Pre-Conference Activities
Please note: some pre-conference sessions & activities begin early Thursday morning. It is recommended that registrants participating in a pre-conference activity beginning Thursday morning plan to arrive on Wednesday evening.
All excursions will be open to a limited number of guests, and spots may fill quickly. For certain events, a waitlist will be maintained once capacity has been reached.
NOAH reserves the right to cancel excursions due to low enrollment.
Bioptic Driving: Addressing the Transportation Needs of Persons with Visual Challenges*
Thursday, July 16th ~ 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
This workshop is intended for persons with low vision who are considering either exploring the driving privilege with bioptics or other alternate means of travel to address their transportation needs. Parents, spouses, and service providers who might offer direct or indirect services or emotional support are also encouraged to attend.
Tentative Topics & Presenters:
- Information and Referral: First Point of Contact
- Rebecca A. Deffler, OD, PhD, FAAO
- Clinical Low Vision Examination
- Tom Porter, OD, FAAO
- Evaluation, Fitting, and Prescription of Bioptics
- Greg Hopkins, OD, MS, FAAO, Dipl. AAO
- Bioptic Driving Research
- Bradley E. Dougherty, OD, PhD
- Pre-Driver Readiness and Bioptic Driver Training
- Mary Miller, OTR/L, CDRS, CDI, LDI
- Getting in Charge of Getting Around: Accessing Transportation as a Non-Driver
- Cindy Bachofer, Ph.D., CLVT
- Bioptic Driver On-Road Testing and Licensure
- Chuck Huss, COMS, DRS
- Panel Discussion Session / Questions & Answers
Registration Fee: $115
*Remote option available
Driver rehabilitation specialists who register and attend in-person/on-line and pass evaluation upon completion of workshop will receive 6.5-ADED Contact Hours.
Mothers’ Workshop
Thursday, July 16th ~ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
NOAH is thrilled to once again offer a dedicated pre-conference workshop designed exclusively for mothers of children with albinism. Led by Sheila Adamo and Megan Pitt—both mothers of children with albinism and experienced clinical professionals—this session provides a unique opportunity for connection, reflection, and growth.
Registration Fee: $75
Kayaking
Wednesday, July 15th ~ 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Target Audience: PWAs preferred, but open to all attendees
Get ready for an outdoor adventure on the water with Adaptive Sports Connection (ASC). This adaptive kayaking experience is designed for Adults with Albinism and open to all conference attendees looking to try something new.
Whether you’re a first-time paddler or a seasoned kayaker, ASC’s experienced staff will provide: single kayaks, tandem kayaks and/or adaptive equipment as well as support to help you feel confident and comfortable on the water. Round-trip transportation is provided, so all you have to do is show up ready for a great time.
Paddle, explore, and make memories with conference friends—adventure awaits!
The bus will depart the hotel at 4:00pm and arrive at the activity location at approximately 5:00pm. Attendees will depart from the activity at 9:00pm and return to the hotel at approximately 10:00pm.
Cost: $55 per person
Please note: All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to departing. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
North Market Scavenger Hunt
Thursday, July 16th at 8:00 AM – Saturday, July 18th at 5:00 PM
Target Audience: Everyone!
Explore North Market, a vibrant public market in the heart of Columbus featuring a wide variety of food vendors, shops, and local flavor. Sign up for a fun scavenger hunt with a little friendly competition as you search for clues and solve puzzles while exploring the market.
The scavenger hunt may be completed any time from Thursday morning through Saturday evening, at your own pace. Submissions will be completed using a mobile device and may include photos.
Join in the fun with conference friends—all ages welcome!
Winners will be selected at random from all completed entries & will be announced at the Closing Session.
Explore German Village
Thursday, July 16th ~ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Target Audience: PWAs preferred, but open to all attendees
Step out and experience one of Columbus’s most charming neighborhoods! Attendees will meet in the hotel lobby and travel together via public transit down High Street to historic German Village. Once there, you’ll have time to enjoy a walking tour, explore unique local shops, and discover cozy cafés and restaurants. This relaxed outing offers a great opportunity to connect with others while taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Columbus.
Register early as space on the walking tour is limited.
All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Cost: $25 per person, including COTA (public bus) day pass
Ride, Climb, and Relax (three activities in one!)
Thursday, July 16th ~ 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Target Audience: PWAs preferred, but open to all attendees (18+)
(attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the hotel)
RIDE – Get ready for an active adventure along the Scioto Mile! Attendees will meet in the hotel lobby and walk together (approx. 1 mile; 25-30min) to the ride start point near Scotts Miracle Grow Field. From there, we’ll bike along scenic paths to Scioto Audubon Park (~8 miles; 20-30min via bike), with equipment and support provided by Adaptive Sports Connection. Bike options include standard two-wheel bicycles and recumbent trikes to meet a variety of needs.
CLIMB – At the park, participants will have the opportunity to test their skills at Bloc Garten’s climbing walls.
RELAX – Afterward, unwind and socialize with the group at Nocterra Audubon, a relaxed neighborhood gathering spot.
Space for this activity is limited, and advance registration is required.
Please note: All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver. Equipment for biking and climbing is included, however participants are responsible for their own food and beverage during the activity.
Cost: $68 per person