27th Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium

This year will be the 27th Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium! It will be held on our very own California School for the Blind (CSB) campus.

Get Ready, Set, Learn!

Supporting sleep, sensory needs, and readiness to learn in young children with vision loss.

When: Saturday, February 4th, 2023 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Where: In-Person at the California School for the Blind in Fremont, CA.
In the event of a public health emergency, the Symposium will be held remotely.

Lunch is provided.

Speakers:

  • Rafael Pelayo, MD
  • Christopher Russll, MS Ed, TVI
  • Parent Panel (in the afternoon)

Connect with colleagues, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy this wonderful day of learning and reflection. This will be a day not to be missed!

Registration

Registration Opens: November 1st, 2022.

Register on the Eventbrite website External link opens in new window or tab..

Registration Rates:

  • Professionals - $50.00
  • Students and families - $20.00

Parent/Family Scholarships will be available thanks to the generosity of the William Silverman, MD Scholarship Fund.

Nominate a Medical Provider

Nominate a medical provider for the 2023 Dr. William and Mrs. Ruth Silverman Excellence in Community Partnership Award.

Do you know a medical professional who goes above and beyond to serve young children who are blind, deafblind, have low vision, or whose developmental delays include vision loss?

You can nominate this special provider for the prestigious Dr. William and Mrs. Ruth Silverman Excellence in Community Partnerships Award, to be presented at the Lowenfeld-Akeson Symposium on Saturday, February 4, 2023!

If you know someone, please nominate here External link opens in new window or tab..

Check out the California Deafblind Services External link opens in new window or tab. website to find out more about the 27th Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium.

Questions?

Please contact Jacqueline Barden, LightHouse Little Learners at 415-694-7366 or jbarden@lighthouse-sf.com.

History of Lowenfeld-Akeson: Early Years Symposium

Berthold Lowenfeld

Berthold Lowenfeld (1901-1994) was born in Linz, Austria.

Dr. Lowenfeld received his Ph.D. from the University of Vienna. He dedicated his life to the education of people with visual impairments and worked to have persons with visual impairments fully integrated into society. Dr. Lowenfeld focused his research on the total effect of blindness during his ten years at the American Foundation for the Blind as Director of Research. He continued while a lecturer at Columbia University and as a consultant.

Dr. Lowenfeld published over one hundred articles and several books.

Dr. Lowenfeld served as Superintendent of the California School for the Blind for fifteen years. He mentored many of the current leaders in our field today.

Nancy Akeson

Nancy Akeson was the first Home Counselor for the Blind Babies Foundation (BBF). Although she officially retired from BBF in 1984, Nancy remained active with the organization as a member of BBF's Professional Advisory Committee and periodically served as Interim Executive Director.

Nancy's publications include "Preschool Vision Stimulation--It's More Than a Flashlight," which she co-authored with Lois Harrell for the American Foundation for the Blind.

Nancy passed away in February, 2005. There was no one like her. She had an open heart and delighted in the uniqueness of everyone she encountered. Wherever she was, traveling and living throughout the world, she made friends. She was the greatest communicator, always speaking directly to what was important. Nancy's bold and engaged life is an inspiration to us all.