Y03kiQx7AWVJZoMIkQ8KVBPxUA6
Emergency Plan Template: drive.google.com/file/d/1VrzzVNrUofk3W0qhGooG8sgV53QK4q4z/view?usp=sharing
Surviving a Crisis for the Nonprofit (Book): drive.google.com/file/d/1CT5wpMqMAoKHNTbwN_d0wiSfq5ViXSvn/view?usp=sharing
Have a topic you want to hear about? Want to join us as a guest speaker?. Send us a request at info@visionservealliance.org.
Trailer: Event Cancellation and Contingency Planning
I'm sure many of you have questions about how to handle event planning in light of COVID-19. Tune in Friday 3/20 for a special podcast on Event Cancellation and Contingency Planning. We will be joined by Patty Richbourg, Senior Director of Global Accounts and Jill Slater, Managing Director with Helmsbirscoe, a professional event planning consulting firm. Together between them they have decades of experience working in the hospitality and meetings industry. They will share their experience as event coordinators during this public health threat and answer your questions on event cancellation and contingency planning.
