Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium

This year will be the 30th Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium! It will be held on our very own California School for the Blind (CSB) campus.

The 30th Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium will be held in-person. Simple but not easy: Collaborative care and coaching for young children with Cortical visual impairment (CVI).

When:

Saturday, February 7th, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Where:

In-Person at the California School for the Blind, 500 Walnut Street, Fremont, California 94536.

Speakers:

  • Deborah Orel-Bixler, OD, PhD, FAAO, UC Berkeley
  • Emily Gorski, OD, UC Berkeley
  • Elizabeth Hartmann, PhD, Lassell University
  • Kitty Edstrand, PhD, New Mexico School for the Blind

What:

  • Continental breakfast and lunch (provided)
  • Announcement of the recipient of the 2026 Dr. William and Mrs. Ruth Silverman Excellence in Community Partnership Award
  • The Judith Lesner Family Forum
  • Networking with your peers
  • 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 - $60.00
  • Students and families - $30.00

Hosted by:

  • California Deafblind Services (CDBS)
  • California School for the Blind (CSB)
  • LightHouse Little Learners
  • San Francisco State University Department of Special Education, Visual Impairments Program
  • California Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (CAPVI)

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.