Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium

This year will be the 28th Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium! It will be held on our very own California School for the Blind (CSB) campus.
The 28th Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium will be held in-person. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

When: Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 from 9:00 AM - 3:15 PM

Where: In-Person at the California School for the Blind in Fremont, CA.

Speakers:

  • Maurice Belote, MA, Deafblind Educational Consultant and former Project Coordinator of California Deafblind Services
  • Doctor panel
  • May Nguyen, MS, Licensed Educational Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist, California School for the Blind

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

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. Families are encouraged to request a scholarship from the Silverman Scholarship Fund to attend the Symposium by emailing LowenfeldAkeson@gmail.com.

Requests for accommodation will be accepted until January 19, 2024.

Schedule

  • 8:30am Arrival/Check-in
  • 9:00am Welcome
  • 9:15am Maurice Belote, MA
  • 10:30am Break
  • 10:45am Doctor Panel
  • 12:00pm Lunch (includes optional tour of CSB campus)
  • 1:00pm Silverman Award Presentation
  • 1:15pm May Nguyen, MS
  • 2:15pm Judith Lesner Family Forum
  • 3:10pm Closing Remarks
  • 3:15pm Finish

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.