30^th Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium: 
Simple but not easy: Collaborative care and coaching for young children with CVI

(Registration Open Now! See "Tickets" Below or Click Here)

Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
California School for the Blind
500 Walnut Street,
Fremont, California

Join Us!

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Exciting guest speakers:

• Deborah Orel-Bixler, OD, PhD, FAAO
• Emily Gorski, OD 
• Elizabeth Hartmann, PhD
• Kitty Edstrand, PhD

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ENJOY:

• Continental breakfast and lunch (provided)
• Announcement of the 2025 recipient of the Dr.
• William and Ruth Silverman Partnerships in Excellence Award*
• The Judith Lesner Family Forum
• Networking with your peers

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Tickets:

To purchase tickets or find out more about the Symposium, go to:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30th-annual-lowenfeld-akeson-early-years-symposium-tickets-1830082448869

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Hosted by:

California Deafblind Services (CDBS)
California School for the Blind (CSB)
LightHouse Little Learners
California Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (CAPVI)

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Questions?

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

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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!

 

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The Dr. William and Mrs. Ruth Silverman Excellence in Community Partnerships Award

The Silverman Award is presented in honor of a member of the medical community whose partnerships have enhanced the knowledge of families and their communities of care and have enriched the lives of children who are blind or visually impaired. 

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Qualifications for Nomination 

• Physician or Medical Provider (MD or OD), whose practice is located in northern or central California
• Minimum of five years in practice with young children who are blind or visually impaired
• Collaborates with families, educators, and therapists in the building of community partnerships
• Enhances knowledge of families, educators, and therapists
• Enriches the lives of children who are blind, have low vision, or whose multiple disabilities include visual impairment and their families 

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Nominators and Deadline —

(Thank you everyone for your nominations!)

2026 Applications were due by 5 PM Pacific Time Friday, November 21, 2025 and must be submitted by: 

• A family member whose child received services from the nominee, or
• An educator or therapist who provided services to the child and family and who is familiar with the nominee
• Note: a family member and professional are encouraged to submit together 

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Nominations Are now Closed for this Year

 https://sfsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3lzozy0MsTc8yCG

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Selection of Recipient/Presentation of the Award 

• Selection is made by a committee of community representatives, a parent, a member of the Silverman Family and representatives of the Lowenfeld-Akeson Symposium Planning Committee
• The Dr. William and Ruth (Roo) Silverman Excellence in Community Partnerships Award will be presented at the Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium to be held at California School for the Blind on February 7, 2026 

Tell your colleagues and the families you serve to please nominate a deserving medical professional!

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Berthold Lowenfeld - history

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 mentoread many of the current leaders in our field today.

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Nancy Akeson - History

Nancy Akeson was the first Home Counselor for the Blind Babies Foundation. 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.

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