Inclusive Arts – Accessible Events For January & February 2016‏

Join us for EXPERIENCE ARTS & ACCESS Tuesday, January 26, 2016 2:45 to 5:30pm Banana Factory 25 West Third Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 This mid-winter festive gathering celebrates the achievements of Arts & Access midway through a year of offering greater accessibility. Arts & Access launched last July to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act through the lens of the arts. Currently, thirty arts organizations have teamed up with social service agencies to offer more than fifty events through June 2016, that intentionally reach people with disabilities and their family and friends. The diversity of programming include live theatre performances that are audio described and open captioned for people with visual and hearing loss; sensory friendly performances for children with autism, and a dance workshop for Parkinson patients and their caregivers. “Cultural access is really about customer service,” says Randall Forte, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Arts Council. “It’s about making your customers feel welcome and comfortable. Experience Arts & Access seeks to raise awareness of the needs as well as the abilities of persons with disabilities. Featured artist and National Storytelling Champion Anne Thomas will perform autobiographical stories crafted with a mix of dark humor, high energy and rare common sense. She speaks not only to survivors of disability, illness and tragedy, but to everyone who has a body, a dream, obstacles, hope and determination. Experience will also allow visitors to explore an arts experience through the simulated reality of a person with a physical, sensory, or cognitive limitation. Guests will be encouraged to test the different technologies that are available, such as audio description and open captioning, voice activated wheel chairs, plus a tactile exploration of a 3-D image of a painting. The event is FREE and open to the everyone, particularly someone with a disability. Please RSVP to attend at info@lvartscouncil.org or 610-437-5915. Light refreshments will be provided.

Our newest PROMOTIONAL VIDEO for Arts & Access We’ve just released the second in our ongoing collection of Arts & Access promotional videos! This edition gives a more intimate look at the Summer and Fall 2015 programming that supports our mission for inclusive arts in our region. The organizations involved have produced quite a variety of accessible arts experiences – theatre performances, visual arts classes and exhibitions, and dance workshops – all celebrating and representing a wide variety of disabilities. Beautifully produced by Marco Calderon, our hearts are touched each time we see the laughing faces of the participants and encouraging words of those involved. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the celebration thus far! We are looking forward to the events planned for this year – we are only halfway through and we have already made such an impact. View our newest video on YouTube If you didn’t catch our last edition featuring the Launch Party in July 2015, here it is!

ARTICLE: See the Music, Hear the Art! In October, SATORI played a classical music concert for an audience who couldn’t hear it – and it was wonderful. SATORI is participating in the Arts & Access initiative of the Lehigh Valley Arts Council, a yearlong celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, seen through the lens of the arts. As a performing arts organization with deep roots locally, we wanted to be a part of this special series of events – and thought we already had an ace in the hole. For almost two decades, SATORI has been presenting in-school music education programs that combine classical music with an array of vibrant images and drawings, projected overhead as the musicians play. Surely the addition of a visual component to a music performance might make it more appropriate for a deaf or hard-of-hearing audience? READ MORE on our blog Come see SATORI Chamber Music Ensemble perform at our Experience Arts & Access Event on January 26th!

JANUARY 2016 ACCESSIBLE ART – PHASE II TACTILE DESCRIPTION Now through June 1, 2017 Lehigh Main Gallery Open during gallery hours Presented by Lehigh University Art Galleries & Museum Teaching Collection of multiple artists’ work in Audio Description and Tactile Description (3-D image to touch) for the visually impaired. Gallery Hours: Wed-Sat, 11am – 5pm; Sun, 1-5pm; Closed Mon-Tues. Handicap Access • Blind & Low-Vision • Audio Description ARTIST IN RECOVERY – MONTHLY ART EXHIBITIONS January 8, 2016 & February 5, 2016 Recovery Partnership 1:00pm – 3:00pm Featuring artists who express their journey with mental health. Held every first Friday. Free. Handicap Access • Mental Health “LIFE ACCESSIBLE” – PHOTOGRAPHY BEYOND THE LIMITS OF SIGHT January 8, 2016 through February 22, 2016 Banana Factory Open during gallery hours Presented by ArtsQuest Photographer Stephen Cunic’s 3-D images, created using various layers and texture, allow visually impaired patrons to experience his scenes using their sense of touch. Free and open to all. Gallery Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-9:30pm, Sat & Sun, 8:30am-5pm. Handicap Access • Blind & Low-Vision ICE CREAM WARS 8.0 January 9, 2016 Da Vinci Science Center 10:30am – 2:00pm Presented by Da Vinci Science Center Presenting teams from regional and global companies in a playful competition to create fresh batches of creative ice cream flavors. Sign Language interpreter for each presentation. Handicap Access • American Sign Language FREE PARKINSON’S DISEASE WELLNESS FAIR January 11, 2016 Good Shepherd Health & Technology Center 10:00am – 1:00pm Presented by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation For those with Parkinson’s and their families / caregivers. Demonstrations, education, health screenings. Registration recommended: 610-776-3393. Handicap Access • Cognitive Health DANCE FOR PD – TWO-DAY PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP January 23 & 24, 2016 Zoellner Arts Center 10:00am – 1:00pm Presented by Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange / Mark Morris Dance Group Intro to the internationally-acclaimed Dance for PD (Parkinson’s Disease) program. $100 tuition for two-day workshop, reservations required: pittsburghdancepress@gmail.com. Handicap Access • Cognitive Health *FREE MOVEMENT CLASS ON JANUARY 23 FROM 2:00-3:30 PM – Appropriate for anyone with PD. PUPPET-MAKING CLASS January 23, 2016 IceHouse Center 11:00am – 1:00pm Presented by Mock Turtle Marionette / Easter Seals This hands-on session will consist of puppet-making, learning a set of jokes and songs, and a twenty-minute performance. Free and open to public. Handicap Access • Cognitive Health

FEBRUARY 2016 PUCCINI ARIAS February 13, 2016 – 7:30pm / February 14, 2016 – 3:00pm Miller Symphony Hall Presented by Allentown Symphony Orchestra Puccini’s Greatest Hits performed by Allentown Symphony Orchestra. Projected subtitles. Handicap Access • Deaf & Hard of Hearing • Open Captioning FAMILY CONCERT – HEART AND SOUL: VOICES OF THE FUTURE February 28, 2016 Zoellner Arts Center 3:00pm Presented by The Bach Choir of Bethlehem / Mercy Learning Center Four fabulous youth choirs join The Bach Choir and Bach Festival Orchestra in a program of favorite choruses by Bach, Handel, and Randall Thompson. General Admission: $18, Students $7. Handicap Access • Cognitive Health

MCCC Virtual Campus Earns National Recognition From ‘Elearning!’ Magazine‏

PHOTO: Montgomery County Community College’s Virtual Campus earned a “Learning 100” award from Elearning! magazine. Showcasing the award are (from left) Thomas Liwinski, Virtual Campus resource specialist; Dr. James J. Linksz, interim president; Kelly Trahan, Virtual Campus director; and Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez, vice president of academic affairs and provost. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Blue Bell, Pa.—Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) Virtual Campus is receiving national attention after earning its first-ever “Learning! 100” award from Elearning! magazine in late 2015.

The award recognizes innovative learning programs in public and private sectors across the country. MCCC ranked 24th in the public sector category and was recognized, specifically, for the comprehensive process through which faculty design and refresh their online courses.

According to Kelly Trahan, director of MCCC’s Virtual Campus, that process is two-fold. New faculty learn how to teach online and build academic courses by participating in a collaborative course of their own—e-Learning 101 (EL 101), facilitated by an instructional designer. Meanwhile, existing online faculty engage in a “refresh” process any time curricular modifications are made.

“EL 101 exposes new faculty to best practices in e-Learning while they learn how to build an online course for the first time, explained Trahan. “The refresh process is one of checks and balances. Faculty evaluate their courses to ensure they are meeting their intended goals while providing the appropriate level of work for their students.”

To date, 95 percent of the 300-plus Virtual Campus courses currently offered have undergone the “refresh” process.

“Our faculty are dedicated to creating a high-quality learning experience for students, regardless of location,” shared Trahan. “We also have a very strong information technology (IT) team that supports faculty and students and is always looking for the best products and tech to improve students’ experiences.”

While the latest recognition focused on faculty processes, MCCC’s Virtual Campus offers a great deal of support to online students as well. Examples include online advising, access to live tutors, support discussion boards and online readiness resources.

“We have a short course that teaches students how to navigate BlackBoard, time management and course netiquette. It’s free once they register for an online course,” said Trahan.

In fall 2015, 3,654 students were enrolled in online and hybrid courses through MCCC’s Virtual Campus—an increase of close to six percent over the previous year. Currently, the Virtual Campus features more than 300 online and hybrid courses in over 30 degree and certificate programs. Courses are offered in flexible seven, 10 and 15-week sessions, as well as 21-day winter session.

To learn more about MCCC’s Virtual Campus, visit http://www.mc3.edu/virtual.

MCCC Dental Hygiene Clinic Seeks Patients For Spring Semester‏

PHOTO: A Montgomery County Community College Dental Hygiene student works with a patient in the College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Blue Bell, PA — The Dental Hygiene Clinic at Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) Central Campus in Blue Bell is actively recruiting patients with periodontal, or gum, disease for the fall semester. Patients will be screened for eligibility on Monday, Jan. 25 by appointment, and those who qualify will begin treatment.

Treatment includes a complete assessment of the patient’s oral and periodontal health; dental x-rays, if necessary; education in self-care; scaling; tooth polishing; and fluoride treatment. Multiple, three-hour appointments are necessary.

Interested persons should contact the Dental Hygiene Clinic at 215-641-6483 and leave a message with their name and telephone number. The Clinic is located in room 211 of the Science Center, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, near the Morris Road entrance to the campus.

MCCC’s Dental Hygiene Clinic has been providing the public with comprehensive preventive dental hygiene services since 1973. Licensed dentists and dental hygiene faculty supervise all treatment procedures in the College’s state-of-the-art laboratory. The Clinic operates September through May, by appointment, and is part of Dental Hygiene students’ clinical requirements.

For a full list of services and fees, or to learn more about MCCC’s Dental Hygiene Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program, visit http://www.mc3.edu, then click on Health Sciences, followed by Dental Hygiene.

MCCC Students Inducted Into Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society

Blue Bell/Pottstown Pa.—A total of 182 students were inducted into Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) Alpha Kappa Zeta (Central Campus) and Beta Tau Lambda (West Campus) chapters of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society of two-year colleges, during the fall 2015 semester.  To be eligible for PTK membership, students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5 and must have completed at least 12 credits.

The fall 2015 inductees are listed below by area of residence:

Abington: Marianne Heath, Antonio Perez, Allegra Schnitzel

Ambler: Daniel Asper, Doris Brooke, Caroline Coloracci, Dana McMonagle, Teresa Stanton, David Vigano

Ardmore: Jesse Putnam, Sharon West

Audubon: Erin Emery

Blue Bell: Moon Young Bang, Ashley Doyle, Chelsea Mitlas, Patrick Nucci, Hollie Roberts, Suzanne Sellers, Trevor Vascellaro

Bridgeport: Patricia Hart, Robert McCorkell

Chalfont: Stephen Scafidi

Coatesville: Judith McCole

Collegeville: William Bianco, Philip Cappelli, Nicholas Duffy, Pat Guarnieri, Robert Levine, Regina Macmurtrie, Geoffrey Melle, David Moran

Douglassville: Jeffrey Smith

Doylestown: Andrew Durkin

Eagleville: Bethany Smith

East Greenville: Jeffrey Regitko

East Norriton: Esther Chun, Jennifer Gill

Elkins Park: William Schwarz

Elverson: Sean Fox

Erdenheim: Mark Vido

Fort Washington: Rosanna Avraham

Gilbertsville: Samuel Cocchimiglio, Deborah Gehret, Kimberly Trotter

Glenside: Emma Morris, Dianna Pax, Mary Yancy

Green Lane: Jessica Yelito

Harleysville: Katalin Abraham, Elizabeth Bones, Lauren Dunlap, Celeste Heim, Rebecca Levengood, David Maga, Alexandra Murphy, Natalie Watterworth

Hatboro: Anna Angely, Alison Culbert, Rah Kim

Hatfield: Judith Allen, Sandra Beitler, Varun Belani, Brandon Gilrain, Sarah Kling, Matthew McBride, Jessica McLaughlin, Angela Russak

Haverford: Katelyn McCauley, Elias Pery

Horsham: Jeffrey Kenney, Victoria Rivers, Jane Son, Nina Valdera

Huntingdon Valley: Luis Sotelo

Jenkintown: Yasmina Bdeir

King Of Prussia: Shaya Edelman, Casey Griffith, William Orem, Alexander Russakoff, Alyssa Weber

Lafayette Hill: Brian Seyler

Langhorne: James Macomber

Lansdale: Caitlin Beck, Prashanta Dhakal, Mark Dunigan, Kandice Hill, Mengwei Kong, Leeanne Pennegar, David Rowan, Mary Zabriskie

Lower Gwynedd: Samantha Schafer

Narberth: Dori Malloy

Norristown: Royce Brenner, Jaquelin Cruz-Jordan, Nina Gajewski, Stacey Greaves, Elizabeth Palesano, Alexander Profrock, Matthew Torrence, Christopher Waters, Hyuck Yun

North Wales: Robert Carswell, Justin Colon, Eric Knoblauch, Harry Lee, Fiamma Tulli, Sean Wang

Oreland: Daniel McGlinchey

Pennsburg: Dana Jones, Chad Petipren, Abigail Pusey, Katarzyna Sitko

Philadelphia: Patrick Carr, Emmett Johnson, Marisa Seidman

Phoenixville: Brian D’Onofrio, Ahmad Hasaan, Caroline Heasley, Sabrina Pelletier, Janette Zillmann

Plymouth Meeting: Kyle Bone, Joi King, Thomas Rosa, Rosalie Stein

Pottstown: Nicholas Bartelmo, Phillip Benjamin, Emily Bohn, Fernando Garcia, Grant Gaugler, Carrie Grabowicz, Alan Jensen-Sellers, Anthony Johnson, Steven Kidd, Tracy King, Hans Konarkowski, Kathleen Latshaw, Dung Le, Jasmine Maldonado, Robert Moon, Carrie Partington, Michelle Rentschler, Alexandra Rodriguez, Ruben Tolentino, Kali Wade, Heather Zabicki

Reading: Sikira Valle, Selina Yensan

Red Hill: Jocelyn Belisle, William Cox, Mary Heebner

Royersford: Kathleen Brady, Heather Curran, Phoebe Ivady, Lynn Lang, Emily Maxwell, Kyle Surbrook

Saint Peters: Amanda Selwyn

Schwenksville: Jennifer Ciccotosto, Nicole Scott

Souderton: Sarah Doelp, Matthew Finley, Ruth Rowland, Lavinia Soliman

Southampton: Katherine Rose

Stowe: Javier Rodriguez, Stacey Thompson

Telford: Alisyn Davidson, Emily Freed, Kara Gaburon

Trappe: Jose Catalan, Michael Reiner

Upper Gwynedd: Nancy Henggeler

Villanova: James Mearns

Warminster: Stephanie Harper

Wayne: Audrey O’Keefe

West Point: Danielle Butler

Willow Grove: Michelle Paripsky, Alexandra Winterle

Wyncote: Keith Palmer

Wyndmoor: Maria Thomas

Wynnewood: Marta Garnczarska, Leah Gottfried