A Step Forward: Recent Episodes
Kassandra Maloney
An Orientation and Mobility Specialist's roadmap to increasing their students' independence while staying sane in the work place.
What are the main types of cane skills for visually impaired learners? This episode covers Constant Contact vs. Two Point Touch, types of canes, and vital orientation and mobility tips for students with visual impairments.Learn not just how to use a cane, but how to use it with accuracy and confidence for maximum safety and independence.💡 In This Episode:The Two Foundational Cane Skills: Constant Contact & Two Point TouchDiscover the critical differences between these two techniques. We explain which skill is best for beginners and younger students, and which allows for faster, more efficient travel for experienced users.Choosing Your Tool: AFB vs. NFB Style CanesNot all white canes are the same. Learn about the AFB style cane and the NFB style cane.Step-by-Step Technique BreakdownMaster the correct form for safety and efficiency. We demonstrate proper hand position (midline), arc width (shoulder to shoulder), and the importance of contralateral movement to ensure you are always protected.Canes for Multiple Impairments & The Teacher's RoleLearn about adaptive mobility devices, like the safe toddles cane, for students with multiple impairments.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
How do blind people know where they are? This episode explains the crucial difference between landmarks vs. cues in orientation and mobility.⌚ Video Chapters:00:00 The Big Question: How Do Blind People Navigate?00:24 Why Orientation & Mobility is the Foundation of Success01:47 Definition of a Landmark (from the TAPS Curriculum)03:05 Definition of a Clue03:20 Practical Example04:06 A Tricky Example: Is an Elevator a Landmark or a Clue?06:07 Example: Landmark or Cue?08:22 This or That! Test Your O&M Knowledge09:39 Continue Your Learning (FREE Educator Resources)11:00 A Thank You to Our Community💡 In This Episode:Landmarks vs. Cues: DefinitionsDiscover the key difference and definitions of Landmarks and CuesReal-World Examples: Is It a Landmark or a Clue?We explore common examples you and your students will encounter.This or That! Test Your O&M KnowledgeJoin our interactive game at the end of the video! Kassy presents three common school-based scenarios and challenges you to decide if they are a landmark or a cue. Drop your answers in the comments!A: LandmarkB: CuesC: It dependsAnswers!1. School Water Fountain: A2. School Hallway Markers: C (drop your answers in the comments why!)3. School Front Office: AResources:► Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.► 5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments. ► FREE SEE Community MembershipThank you for being part of this amazing community. Your support helps us create valuable resources. If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe so we can continue to grow!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Discover the 4 essential skills for blind and visually impaired students that go beyond academics. In this video, we break down the four most critical skills that will be the domino effect for your student's success, transforming them from dependent learners into confident, independent adults.⌚ Video Chapters:00:00 - Introduction03:28 - The "Incidental Learning" Gap06:09 - Skill 1: Literacy through Object Calendars & Routines09:13 - Skill 2: Creating Pathways for Self-Advocacy10:37 - Skill 3: Mastering Social Skills13:00 - Skill 4: The Most Important Skill - Fostering True Independence15:00 - Actionable Tip: How to Stop Over-Prompting15:49 - Your Next Steps & FREE Resources💡 In This Episode:Incidental Learning:Uncover why 90% of learning is missed by students with visual impairments4 Essentials Skills for Blind and Visually Impaired Students:Identify the crucial skills that your students with visual impairments actually NEED in order to thrive!Your action planExplore the different ways you can do in order to teach these 4 Essentials Skills to your learners with visual impairments.RESOURCES MENTIONED:➡️ Get the FREE PDF | 5 Things Every VI Educator Needs:https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys➡️ Join the Society of Exceptional Educators Community:https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/➡️ VI Foundations: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/vi-foundationsWhether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
What's the difference between the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) and the General Education curriculum? This complete guide for teachers and parents breaks down why the ECC is vital for students with visual impairments to succeed both in school and in life.
Ever wonder why students who are blind or have low vision need an "extra" curriculum? We're demystifying the ECC, explaining how its focus on functional life skills works alongside the academic focus of the Gen Ed curriculum to fill crucial concept gaps caused by a lack of incidental learning.
💡 CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro: Core Curriculum vs. Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)
0:42 - Why an "Extra" Curriculum is Necessary for Blind Students
1:17 - Defining the General Education Curriculum (Academics)
2:01 - Special Education's Role (IEP & FAPE)
2:54 - The ECC Explained: Overcoming the 90% Learning Gap
3:14 - How "Incidental Learning" Creates Concept Gaps (The PB&J Example)
4:56 - Key ECC Skills for Teachers to Know (Compensatory, Daily Living, AT)
6:54 - Push-In vs. Pull-Out Services Explained
9:26 - How ECC Pull-Outs Support General Academics
10:29 - Connect with the Society of Exceptional Educators
💡 In This Episode:
Gen Ed vs. ECC: The Core Confusion ExplainedDefining the purpose of the standardized General Education curriculum and contrast it with the individualized, skills-based Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairments.
The "Why" Behind the ECC: Incidental Learning & Concept GapsDiscover why the fact that "90% of learning is visual" creates massive concept gaps for students with vision loss.
Quick Recap into Key ECC AreasIntroduction to the essential skills taught within the ECC that are crucial for independence.
Push-In vs. Pull-Out: How ECC Services are DeliveredUnderstand the practical side of specialized instruction. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!
📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:
✅ Meet educators who share your passion
✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies
✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/
Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us
https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us
https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Does your student with a visual impairment need an Orientation and Mobility Specialist? Learn the key signs that it's time for an O&M evaluation for safe mobility and independent travel.
Discover the exact signs to look for and the critical first steps in the referral process to ensure your student gets the support they need.
💡 In This Episode:
What is Orientation and Mobility (O&M)?
Get a clear, concise definition of O&M and its core purpose
The 3 Key Signs a Student Needs an O&M Evaluation
Discover the three critical indicators that it's time to request an evaluation.
How to Start the Referral Process
Learn the crucial first steps in the referral process and understand who to involve to get a student the support they deserve.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉
🌎 Why? So you can:
✅ Meet educators who share your passion
✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies
✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&M
Register Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/
Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us
https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us
https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Learn essential teaching techniques and educational strategies for students with low vision and legal blindness from an O&M specialist. Avoid common errors in visual impairment education and skyrocket academic and daily living skills.
💡 In This Episode:
The Impact of Missed Opportunities: Discover how crucial scheduling issues and lack of follow-through create missed opportunities for collaboration, co-teaching, and effective instruction in visual impairment education.
Related Service Recommendations: Understand why recommendations from TVIs and O&M specialists often go unused.
False Expectations of Vision: Uncover the common misconception about vision and vision impairments.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Wondering how to improve classroom accessibility for your blind and visually impaired students? This episode provides a step-by-step environmental analysis for any learning space. Learn how to set up your classroom for students with low vision, visual impairments, and blindness.💡 In This Episode:Classroom Environmental Analysis: The First StepLearn the critical first step to student success. We'll walk you through assessing and evaluating the overall functionality of your classroom for our students with visual impairmentsBoosting Sensory Efficiency: Lighting & ClutterDiscover the surprising impact of classroom decor on a visually impaired student.Harnessing the Power of Color & ContrastDive deep into a real-world classroom example! Learn to spot and fix common accessibility barriers that might be hiding in your classroom right now.Integrating Assistive Tech & Compensatory SkillsLearn how to seamlessly integrate assistive technology and build organizational (compensatory) skills.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Teaching Students with Visual Impairment for the First Time? You're in the right place! Let's break down the top three essential strategies for supporting your students with low vision, blindness, or CVI in the classroom. Learn what to do right now to ensure your teaching is effective and accessible from day one.
💡 In This Episode:
Beyond the Report: A 3-Pronged Approach:
Discover what an eye report doesn't tell you and learn the critical difference between eye-based and brain-based visual impairments.
Decoding Visual Data:
Quickly make sense of key terms like visual acuity and field loss, and learn how they impact your student's classroom experience.
Making Lessons Accessible:
Find out how to adapt your existing worksheets and materials by focusing on the function of the lesson, not just the format.
The Environmental Check:
See your classroom through your student's eyes and learn why a visually "busy" classroom can create learning barriers.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!
📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉
Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why?
So you can:
✅ Meet educators who share your passion
✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies
✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&M
Register Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/
Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us
https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us
https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Discover the essential visual impairment support services and meet the professionals on the visual impairment team. This episode explains the key vision impairment services for students with visual impairment, so you know exactly who to contact and what to expect.⌚ Time-stamps:0:00 Intro1:32 The Medical Team: Ophthalmologist & Optometrist Roles3:03 Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment (TVI)5:08 Braillist5:57 Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M)7:44 Certified Assistive Technology Specialist9:32 Vocational Rehabilitation Therapist10:47 Your First Steps: How to Access Services for Students with Visual ImpairmentThe Medical VI Team: Ophthalmologist & Optometrist RolesLearn to identify the key medical professionals involved in a student's care and understand the critical importance of the medical eye report as the first step in securing services.The Educational VI Team: TVI, O&M, and AT Specialist RolesDistinguish between the specific roles of your core VI team—the TVI, O&M, and AT Specialist—so you can collaborate effectively and know exactly who to contact for specific needs like materials, mobility, and technology.Transition & Vocational Support: The Job Coach & VR SpecialistPrepare for your student’s long-term success by learning the function of the vocational specialists who guide students toward employment and independence after high school.How to Get Visual Impairment Support ServicesReceive a clear, actionable checklist to confidently take the initial steps in getting support for your student, eliminating confusion and ensuring no time is wasted.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Learn how a visual impairment affects social and emotional development in children and adults. This episode explains how visually impaired people can miss non-visual social cues and offers practical strategies for teaching social emotional learning.💡 In This Episode:Why Social Cues Are a Visual Skill: Discover why a person with a visual impairment might miss the subtle, unspoken rules of a social situation.
The 5 Components of Social & Emotional Development: Learn how each area can be impacted by a visual impairment.
Bridging the "Concept Gap" in Social Interactions: Understand the term "concept gap" and how it applies to social skills.
Practical Strategies for Educators & Parents: Learn actionable techniques to help your student or child navigate the social world. 🎉 Join our FREE Membership to the Society of Exceptional Educators! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Understand how vision and visual impairments affect learning. This guide explains the impact of sensory loss, incidental learning, and the "concept gap" on students, providing actionable insights for you.⌚ Time Stamps:0:00 Why 90% of Learning is Visual0:43 Introduction to Visual Impairment Education1:11 What is Incidental Learning?1:17 How We Learn Social Cues3:12 The "Concept Gap" in Visual Impairment (Example)4:04 How Missed Cues Affect Social Skills & Jobs4:54 How Concept Development Happens (Example)6:59 The 378 Minutes of Missed Learning Per Day8:32 The Solution: The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)9:43 Tips for Teachers & Paraprofessionals10:30 How Learning is Lost in "Small Moments"11:07 Free Resources for Exceptional Educators💡 In This Episode:The 90% Rule of Incidental Learning: Discover why 90% of all learning is visual. We explain how sensory loss from a visual impairment disrupts this incidental learning process.
Closing Concept Gaps & Reading Social Cues: Learn how missed non-verbal communication and visual cues create "concept gaps" for students with visual impairments.
Why Every Minute Matters: A breakdown of the school day reveals a student with vision loss can miss 378 minutes of environmental learning daily.
The Solution: Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC): Discover the ECC, the essential framework for teaching skills that are not learned incidentally.🎉 Interested in joining the Society? – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us#podcast #visualimpairment #visuallyimpaired #education #inclusiveeducation #specialeducation #vision #eyes #visuallearning #concept #gap #teacher
What is a visual impairment? This guide explains low vision, legal blindness, & terms and definitions related to visual impairments. Learn about being visually impaired from an O&M Specialist in this complete overview for visual impairment education.⌚ Time Stamps:0:00 Overview1:16 What is a Visual Impairment?2:07 How does your eye work?8:35 Cortical Visual Impairment9:29 Common Definition and Terms related to Visual Impairments9:35 The 20/20 Vision10:35 What is Acuity?11:30 Explaining Acuity in an Eye Report 13:48 Field of Vision (Vision Field)15:00 Depth Perception17:01 What do people with visual impairment see?17:30 Vision is not Black and White19:24 Words to Google for Resources20:00 Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)20:50 School-Age Children with Visual Impairment21:40 Adult or Postsecondary Services22:33 Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) Services23:24 Community Services for People with Visual Impairments24:55 Outro💡 In This Episode:What Is a Visual Impairment? Discover the real definitions of low vision and legal blindness. We break down the spectrum of vision loss and explain why most visually impaired individuals are not totally blind.A Crash Course in Eye Anatomy:Learn how the eye acts as a camera and the brain as a processor, and what happens when a part of that system is disrupted.Decoding the Jargon: Acuity, Field of Vision & More:Understand visual acuity, field of vision, and depth perception in simple terms, giving you the knowledge to understand a vision report or diagnosis.How to Find Help and Services: Learn the crucial first steps to finding support. Learn how to connect with the right services, explaining the differences in support available for children in school, working adults, and seniors seeking to maintain their independence.List of Words to Google for Resources for people with Visual Impairments:Young Babies - Children: Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)School-Age Children - 22 years old: Visual Impairment + School District, Eye Doctor, Teacher for Student with Visual Impairment.Adult / Postsecondary: Vocational Services, Lighthouse, Orientation and Mobility + you areaOlder Adults / Seniors: Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) Services, Vocational/State DepartmentsCommunity Level Engagement: IDEA Laws, National Federation for the Blind, American Federation for the Blind, State Schools for the BlindWhether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us#visualimpairment #visuallyimpaired #inclusiveeducation #vision #visionimpairment #education #educational #podcast #teacher #students
How can an Orientation and Mobility Specialist better support a visually impaired student's communication needs? The key is collaborating with a Speech Language Pathologist! It turns out, our professions have a lot more in common than you might think! Meet our guest: Hallie Sherman, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of experience in public schools. She is now the full-time CEO of Speech Time Fun, Inc., where she provides materials and trainings for SLPs working with older students. Hallie helps educators plan with ease through her SLP Elevate membership, her podcast "SLP Coffee Talk," and her popular virtual conference, the Speech Retreat.In this conversation, Hallie shares actionable methods every Orientation and Mobility Specialist can use to improve social skills and language comprehension for the visually impaired students they serve.Don't miss Hallie's upcoming Speech Retreat! It's a fantastic professional development opportunity for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of communication strategies: https://www.speechretreat.comCheck out speechisfun! https://www.speechtimefun.comhttps://www.slpelevate.comhttps://www.instagram.com/speechtimefun💡 In This Episode:The Speech Language Pathologist's Role with Visually Impaired Students: Uncover the broad role of a Speech Language Pathologist in supporting a student with a visual impairment's language and social skills, and why collaboration with an O&M is vital.Communication Strategies for Students with Visual Impairments: Get actionable strategies for visually impaired students, including how to interpret social cues without vision and use self-advocacy scripts for real-world independence.Why an O&M Should Learn from a Speech Language Pathologist: Learn why breaking down silos between the Orientation and Mobility Specialist and the Speech Language Pathologist leads to more holistic support for students with visual impairments.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
As a VI specialist, you hold the unique expertise to guide your students to success. Explore how you can share that knowledge to empower your entire school community. Learn how to train your paraprofessionals, teachers, and related service staff in ways that get them engaged and help them increase the academic and daily living skills of your students. ⌚ Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction: Creating Change When You're Not in the Classroom
0:30 - The Core Question: How Do We Effectively Train Our Teams?
1:30 - Start with the Goal: Applying Backward Design to Your Training
3:32 - Practical Planning: How Long & When Should Trainings Be?
5:22 - The Secret to Success: Why You Need to Use a Framework
6:35 - The Backward Design Model Explained
13:10 - A 4-Pillar Framework for Training on Visual Impairments
16:08 - Pillar 1 & 2: Rethinking Instruction & Creating Inclusive Frameworks
17:00 - Pillar 3: Supporting Safe Navigation Skills with Sustainability
18:15 - Pillar 4: Ensuring Crucial Accountability
24:59 - The Flow for Maximum Engagement: Why, What, How & "What Ifs"
33:04 - The Power of Authenticity: Making Your Training Your Own
35:19 - The Solution: An Introduction to the VI Foundations Course
💡 In This Episode:
The Backward Design Principle: Learn why starting with your end goal is the most critical step for creating effective training.
A Proven 4-Pillar Framework: Get a complete framework covering perspective-taking, inclusive instruction, mobility, and crucial accountability to structure your training.
Maximize Engagement: Discover a simple lesson flow (Why, What, How, What Ifs) to keep your team engaged, answer their questions before they ask, and overcome common objections.
Actionable Strategies: Learn how to plan training logistics, make content stick, and create space for your team to integrate what they've learned.
Build a Cohesive Team: Find out how to empower paraprofessionals and teachers, creating a consistent and supportive environment for students with VI all day long.
Check out VI Foundations: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/vi-foundations
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Unlock the hidden potential of paraprofessionals in supporting students with visual impairments! Discover the hidden leverage when paraprofessionals are trained to lead better outcomes for visually impaired learners and foster a more collaborative educational team.⌚ Timestamps:0:00 Overview0:33 Introduction1:21 The Conversations about Orientation and Mobility Assistants1:43 The Problem with the O&M Assistant Model3:37 O&M is Only 1 of 9 ECC Areas4:09 A New Vision for our paraprofessionals5:56 Benefits for Paraprofessionals (Leverage & Pay)6:59 Citing a Study from Joanne Russotti and Rona Shaw7:55 Citing a Study from Amy R. McKenzie and Sandra Lewis8:50 What the Research Says Paraprofessionals Need 9:27 Who Provides the Most Direct Instruction?9:55 Addressing the Fear: This Won't Replace the TVI10:51 The 25% vs 2% Argument: Why This Training is Critical11:33 The Solution: A Structured Training Framework💡 In This Episode:The O&M Assistant Dilemma: Explore why the O&M assistant role has faded and the training difficulties it presents for O&M specialists and paraprofessionals.Expanding Beyond O&M: Discover a new vision for paraprofessional development that covers all nine areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC).Unlock Your Team's Full Potential: Learn how investing in comprehensive training for your paraprofessional can solve the problem of constant retraining, create incentives for them to stay, and ensure the skills taught by the TVI and O&M are generalized all day long.Want to learn about the 4 Pillar Framework? Check out VI Foundations: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/vi-foundationsWhether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
ACVREP has finalized criteria for occupational therapists (OTs) specializing in adult vision rehabilitation. In this Episode, we'll go over the 60-page document that outlines the scope of practice, evaluation, and intervention for OTs working with visually impaired adults. Some of the key topics mentioned in this episode are:👉 Scope of Practice and Evaluation👉 Intervention and Training👉 OTCAVR Body of Knowledge and Core Competencies👉 Competency Checklist👉 Principles of Professional Conduct👉 Eligibility Criteria⌚Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:23 Overview of ACVREP’s Official Criteria for Occupational Therapists2:43 Occupational Therapist Certified in Adult Vision Rehabilitation (OTCAVR)03:38 Scope of Practice07:01 Intervention09:22 Section 1: Foundational Knowledge09:45 Section 2: Application of Foundational Knowledge to Evaluation10:20 Section 3: Application of Foundational Knowledge and Evaluation Results to Intervention12:21 Section 4: Professional Practice Standards12:42 Competency Checklist15:44 Quick Overview of Principles of Professional Conduct16:28 OTCAVR Eligibility Criteria: Category 117:30 OTCAVR Eligibility Criteria: Category 218:11 My thoughts as an O&M Specialist22:55 If you are an Occupational Therapist..To get your own copy of this document, just click this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ys4TUZUIi1zh06-qUvLfmaZW2DB3g2Nc/copyIf you are an Occupational Therapist interested in this profession, join the SEE Community! Our membership is FREE 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), O&M, and Visual Impairment EducationRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 We want to hear from you!What are your thoughts about this episode? Your thoughts adds value to the community! So don't forget to comment down below⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Struggling to make recreation and leisure activities accessible for your blind and visually impaired students? Discover effective strategies and activities to make recreation and leisure accessible for students with visual impairments. Learn about adaptive sports, inclusive games, and tactile activities that promote engagement and help blind and visually impaired learners to participate fully, build confidence, and have fun.⌚ Timestamps:0:00 Overview0:33 Introduction2:03 Making Recreation & Leisure Activities Accessible for Learners with Visual Impairments4:10 Why Teach Recreation & Leisure Skills?8:13 Barriers For Our Learners with Visual Impairments12:06 Adaptations for ALL Rec & Leisure Activities22:06 Additional Adaptations & Considerations32:17 Basketball Adaptations39:44 Track Adaptations46:58 Kickball Adaptations53:43 Playground Adaptations57:53 Accessible Playground Activities59:31 Final Thoughts1:01:58 Outro💡 In this Episode, learn:Why Recreation and Leisure Matter for Blind and Visually Impaired Students: Discover how leisure activities support essential ECC skills like confidence, independence, and social development, and why they’re a vital part of every student's learning journey.How to Adapt Any Activity for Accessibility: Learn practical, easy-to-implement strategies for making common games, hobbies, and physical activities accessible for blind and visually impaired students of all ages.Real-Life Examples of Inclusive Recreation and Adaptive Sports: Explore real-world ideas for adaptive sports, tactile games, and inclusive outdoor activities that help blind and visually impaired students fully participate and thrive.Learn more about Clarity: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/programsWhether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Dive into the Four Pillars of Visual Impairment Education that are shaping 21st Century Education for students with visual impairment. This episode is for educators, specialists, and support staff who are committed to transforming the lives of students with visual impairments through science-backed strategies and real-world 21st Century special education practices.The Foundation of 21st Century Visual Impairment Education:Explore how the educational landscape is evolving and why it's critical to adapt strategies for visual impairment education in today's world.Building Professional Excellence through Training:Discover how special education training for the visually impaired empowers educators and service providers to better support their students.Supporting Real-World Student Success:Learn how a strong educational framework contributes to meaningful independence and achievement for students with visual impairments.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Register for this Webinar and get CEUs! 👉 https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/workshopDownload your Visual Impairment Education Workshop PDF here!👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J9W5_r0-_D_pBNzwPCw6s7rQnyHog1mj/view?usp=sharingDon’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Most educators are trained to chase academic success, but what if that’s not enough, especially for students with visual impairments? In this video, Kassy Maloney breaks down how traditional educational goals miss the mark and introduces a modern, 4-part framework that empowers real, lasting progress in both academic and life skills.⌚ Timestamps:0:00 Introduction1:13 Overview2:01 Maslow's Hierarchy in Education2:53 Where grades stand in your student's sensory needs4:44 Examples of Successful People5:58 The History of the Education System7:56 The career path of students with visual impairment9:31 What's happening with 21st Century Education16:47 21st Century Success in ECC17:04 The Four Pillars of the ECC20:22 Free Webinar for 21st Century Success💡 In This Episode:Why “Academic Success” ≠ "Student Success"Discover how the traditional model of education fails students with visual impairments and why it's time to rethink what success really means.The 4 Pillars of 21st Century SuccessLearn a powerful framework to boost academic and daily living skills—even if you’ve never worked with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) before.Real-World Classroom StrategiesGet practical advice on how to interpret vision reports, use non-visual teaching strategies, support mobility, and collaborate more effectively.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5...📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysym...💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Facebook: @exceptionaleducators.usInstagram: @exceptionaleducators.usLinkedIn: @exceptionaleducators-us
In this video, we explore how vision impacts motor milestones, and what parents and professionals can do to support healthy infant development.⌚Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:45 Agenda2:32 Typical Motor Milestones for Sighted Children3:44 Why do we see a lag?6:33 Why do babies move?8:24 Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation12:11 Why is it so important for kids to move?17:07 How Can I Support Movement Skills?17:54 Supporting Movement Skills in: Babies21:12 Supporting Movement Skills in: Young Children27:21 Join the Society of Exceptional Educators💡 In This Episode:Setting the Stage for Motor Milestones: Discover how to baby-proof your home in a way that supports spatial orientation and consistent exploration for blind babies and toddlers.The Power of Descriptive Language: Learn how to use auditory input and narration to promote understanding and independence in children with visual impairments.Boosting Baby Development Through Routines: Explore how movement, play, and independence can support both motor development and early literacy for visually impaired children.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) isn't just a support, it’s essential for students who are blind or visually impaired. In this episode, we'll dive into the foundational elements that empower independence, from orientation and mobility to self-determination. Learn all about practical ECC strategies that work across IEPs and classroom settings.⌚Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:24 Overview: Expanded Core Curriculum1:21 Visual Learning6:08 What is the Expanded Core Curriculum7:41 9 Areas of the ECC8:57 Assistive Technology9:56 Orientation and Mobility10:03 Independent Living Skills10:50 Recreation and Leisure12:16 Sensory Efficiency13:08 Career Education14:00 Compensatory Skills14:26 Social Skills15:04 Self-Determination16:00 Robbin Clark from the TVI Symposium18:16 21st Century Expanded Core Practices19:26 Who is responsible for implementation?30:50 Teacher What Ifs💡 In This Episode:What Is the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)?: Learn why the ECC is essential, not “extra,” and how it supports students with visual impairments in developing independent living and academic success.Breaking Down the 9 ECC Areas: From assistive technology and orientation and mobility to recreation, compensatory skills, and social-emotional development, discover how each area builds toward holistic student growth.Implementation Tips for Every Educator: Get practical strategies to implement ECC goals into IEPs and daily instruction, even if you’re not the classroom teacher, plus how to collaborate effectively with TVIs and O&M specialists.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Have you ever wondered how blind or visually impaired individuals travel safely and independently? This video is your comprehensive guide to understanding orientation and mobility (O&M), a life-changing skillset taught by orientation and mobility specialists to people with visual impairments of all ages.⌚ Timestamps:0:00 Intro0:50 Overview0:40 What is Blindness?3:10 What is Orientation and Mobility?5:41 History of Orientation and Mobility7:20 Who receives O&M services?7:33 What skills are taught in O&M?18:26 Best way to receive O&M services24:30 How to become an orientation and mobility specialist?💡 In This Episode:What Is Orientation and Mobility?Discover the key differences between “orientation” and “mobility” and why both are vital for students who are blind or visually impaired to navigate their environments safely and independently.Who Receives O&M Training?From babies to seniors, O&M services are tailored to meet the needs of anyone with a visual impairment. Learn how skills are adapted by age and ability, and how O&M supports independence in real-world situations.How to Become an Orientation and Mobility SpecialistInterested in becoming an O&M professional? Kassy outlines the education paths, certifications, and the rewarding impact of becoming a teacher for the visually impaired specializing in mobility skills.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Discover how to make learning more engaging, inclusive, and accessible for students with multiple impairments including visual impairments (MIVI) using the latest in assistive and inclusive technology.⌚ Time Stamps:0:00 Introduction1:07 Digital Materials and Switch Access1:26 Introducing the Speaker: Roxanne Ayres2:34 List of Apps and Websites4:00 Tar Heel Gameplay5:03 Examples using Tar Heel Gameplay17:13 Boom Cards18:27 Examples of Boom Cards27:53 Sounding Board App29:17 Examples of Board App39:29 Q&A Session💡 In This EpisodeSwitch Access Technology in Action: Learn how students with MIVI can use switches to engage with adapted apps, games, and activities that support communication and independence.Digital Materials & Apps You Need to Know: Explore tools like TarHeel Gameplay, Boom Cards, and SoundingBoard that are designed for special education classrooms.Practical Tutorials & Real Examples: See how to use Sensory Light Box, TarHeel Reader, iPad accessibility features, and adapted books to support learners with CVI (Cortical Visual Impairment) and other complex needs.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us
Feeling unsure about how to support a student with a visual impairment? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. In this episode, I’ll walk you through 3 common mistakes teachers often make when working with blind or visually impaired students, and how to avoid them with confidence and care.⌚ Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:23 Overview01:28 Mistake #1: Not introducing yourself03:00 Mistake #2: Not understanding your student's visual impairment04:08 Mistake #3: Not knowing how to interact with your blind student05:08 Hand-UNDER-Hand Technique06:32 4 Ways to Prompt your students with Visual Impairment06:43 Join the Society of Exceptional Educators07:16 Outro💡 In This Episode:The Power of Introduction: Why introducing yourself every time builds trust and reduces anxiety for your student.Understanding Visual Impairments: How to learn about your student’s specific condition through research and direct communication.Respectful Physical Interaction: What to do instead of grabbing a student’s hand, and how to use the hand-under-hand technique the right way.Teaching with Confidence: Why it’s time to let go of “how it’s always been done” and use modern, empowering teaching strategies.Additional Resources:Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keysTexas Workforce Commission Video: Just Ask - Offering Guided Assistance to A Person Who Is Blind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QBYEw2WaL0Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Facebook: @exceptionaleducators.usInstagram: @exceptionaleducators.usLinkedIn: @exceptionaleducators-us#orientationandmobility #blind #teaching #teacher #education #educational #podcast #specialeducation #inclusiveeducation #visuallyimpaired #visualimpairment
Discover proven interventions and practical classroom techniques to support learners with cerebral palsy, cerebral visual impairment, and related visual processing challenges. In this video, we'll break down what is cerebral palsy and what is cerebral visual impairment, explore types of cerebral palsy, and explain the early signs of cerebral palsy in infants and CVI symptoms. ⌚ Time-stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:34 Overview of Discussion
2:00 What is Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)?
5:06 Common Visual Characteristic of CVI
6:20 What students with CVI experiences
6:29 What is Cerebral Palsy?
7:26 Common Cerebral Palsy Characteristics
9:41 The Link between Cerebral Palsy and Cerebral Visual Impairments
11:41 Common Signs of CVI in Children with CP
15:49 How Vision Affects Movement in Children with Cerebral Palsy
19:18 Educational & Support Strategies
22:42 Teaching Modifications for CVI and CP
25:05 Additional Resources
25:13 Outro 💡 In This Episode:Understanding CP & CVI: Learn what cerebral palsy and cerebral visual impairment are, including cerebral palsy symptoms, CVI symptoms, and how to identify cerebral visual impairment in children.Effective Educational Strategies: Discover classroom interventions, CVI-friendly activities, and techniques for CVI and sensory integration to support cerebral visual impairment and learning.Boosting Independence: Explore the role of assistive technology for cerebral palsy, vision therapy for CVI, and mobility and vision therapy to empower students with cerebral palsy in children and CVI to move independently and thrive academically.
Links to Additional Resources:
Cerebral Palsy Foundation: https://www.yourcpf.org
National Eye Institute: https://www.nei.nih.govCVI
Scotland: https://www.cviscotland.org
Cerebral Palsy Research Network: https://cprn.org
Paths to Literacy: CVI Learning Center: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/learning-center/cvi/How
Cerebral Palsy & CVI Work: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/learning-center/cvi/Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Facebook: @exceptionaleducators.usInstagram: @exceptionaleducators.usLinkedIn: @exceptionaleducators-us
The United States Department of Education is in the process of being dismantled—and as of March 2025, we're seeing sweeping changes that will impact educators, students, and families across the country.
In this podcast, I'll break down the facts in layman’s terms, providing both perspectives on this historical shift in US education policy.
⌚ Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:35 Overview
01:23 What's Happening to the US Department of Education?
02:08 Who is Linda McMahon?
03:35 The current events
04:19 Why this matters
05:10 Key Roles of the Department of Education
07:28 What Supporters Say - and What's missing
08:09 What's not being said
09:27 What Critics and Experts are Warning
12:18 Case in Point
14:58 What Happens Next?
17:52 Key Takeaway
18:53 What You Can Do
20:58 Where Do You Stand?
21:35 Outro
💡 In This Episode:
Why the Department of Education is Being Dismantled: A deep dive into the executive orders, the role of Linda McMahon, and what this means for teachers and students across the USA.
How It Impacts Special Education, Civil Rights & Equity: We explore the risks to special education funding, students with disabilities, and educational equity, plus how school vouchers may widen racial and economic gaps.
What You Can Do Right Now: Stay informed and take action! We talk about contacting your representatives, using tools like Five Calls, and how to advocate for inclusive education and equal rights to education in your community.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉
🌎 Why?
So you can:
✅ Meet educators who share your passion
✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies
✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&M
Register Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/
Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: @exceptionaleducators.us
Instagram: @exceptionaleducators.us
LinkedIn: @exceptionaleducators-us
Discover how blind and visually impaired students thrive in classrooms and beyond! In this episode, we explore how blind students learn and the essential strategies teachers and families can use to support learning without vision. If you're an orientation and mobility specialist, a special education teacher, or working in inclusive education, this conversation is for you!
💡 In This Episode:
How Blind Students Learn Without Vision: We break down how visually impaired students process information, adapt to the classroom environment, and utilize their other senses for learning.
Tools & Strategies for Teachers: Explore practical tips and techniques general education and special education teachers can implement to support blind students’ independence and academic success.
Why Orientation & Mobility Skills Matter: Learn how orientation and mobility training plays a key role in building confidence, independence, and success in and out of school.
🚀 Join the Society of Exceptional Educators: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/
💬 Have insights or questions? Drop a comment below, and let’s talk about how this should be addressed! ⬇️
🙏 Thanks for Watching! Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in and let’s dream big together for our students! 🎧
✨Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
🎁 Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Join the waitlist for next year's International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
📲 Follow Us on Social:
Facebook: @exceptionaleducators.us
Instagram: @exceptionaleducators_us
LinkedIn: @exceptionaleducators-us
🎧 Watch on Youtube: @exceptionaleducators
Learn about the roles of Orientation and Mobility Specialists in training paraeducators or paraprofessionals to become Orientation and Mobility Assistants based on the AER OMA Model Program. The Orientation and Mobility Assistant (OMA) Program has faced repeated challenges since the 1960s. Despite the need for orientation and mobility specialists to train orientation and mobility assistants, systemic issues have prevented its success.
In this episode, we explore the barriers and potential solutions to improve O&M training and services.📄 Read the Full AER Document: https://bit.ly/ModelProgramforUseofParaeducatorsinOrientationandMobility
⏱ Time Stamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:23 Overview
0:56 History of the O&M Assistant AER Program
2:41 Orientation and Mobility Specialists and their Capacity
3:15 Inside the AER Paraeducators in O&M Document
3:58 The Limitations and Barriers on the AER OMA Model Program
4:57 What can Paraprofessional teach and not teach
7:25 My thoughts on this
8:51 Future Curriculum on the AER Paraeducators in O&M
💡 In This Episode:
History & Challenges: Why past OMA programs failed due to funding issues, training limitations, and institutional barriers.
Current Barriers: The lack of full-time OMA positions, increasing workloads for O&M specialists, and the role of AER in training paraprofessionals.
Solutions & Best Practices: How structured teaching and a transdisciplinary approach can help O&M specialists train paraeducators effectively while preventing burnout.
🚀 Join the Society of Exceptional Educators: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/
💬 Have insights or questions? Drop a comment below, and let’s talk about how this should be addressed!
⬇️🙏 Thanks for Watching! Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in and let’s dream big together for our students! 🎧
✨Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
🎁 Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Join the waitlist for next year's International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&MSpecialists: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/📲
Follow Us on Social:
Facebook: @exceptionaleducators.us
Instagram: @alliedindependence
LinkedIn: @exceptionaleducators-us
Youtube: @exceptionaleducators
Ever wished you had a supportive teacher community that gets it? That's exactly why I started the Society of Exceptional Educators (SEE)-to connect, support, and share 21st century teaching strategies for students with visual impairments and disabilities. In this video, I'll share my journey, how SEE came to life, and how you can be part of this incredible society..
If you're a special education teacher, O&M specialist, or teacher of students with visual impairments (TSVI), you're in the right place!
💡 In This Episode:1️⃣ What is the Society of Exceptional Educators (SEE)?A place where O&M specialists, TSVIs, and special education teachers can find community, resources, and real support.2️⃣ How Online Professional Development is Changing the GameCan't travel for professional development? No worries! Learn how you can grow your skills from anywhere.3️⃣ Work-Life Balance for Educators & Avoiding BurnoutLet's talk about time management, teacher productivity, and burnout prevention-because you deserve a personal life too!🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉Sign up here: 👉 https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&M✅ Find real solutions for real challengesCheck out our FREE PDF on 5 Easy Ways to Increase Your Students' Independence: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keysDon't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!📢 Join the Conversation!Drop a comment below! Are you an O&M specialist, TSVI, or special education teacher? What are your biggest challenges in inclusive education? Let's chat! ⬇️💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us#specialeducation #podcast #educator #teacher #teachingopportunities #teacherdevelopment #visuallyimpaired #orientationandmobility #mobilitytraining #education #inclusiveeducation
In this insightful episode, we dive into essential teaching strategies for orientation and mobility specialists working with students who are blind or visually impaired. Frank Vanderpool shares practical advice on building student relationships, collaborating with classroom staff and parents, and preparing effective lessons to empower students with visual impairments.
💡 In This Episode:
Becoming an Orientation & Mobility Specialist: Discover the essential differences between theoretical learning and practical field experience, as Frank Vanderpool shares his journey from the Texas School for the Blind to becoming a trusted itinerant O&M specialist.
Knowing Students & Building Relationships: Learn effective strategies for engaging students with visual impairments, understanding their unique needs, and collaborating with classroom staff and parents for optimal learning outcomes.
Planning, Evaluations & Professional Insights: Gain expert tips on creative transportation solutions, planning effective IEP goals, conducting assessments, and navigating contracting and insurance as an O&M specialist.
Register for the 2025 International Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium:https://www.orientationandmobility symposium.com
Learn more about Clarity:https://bit.ly/Learn-about-Clarity
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Like what you see? Grab your free resources here:https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about inclusive education, this episode is packed with valuable teaching strategies and expert advice. Let’s make a positive impact on our students' lives! 🎧✨
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on content tailored for Orientation & Mobility specialists and Teachers of the Visually Impaired!
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips to share? Drop a comment below — we’d love to hear from you! ⬇️
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
January 29-31: International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:📸
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/📘 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
In this episode, we dive into the cutting-edge world of AI technology and its impact on Orientation and Mobility (O&M) for students with visual impairments. Join us as we explore Joe Nemargut and Yingzi Xiong's research on how AI is revolutionizing data collection, task performance measurement, and rehabilitation for the blind and low vision community. 💡 In This Episode:AI in O&M: Learn how AI is helping measure key features in environments and tasks, enhancing the work of O&M specialists.Revolutionizing Data & Measurement: Discover the importance of collecting data on students' capacity and performance to optimize rehabilitation.Collaboration in O&M Research: Explore how the research community, O&M specialists, and technology developers are working together for the benefit of the visually impaired.⌚ Time Stamps:0:00 Introduction2:00 Meet the Guests: Joe Nemargut & Yingzi Xiong6:02 Importance of Research in Orientation and Mobility14:10 Quantifying the Impact of Orientation and Mobility Assessments17:51 Using AI Assistive Technology in Assessments25:20 Technology in Orientation and Mobility32:56 Getting into Research36:30 Joe and Yingzi's Advice to Orientation and Mobility SpecialistsLate Registration for the International Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium is ongoing! Register here: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/Want to be a part of Joe and Yingzi's Research? Join here: https://jh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0O25YfqAGVRe70q?Q_CHL=qrWhether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in and let’s dream big together for our students! 🎧✨Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!📢 Join the Conversation! Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence#podcast #ai #visuallyimpaired #orientationandmobility #specialeducation #education #educational #blind #research #assistivetechnology
Camp Abilities is transforming the lives of children with visual impairments and shaping the future of Orientation and Mobility Specialists through impactful internships, research, and hands-on training.💡 In This Episode:The Vision Behind Camp Abilities: Discover how Dr. Lauren Lieberman started Camp Abilities to empower children with visual impairments through sports and activities.Internship & Research Opportunities: Learn how Ben Lytle and other Orientation and Mobility interns gain valuable experience and certification hours at Camp Abilities.Impact and Expansion: Hear about the life-changing effects of Camp Abilities on children and the ambitious plans to expand its reach worldwide.Register for the International Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.comCheck out Camp Abilities' website: https://www.campabilities.org/Whether you’re an educator, parent, or passionate advocate, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights. Let’s dream big for our students! 🎧✨Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss updates on Orientation and Mobility training, internships, and symposiums!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or experiences to share? Drop a comment below and let’s chat! ⬇️Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next episode! 👋Free Resources: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 Academic Calendar:January 29-31: International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 Follow Us on Social Media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence#orientationandmobility #specialeducation #visuallyimpaired #visualimpairment
In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of learning the Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP). Join Kassy as she sits down with two incredible Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), Rebekka Berry and Shannah, also an O&M Specialist, who are passionate about improving PLAAFPs, writing meaningful IEP goals, and supporting learners with visual impairments to achieve their full potential. ⌚Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:18 Meeting the Presenters3:21 School Districts in Texas3:41 Managing Household and Teaching6:38 Teaching Motivation in Special Education9:00 That ONE Student13:16 How to build trust with other teachers19:14 Shannah & Rebekka at the O&M Symposium22:54 Why TVIs and O&Ms struggle25:39 Nationals and International Issues27:22 What are PLAAFPs?29:01 Importance of PLAAFPs31:19 A Step Forward: Shannah and Rebekka's Advice💡 In This Episode:The Importance of PLAAP and Functional Goals: Discover the challenges and strategies for creating effective Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) and IEP goals tailored for students with visual impairments.Building Strong Relationships with Teachers and Parents: Learn how collaboration, trust, and teamwork empower special education teachers, parents, and orientation and mobility specialists to create impactful outcomes for learners with visual impairments.Insights from Rebecca and Shanna's Journey: Explore the inspiring stories of two Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), their passion for improving educational experiences for blind and low-vision students, and the practical strategies they’ve developed.👉 Register for the 2025 International Orientation and Mobility Symposium: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.comDon’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss the latest updates from Allied Independence on orientation and mobility training, teacher development, and skills for the visually impaired community.📢 Join the Conversation!Got questions or insights? Share them in the comments below. Let’s learn and grow together!Thank you for watching, and see you in the next episode! 👋Explore free resources here: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 Academic Calendar:January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium"📍 Conference for Orientation and Mobility Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 Follow Us on Social:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence#education #specialeducation #visuallyimpaired #visualimpairment #iep #plaafp #orientationandmobility #podcast #mobilitytraining #teachingstrategies
Let’s Talk About Aggressive Behaviors in Learners with Visual Impairments. We all have students we have a really hard time working with. And honestly, we as teachers should know how to handle that kind of situation, but how? In this episode, Kenalea Johnson and Ruthanne Garcia share an amazing yet simple technique to help us handle aggressive and withdrawn behaviors of our learners. It's so SIMPLE yet so POWERFUL.In this Episode:Meet Kenalea and Mimi: Learn about their inspiring journeys, Kenalea, a nurse for over 35 years turned orientation and mobility specialist, and Mimi, an O&M specialist since 2019 with a background as an intervener.Overcoming Challenges: Kenalea and Mimi share their personal struggles in transitioning careers, balancing responsibilities, and staying committed to their passion for education.The Power of Nature Sounds: Discover how their innovative strategy using nature sounds helps engage and regulate blind and visually impaired learners, showing transformative results across various environments.👉 Don’t miss out on the 2025 International Orientation and Mobility Symposium!https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.comWhether you’re an educator, parent, or someone passionate about supporting learners with visual impairments, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable tips. Let’s dream big and help every learner thrive!✨ Join the Conversation!Have questions or your own tips? Let’s chat in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you. ⬇️If this video resonated with you, don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔! Stay tuned for updates and new content from the TVI and O&M Symposiums.📅 Mark Your Calendars:January 29-31: International Orientation & Mobility Online SymposiumThe ultimate conference for O&M Specialists!https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 Let’s Connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependenceYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@alliedindependence
Thanks for watching! Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads. See you in the next video! 👋
Uncover how the EMVI App is transforming assistive technology for individuals with visual impairments using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Join Lorenzo and Haile, experts in occupational therapy and extensive experience with people with visual impairments, as they reveal the app's features, development journey, and practical applications to enhance independence.💡 In This Episode:Meet the Visionaries: Lorenzo and Haile discuss their journey in occupational therapy and share insights into developing the EMVI App.Key Features of EMVI: Learn how this AI-powered visual assistant simplifies daily tasks, navigation, and non-verbal communication for individuals who are blind, legally blind, or have low vision.Practical Demonstrations: Discover how the app works in real-world scenarios, from navigating bus stops to identifying colors and materials in art.Register for the 2025 International Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.comCheck out the EMVI App: https://www.emvi.aiWhether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone passionate about accessibility, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Tune in and let’s empower independence together! 🎧✨Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest updates about TVI and O&M Symposiums!💼 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads🗓 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence#podcast #education #specialeducation #assistivetechnology #orientationandmobility #occupationaltherapy #teacher #visuallyimpaired #visualimpairment #assistivetech #tools #mobilitytraining #blindness #mobileapp #artificialintelligence #ai
The future of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is evolving, and we're diving into a heated debate: Should Occupational Therapists (OTs) be ACVREP Certified?With only 3,037 active O&M Specialists in the U.S. and a growing population of individuals with visual impairments, collaboration between OTs and O&M professionals might be the key to addressing unmet needs. But how does this impact our roles, responsibilities, and leadership within the field?💡 In This Episode:Understanding the ACVREP Proposal: A deep dive into the certification process, mentorship requirements, and public comments shaping this potential shift in O&M training.Common Fears Among O&M Specialists: Exploring concerns about professional scarcity, job security, and the evolving roles in O&M education.The Game-Changing Solution: Discussing what could be the future of providing holistic services to individuals with low vision, blindness, or visual impairments.👉 Register for the 2025 International Orientation and Mobility Symposium: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.comDon’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss the latest updates from Allied Independence on orientation and mobility training, teacher development, and skills for the visually impaired community.📢 Join the Conversation!Got questions or insights? Share them in the comments below. Let’s learn and grow together!Thank you for watching, and see you in the next episode! 👋Explore free resources here: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 Academic Calendar:January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium"📍 Conference for Orientation and Mobility Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 Follow Us on Social:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence#teacher #educator #visuallyimpaired #ot #om #orientationandmobility #occupationaltherapy #career #teacherlife #visualimpairment #acvrep #debate #fyp #explore #education #sped #specialeducation #podcast
Let’s talk about the Cultural Barriers in Orientation and Mobility and How to overcome this with Multilingual Families of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Cultural and language barriers can significantly impact the education and support of blind and low vision students, especially those from multilingual families. In this episode, we’re diving into the importance of culturally responsive teaching and strategies for effective family engagement with Dr. Conchita Hernandez Legorreta.💡 In This Episode:The Role of Culture in Education: Discover how cultural and linguistic differences shape the experiences of multilingual families and their visually impaired students.Understanding Family Perspectives: Explore the challenges families face, from language barriers to feelings of exclusion, and learn how schools can create a more inclusive environment.Actionable Strategies for Teachers: Get practical tips for building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating inclusive family engagement events like the innovative "Total Queso the IEP."Register for the 2025 International Orientation and Mobility Symposium: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.comWant to reach out to Dr. Conchita Hernandez Legorreta? Contact us at theteam@alliedindependenceonline.com and we'll get you connected!Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss the latest updates from Allied Independence on orientation and mobility training, teacher development, and skills for the visually impaired community.📢 Join the Conversation!Got questions or insights? Share them in the comments below. How do you think Orientation and Mobility Specialists can break the cultural barriers to support our blind and low vision Students?Thank you for watching, and see you in the next episode! 👋Explore free resources here: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 Academic Calendar:January 29-31, 2025: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium"📍 Conference for Orientation and Mobility Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 Follow Us on Social:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
In the evolving field of orientation and mobility (O&M), the need to bridge the gap between residential programs and real-world application is critical. Join us in the newest episode with Kassy, alongside Leslie Hoskins and Erica Ihrke from the Leader Dogs for the Blind as they dive into the evolution of Orientation and Mobility and what's in store for the upcoming years as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist!💡 In This Episode:Changes in O&M Over the Years: Discover how the field of Orientation and Mobility has evolved to meet the lifelong needs of clients, adapting to new challenges such as changing traffic patterns and environmental dynamics.Benefits of Attending Leader Dogs’ Programs: Learn how immersive residential training and in-home support from Leader Dogs empower clients to gain confidence, independence, and practical travel skills. Hear inspiring client success stories!Future of O&M and Technology: Explore how wearable tech, self-driving cars, and other innovations are revolutionizing O&M practices while ensuring foundational skills remain central to client success.👉 Register for the 2025 Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium:https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com👉 Learn More About Leader Dogs’ Programs:https://www.leaderdog.org/programs/orientation-and-mobility/🔔 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell Icon!Never miss my latest content on O&M training, visual impairments, and more here on the Allied Independence channel.📢 Join the Conversation!Got questions or stories to share? Have you tried Leader Dogs' Programs? If Yes, feel free to drop them in the comments below—we are inspired by the stories you share!Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence#visuallyimpaired #visualimpairment #blind #education #educational #podcast #guidedog #orientation #mobility #mobilitytraining #teacher #skills #teaching #teachingstrategies #specialeducation #teachertraining
In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of culturally responsive teaching practices in Orientation and Mobility (O&M). Gain valuable insights from experienced orientation and mobility specialists around the world on how to create inclusive, effective learning environments that respect and integrate diverse cultural backgrounds.This is an excerpt from the 2024 Orientation and Mobility Symposium discussing Global Perspectives of Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices in Orientation and Mobility, presented by Dr. Molly Pasley, Jeremy Hill, Steve Widder, Oseas de Leon, Autumn Booth, and Angel Black.💡 In This Episode:Defining Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRTP): Learn the principles behind CRTP and how they empower Orientation & Mobility (O&M) specialists to tailor teaching approaches that honor diverse cultural backgrounds.Challenges in O&M Across Regions: Discover firsthand accounts of overcoming barriers in Guatemala, Alaska, and Australia, from environmental obstacles to cultural beliefs.Innovative Strategies for Success: Explore tools like culturally designed canes, community integration techniques, and the importance of family involvement in O&M training.
Disclaimer: This excerpt contains altered audio to protect the identity of our minor participant in this podcast. 🎥 Register for the 2025 Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.comWhether you’re an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about accessible education, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Let’s transform the future of mobility together! 🎧✨Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 to stay updated on the latest TVI and O&M Symposiums!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or insights to share? Drop a comment below—let’s connect! ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋📚 Free Resources: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 Upcoming Events:January 29-31: International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Connect with O&M Specialists worldwide.https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence#education #orientationandmobility #symposium #podcast #webinar #visuallyimpaired #culturallyresponsiveteaching #teacher #teacherstrategies #inclusiveeducation #explore #fyp
This episode is an excerpt from the 2021 International Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium, we dive into essential orientation and mobility (O&M) strategies tailored for wheelchair users with visual impairments. Join Scott Crawford as he shares expert insights on mobility training, teaching students how to navigate their environment safely and effectively. Whether you’re a teacher, orientation and mobility specialist, or someone passionate about inclusive education, this episode offers valuable tools to enhance mobility for people with visual impairment and multiple impairments.💡 In This Episode:Assessment: Learn how to evaluate a student's ability to operate their wheelchair, including techniques for safe stopping and wheelchair control.Navigating Tight Spaces: Discover effective strategies for maneuvering through narrow openings and making tight turns.Wheelchair Propulsion Techniques: Explore different propulsion methods, from using feet to alternating hand pushes, to enhance wheelchair mobility.Register for the 2025 International Orientation and Mobility Symposium: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in and let’s dream big together for our students! 🎧✨Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
Discover the top three essential tools every Orientation and Mobility Specialist needs in their toolkit!💡 In This Episode:
- The White Cane: Learn what an LPI is, how it affects pedestrian crossings, and why it’s crucial to understand it if you’re an O&M specialist or someone with a visual impairment.
- Tactile Maps: Explore how tactile and Wheatley maps help students navigate their environments with confidence.
- Smartphone Integration: Discover how to maximize GPS, magnification, and apps like Seeing AI to empower your learners.
👉 Register for the 2025 International Orientation and Mobility Symposium:
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com
Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate for people with visual impairments, this video is packed with actionable teaching tips and tools. Let’s work together to build independence for our students! 🎧✨
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss our latest updates on O&M classes, teaching tools, and resources for teachers!
📢 Join the Conversation!
What are your go-to tools for teaching orientation and mobility? Share in the comments below!
🎁 Free Resources:
Grab your free tools and lesson plans here: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 Academic Calendar:
📌 January 29-31: International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | A global conference for O&M Specialists!
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com
💌 Follow Us:
🌟 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
Crossing complex intersections can be daunting, but with accessible pedestrian signals (APS) and modern orientation and mobility strategies, learners with visual impairments can navigate these challenges confidently. In this episode, we dive deep into tools, techniques, and frameworks that every Orientation and Mobility Specialist needs to know. 🌍✨💡 In This Episode:Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) Basics: Understand how APS devices, like audible tones and tactile feedback, enhance accessibility and safety at intersections.Step-by-Step Intersection Navigation: Learn practical strategies to teach safe street crossings using APS, from analyzing traffic patterns to aligning for optimal crossings.Advocacy and Cutting-Edge Tools: Explore apps like OKO and Ped App, and learn advocacy tips to bring more APS to your community.⌚ Time-stamps:00:00 Introduction06:00 What you need to know first..10:42 Excerpt from the 2024 IOMOS22:17 What is an APS Device?23:32 APS Teaching Techniques42:10 How to Advocate👉 Register for the APS Devices Webinar:https://alliedindependenceonline.com/trainingWhether you’re an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about accessibility, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Let’s work together to empower our learners and make street crossings safer! 🎧✨Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below, and let’s chat about it! ⬇️Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at:👉 https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 29-31: International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | A must-attend for O&M Specialists!👉 https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependenceThank you for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋#visualimpairment #pedestriansafety #accessibility #orientationandmobility #assistivetechnology #mobilitytraining #community #advocacy #orientation #mobility #safety #podcast #education #educational #awareness #teacherlife #fyp #explore #explorepage #teacher #webinar
In this episode, we break down the complexities of Lead Pedestrian Intervals (LPI) and offer strategies for safely crossing intersections that include this traffic feature. As an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, I’ll guide you through the unique aspects of LPIs and provide insights into how to effectively navigate these intersections. This video is perfect for anyone working with people with visual impairments, from O&M specialists to individuals with visual impairments themselves!
💡 In This Episode:
- What is a Lead Pedestrian Interval?: Learn what an LPI is, how it affects pedestrian crossings, and why it’s crucial to understand it if you’re an O&M specialist or someone with a visual impairment.
- Crossing an LPI Intersection: We take a deep dive into crossing a Lead Pedestrian Interval intersection and provide practical tips for both O&M specialists and people with visual impairments.
- Teaching Strategies for O&M Specialists: Discover the best practices for teaching students how to cross intersections with an LPI safely and independently, even in the face of a traffic surge.
⌚ Time-stamps:00:00 - Introduction01:23 - What is an Accessible Pedestrian Signal?02:30 - Meg's Discussion about the LPI04:03 - Example of an LPI06:44 - Strategies of Navigating LPI
🎥 Watch the FULL Youtube Video here!
https://youtu.be/byQ1Sg28HEI
👉 Register for the APS Devices Webinar: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/training
Whether you're an educator, a parent, or just passionate about supporting people with visual impairments, this episode is full of valuable insights. Tune in and help make a difference in the lives of students with visual impairments!
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content related to orientation and mobility training, the O&M community, and much more!
📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about Lead Pedestrian Intervals, APS devices, and best practices for crossing intersections with visual impairments. ⬇️
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
We have personally dealt with the challenges presented by environmental inaccessibility as educators, advocates, and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists for people with visual impairments. Imagine being able to hear the traffic while crossing a busy street without any sensory information to help you do so safely. Since this is usually the case for those who are visually impaired, advocating for environmental accessibility and attentive traffic engineering plays a crucial role to our learners and their independence.💡 In This Episode:Understanding the Laws: ADA vs. MUTCDLearn about the key differences between ADA requirements (what must happen) and MUTCD guidelines (what should happen) and why these standards matter in accessible pedestrian crossings.Local-Level Advocacy TipsDiscover ways to connect with city traffic engineers, join local pedestrian groups, and use tools like the 311 app to report issues and create a paper trail for APS device improvements.State & Federal-Level Advocacy for Environmental AccessibilityWe’ll explore how to reach out to state bicycle and pedestrian coordinators, and connect with national organizations like Vision Zero and the Federal Highway Administration to push for change.Register for the APS Devices Webinar: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/trainingWhether you’re an educator, a parent, or simply passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in and let’s dream big together for our students! 🎧✨Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence#accessibilityawareness #visualimpairment #pedestriansafety #streetsafety #accessibility #orientationandmobility #inclusiveeducation #assistivetechnology #safetravel #mobilitytraining #urbanaccessibility #empowerment #community #advocacy #educationforall #crosswalk #safety #podcast #education #educational #awareness #teacherlife #youtubefeed #fyp #explore #explorepage #teacher
Ever wondered how people with visual impairments navigate complex intersections? In this video, we're breaking down the ins and outs of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) and how Orientation & Mobility Specialists teach these critical skills. Join us as we cover practical tips, challenges, and insights into APS devices, so you can help your students with visual impairments gain confidence and independence.
💡 In This Episode:
Understanding Parallel Traffic: Learn the importance of parallel traffic and how it assists visually impaired pedestrians when APS devices are in use.Complex APS Devices: Discover the nuances of APS devices, including lead pedestrian indicators and why students must sometimes rely solely on APS sounds at intersections.Teaching Challenges & Inconsistent Placement: Explore common challenges, from varying APS button placements to troubleshooting APS malfunctions, and learn strategies for effective orientation and mobility training.
Register for the APS Devices Webinar: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/trainingWhether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in and let’s dream big together for our students! 🎧✨
Don’t forget to LIKE and FOLLOW 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below, and let’s chat about it. ⬇️
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Like what you see/hear? Grab your FREE resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
January 29-31: International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence#accessibility #visualimpairment #pedestriansafety #streetsafety #disabilityawareness #orientationandmobility #inclusiveeducation #assistivetechnology #safetravel #mobilitytraining #urbanaccessibility #empowerment #community #advocacy #educationforall #crosswalk #safety #podcast #education #educational #awareness #teacherlife #youtubefeed #fyp #explore #explorepage #teacher
Have you ever wondered about those beeping sounds you hear at some crosswalks or seen people press buttons before crossing the street?
These signals, known as Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), are vital tools for people with visual impairments, helping them safely navigate intersections. But what exactly are they, how do they function, and do they always work as intended? Let’s explore the basics of APS and how they enhance safety.
💡 In This Episode:
- Accessible Pedestrian Signals 101: Discover what APS devices are and how they provide vital non-visual cues to assist individuals with visual impairments at intersections.
- How APS Works: Learn the simple, actionable steps to safely use an APS device, from finding the button to crossing with parallel traffic.
- Challenges and Solutions: Explore what to do when APS signals are out of sync with traffic, and how O&M specialists teach alternative strategies.
- O&M Advocacy and Education: Understand the role of O&M specialists in promoting better APS systems and teaching effective navigation techniques.
Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in and let’s dream big together for our students! 🎧✨
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
accessibility #visualimpairment #pedestriansafety #streetsafety #disabilityawareness #orientationandmobility #inclusiveeducation #assistivetechnology #safetravel #mobilitytraining #urbanaccessibility #empowermentthroughaccessibility #communityadvocacy #educationforall #crosswalk #safety #podcast #education #educational #awareness #teacherlife #youtubefeed #fyp #explore #explorepage #teacher
Hey everyone!In today’s video, we’re taking a moment to talk about White Cane Day—a day that holds a special place in my heart. 🌟The white cane isn’t just a tool; it symbolizes independence and empowerment for so many people. I’ll share some personal stories and experiences that really highlight its importance in our lives.Let’s learn together about how we can support our friends and loved ones in the visually impaired community. Your understanding and awareness can make a real difference!Thanks for joining me on this journey. If you enjoy the video, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!On a side note watch our Youtube Video to try out our Interactive White Cane Day Game called "Myth or Legend", click the end screen of the video to let yourself in for a treat!
Here's the link for the Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/Cdb8S66CbEg
Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in and let’s dream big together for our students! 🎧✨
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
whitecane #awareness #community #education #educational #interactive #teacher #teacherlife #whitecaneday #sped #specialeducation #inclusiveeducation #visualimpairment #visuallyimpaired #blindawareness #funfacts #learning
In this episode, we’re excited to host Julia Hutchinson, a leading expert in the field of visual impairment education, as we explore the power of creativity in teaching. Julia shares insights from her work, including key lessons from Clarity Workshops, where she helps educators innovate in the classroom. 💡 In This Episode:Creative Teaching in Action: How Julia Hutchinson Transforms Classrooms for Students with Visual ImpairmentsInsights from Clarity Workshops: Strategies to Empower Educators Through CreativityTools of the Trade: Innovative Resources for an Inclusive Classroom EnvironmentFostering Independence: Creative Approaches to Encourage Student Collaboration and Growth📌 Key Takeaways:Creativity as a Catalyst: Why Innovative Thinking is Crucial in Education for Students with Visual ImpairmentsClarity Workshops Wisdom: Practical Solutions for Implementing Creativity in Everyday TeachingEngagement and Inclusion: How Creative Strategies Can Elevate Classroom DynamicsEmpowering Students: The Role of Creativity in Building Independence and Collaborative SkillsWhether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence#teacher of the #visuallyimpaired #creativeteaching #inclusiveeducation #specialeducation #visualimpairment #teachingtips #creativestrategies #TVI #podcast #education #educational #awareness #teacherlife #creative #youtube #youtubefeed #fyp #explore #explorepage
Join us as we explore practical strategies for enhancing accessibility in your classroom environment. We dive deep into the importance of thoughtful decor, effective lighting, and smart organization to ensure that all students, especially those with visual impairments, can thrive in their learning spaces.🎯 Key Takeaways:Mindful Decor: Discover how to create a clutter-free environment that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. Lighting Solutions: Uncover the impact of lighting on learning. Organized Spaces: Find out how to organize your classroom efficiently. Tune in for these insights and more to help you cultivate an inclusive atmosphere in your classroom.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about making the most out of your own techniques in creating a great classroom for students with visual impairments! ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence#teacher #education #educational #students #visualimpairment #success #growth #productivity #specialeducation #inclusiveeducation #learn #classroom #modification #class #school #fyp #explore #explorepage
Welcome to another episode of A Step Forward and join us for an inspiring conversation with Kara Hecht, a passionate Adapted PE turned TVI with a wealth of experience working with students who have multiple impairments and visual challenges. Kara shares her journey of dreaming big for her students and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Discover how she creatively adapts activities like PE to ensure every student feels included and valued, no matter their challenges.
🔍 In This Episode:
- Adapting to Student Needs: Kara discusses her approach to integrating students with multiple impairments into everyday activities.
- High Expectations, Big Dreams: She emphasizes the power of high expectations and the importance of believing in every student’s potential.
- Collaboration Strategies: Learn how Kara collaborates with educators, overcoming resistance and finding innovative ways to work as a team.
- Creative Adaptations in PE: Hear about real-life examples of adapting routines, like using a gait trainer and an adapted bike to boost student participation in PE.
- Inspiring Others: Kara shares her strategies for leading by example and inspiring others to think big for their students.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
- Dream Big for Students: Assume they can achieve more than meets the eye.
- Collaboration is Key: Success comes from involving the whole team and recognizing each other's strengths.
- Break Routines for Progress: Don’t be afraid to shake up routines—new ideas can bring out the best in students and educators alike.
- Embrace Failure as Growth: It’s okay to fail—what matters is trying new things and learning from the process.
Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Plus, a sneak peek into Kara’s upcoming presentation at the TVI symposium, where she’ll share even more strategies for success. Tune in and let’s dream big together for our students! 🎧✨
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Sept. 19-20: "TVI Online Symposium" | Conference for TVI's
https://tvisymposium.com
January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
podcast #youtube #teacher #education #education #students #visualimpairment #success #growth #productivity #professionaldevelopment #visuallyimpaired #collaboration #inspiration #inspirational #specialeducation #inclusiveeducation #learn
Welcome to another episode of A Step Forward! In this episode, titled "The Art of Balancing Passion and Profession as a CVI Expert" we sit down with the incredible Lisha Yochimowitz, a seasoned Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) with over 25 years of experience. Lisha is also an expert in Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) but also serves as a content manager for Paths to Literacy, where she helps educators and families access valuable resources.
Lisha opens up about the unique challenges she faces in juggling her many roles—both as an educator deeply committed to her students and as a professional navigating the complexities of the education system. She shares her journey of finding a balance between her passion for teaching and the practical demands of her profession, offering valuable insights into the importance of setting boundaries, advocating for fair compensation, and prioritizing self-care.
🔍 In This Episode:
- Balancing Work and Personal Life as a TVI: Discover how Lisha and Kassy navigate the challenges of juggling multiple roles while staying connected to their students.
- Advocating for Fair Compensation: Learn why fair pay is essential for educators and how Lisha balances her passion for teaching with the need to earn a living.
- Setting Boundaries for Success: Hear Lisha’s strategies for creating boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring both areas thrive.
- Finding Joy and Purpose in Teaching: Lisha shares her love for teaching visually impaired students and the fulfillment she finds in her work.
- Building a Supportive Community in Special Education: Explore the importance of collaboration and support among educators, and how sharing ideas can lead to mutual growth.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
- Mastering Work-Life Balance with Boundaries: Setting clear boundaries is vital for maintaining a work-life balance and preventing burnout.
- Why Fair Compensation Matters: Advocating for fair compensation is not only necessary but also helps sustain long-term passion in the education field.
- Building a Strong Support Network: Building a supportive community among educators can lead to more effective teaching and personal fulfillment.
- The Key to Sustained Passion: Self-care and personal time are essential for staying centered and prepared for the challenges of teaching.
- Unlocking Growth Through Collaboration: Collaboration and sharing ideas with peers can enhance both personal and professional growth.
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about making the most out of your own techniques in work and life balance. ⬇️
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Sept. 19-20: "TVI Online Symposium" | Conference for TVI's
https://tvisymposium.com
January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
TVISymposium #AlliedIndependence #CVI #TVI #ProfessionalDevelopment #SpecialEducation #SelfAdvocacy #InclusiveEducation #VisualImpairment #StudentSupport #Education #Skills #Education #WorkLifeBalance #TeacherWellbeing #TeacherSupport #TeacherAdvocacy #podcast
In this episode, discover a simple yet powerful 3-part framework to become a more impactful teacher for students with visual impairments. Whether you’re a seasoned TVI, a parent, or new to the field, these strategies are designed to boost your learners' independence while helping you maintain a healthy work-life balance. No more pouring from an empty cup—these tips will empower both you and your students!
🎯 Key Takeaways:
Create Efficient Lesson Plans: Enhance your learners' skills while streamlining your teaching process.
Embrace 21st Century Techniques: Modernize your classroom and boost student engagement.
Build a Supportive Community: Foster collaboration and reduce teacher burnout.
If you’re ready to take your teaching to the next level and avoid burnout, this episode is for you. Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming TVI Symposium with exciting bonuses!
Check out the Full Podcast Video: https://youtu.be/fF2Qhf_3jR4
Click this link to register for the TVI Symposium: https://tvisymposium.com/#join-today
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Sept. 19-20: "TVI Online Symposium" | Conference for TVI's
https://tvisymposium.com
January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.youtube.com/@alliedindependence
spotify #podcast #education #teachers #visualimpairment #explorepage #youtube
The TVI Symposium has helped hundreds of TVI's around the United States become more impactful teachers. Explore the inspiring journey and insights of Rebecca Taylor, a highly skilled dual-certified orientation and mobility specialist and teacher for the visually impaired (TVI). Rebecca shares her experiences and practical strategies for teaching students with visual impairments, balancing professional and personal life, and embracing ongoing professional development.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Discover how Rebecca has tackled the diverse and complex needs of her students with visual impairments and her approach to adapting teaching methods.
- Learn about Rebecca's effective front-loading techniques to manage her workload and maximize productivity.
- Get insights into how Rebecca balances her demanding career with her role as a new mother, including practical tips for setting boundaries.
- Find out Rebecca's strategies for efficient time management, especially when working across multiple schools.
- Hear about Rebecca's challenges and strategies for returning to work after maternity leave.
- Understand the impact of the TVI symposium on Rebecca's professional development and her experiences with community support.
- See how Rebecca prepares for each new school year to meet the diverse needs of her students.
About the Guest:
Rebecca Taylor is a dual-certified orientation and mobility specialist and teacher for the visually impaired, bringing nearly eight years of dedicated experience to her role. Her deep commitment to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by students with visual impairments reflects her profound dedication to the field. Rebecca’s expertise goes beyond her professional accomplishments; she exemplifies a remarkable balance between her demanding career and personal life, particularly as a new mother. Her journey highlights not only her resilience and innovation but also her unwavering dedication to improving educational outcomes for students with visual impairments. Rebecca’s approach to teaching and personal growth serves as a powerful example of how passion and perseverance can drive meaningful change in visual impairment education.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rebecca for generously sharing her journey and insights. Her contributions provide invaluable inspiration and guidance to fellow educators who are striving to make a significant and positive impact in the field of visual impairment education.
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
See the whole podcast video on our Youtube Channel:https://youtu.be/2I6cdMdVdIM
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Sept. 19-20: "TVI Online Symposium" | Conference for TVI's
https://tvisymposium.com
January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
https://www.youtube.com/@alliedindependence
Welcome to another episode of A Step Forward with Carrie Williams, Director of Student Disability Services at Texas A&M University-Commerce, in “The Transition Skills Our Students with Visual Impairments are Missing”. Explore the complexities of preparing students with disabilities for the leap from high school to college. They discuss the vital differences between secondary and post-secondary education, the importance of collaboration with outside agencies, and the role of technology and self-advocacy in helping students, particularly those with visual impairments, succeed in higher education.
🔍 In This Episode:
- Understanding the Differences: Carrie explains the crucial differences between secondary and post-secondary education and why preparation is key.
- Empowering Student Advocacy: Learn the importance of teaching self-advocacy skills to help students with disabilities succeed in college.
- Making Smart College Choices: Get expert tips on choosing the right college based on size, layout, transportation, and accommodations for students with disabilities.
- Bridging the K-12 to College Gap: Kassy and Carrie highlight the importance of knowledge sharing between K-12 and post-secondary educators.
- Personalized Accommodations: Discover how to treat accommodations as access points that empower students to take responsibility for their learning.
- Preparing for the Future: Understand the importance of early connection with disability services to ensure students are fully supported from day one.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
- Empowerment Through Advocacy: The importance of teaching students with disabilities to advocate for themselves in a college setting.
- Collaboration and Resources: The need for educators to connect with local agencies and vocational rehabilitation services to equip students with the necessary tools for independence.
- Adapting to Technology: Emphasizing both high-tech and low-tech solutions to meet the diverse needs of students.
- Personalized Support: Tailoring support to the unique needs of each student, ensuring accessibility and a focus on lifelong learning.
Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
See the whole podcast video on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xWtdkOvR1i0
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about making the most out of your online presentations. ⬇️
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Sept. 19-20: "TVI Online Symposium" | Conference for TVI's: https://tvisymposium.com
January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists: https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
In this episode, we explore Laura’s remarkable transition from a business career to becoming a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI). Her journey is a powerful example of how personal experiences and a passion for helping others can lead to a deeply fulfilling career in special education.
In This Episode:
- Learn how Laura’s volunteer work with visually impaired children ignited her passion for special education.
- Understand how Laura’s own experiences with visual impairment have shaped her empathetic and effective teaching approach.
- Gain insights into Laura’s training at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and how it prepared her for success.
- Explore Laura’s innovative strategies for teaching Braille, particularly to early learners.
- Discover how Laura works closely with paraprofessionals and adapts her teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of her students.
Key Takeaways:
- Laura’s shift from business to special education highlights the power of following your passion.
- Personal experiences can enhance your ability to connect with and support yourstudents.
- Teamwork with paraprofessionals and parents is crucial in providing comprehensive support to visually impaired students.
Don’t forget to Follow us 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop acomment below and let’s chat about making the most out of your online presentations. ⬇️
Thanks for listening, and see you in the nextepisode! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Sept. 19-20: "TVI Online Symposium" | Conference for TVI's
https://tvisymposium.com
January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
In today’s fast-paced digital world, creating an engaging online presentation is more challenging than ever. As distractions compete for your audience’s attention, it's crucial to craft a presentation that not only captivates but also maintains interest. Whether you’re preparing for the TVI Symposium with Allied Independence or another online event, these expert tips will help you deliver a standout presentation.
In this episode:
- Discover why compelling content is the backbone of any successful online presentation, especially for events like the TVI Symposium.
- Learn how to use high-quality visuals and interactive elements to keep your audience engaged and invested in your presentation.
- Explore creative methods beyond traditional slides, including dynamic formats and alternative media, to make your presentation memorable.
- Get tips on optimizing your lighting, audio, and background to ensure a professional and distraction-free presentation.
- Get actionable advice on how to review guidelines, submit your proposal, and effectively engage youraudience to make your mark at the upcoming TVI Symposium and O&M Symposium
Don’t forget to Follow us 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop acomment below and let’s chat about making the most out of your online presentations. ⬇️
Thanks for watching, and see you in the nextvideo! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Sept. 19-20: "TVI Online Symposium" | Conference for TVI's
https://tvisymposium.com
January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
Welcome to Season Seven of our podcast! We’re kicking off this season with an extraordinary guest, Ruby, whose dedication and innovative approach in the field of education for visually impaired students is truly inspiring.
In this episode, we dive into Ruby’s remarkable journey from her early beginnings in the Philippines to her impactful career in Indiana. With over twenty years in education and twelve years dedicated to teaching visually impaired students, Ruby’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and profound commitment.
In This Episode:
- From volunteer work in the Philippines to becoming a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) in Indiana, Ruby’s career is a testament to adaptability, passion, and commitment.
- Discover how Ruby’s love forlanguages led her to master Braille and earn the Library of Congress UEBBraille Transcriber certification, significantly impacting her teaching carreer.
- Learn about Ruby’s transition from an assistant teacher to a full-fledged TVI, overcoming challenges with her international credentials along the way.
- Explore how Ruby’s innovative use of OneNote has transformed her workflow as an itinerant teacher, enhancing her ability to support students effectively.
- Ruby shares her approach to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of self-care in sustaining her effectiveness as an educator.
- Ruby offers valuable insights and encouragement for TVIs and educators dedicated to supporting visually impaired students.
We’re grateful to Ruby for sharing her inspiring story and valuable insights. We hope this episode motivates andenlightens you as we continue to explore the incredible world of education.Stay tuned for more engaging discussions in Season Seven!
Don’t forget to Follow🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about making the most out of your online presentations. ⬇️
Thanks for listening, and see you in the nextepisode! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Sept. 19-20: "TVI Online Symposium" | Conference for TVI's
https://tvisymposium.com
January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
Welcome to Season Seven of A Step Forward!
I’m thrilled to kick off this new chapter and share the exciting developments we have in store. After a hiatus to reflect on how we can better serve you, we’re back with fresh perspectives and dynamic content. This season is all about engaging with you in new ways and providingmore immediate, relevant content.
In this episode, we cover:
- I explain my recent hiatus from podcasting, the reflections it sparked, and how it led to a desire to pivot our approach for more immediate relevance.
- We’re integrating YouTube into our offerings, moving to a video format to provide shorter, bite-sized content that you can access anytime.
- A look at how I navigated the IEP evaluation process and the decision to embrace new interests, including attending a Latin dance conference to reignite my passion and creativity.
- Exciting developments for Season Seven, including YouTube integration for more accessible content, and upcoming events like the TVI Symposium on September 20th and 21st, and the O&M Symposium in January.
- Insights on the evolving landscape of education, emerging leadership, technological advancements, and the importance of community building. Plus, strategies for a successful year, including time management, engaging in conversations, team alignment, and mastering crucial conversations.
Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the podcast, there’s something for everyone this season .I’m excited about the possibilities this season holds and hope you find these updates and strategies helpful. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and connect with me on social media. Your feedback and support mean the world to me.
Don’t forget to Follow us so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on the TVI and O&M Symposiums!
📢 Join the Conversation!
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about making the most out ofyour online presentations. ⬇️
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next episode! 👋
Like what you see/hear? Grab your free resources at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/free-downloads
📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Sept. 19-20: "TVI Online Symposium" | Conference for TVI's
https://tvisymposium.com
January 29-31:"International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" |Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/alliedindependence/
https://www.facebook.com/alliedindependence
AStepForward #PodcastSeasonSeven #YouTubeIntegration #EducationUpdates #TVISymposium #OMSymposium #LatinDance #CommunityBuilding #ProfessionalGrowth
Welcome to another episode of A Step Forward with Laura Jones in "The Empowering Shift from Business to Braille," where we dive deep into the world of educational transformation through the lens of teaching visually impaired and neurodivergent students. In this compelling episode, our speaker—Laura Jones—shares their unique journeys and offers profound insights into fostering an inclusive learning environment.
🔍 In This Episode:
- Career Transition: Follow Laura’s shift from business to becoming a dedicated Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI).
- Personal Journeys: Discover Laura’s experiences overcoming challenges and finding inspiration through volunteering and immersive programs.
- Teaching Braille: Learn about the techniques used to teach Braille to young learners and support neurodiverse students.
- Empathy in Education: Explore how an empathetic, student-centered approach helps address neurodivergent learners’ needs and promotes their success.
- Inclusivity and Connection: Understand the importance of peer connections and inclusivity in education for students with lower vision.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
- Overcoming Challenges: Insightful strategies for dealing with slow progress and low morale among Braille learners.
- Building Confidence: Techniques for motivating students and reinforcing their progress with positive feedback.
- Continuous Growth: The value of ongoing self-reflection and adapting teaching methods to better meet student needs.
- Long-Term Impact: Hear how the foundational skills and support provided at a young age can shape a student's future academic and personal achievements.
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Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about making the most out of your online presentations. ⬇️
Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋
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📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:
Sept. 19-20: "TVI Online Symposium" | Conference for TVI's
https://tvisymposium.com
January 29-31: "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialists
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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Welcome to Part 2 of "Global Perspectives on Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices in O&M with Molly Pasley and Panelists." Having laid the groundwork in Part 1, we now shift our focus to the practical aspects. How do we embody a culturally responsive orientation and mobility approach?
Exploring the diverse facets of independence for learners, we delve into the barriers, varied perspectives, and effective strategies to achieve these goals. And yes, we might finally uncover what happened with Uncle Steve!
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Explore the rich tapestry of Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) on this insightful podcast episode with Molly Pasley and a distinguished panel, originally presented at the International O&M Symposium last January 24-26, 2024.
This podcast episode offers a global perspective on inclusive education, exploring strategies and insights that transcend borders.
Join us as we transform symposium discussions into an engaging audio experience, unraveling the universal impact of culturally responsive teaching in O&M.
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In this episode, join us in a captivating conversation with the brilliant Julia Hutchinson, an esteemed expert in education and creativity. Dive deep into the world of teaching as Julia shares invaluable insights on "Developing Creative Lesson Plans."
Whether you're an experienced educator looking to revitalize your teaching approach or a newcomer seeking guidance, this episode provides actionable tips and innovative ideas to elevate your lesson planning game. Tune in and be inspired to create an educational environment that sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a love for learning.
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Explore the global impact of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) education in this podcast episode featuring Jay Whipple, a distinguished O&M specialist based in the United States. Join us as Jay shares his transformative experience collaborating with the Baseera Foundation to empower aspiring O&M professionals in the dynamic city of Cairo.
Tune in now and join us on a virtual journey through the streets of Cairo, exploring the boundless possibilities of expanding the O&M profession on a global scale.
To delve deeper into the Baseera Foundation, check out their website below.
https://baseerafoundation.org/
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Join us in this exciting podcast episode as we explore practical strategies for maximizing your time as an O&M specialist. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field, Kassy shares invaluable insights on time management, efficient planning, and leveraging technology to enhance your effectiveness.
Discover how to streamline your workflow, prioritize tasks, and strike the perfect balance between precision and flexibility in your role. Your journey to mastering the art of time optimization begins right here!
Don't miss out on tomorrow's O&M Online Symposium! Secure your spot for a day of learning and growth!
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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Dive into a compelling podcast episode as we explore the intricacies of navigating the world of dual sensory impairments with the esteemed audiologist, Amber Kasten. Join us in uncovering the challenges, triumphs, and innovative solutions within the realm of visual and hearing impairments.
Amber shares her wealth of expertise, emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and the importance of personalized care. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on transformative healthcare practices and fostering a more inclusive community.
Unlock new perspectives and elevate your skills in orientation and mobility—register now for the International O&M Symposium 2024 and be part of a global community shaping the future of accessibility and inclusion!https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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Get ready for a cozy chat with the amazing Michaela Smith in our latest podcast episode. We're diving into the world of Early Childhood Orientation and Mobility, focusing on kiddos with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and multiple disabilities.
Michaela spills the beans on her experiences, drops some practical wisdom, and even shares a few heartwarming stories. Whether you're a parent navigating these waters or just curious about making the little ones more independent, this episode is your go-to guide for insights and good vibes. Tune in and let's learn together!
Don't miss out on the knowledge-sharing extravaganza! Register now for the upcoming International O&M Online Symposium and join the global community in expanding our understanding of Orientation and Mobility.
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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Kick off the new year with an insightful podcast episode that explores the empowering journey of introducing canes to learners with multiple impairments. As we embrace the possibilities of a fresh start, join us in uncovering the impactful intersections of independence, mobility, and inclusive learning in the lives of learners with diverse abilities. Start the year with inspiration and valuable insights for fostering a more inclusive educational environment.
Secure your spot now and join us for an enriching experience – register for our upcoming webinar and empower yourself with valuable insights!https://alliedindependenceonline.com/training
Unlock knowledge, connect with experts, and broaden your horizons – register now for the International Online O&M Symposium and embark on a learning journey like never before!https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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Get ready to ditch the "I can't" attitude because this episode is a game-changer! We've got the one and only Evan Schwerbrock spilling the beans on his fitness program for the visually impaired.
Think of it as your backstage pass to a workout revolution where obstacles become stepping stones, and dumbbells are your new BFFs. Let's redefine fitness together – because who said you need 20/20 vision to crush those fitness goals?
Unlock a world of knowledge and collaboration—register now for the International Online O&M Symposium and join the global community in advancing Orientation and Mobility expertise from the comfort of your screen!https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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Step into a world of empowerment and resilience with our latest podcast episode, where we embark on a captivating journey of self-discovery.
Buckle up for an adventure into the heart and soul of identity, where Cindy Bachofer's narrative becomes a compass guiding us towards a more inclusive and understanding tomorrow. Get ready to feel inspired, uplifted, and perhaps, see the world a little differently!
Click the link below to explore more of Cindy's online learning site and teaching telescope skills:
https://www.tsbvi.edu/statewide-resources/professional-development/online-learning?k=telescope&t=
Don't miss out on a transformative learning experience! Register today for the upcoming Online Orientation and Mobility Symposium and elevate your skills in navigating the world with confidence. See you there!
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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In this eye-opening repost episode, we delve deep into the perplexing challenge faced by educators and learners alike – the reasons why progress seems to hit a plateau.
Tune in to discover actionable strategies that empower educators to overcome obstacles and foster an environment conducive to continuous improvement. Don't let your learners miss out on the progress they truly deserve – it's time to unlock the gates to limitless learning!
Unlock the doors to knowledge and innovation by registering now for our upcoming online symposium – where ideas converge, insights flourish, and connections thrive. Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformative learning experience!"
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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Join us in this enlightening episode as we embark on a journey to explore the intricacies of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) education in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand. Our special guest, Carina Duke, a seasoned professional in the field, will be our guide through the unique challenges and triumphs of teaching O&M in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
It's a laid-back conversation full of insights, laughs, and maybe a few unexpected twists—because, after all, navigating O&M in Kiwi territory has its own unique flavor! Tune in for a chat that's as easygoing as a stroll through Aotearoa itself.Elevate your expertise and connect with O&M professionals worldwide – seize the opportunity to learn, share, and grow by registering for the International O&M Symposium today!
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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Dive into the dynamic universe of O&M as we unravel the hidden gems of mobility expertise – three intermediate strategies that transform the art of getting around into a symphony of empowerment.
This episode is a celebration of skill, independence, and the magic that happens when O&M specialists become navigational wizards. Get ready to be inspired, as we take a leap beyond the basics into a world where mobility is not just a journey but a thrilling adventure!
Don't miss out on the chance to connect, learn, and shape the future of mobility! Regular registration for the International Orientation and Mobility Symposium is open – secure your spot now and join us in advancing the field together!https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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Sara Leal, a passionate expert who is dedicated to improving the lives of visually impaired individuals across Portugal, shares her inspiring journey of becoming an O&M specialist and the profound impact she has made in the lives of individuals with visual impairments. Sara's experiences and insights offer a valuable perspective on how Portugal is working towards greater accessibility and inclusivity.
Join us for a captivating conversation about the power of O&M in Portugal, the incredible individuals making a difference, and the steps being taken to ensure that everyone can confidently and independently explore the diverse and enchanting landscapes of this captivating country.
Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and connection by registering today to be a part of the International Orientation and Mobility Symposium – join us in shaping a brighter future for individuals with visual impairments!
https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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How does one transform a group of individuals into a tightly-knit, harmonious team with a shared vision of empowering those with visual impairments?In this inspiring episode. we sit down with an amazing O&M Specialist, Melina Murray, to uncover the secrets behind cultivating a truly collaborative team. Join us for an insightful discussion as we uncover the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that have defined Melina's path.Unlock new horizons in the field of Orientation and Mobility – secure your spot at the upcoming O&M Symposium by registering today and join us in a journey of learning and growth!https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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In this enlightening podcast episode, we revisit the complex world of O&M specialists as they tackle the unique challenges of helping teenagers with visual impairments enhance their orientation and mobility skills. Tune in as Erin Buckley, a seasoned O&M expert, shares her experiences, insights, and strategies in guiding visually impaired adolescents towards greater independence.
Registration for our upcoming O&M Symposium will start on November 2! Don't miss the opportunity to expand your expertise and make a lasting impact on visually impaired students!https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/
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In the world of education, where passion and purpose often drive the work, financial matters can sometimes take a back seat. However, it's essential for teachers to have the knowledge and strategies to make the most of their income, ensuring they not only survive but truly thrive in their careers.
Today, we're diving into the art of budgeting for teachers, unveiling practical insights, and money-saving techniques to help you have more money on your hands. Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the path to a more secure and fulfilling financial future!
Join our community by following us on our social media accounts today! Together, we can continue to learn, grow, and support one another on this exciting journey.
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In the world of education, the word "data" often elicits groans, eye rolls, and a sense of overwhelming dread. Teachers are no strangers to the mountains of data they need to collect, analyze, and report on a daily basis. But fear not, dear educators, because in this episode, we're going to help you transform data from the dreaded four-letter word into a powerful ally in your teaching journey.
Tune in as Kassy Maloney reveal how to break free from the time-consuming data grind, regardless of the size of your caseload. Learn how to unlock more your teaching potential. Don't miss this empowering episode!
Join the conversation and stay inspired by following us on our social media accounts. Your educational journey is just a click away!
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Discover the art of teaching beyond the visual realm, where imagination and innovation take center stage. Julia Hutchinson, our Clarity Coordinator, shares her wisdom and experiences that provide valuable guidance for educators and anyone interested in the transformative potential of creative teaching methods. Her stories of empowerment and inspiration will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the unique perspectives in teaching visually impaired students.
Listen in to learn how Julia Hutchinson's journey can inspire you to unlock your own creative potential as a teacher, making a positive difference in the lives of those you educate.
Stay connected with us by following our social media accounts for the latest updates and engaging content!
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Get an exclusive glimpse into the transformative discussions, innovative strategies, and inspiring stories that left a lasting impression from this year's TVI Online Symposium and gain valuable takeaways that could shape your own perspective on the future. Whether you're a seasoned expert in the field, a student, or simply curious about the world of visual impairment education, this episode offers valuable insights and a unique perspective on the symposium's impactful discussions.
Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges and triumphs in the field of visual impairment education and discover how the symposium has ignited fresh perspectives and ideas.
Stay updated on the latest trends, insights, and inspiration by following us on our social media accounts – join our community today and be part of the conversation!
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Picture a world where artificial intelligence becomes the guiding light for those who navigate our streets without sight. In this podcast episode, let us delve into the innovative work being done by one of the founders of OKO, Michiel Janssen, a visionary in the field of artificial intelligence and computer vision.
Let us discover how he and his team provide AI solutions that revolutionize the way visually impaired people interact with their urban environment, particularly at street crossings.
Join our vibrant community and stay in the loop by following us on our social media channels today!
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Being a teacher of students with visual impairments or an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist is a profoundly rewarding profession. You have the privilege of shaping the lives of those who rely on your guidance and expertise to navigate a world designed primarily for sighted individuals. However, just like any other profession, there are days when the challenges seem insurmountable, and the emotional toll feels heavy.
Join us in this insightful podcast episode as we discover different coping strategies for those inevitable tough days in the classroom. From unexpected setbacks to emotional fatigue, we discuss how to stay resilient, nurture a positive mindset, and find renewed inspiration to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of visually impaired students.
Unlock a world of knowledge and inspiration by registering for our upcoming TVI Online Symposium – an opportunity you won't want to miss!
https://tvisymposium.com
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In this enlightening podcast episode, we unravel the much awaited TVI Online Symposium. Join us as we break down what this symposium is all about, its intended audience, and who might find it less relevant. Discover the ins and outs of this transformative event designed for educators dedicated to visual impairment education.
We'll explore the symposium's goals, offerings, and the kind of professionals who can benefit most from it. Equally important, we'll discuss who this symposium might not be the best fit for, ensuring that participants can make informed decisions about their involvement.
Whether you're considering attending or just curious about this impactful event, tune in for a comprehensive overview that answers the key questions about the TVI Online Symposium.
Registration is still ongoing, and don't miss the opportunity to expand your expertise and make a lasting impact on visually impaired students!
https://tvisymposium.com
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In this enlightening episode, join us as we sit down with Roxanne Ayres, a passionate advocate and expert in special education. Roxanne delves into the fascinating world of using switches as assistive technology to enhance communication for learners with visual and multiple impairments.
Gain valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories that highlight the transformative impact of assistive technology in education and beyond.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to register for the TVI Online Symposium to expand your knowledge and network!https://tvisymposium.com
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For individuals with visual impairments, navigating life's changes can present unique challenges. Transitioning from one phase of life to another can be daunting, whether it's moving from education to the workforce, adapting to new life circumstances, or pursuing your passions.
Melisa Matthews and Lee Huffman, experts from APH Connect Center, brings a wealth of experience in empowering individuals with vision impairments to conquer these transitions confidently. Whether you're a student stepping into a new academic phase or someone transitioning to the professional world, these experts will provide you with the tools you need to thrive.
Tune in to gain inspiration, gather actionable advice, and embrace the incredible impact that mastering transition skills can have on your journey. Join us on this empowering episode to elevate your life!
You will also hear more from them in our TVI Online Symposium this September so don't forget to register today!
https://tvisymposium.com
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How can we weave the threads of language, culture, and accessibility into a tapestry of learning that empowers English language and multilingual learners with visual impairments to not only overcome challenges, but also reshape the landscape of education?
In this episode, accompany us as we delve into a conversation with Conchita Hernandez, the visionary behind METAS (Mentoring, Engaging, and Teaching All Students), a non-profit organization that trains educators in Latin America that work with blind or low-vision students and other disabilities. Let us all gain insights into creating an inclusive classroom that embraces linguistic diversity and visual challenges not as hindrances, but as wellsprings of resilience and innovation.
We will also learn more from her in our TVI Online Symposium so guarantee your place by registering today!
https://tvisymposium.com
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In this inspiring podcast episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Roberta Becker and Tamara Black, the authors of innovative books about Braille reading.
Join us as we sit down with the creative minds behind this unique publication, exploring the motivation and vision that led to its creation. Discover the authors' personal journey and experiences in the world of Braille, along with the impact they hope to make with this educational resource.
Register and save your slot today for the Online TVI Symposium!
https://tvisymposium.com
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Do you struggle with getting the teachers you work with to actually follow through with your ideas?
The TVI Symposium Planning Committee is proud to share this Bonus episode of the webinar, “What’s Working for TVI’s”. Join our expert panelists to discover innovative strategies for collaboration, creating routines for your learners with multiple impairments, and getting the learners with multiple impairments more involved in general education activities.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION for the TVI Symposium is now open!
https://tvisymposium.com
Register today before prices go up on July 27th!
We’re already here with the third part of our exciting collaboration series! In this episode, we are going to talk about some of the simple strategies on how to get teachers to listen.
I hope you enjoyed our previous episode with our O&M Specialist, a true gem – Rebecca Taylor!
Don’t miss the workshop designed to increase your learners’ routines and your collaboration strategies on July 20! Learn More at: alliedindependenceonline.com/training
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In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the power of collaboration between O&M specialists and classroom teachers, uncovering the invaluable strategies and insights that we can use to effectively meet the needs of our learners.
Join us in this conversation with Rebecca Taylor, a dually certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility specialist, as she shares her collaboration strategies and how they can be helpful in unlocking the full potential of our learners.
Don’t miss the workshop designed to increase your learners' routines and your collaboration strategies on July 20! Learn More at: alliedindependenceonline.com/training
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How can we move from a multidisciplinary approach to a transdisciplinary approach? What are the secrets to getting our teacher-peers to collaborate with us?
Join Kassy Maloney for a 3 part series as we dissect how you can become a better collaborator and support the teachers you work with.
Don’t miss the workshop designed to increase your learners routines and your collaboration strategies on July 20! Learn More at: alliedindependenceonline.com/training
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Is Blindsquare still a good GPS app to use with learners with visual impairments? What length of cane should I use with wheelchair users?
Kassy Maloney, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, answers your questions, live! Whether you're a teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI), O&M Specialist, or anyone else in the world of visual impairments, this episode covers an array of topics that will help you become a better teacher.
SAVE THE DATE:
Free Workshop- What's Working for TVI's: Working with Students with Multiple Impairments. Happening July 20 live. A replay is available. Register HERE!
LINKS:
Orientation and Mobility for Wheelchair Users by APH
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When we look at how to be an impactful teacher, I notice that the best teachers only focus on 3 key areas. In this conversation, Diyana Ahmad, a visionary TVI in Malaysia shows us how she helps her learners with Cortical and Cerebral Visual Impairments (CVI) in unique ways.
We also share:
- How she balances work & pleasure while traveling
- A Tiered system for creating tactile graphics
- What a day in the life of a teacher of students with visual impairments in Malaysia looks like.
SAVE THE DATE!
Our upcoming webinar, "What's Working for TVI's: Students with Multiple Impairments" is happening July 20th.
The TVI Online Symposium is coming up on September 21-22, 2023.
Register for the waitlist to be the first to get information on both the webinar and the conference as they come up!
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Welcome back to the podcast my friends! I’m so excited to bring you the episode this week as we have Katie Ericson as a guest in the podcast! Katie is currently a PhD student in Special Education at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. She’s going to share one of her very interesting journeys where she had the chance to go and teach in Japan. She is particularly interested in providing effective distance consultation for students with visual impairments, developing meaningful professional development for TSBVI and O&M specialists and physical activity and recreation for individuals with visual impairments.
Let’s hop on to the show!
Links:
Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Teaching students with visual impairments has changed exponentially over the past few decades. How did the implementation of IDEA affect learning for students with visual impairments? Have we gone too far with inclusion? What role do parents play in the success of their children with visual impairments? What are some of the mistakes that vocational programs often make?
We are diving into all of these questions with CTVI & COMS, Jill Brown.
FREE ECC LESSON PLAN BUNDLE:
Plan your next 5 ECC lessons – in 5 minutes or less!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
July 20th- "What's Working for TVI's: Working with Students with Visual & Multiple Impairments" free CEU webinar.
September 21 & 22- First Annual TVI Online Symposium!
Get more information at https://alliedindependenceonline.com.
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It’s been 15 years since I started teaching and I remember my experience when I was a first year teacher where I didn't really know what I was doing. Well, in today’s episode, I will be sharing about a few things that I would like to change if I could go back to being a first year teacher and maybe these things could help you first year teachers out there, or even give you an idea on how you can be a better teacher.
Links:
Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Now that the O&M's Symposium has ended, in this week's episode, we bring you a replay of last year's episode all about turning your ideas into impactful teaching strategies and how we can keep the moment right after a conference. This episode can be a refresh of information on what you could do with all the knowledge and strategies that you learned from the symposium.
If you're ready, let's get right into the episode!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
In this week’s episode, we will be talking all about teaching from a transdisciplinary model. We’re excited to have Martina and Hrvoje from Croatia. They both work in a center called Mali Dom together in a transdisciplinary model for the students. They’ll be sharing about who they are and how they teach their students to ensure that their students can live a better life.
Let’s hop right into the podcast!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Mali Dom, Website
Happy Valentine’s Day my friends! In this week’s episode, we are getting a little bit personal. I will be sharing a little bit about my dating life because I’ve been really looking at myself and had some time to reflect on teaching in general. So grab your cup of tea or coffee, whichever drink you prefer and come join me for this episode!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
As we have just ended the O and M Symposium, in this week’s episode, I will be sharing my 6 key takeaways from the Symposium itself. It was such a magical moment where we really manage to hone into three specific areas within the symposium. And really listening to you guys, looking at what you guys would want to see and what you guys would like to learn about. As I share about the key takeaways, I will also be sharing clips from the presentation that you can listen to. So without further ado, let’s get into the show.
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
In this week’s very special episode, we have Kim Owens with us! Kim is a chronically-ill woman living with multiple immune diseases. She’s a mother who’s navigating through the process of taking care of one of her children, named Kai, who lost his sight unexpectedly at the age of 10. This episode is a conversation with a mother and her story is just incredibly inspiring. You’ll get to hear her perspective as well as gain really good advice that Kim shared throughout the conversation.
This episode is something you should not miss out so hop on now!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Navigating Blindness, Website | Instagram | Facebook
In this week’s episode, we’re so excited to bring Lynn Geautraux to you guys! Lynn is also going to be a presenter at the symposium. He self-published his book called Comprehensive Cane Tip and AMD Modifications, Design and Refurbishing where he shared all his knowledge and his many years of experience in tinkering with AMDs which we can learn from and even hear about it in person during his symposium presentation that’s coming up.
If this doesn’t get you super excited already, come join us in the podcast and listen to what he has to share!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Comprehensive Cane Tip and AMD Modifications, Design and Refurbishing, Book
In this week’s episode, we’re bringing you the replay of the free live training webinar that we held last week! We invited Chelsea Schumaker to share all about how physical movement is important for our learners and most importantly how we can help our learners’ be included in PE lessons and get movements in. We also have a short Q&A session by the end of the webinar so if you were unable to make it last week, here’s your chance to catch up!
Join us now in this episode!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
In this week’s episode, we are diving into perfectionism. As we start the new year, we tend to have goals that we want to achieve for the year and along with it, we could fall into setting really unrealistic goals and expectations on ourselves. While it could be too much, not all forms of perfectionism are negative. Today, we’re going to discuss how we can overcome perfectionism and be the best version of ourselves.
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
I’m excited to have Chelsea Schumaker in our podcast episode today! Chelsea is an O and M Specialist who is now in the process of getting her PhD! You will get to hear about Chelsea’s story which is closely related to physical activities and movement on how it shaped her as a person, who she is as a person, as well as how movement can affect O and M.
Jump into the podcast to find out!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
I’m so excited to bring Lil Deverell and Marnie Roth to you guys in this week’s episode! Teaching learners who have spatial awareness issues can be difficult especially if they also get frustrated in the process and we’re not sure how to respond to that. Most of us tend to internalise this but what if the problem doesn’t lie within us? That’s what we will be talking about together with Lil and Marnie. Expect to get some amazing insights into what they will be sharing in this episode!
Hop on in now!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Lil Deverell, Website
Marnie Roth, Website
In this week's episode, we have an exciting guest with us! Erin Buckley, an O and M specialist who has covered all ages. She's currently the Vision Services supervisor and Comms at the North Shore Education Consortium in Beverly, Massachusetts. She's going to share her experience and what she learned when it comes to teaching students with low vision, specifically teenagers. She will also be presenting in the upcoming O and M Symposium so be sure to tune in!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Erin’s Survey
This week's episode will be a replay from one of our best episode from 2022 as teachers and students strive to achieve end of the semester goals in preparation for the holiday. Hop on to the show to look back on where we've been and how far we've come as we move on to the new year as even better teachers for our learners.
In this week’s episode, we are breaking down the three pillars of impactful teaching to help know where you should focus your attention on so that you can be the best version of yourself, be a better and more impactful teacher, and improve your learners’ success while living a good and balanced life.
Join us now to find out!
Links:
Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
What does it take to stay organized, no matter where you are? What tools do impactful O&M Specialists use on a daily basis? We dive into all of these questions and more in your bonus episode! This is the audio of the live training, "What's in Your Car Trunk?" presented by Joan Brodbeck and Jeremy Hill. This episode comes down on November 17th!
Find out more about the International O&M Online Symposium and register for Early Bird Registration before November 17th.
If you want to watch the training for CEU credit, you can register here.
In this week’s episode, we’re so excited to be able to have Jeremy Hill and Joan Broadbeck together to share about what they carry around in their cars as they travel around from one place to another for their lesson! Whether you are also an itinerant O and M specialist or not, this episode will definitely provide you with tips that you can take away and implement! Tune in now!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
In this week’s episode, I will be sitting down with you guys, answering some of the questions that you guys asked on Instagram. I always open a space for everyone to ask me questions on Instagram every Wednesday so if you have a question in mind, be sure to send it over my way! But that aside, I’m so excited to be answering your questions. They range from work related to personal questions so join me now to find out!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Good Notes, App
The Watch and Learn How I Turned Hollywood Upside Down with Netflix, Redbox and MoviePaths, Lessons in Disruption by Mitch Lowe, Book
Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, Book
This week’s episode is all about innovation in education. We see innovation everywhere around us all the time. But how do we know that we are leaning into it positively without losing a sense of who we are? We will be raising a few questions in this episode and just think about things a little. There’s no right or wrong so just tune in to this episode with your beverage of choice in hand.
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Innovation in Education, Article
In this week’s episode, we have Emily Coleman with us to share her experiences as the first ever female superintendent of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Her experience shows us what is possible for women in this field. She’s the nicest people I’ve ever spoken to and I hope you can get inspired from what this amazing woman has to say!
Hop on in the podcast!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
In this episode, I will be sharing all about the three apps that I relied on to make contract teaching easier. I love contract teaching but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Throughout the years, I’ve tried different apps and different ways and systems to help ease my workflow and this episode is focused on the top three apps that I use on a daily basis.
If you’re interested, come into the episode and find out!
Links:
Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Toggl, App Store
Wave Apps, Website
QuickBooks, Website
YNAB, Website
Hello friends! In this week's episode we will be talking all about the things that you need to know when you are preparing for a presentation. If you have a strategy that's been working for you but just aren't sure whether it's a strategy or an idea worth presenting, then this episode's for you. I will be sharing about the things that I look at and what the committees look at when going through the presentation applications. Not only will you get to learn a few tips and things to look out for, you will also get to learn about a few common mistakes that a lot of us make and how you can avoid them.
Grab your earphones and tune in now!
Links:
Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
The number of people who are blind and visually impaired who are still unemployed and looking for a job is at 70-80%. Most people don’t really want to hire the blind and visually impaired mainly because they have zero knowledge on the benefits that they could provide as an employee and the fact that they could do the jobs that normal people could too.
I’m so excited to bring you Welby Broaddus in this week’s podcast where he will be sharing about his experience as someone with visual impairment who have been working for years. He will also be sharing about the book he wrote that is so dear to him, that he hope could help HR personnel, business owners, and people in the hiring field understand more about the blind and visually impaired.
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Leading Blind Without Vision, Book
Welby’s Website
Teaching is a profession that requires your heart and soul. People get into teaching because they want to see their learners grow as much as they can and succeed in life. But sometimes, teachers tend to forget how much it takes to be a leader in the field and struggle to find a balance through it all.
While we’re on this topic, I’m so excited to bring you today’s episode, which is an interview with Jamie Lugo! Jamie is currently the principal at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, and her story is so inspirational. You’ll get to hear all about how she started and how she manages everything if you dive right in!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Hey friends! I'm sure most of you wanted to be able to continuously teach creative lessons while not having to stay late to plan. I am so excited to bring you this week's episode which is a replay of the webinar that we just had last week on how you can optimize your IEPs in ways that could save so much more of your time. This is a bonus episode that will only be aired until August 11, 2022. Be sure to catch it now, especially if you didn't get to attend the webinar!
*Links:
Allied Independence,* Website | Instagram | Facebook
Feeling burnt out is felt by almost everyone in this day and age. But the thing about feeling burnt out is that you may or may not even realise it. As teachers you may feel that your learners are not making any progress or that you can’t separate your personal life and your work life.
In this week’s episode, I will be sharing all about how I felt burned out and how I eventually overcame that feeling. Join us now and I hope you’ll leave in a better place as much as possible!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Live Training
Balance is always important in everything that we do. It is always a hot topic when it comes to balancing personal life and work life as it helps fuel our creativity. In this week’s episode, we have Joan Brobeck as a guest who’s going to be sharing how she uses her clarity membership to help her learners to get to their full potential while making sure that she could balance both her work and personal life.
Hop on to find out!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Hello hello, my friends! Welcome back to season 5 of the podcast. We have taken a much needed break and are now back with more exciting topics and guests for you in this season.
This week’s episode, we are diving into VI specialist archetypes that you can identify with and from there, help you figure out what’s the next best step that you can take in order to be a better teacher and help your learners reach their full potential.
Are you excited? Let’s hop on to the show
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
VI Specialist Archetype, Quiz
It's the 100th episode my friends! And with summer also coming along, in this week's episode, I will be sharing 5 things that you can prepare for you to teach O&M in the summer heat. I will also be sharing a few tips that you can take note of to be able to manage your time well and be the best teacher you can be for your students.
Hop on into the podcast now!
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
There are always pitfalls and drawbacks when it comes to starting a new thing. Starting a contracting business definitely has its pitfalls and drawbacks as well. In today’s episode, we will be diving into 5 pitfalls of contracting. But don’t you worry friend, I will also be sharing some tips that will hopefully help you survive and get better at what you are doing and not make the same mistakes that I did.
Are you ready to join me? Let’s head to the show!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook*
Hello hello friends! Can you feel Summer coming? Because I definitely feel Summer coming! I’m so excited to bring you this week’s episode where it’s all about parties! In this episode, I will be sharing with you the power of creating units in our ECC classes, with parties in mind. We’ll be going through a few party theme ideas and how you can plan the parts by breaking down into what you can do per week.
Are you excited? Let’s get on with this episode!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website|Instagram|Facebook*
Are you thinking of starting your own contracting business but you’re not sure where to start? Maybe you’re thinking that you should’ve known A, B, or C before you get started or that you would want to know everything before you do get started. Don’t worry my friends, I’ve got you covered on this.
In this week’s podcast, I will be sharing from my point of view, what you need to know and prepare to start your own contract service business. We will be covering 3 different topics: finance, legal, and technical aspects of things. Towards the end, I’ll also be sharing a little bonus tip that could help you get started on your business.
Are you ready to roll? Let’s get right into it.
Links:Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
It's a different kind of experience to travel with your head up at all times to take in all the information of the environment around you. With soundscape, you can do exactly that. This week's episode is a conversation with Jarnail Chudge and Amos Miller, who are both developers working on Microsoft Soundscape. Tune in now to find out how you can use Soundscape to experience a 3D spatial audio, creating an augmented audio reality that describes the environment around you as descriptive as possible.
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website|Instagram|FacebookMMicrosoft Soundscape, Website | App Store*
Webinar Registration Link
Are you having a bad day? A bad month? Or even just a bad moment? This episode is here to remind you that everyone goes through the same thing and that everything will be just fine. I will be sharing all about the growth and its inconvenience in this week’s episode and it will be a very raw, real, and vulnerable one. I hope this podcast could help you be kinder to yourself and give yourself some grace.
Are you ready to get into it? Tune in now.
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website| Instagram |Facebook*
Working with anyone has it’s challenges, especially working with the people who care for and possibly gave birth to your learner. Do you love it? Do you hate it? One thing for sure, they are not the enemy.
In today’s episode we are going to discuss all about working with parents. I will be sharing about the benefits of working with parents, for both the parents and students, as well as for us O&M Specialists and TVIs. You will also get to takeaway some communication strategies that you can implement when working with your learners’ parents.
Tune in now to find out!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website|Instagram|FacebookBuilding Parent Teacher Relationship, Reading RocketEpisode 80 with Genein Letford, Spotify|Apple Podcast*
Teaching learners with autism spectrum disorder can be quite tricky for both new and even experienced O&M specialists. There are a lot of key things that we should always keep in mind. There are also a few things that we should know to do differently.
In this week’s episode, I’m so excited to be sharing all about teaching strategies for your learners with autism spectrum disorder and visual impairments. This episode can act as a quick reminder about how you can work with your learners. It will be informative as I will be sharing a little bit of data as well.
Are you ready to get into it? Let’s head on to the show!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website|Instagram|Facebook*
Evaluation tends to be the less prioritized thing that we do when we are in our day to day activities. However, that should actually be one of our priorities because it acts as the foundation, the guiding force, the exact map that drives all of our lessons today. Many evaluations ended up being very subjective and incomplete.
In this week’s episode, I will be sharing ways on how you can make your evaluation easier, more objective and more well-rounded for your students with visual impairments. These ideas that I will be sharing will be able to help both O&M and VI specialists.
*Links:
Allied Independence*, Website | Instagram | Facebook
Orientation and Mobility Assessment, Website
TSBVI, Website
With all the different kinds of technologies around us, our phones now play such a huge part in our day to day life. Keeping a few apps that can help us in terms of our work and personal life can really change how we do things.
I’m excited to bring you this episode where I will share with you 5 apps that changed my work and personal life. I’m obsessed with these apps and have been using them everyday to help me get things done easier, feel less overwhelmed, and less burned out; allowing me to actually live my personal life, doing things that I can enjoy.
Are you excited to find out? Hop on to the show!
Links:
Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook
A Step Forward, Episode 7 | Episode 59 | Episode 65
Apps Mentioned, Voxer | Zapier
Being an advocate for someone is not an easy thing to do. We’re often so affected by our fears that we tend to also degrade ourselves in the process. But all that is normal. It’s normal to feel fear, it’s normal to feel anxiety, it’s totally normal to feel all those feelings.
In today’s episode, I will be talking all about becoming a better advocate. I will be sharing why it’s normal to feel those things, especially for my female friends. I will also be talking about how and what you should ask yourself when you find yourself acting or behaving a certain way.
Hop on to the show to take a step forward to becoming a better advocate.
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website|Instagram|Facebook Radical Candor by Kim Scott, Book*
Can you believe it’s March already? It’s the beginning of springtime! This is the time of the year where we are getting back outside, away from the indoors that kept us during the winter.
With the arrival of Spring, I have some cool themed-lesson plan ideas that you can take away from this episode to help keep your learners engaged and motivated to learn. There are a lot of national days coming up in March and April and you can really make use of those days to plan for interesting and exciting activities for your learners.
Ready to join me? Let’s hop on to the show!
Links:
Allied Independence, Website|Instagram|FacebookEye Teach Tactiles, InstagramTeachers Pay Teachers, Website
Hey friends, I’m sure we all wanted to see our learners grow to their full potential. But I’m sure there are also times where you feel like your learners are not making the progress they deserve to be making. What could possibly be the reason for that? Is it because of your teaching? Or does the problem lie within your learners?
In this week’s episode, let me share with you a few possible reasons as to why your learners are not making good progress. I will also be sharing a few tips on how you can elevate your teaching, so you can continue to increase your learners’ independence while keeping you from feeling burnt out.
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website|Instagram|Facebook*
It’s always great to feel all motivated and inspired right after a conference. Sometimes that feeling lasts for a few days, sometimes a week, sometimes it only lasts for a while. How do we maintain that momentum and implement it in our teaching?
In this week’s podcast episode, I’m going to share a few ideas on how you can keep that momentum after a conference and have you feeling great all year long. You’re going to learn about a few prompts that can help you think beyond just taking down notes and how you can take the time to really plan your lesson plans better.
If you’re ready, join us now!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website |Instagram |Facebook*
We all know how tough it was, transitioning from being a teen to an adult where you have more responsibilities in life and are expected to be independent as an individual.
In today’s episode, I’m so excited to be bringing back Dr. Nicholas Casias and introduce you guys to Hangameh Aubuchon where we will be talking all about the pilot program on transitioning to adult life. You will get to hear all about the program and hopefully it could help you in your O&M and teaching skills as well as in improving your students’ lives.
Let jump right in!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website Dr. Nicholas Casias, Email Hangameh Aubuchon, Email*
Do you know that one in three individuals who has a visual impairment is over the age of 65? And yet they often receive the least amount of funding services for that population. Having said that, there’s also always something that we can do about it.
I’m so excited to be bringing back Anna Peskin in our podcast. She has been working on new things since the last time we spoke to her. Today, you will get to hear all about how Anna has been teaching the older population O&M skills, the challenges she faced and how she overcame them.
Join us now!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website*
Hey friends, this week's episode is a little bit special and it will only be aired for a limited time only. We got 4 guests sharing all they know about cane skills and mobility skills. This is a replay of the webinar that happened recently. So for those of you who missed the webinar, this is your chance to find out what it was all about.
Let's hop on to the show!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website*
Looking past the pandemic, how else can we make things easier for ourselves while constantly increasing the independence of our learners? What if we can put our emotions aside and look at things from a scientific perspective, as heart-centered professionals? Would it be more successful? Telehealth and O&M has been an ongoing topic recently and while some people love it, some people have no care for it.
In this week’s podcast, I’m excited to introduce Joe Nemargut to you guys! Joe is a practising O&M specialist and Assistant Professor at the School of Optometry at the Université de Montréal. He works as a clinician researcher and a teacher at the University where his research currently focuses on remote rehabilitation practices. You will get to hear about the different perspectives that he will be offering because of his background.
Whether or not you agree with Telehealth and O&M, you should definitely tune in to this episode. Hop on now!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website*Telerehab Survey
It’s January 2022, my friends! This is going to be our year. We all know that during this time of the year, most of us would create a list of resolutions or goals that we wanted to achieve throughout the rest of the year.
In this year’s first podcast episode, I would like to share with you 3 things that you must do in the beginning of the year for you to take steps forward to become a successful teacher. I will also be sharing about how I usually plan for these, which I hope could provide some inspiration and insight when you’re working on your plans for this year as well.
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website*
We are an interdependent species. We often say we want to be “independent”, but we can’t do things without other people. In this podcast episode, we will be talking all about soliciting assistance, where we can allow our students to learn the power of both self-determination, Independent living skills, and social skills all in one. I will be sharing with you a few lesson plan ideas that you can take with you and implement it together with your students.
Let’s get on to the show and take a step forward together!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website|Facebook|Instagram The Three Stages of Relationship by HealthyPeople, Blog*
Intercultural communication, creation, and innovation is always something that we strive to achieve, especially as teachers, in order for us to successfully reach our students. Being able to do just that, we will be able to adapt our teaching into their perspectives, allowing them to excel faster.
I’m so excited to be bringing Genein Letford, who is an award-winning educator, best-selling author, and a global speaker on Intercultural Creativity®, in this episode! She is such an inspiration to a lot of educators, bringing awareness on cultural creativity and striving for innovation in classroom environments. You will be able to get a lot of insights on how we can all be more interculturally competent and creative.
Let’s get into the show!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website Caffe Strategies, Website Create and Grow Rich, Podcast Intercultural Development Inventory, Website*
I can’t be the only one to think that 2021 is actually crazier than 2020. So much has happened in 2021 and most of us are just trying to get through it, trying to avoid burning out. I’ve also started to realize that COVID may not actually be a good thing that is happening to us but I’m still going to stick with my positivity; just with a bit more of a realistic view.
On that note, in this week’s episode I would like to share 5 ways that we can stay positive in this crazy situation that we are in. We are going to get into a little bit of woo stuff. I will also be sharing with you a few activities as well as resources that you can use to stay positive.
Grab your headphones now and join me!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website | Instagram | Facebook My Body Graph, Website Episode 26 with Kristin Messegee, Podcast Loving What Is by Byron Katie, Book The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Audiobook Youtube*
Organisational skills and being able to plan and manage your time properly is super important in order to avoid feeling burnt out. If you’re able to keep things organised, you’ll be able to also set aside time needed for you to rest. I’m sure during your first year of teaching, that was one of the struggles that you’ve experienced. Well fret not because in this week’s episode we have Kristen Sharpless, who is a Certified O&M Specialist, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, as well as a Sign Language Interpreter. She’s going to share with us how exactly she manages multiple careers as well as tips on how you can be more organised digitally, using all the resources available to us in this day and age.
Let’s get into the show!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website*
October is such an exciting month, you guys! For one, it is the Blindness Awareness Month which we all love. We also have White Cane Day coming up which is our favorite. And of course, with that, I’ve got some easy activity ideas that I would love to share with you guys to implement with your students for White Cane Day! You will get to hear five activity ideas that you can also mix around for you and your students to do together, depending on how you see fits. These ideas are a mix of virtual activities as well as in-person.
Excited? Head on to the podcast now!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website*
Problem solving in orientation and mobility is always about figuring out the solution right after something was done incorrectly. What if we can take out that idea and make problem solving broader?
In this week’s episode, we are so excited to be bringing on board Dr. Fatane Amiri from Iran. Dr. Amiri is a member of ICEVI. She has a PhD on creativity and engineering in the field of disability incentive problem solving, TRIZ. She is such a powerful and amazing woman. You will get to learn about TRIZ, which is a problem solving tool that can help you figure out the best solution to any problems.
Hop on to the show now to find out!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website*
Do you have a strategy that has been working for you but you’ve never really considered it as something to celebrate? Do you have an idea that you wanted to share but am not sure if it is presentation worthy?
In this week’s episode, I will be sharing all about what you need to know when preparing a presentation. This episode will be full of information. You will get to know what I look at when I submit my own presentation idea and what the symposium planning committee looks at. You will also get to hear about a few common mistakes when preparing for a presentation and how you can avoid them. Last but not least, you will get to learn about how to set up your presentation outline for you to deliver an amazing presentation.
Are you ready? Let’s get into the episode!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium, Website*
My friends, we are so excited to be bringing Dr. Nicholas Casias in this week’s episode. Dr. Nicholas Casias is a certified orientation and mobility specialist and holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Laverne. He also serves as assistant professor in the orientation and mobility program in the Division of special education and counseling.
This conversation is going to be so interesting as we get into different topics and also Nick’s views on all of the topics that we will be getting into.
Hop on the show now to find out!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website Cal State LA Project PEDS, Webpage CAOMS, Website Pasadena Community Foundation, Website*
As summer comes to an end, it marks the start of a new school year. With that, I’m bringing you this week’s episode, all about my predictions for the 2021-2022 school year as well as a few things that I am here to support you with. I hope you can get some inspiration and ideas from this episode, to help you kickstart the new year on the right track.
*Links:
Allied Independence, WebsiteEpisode 26, with Kristin Messegee
Orientation and Mobility Symposium, Website*
Start the year off with done-for-you lesson plans that help your learner go from lost in a box to independent traveler.
Join Clarity.
Hello my friends! Being human, one thing for sure is that we are not perfect. With that, have you guys ever made any mistakes in your career?
In this week’s episode, that is what I will be sharing with you guys and I can’t believe that I’m actually sharing these. I will be talking about the 3 mistakes that I made early on in my O&M career and let me just tell you, we are getting vulnerable today! While it’s nerve wracking that I’m about to share these, it’s important that you guys know, to remind you guys that I am human too. There will be times when we make mistakes but making mistakes is also where we can learn and grow more in every aspect of our lives.
So without further ado, let’s get into it!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website| Registration*
Surprise surprise friends! I am so excited to bring you this bonus episode. This episode is a replay of our workshop last Thursday, all about ways you can increase your learners’ independence with ease. You’ll be able to get a lot of takeaways from this episode that can help you increase your learners’ independence. Also, if you want CEU credits for this presentation or to get the visuals, you can register for it from the link below, until August 5.
Tune in now for all the goodies!
*Links
Allied Independence, Website*| Registration
Welcome welcome, my friends! Are you struggling to increase your learners’ O&M skills? Have you ever wondered if you’re doing all the things correctly when it comes to increasing your learners’ independence? You can find out about all of that in this week’s episode.
Did you know that there are 3 essential things to take note of when it comes to increasing your learners’ O&M skills? We are diving right into those 3 essentials in this episode. I’m sure you may or may not already be doing all these things but perhaps you are not doing it quite right yet. I will be breaking down the 3 essential things with you and also share the ways you could do better to help your learners increase their O&M skills. Plus, by doing all of these things the right way, they could save you a lot of time.
Are you ready to do that? Head on now!
*Links:
Allied Independence, Website*
Welcome my friends to another episode of A Step Forward! I’m sure all of you know by now that our community consists of a bunch of quirky people. How do you think it would feel to have a partner doing just what you do and be able to be together forever?
This week’s episode is where you may just find out! I am so excited to bring you Becky Keller and Jimmy Morris, both who work as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, who are married! Both of them are such an inspiration and are so knowledgeable that you wouldn’t mind third wheeling the whole time. Becky is currently the Lead Orientation and Mobility Instructor for the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Jimmy is currently working as an Orientation and Mobility Itinerant Instructor for the Virginia Department of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Links:Allied IndependenceOMSA, WebsiteNBPCB, WebsiteDBVI, Website
Hello, hello my friends. It is the summer and I bet you’re excited! Because I am too! However in this episode, I am even more excited to be sharing my opinion with you on whether young learners should be given an NFB Cane.
You will get to hear all about my teaching experiences as well as what I learned from it. Most importantly, you will get to hear about my opinions on today’s topic, on whether we should teach them structured discovery along with this and also to blindfold them. Las but not least, I will also be sharing how I go about doing it, piece by piece.
Join us now so you don’t miss out!
Links:Allied Independence, Website
It’s June you guys! The school year 2020-2021 is finally behind us as we approach summer. Exciting times!
I’m also excited to bring you guys this week’s episode where I will be sharing with you a few summer plan ideas that can help your learners increase their independence this summer. What’s more is that these ideas can be done by their caregivers! Isn’t that amazing? You’ll get to collaborate with your learners’ caregivers; which is also an effective way in order to create a significant impact in your learners’ lives and watch as your learners increase their independence.
Join us now and grab a hold of these ideas in the podcast!
LinksAllied Independence, Website
Have you guys ever downloaded an app and realized how life-changing the app is? In today’s episode, we are talking about that one specific life-changing app, Soundscape.
We are super duper excited to be bringing in Jarnail Chudge and Amos Miller, both are app developers who worked for Microsoft Soundscape, bringing us a technology that provides support for accessibility, mobility, and empowering their users while also adding value to their lives in a sustainable way. Jarnail is a design and innovation architect in the Enable Group at Microsoft Technology and Research. Amos is a product strategist at Microsoft AI and Research. Both Jarnail and Amos have been working on the app, Soundscape, which utilises 3D spatial audio to create augmented audio reality, designed to be as descriptive as possible for the users, aiming to enhance their spatial awareness.
So excited for you to get more into this episode. Let’s head on right now!
Links:Allied IndependenceMicrosoft Soundscape, Apple StoreMicrosoft Soundscape - Microsoft Research, WebsiteMicrosoft Soundscape, EmailMicrosoft Soundscape, News/Article PageMeet the Mobility Instructors - Learning to use Microsoft Soundscape with Harry Potter, a blog by O&M Specialist, Marie TrudelleMeeting the MIs using Microsoft Soundscape - Michael Evans from Guide Dogs Australia, a blog by O&M Specialist, Michael EvansSoundscape LinkedIn Accessibility Demo [ Audio Description], VideoAmos Introducing Soundscape with Emily, Video
It’s the beginning of May you guys! With summer break coming soon, there’s this thing called summer slide that comes along with it. Summer slide is the loss of skills in students, due to the absence from school for 10-12 weeks. Studies have shown that students could lose up to an equivalent of 1 month’s worth of learning for not being in school for a period of time. But I’m here to let you guys know that I have a few tips that I will be sharing with you in this week’s episode in order to combat the summer slide for my students.
I have gathered a few ideas that are a combination of relationship building and data keeping strategies which I know work very well for me. You will be able to take away these ideas, as well as a few resources that I will be sharing with you in order to help your students.
Are you ready to face the summer slide? Join the podcast with me now!
Links:Allied IndependenceParentMobility, WebsiteThe E.C.C. & Me, WebsiteStaceyTVI, InstagramScientific Evidence
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Feeling like you have so much to get done but not sure if you could complete all of them? Don’t worry there, I’ve got your back!
This week’s episode is all about how we can strive for a more balanced life by deleting, automating, and delegating tasks in our work and even personal life. I will be sharing a few work and personal stories on how I do exactly that in order to be a better parent for my kids and also to take care of myself.
You will get to hear about how you can make better use of your time through time auditing, how you can better plan your lesson plans through proper planning time, and how you can set boundaries in your life in order to have more time and space for yourself.
Can’t wait to get to a balanced life? Join us now!
Links:Allied IndependenceClockwork by Mike Michalowicz, BookInfluence by Robert Cialdini, Book
We are officially in April which is exciting! It’s actually my favorite month of the year because it is the month for us, teachers, O&M specialists, and VI specialists to have a proper look on how much our students have grown to be more independent. We could also help support them and guide them into taking more steps forward toward their goals.
In this week’s podcast, you will get ideas on how you can plan your lesson plans, making use of the themes for April which are Autism Awareness Month and Explore the World Month. These lesson plans could help to engage with your students more and develop their skills further.
Ready to grab ‘em? Join in now!
Links:Allied Independence
Do you ever feel scared to be in a leadership position or scared to advocate for you students? Maybe because you don’t feel heard, you don’t feel confident, or maybe you think that you may come off too strong and irritate people? Most of the time, being in this situation is never easy but that doesn’t mean that there’s no way to work around it.
In this week’s podcast, I will be sharing a few tips on how you can advocate or be a leader without pissing people off. These tips come from my own experience and also from the experts where you will learn through steps on what you can do when faced with different situations.
Sounds like what you need? Join now to find out!
Links:How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie, BookDare to Lead by Brené Brown, BookCrucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Book
We all have those moments where we participated in different webinars, presentations, and perhaps the most recent O&M Symposium, getting all that information coming but once they’re over, you find yourself sitting in front of your computer like “Now what?” Don’t worry, I got you there.
In this week’s episode, I will be sharing about how you can turn strategies that you learned from presentations into actual O&M skills. For this, I will be talking a little bit about one of the presentations from the Symposium that I find particularly interesting. Presented by Dr. Fatemeh Amiri and Mehdi Basirzadeh, TRIZ is the Russian acronym for the "Theory of Inventive Problem Solving," a structure with innovative philosophy, methods and tools. You will learn about the six different types of resources and how you can implement those knowledge and create three different lesson plans.
Interested to find out more? Join us now!
LinksAllied Independence
Welcome back my friends! I have a question for you today. Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you had to create one or multiple tactile maps for your students but you just don’t have the time and energy to go to the store, get the materials, draw every street and lines from scratch, while trying to get you other tasks done? What if I told you that there is a faster way to do that?
In this episode, we are so excited to have Greg Kehret who will be sharing information about the TMAP software which could help you create tactile maps more efficiently. Greg is the director of the Media and Accessible Design Lab of San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind (The MAD Lab). He got into this field because his best friend was blind. So now he makes sure that visual information could be as accessible as possible.
This episode is filled with information that could help you understand what the TMAP software actually is, what it does, how you use it, as well as where you can get it. You will also get to learn about the process of using TMAP and the possible hurdles that students or users will face.
Get all these information now by tuning in to the podcast!
Links:Allied IndependenceO&M SymposiumSan Francisco Lighthouse, WebsiteSan Francisco Lighthouse, TMAP PageSan Francisco Lighthouse, EmailAdaptations Store
It’s January, my friends, the month of this familiar cycle where we make new resolutions, we break them, and we make them again. Most of us tend to struggle when it comes to sticking to a new habit or anything new in general. But in this week’s podcast, I will be sharing with you on a few hacks that can get you out of the cycle.
This episode is all about productivity hacks that can help you get things done efficiently. You will get to learn about how you can better manage your time and make better plans to make sure that by the end of the day, what you intended to work on is completed. You will also learn about the concept of batching as a way to complete your tasks more efficiently and it’s also something that I often implement in my work life.
Ready to grab these hacks and implement them in your life? Listen now!
Links:Allied IndependenceO&M Symposium
Welcome back and welcome to 2021! Can’t believe we are finally here. 2020 is filled with so much changes and events happening around the world but it has also brought us so much clarity in everything we do. Starting from coming up with new ways of living our lives, new ways of coping, new ways of teaching, of communication, and so much more new ways of what we have been doing before 2020.
With all the things that are happening, we could all use some understanding and kindness from one another. As Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming, I will be sharing a few ideas that you can use to teach your students in order to support acts of kindness. These ideas are not only for O&M specialists but also for teachers in general.
Listen now to find out how you can engage your students to acts of kindness!
Links:Allied IndependenceO&M SymposiumNational Park ServicesDiscovery EducationNearpodWe Are Teachers
Navigating the world around our everyday lives can be tricky at times. It’s even trickier when it comes to new places that we are unfamiliar with. This is where the importance of spatial awareness and mental mapping came to play. How exactly do we subjectively assess and teach mental mapping skills to our students?
In this week’s podcast, we are so excited to have Lil Deverell with us. Lil has been an O&M specialist since 1993, starting out with a full caseload, in Australia. She then focused on clients with brain injury and children with multiple impairments. She’s well-known for her vision research where she will be sharing in detail about how she structures her research especially on mental mapping and how it correlates with orientation.
You will get to know how to subjectively assess and teach mental mapping skills as she shares her thoughts and experiences in the podcast. Other than that, Lil also has her own website which is filled with resources that you can use in order to better teach your students.
Excited? Join us!
Links:Allied IndependenceLil Deverell, Website
Change is something that most people fear. But what if I tell you, a huge change is not necessarily needed in order to make an impact and that you can make a bigger impact by just implementing small adaptations?
Well, this episode is all about that. We are so excited to bring Kirsten French, programs manager, sport’s adaptations at Camp Spark and co-camp director at Camp Spark for Northwest Association for Blind Athletes in this week’s podcast! She will be sharing a lot of information regarding sports adaptation on how it could open up more opportunities for your students who are visually impaired, and to utilize it as a teaching mechanism in order to make teaching more accessible.
You will also get to understand more about how her sports adaptation program works, general adaptations that teachers can implement in their teaching and classrooms, as well as how the current situation around COVID-19 brought up different opportunities when it comes to teaching.
Sounds exciting? Join us now!
Links:Allied IndependenceNorthwest Association for Blind Athletes, Website
It’s always interesting to hear people blame everything that’s happening right now in 2020. But perhaps we are the one who’s stuck in the old paradigms where everything around us is affected. Our education systems as we know, started with the industrial revolution where indoctrinating children to be industrial workers is the norm. While that hasn’t changed, we can agree that all of us have changed. Nowadays, all of our needs are different.
While our education system is not fixed, perhaps it’s getting better. We, as educators, should also do our part by staying open-minded, network and learn from each other in order to forge a new way forward. In this week’s episode we will be sharing some highlights from the webinar that happened on November 12. You will get to hear from Tara Bowie, Jeremy Hill, and Sarah Moreau as they share the struggle that they experienced ever since COVID hit.
Get on in the podcast to hear what they have to share!
Links:Allied Independence
In a year full of bumpy roads and uncertainties, many of you can’t help but wonder where remote teaching is taking us? What’s going to happen to O&M teaching? As some of you are probably transitioning back and forth from remote teaching to in-person teaching, or even to hybrid teaching.
In this week’s episode, we will be talking exactly all about the future of remote teaching. I will be bringing in some new perspectives on how you can view remote teaching and fully utilize remote teaching in order to teach O&M more effectively.
Last but not least, we will be sharing more about the upcoming CEU Webinar on November 12. So stay tuned to find out!
Links:Allied IndependenceRegister for CEU Webinar
Friends, I’m sure most of you experienced working or planning on something for a while, only to realize that you could’ve lessen your work had you worked more efficiently. I’m here to say don’t worry, I’ve got you.
In this week’s podcast you will get to know how you can work in a much simpler way with less work and less stress where the focus this week will be on creating IEP goals. You will get to learn where IEP goals actually come from, what are the components of IEP goals, and how you can adapt IEP goals regardless of where you’re teaching remotely, in-person, or hybrid.
Join now to find out! Links:Allied Independence
Most of you have probably adapted to online teaching while some of you might still be struggling to adapt well. This week, we will be bringing back our best of episode where we will be talking about how we can make distance teaching easier with Jennifer Reeder. Jennifer is a teacher of the visually-impaired and an ACVREP-certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist. She will be sharing tips on how she teaches distantly and how to make online teaching more effective and fun.
Towards the end of the episode, we will also be giving you updates on upcoming activities that can provide tips and tricks on how you can teach more effectively. Join us now to find out!
Links:Allied IndependenceEye Teach Tactile, Teachers Pay TeachersEye Teach Tactile, InstagramEye Teach Tactile, Website
It has been forever since I first started teaching yoga online to busy moms as my first side gig where I got to be at home with my own children during that time, and I also get to learn about all the backend of a business. I am so excited to be sharing this week’s podcast with you about how you can teach yoga virtually to your students.
Yoga has tons of benefits where in this case, by practicing yoga with your students, you will be able to build rapport and relationships together. You will get to learn what are the materials needed in order to practice yoga, the rules that you need to take note of, how to prompt your students, and also the general precautions to take for safety measures.
Can’t wait to teach yoga to your students? Join now to find out!
Links:Allied Independence
The grind culture is no longer a culture that’s unfamiliar to us. We are actually rather involved in it by being a part of the society. In this week’s episode, we are talking all about the grind culture and how it affects the education system. You will get to understand how the culture actually affects students and also how it affects us, their teachers. You will also get to learn how you can actually get out of this culture in order to improve your students’ lives and also your teaching.
Listen to the podcast now to find out!
Links:Allied Independence
It’s so exciting to know that we are entering the Blind Awareness and White Cane Day month which is my second favorite month in the entire year! This is the month to celebrate what it means to be a person with a visual impairment and letting them feel successful and independent as someone they’re capable of being. In this week’s podcast, you will get ideas on what you can do in order to let your students bond with their classmates remotely. Yes, you heard that right, remote activities! But for people who are back to teaching in person, these activities will also be super fun in person so don’t miss out and tune in to the podcast now!
LinksAllied Independence
It has been quite a challenge adapting from teaching in person to teaching remotely especially when it comes to teaching Assistive Technology. We have had a few guests who came in, provided tips and shared their experiences on teaching remotely. However, this week’s podcast will be a little different from usual where we will be learning from Tim Richard. Tim Richard is a certified O&M Specialist, VRT, and one of the first CATIS-certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists through ACVREP.
Are you excited for this episode? Join us now to learn more!
Links:
Allied Independence
AT-TOC Webinar
Have you ever felt like you are stuck in a hamster wheel, spinning out of control and feeling scattered while your friends and colleagues seem to get a hang of things? My friend, don’t you worry as we will dive into what we can do in order to find a solution out of that situation.
In this week’s podcast, we will be talking about tips on narrowing our focus in order to avoid feeling scattered. These tips were gathered after talking to multiple experts on how they manage what they do.
Can’t wait to get your hands on it? Follow along in this week’s podcast to find out!
Links:Allied Independence
The advancement of technology has provided access to more and more assistive techs that can help people who are visually impaired to lead a better life. However, the resources on how to properly operate the technologies are limited.
In this week’s podcast, we are joined by yet another Youtuber, Carrie Morales of Live Accessible. Carrie shares her knowledge on assistive technologies on Youtube to help people who are visually impaired. You will also get to find out more about how Carrie started her Youtube channel and how she manages it while making sure that there is a balance between her work and personal life.
Join us to find out!
Links:
Allied Independence
Live Accessible, Youtube
Live Accessible, Facebook
Live Accessible, Website
Live Accessible, Instagram
A lot has happened this year but it doesn’t stop us, everyone in Allied Independence, to continue to share information about what’s happening in the O&M world every week.
This week, we are talking about fear. Fear is one of the reasons why we tend to get stuck in a situation where we can’t move forward but there is always a way to solve that problem. We will also be providing an update on all the upcoming webinars that you can join and learn something out of it.
So, what are you waiting for? Tune in to the podcast to find out!
Links:
Allied IndependenceInternational Orientation and Mobility SymposiumAssistive Technology and Trends Online Conference
Technologies are everywhere in this day and time but how do we know which types of technology works best for, specifically, people who are visually impaired?
In this week’s podcast, we welcome Sam Seavey who is well-known for his Youtube channel, The Blind Life, where he shares tips & tricks and information emphasizing on assistive technologies for people who are visually impaired. You will get to know more about assistive technologies as we talk about how the cost of the technologies came about and which types that work for most people.
Tune in to the podcast to find out!
Links to the resources mentioned:
The Blind Life, Sam’s Youtube ChannelSam’s Cake Collection, FacebookATToC Waitlist, Allied Independence
Are you looking to create a more engaging lesson plans? There are endless resources online that makes teaching virtually much more efficient and I’m sure most of you have heard of Google Slides. I have to say, they have a lot of mind blowing features that are not really out there.
This week, you'll get to take away extra tips on how you can actually utilize Google Slides in order to engage with your students and your students' parents more. From creating interactive slides to even your own websites, this episode will open up a new world for your lesson plans.
Links:
Allied Independence
How can O&M Specialists support the special education teachers we work with? During the pandemic and beyond, collaborating with our students’ team members is the most efficient way to increase their skills when we aren’t there with them in person.
We spend 1% of our students’ waking lives with them. The other 99% is with other people. And those people need to know how to do what we need them to do and feel comfortable doing those things.
This week, we have Braelan Martin on the podcast.
Braelan Martin is a K-2 Special Education Teacher with a passion for providing fun and engaging lessons for her students. For Braelan, the key to a successful classroom is the collaboration between all of the staff members. Besides teaching, Braelan enjoys making Youtube videos for educators to learn more about classroom management, organization, and staff collaboration.
Links:
That Special Educator, Teachers Pay Teachers
That Special Educator, YouTube
That Special Educator, Instagram
Curious about how to approach the topic of racial inclusion, antiracism, and the Black Lives Matter movement with your students? Join Kassy and Sidnaya as they break down how to approach this subject with your students.
Links:
Kendi, I. How to Be an Antiracist
DiAngelo, R. White Fragility
Teaching young children with visual impairments in a preschool setting is quite a unique situation in our field. This week, we welcome Katie Armstrong, M.S., CTVI, COMS, and Doctoral Candidate, who specializes in teaching young children with visual and multiple impairments to talk about her experiences leading a preschool classroom for children with visual and multiple impairments.
I’ve been thinking and talking about remote learning a lot lately. With schools all over the country announcing that they will not be not be holding in-person classes this fall, it looks like the virtual classroom is here to stay — at least for a while.
As with any change, this shift is going to bring about plenty of new challenges. Yes, there will be growing pains. But we have the choice to focus on the growing, while keeping in mind that the pain will be temporary. At this present time, we are in our metamorphosis phase as a community. We have a ways to go until we are a butterfly, but the opportunity to grow into something beautiful is as present as ever.
In this podcast I want to introduce you to some of my favorite 21st Century Collaboration Methods for teaching online. These techniques come from years of experimenting with remote instruction, and centering in on what really works — and what doesn’t. As dedicated teachers, we all face the ongoing challenge of seeing that our young students have a strong support system around them, especially when we can’t be there. It is not enough for us to engage with them for an hour or two a week — their family and friends need to be part of the process if they are to truly get the help they need and deserve. This is where collaboration becomes key.
As important as getting your students' parents involved is, it is not always a simple task. Surely they want to help, but like all of us, they are busy. By implementing the collaboration techniques that we get into in this podcast (and that we will be covering in greater detail in our upcoming Masterclass) you will begin to create an inclusive learning environment around your students. You CAN increase engagement with your students with visual and multiple impairments, while also saving valuable time. Join me friends, to find out how!
Now more than ever, with teaching moving further and further into a virtual space, it is imperative that we keep in mind our primary goal — improving the lives of our students.
Orientation and Mobility is already a field that specializes in catering to a person’s specific needs, and the COVID-induced shift to online learning has certainly added another layer to that task. But instead of looking at this as another hurdle, let us see it as a time of new opportunity.
In this week’s podcast I get to talk with Amy Parker, an assistant professor and the O&M Program Coordinator at Portland State University. Amy is a wealth of information, as well as a radiant source of confidence and clarity amidst these trying times. She tells us how we can breathe new life into our online lessons, explains why we need to see mobility as a human right, and speaks on the importance of continuing to learn and serve in order to teach and lead.
Amy is a dedicated professional who continues to see herself as a servant of the people. Previously, at Texas Tech, she was heavily involved with teaching remotely and developing the curriculums to do just that. Now, as that becomes the norm, Amy tells us about how we can take on today’s new teaching challenges in stride, and use the changing landscape as a chance to further foster a community.
From bringing educational resources to remote areas of Alaska, to understanding the challenges faced by a visually impaired person of color, this conversation brings to light many of the obstacles that we are faced with today. Join us, as we take a step forward together — a time when we need it the most.
We all love our students, that is why we chose this path. But as all teachers eventually discover, passion and long hours alone don’t get the job done.
As a professional in the ever-changing educational system, it is all too easy to feel like you must sacrifice your personal life in order to be an effective teacher. We stay in the classroom as the parking lot empties, we bring our work home with us, and still find ourselves writing tomorrow’s lesson plans after dinner. There doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to keep up with all of our school related duties, let alone spend time with our families and kids and give ourselves the occasional mental break. We have all felt like this, but fortunately for us, so has our friend Kristen.
In this bonus episode of our podcast, I sit down with elementary school teacher andEasy Teaching Toolsfounder, Kristen Walker. Kristen has been an educator since 2005, and like so many of us, she struggled to carve out time for her personal life while still feeling like she was dedicated to her students. Over the years, though, she has discovered that organization and efficiency are the keys to being an effective teacher, not just being the last person to leave everyday. She now passes her knowledge along in the form of her company Easy Teaching Tools in hopes of helping teachers everywhere make better use of their time while regaining some sanity. By organizing daily tasks into simple, easy to implement programs you can streamline your approach to teaching and make a big impact in the classroom.
Want to leave school at 3 everyday AND rekindle your love of teaching? Kristen’s got you covered.
How do you practice guide technique during a pandemic? We have the responsibility to keep ourselves and our students safe right now. In this episode, we dive into four options for safely practicing guide technique during a pandemic. Find the rest of the show notes at https://astepforwardpodcast.com
So, you’ve just got thrown a curveball of a lifetime, just a few months ago. We've all had to relearn our jobs, and figure out how to do everything in a new way.
With that in mind, I have some really good nuggets of information that are going to help bring your teaching and your association to the next level. This will take you step-by-step in this scientific approach to teaching online that I've been using to engage people.
So, press the play button to get the inside scoop on these effective yet easy to do methodologies. Also, I have a special gift for you over on my blog which I'm very happy to offer to you. For years now, it's just not something that I had ever thought was needed out in the world. But now, is a perfect time and the perfect person is you! So, don't miss it and grab your copy!
Find the rest of the show notes on our Allied Independence blog page.
The truth of the matter is that you can plan your lesson plans, all you want, they can be as detailed as you want them to be but when your students are not physically with you, things can be a little bit more difficult. The goal is to keep your lessons and lesson plans exciting enough that your students can tune out all of the distractions of their lives and actually pay attention and learn from you.
So today, I'm going to share with you a few really fun Remote O&M Lesson Plan Ideas for Early Elementary Students that I've been using within my own home, and that I'm also seeing other O&M specialists say that they are using.
This episode is very exciting and full of awesome ideas for activities that can make both you and your students stay excited about teaching in this distance format.
Find the rest of the show notes on our Allied Independence blog page.
Peak behind the curtains of what it takes to bring an in-person conference online in 30 days. We will bring you the good, the bad, and the ugly as no truth is off limits in this episode.
Find the rest of the show notes on our Allied Independence blog page.
Internships are a great way to gain valuable hands-on, professional experience of your chosen profession. But is this practical to do while the quarantine is in full swing? Is the process mutually beneficial for both the mentor and the intern?
I am happy to say that yes, both are possible my friends!
My guests today are the amazing Anna Peskin, who is a certified O&M specialist and her intern, Jill Peterson. They’ve discussed how they were able to make it work and what hurdles they had to overcome.
So, please press on the pay button and enjoy this episode!
Find the rest of the show notes on our Allied Independence blog page.
Dona Sauerburger joins A Step Forward in a replay episode where she talks about her collaboration with APH. Their new product allows you to learn how to recognize when a car is too close for you to cross an uncontrolled intersection. The thing is, it can be taught remotely!
See Dona's webinar on their new product at : https://www.sauerburger.org/dona/Remote.html
Versatility is one of humanity’s greatest strengths. We have always done our best to move on and continue on with our lives despite uncertain times.
One great example of this is our initiative to transition to online platform to continue with our educational process now that schools have been paused. It has been challenging for both the teachers and the students but we’re thankful for trailblazers like the awesome Jennifer Reed who have shown us how to make distance teaching easier.
Please enjoy this episode as we discuss the methods that Jennifer and her team have used to make E-learning more effective and fun!
Find the rest of the show notes on our Allied Independence blog page.
Things keep changing so fast! And it can get chaotic for sure!
I know a lot of us are now working from home and are probably still trying to figure out how to do all of these things in your normal work description. You might also have your own children there and you might have to juggle what that looks like and how to figure it all out.
It can get overwhelming and at this challenging time, it is very tempting to let this negative emotion sway and control us. However, we can rise up to the challenges. And we, as a community, and we, as individuals have so much capacity to persevere.
I hope the tips that I'm sharing with you can help you with this difficult journey. It is easier than you think!
Find the rest of the show notes on our Allied Independence blog page.
Have you always wanted to have your own profitable online event? But you have very limited experience with marketing? And don’t have a degree in business as well?
Fear not, my friends, today, I am opening up the curtains so that I can show you a little bit of behind the scenes of how we've been able to create a very successful, complete business basically, out of nowhere!
We will talk about the three important components that draw your target audience to online your events and make them coming back for more.
Find the rest of the show notes on our Allied Independence blog page.
At this day and age, it is so essential that you are taking the time for yourself to continue your professional development and reaching out to seek information that will help guide you and help you succeed. And what better way for us to spend our free time at the moment than to enrich our minds and ourselves with positive and helpful information. But where do you go? And are these resource materials easily accessible?
This has been a crazy time for people everywhere. We are trying to cope with changes that are happening so quickly. As a parent and a teacher, we are still expected to continue teaching our kids and our students at a distance. This is all the more challenging if you need to teach students who are visually impaired. Is there a way to hit both of these seemingly impossible obstacles with one stone, so to speak?
Join me and the amazing Charlotte Cushman as we discuss strategies that you can adopt to have a productive teaching session each time as well as how Virtual Excel Academy can help you become the most effective virtual teacher you can possibly be for your visually impaired students.
Find the rest of the show notes on our Allied Independence blog page.
Are you about to start a new online teaching career but have children of your own at home as well? Are you excited to start this new career but but dread having to wrangle your children together to keep the peace?
Let's get real and talk about how to handle your day so you can be an effective online teacher.
Hopefully, today's episode is gonna be fun and a little insightful because this is something that I've been working with and dealing with for two years now.
Find the rest of the show notes on our Allied Independence blog page.
At this time of uncertainty, turmoil and chaos, our circumstances appear to be grim and hopeless. So, what are you thinking about right now? What are your worries? Is happiness a possibility at this time? And how can we get there?
My friend, I am happy to say that yes, it is absolutely possible. In fact, this is the perfect time for you to be learning new skills for how to manage our mind and process what is happening right now so that our thoughts and emotions result in positive actions.
So please join me and my good friend Kristin Messegee, a life coach for Enneagram Sixes in today’s episode. You will love her inputs on how to achieve authentic happiness by controlling your thoughts. You will also learn more about The Model and how it can have a profound effect on your life.
Find the rest of the show notes on our Allied Independence blog page.
What kind of Adaptive Mobility Device (AMD) does my student need? How will I know when they are ready for a different type, or to transition to a long cane?
In this episode, we break down what AMDs are, the types of AMD's, and how to know which type is right for your students.
Find the rest of the show notes on our Allied Independence blog page.
Every single teacher, parent, person in themselves wants to see their skills improving. However, it can be frustrating when we don't see these skills emerging fast enough. It's okay to feel that way because that means that you care. However, you can’t help but ask yourself, What could be causing this? Am I doing something wrong?
So in this episode, I’d like to have a little real heart to heart talk with you about what to do when your students skills are not emerging. We will address the questions above and we will also talk about how the pyramid of learning framework can help with your student’s development.
Have you ever had a student who got lost easily? In 13+ years of teaching Orientation and Mobility, there has been one student who has had so much trouble with spatial awareness, that she got lost in the bathroom stall.
This episode will give you a sneak peek of these techniques which I’m sure you will find useful to help our Orientation and Mobility students become more independent travelers.
In this episode, we are going to be chatting all about assessments for students with multiple impairments.One of the pitfalls of assessing students with multiple impairments is thinking that your student doesn't have multiple impairments.
So, today we will:
- Define what a student with multiple impairments is.
- Assess the student with multiple impairments
- Discuss the common pitfalls
In this episode, we will talk about the skills that your instructional aide can teach and also determine where the line is, as far as if you look at the O&M inventory. And we will discuss when you can release the skills to the instructional aide and so that you can start to move on with other skills.
I will also be giving helpful tips on how to give anybody criticism so that way you can become the advocate for your students and hold their parents, their instructional aides, everybody accountable for how they treat the student, and how that can also impact the student's life.
When 4 successful people with visual impairments come together to share their life stories and their views on technology, independence, and O&M, it's magic. On today's episode, we have a panel of individuals who lead impressive lives and also happen to have visual impairments.
If you work with people who have visual impairments or have a visual impairment yourself, this inspirational episode is for you!
In this episode, we're gonna talk specifically to those O&M specialists who kind of feel like you're still trying to tread water.
If you're still trying to figure out:
- Where you fit in all this?
- If you're still trying to figure out what would you present on?
- How would you share your message?
- What message do you have to share?
If you're in the range, zero to 10 years of experience, or if you have a lot of experience, but you've just been really shy about presenting or sharing your information in any form, then this episode is for you. I think that this conversation can be kind of fun, but I think it's also going to be kind of uncomfortable. And I'm going to share with you some of my past failures, and use myself as an example of what it's looked like for me.
Want to rise up amongst the ranks to become an expert in our field? Need your presentation attendees to actually pay attention while they are there? In this episode, we'll dive into the Art of Presenting so your in-service, presentation, and peer-led meeting participants stay engaged and you leave knowing you were able to actually make a difference in their lives.
If you’ve been wanting to present at a conference, inservice, or any other peer-teaching moment, this week’s podcast episode is for you.
- How to get people engaged in your presentation and not zoning out.
- How to present so that people can access your information.
- Why you’ll find me standing in a bathroom stall for minutes right before a presentation.
Let's take a walk down memory lane! In this episode, we'll go over the top 5 moments that made up the 2019 International O&M Online Symposium last year. The International O&M Online Symposium is the most efficient way to earn your CEU's and gain the tools you need to make a significant impact in the lives of your students.
With current O&M Strategies, a community of dedicated O&M Specialists like you, and by using the power of the internet- you can enjoy all of the luxuries of an international conference without the hassle of travel.
Take a peak at the links listed by visiting our full show notes at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/episode17
It happens all the time. The moment we finally learn a new piece of technology, it changes. What if there was another way to think about how we teach technology skills? A way doesn't make us read every article and learn every new piece of technology? In this episode, we jump right into a casual conversation between myself, Kassy, and Tim Richard, a CATIS and COMS who owns his own business helping people with Visual Impairments increase their O&M, AT, and Daily Living Skills through the use of technology.
Join us for a free ceu training by registering here: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/webinar
As always, let us know what you think by submitting a review on iTunes! Reviews help us get found by search engines so we can reach more O&M Specialists.
I've really been thinking about what makes an impactful Orientation and Mobility specialist. A couple of episodes back, we talked about how you can be more successful in your life and how to define what that looks like for you. Now, we're going to take that information and apply it here because I want to share with you the three traits that the most impactful O&M specialist has.
Find the rest of the show notes at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/episode15
In this ever-changing world, those who hold back and refuse to adapt get left behind. As Grace Murray Hopper said, “The most damaging phrase in the language is, ‘We've always done it this way’.” It is crucial, more than ever, to be fluid, to think forward and face the changes head-on. We, as Orientation and Mobility specialists, want to be on that leading edge, at the forefront of what's coming up and what to expect so that we will know where to put our time and energy.
I find this episode special because we are going to be chatting about the biggest predictions and trends that I see happening across our field for 2020, and some of them might surprise you.
Find the rest of the show notes at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/episode14
We are officially entering a new decade. And these last few days of 2019, we are somehow expected to make it count and finish strong. Social standards have changed over the years and in this day and age, it feels like we have to tick all the boxes on this criterion set by the society before we can claim ourselves as winners.
It has become such a competitive world that we find it hard to define SUCCESS.
Find the rest of the show notes at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/episode13
Have you ever met someone who has accomplished so much in her career but is still humble enough to say, “I am still learning!”? In this episode, I had the privilege to interview someone who takes every opportunity to continue to grow and further her knowledge so she can share new ways to help people with disabilities.
Meet Dona Sauerburger, an Orientation and Mobility practitioner for 50 years. She is the author of Independence Without Sight or Sound and Self Study Guides: Street Crossing for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, to name a few. She loves to share ideas that could help O&M’s build strategies in addressing students’ challenges.
Find the rest of the show notes at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/episode12
Being a mother is not always about cute little smiles and kisses from our children; its beauty comes with struggles, too. More so, being a mother and a career woman is on another level. Finding a balance between family life and profession is one heck of a fight, especially for women. We often catch ourselves at a crossroad with hopes that we would make the best decision for our family. Making things work and has become one of our specialties.
In this episode, Michelle Hicks, a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, gladly shared her fair share of struggles to get to where she is today. It’s amazing how she was able to find a middle ground for motherhood and career.
Find the rest of the show notes at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/episode11
Lack ofconfidence can sometimes hold us back from doing things that we want to do, especially if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s human nature to have mixed feelings about new challenges. There’s the excitement to learn and then we also have the fear of not measuring up.
In this episode, we had a lovely time chatting with Anna Peskin. She is one of the best experts on teaching Orientation and Mobility to children with multiple impairments.
Find the rest of the show notes at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/episode10
It’s the time of the year again and I don’t know about you, but I am already feeling the holiday breeze in the air! As much as we want to keep our students exploring and learning outdoors, the cold may bother them at some point. So, you might want to start looking at things to do inside, because crossing the streets outside in the cold may be effective, but it’s not very fun.
In this episode, I am going to share some activities that you can do with your students that don’t require being outside. They are all holiday activities that you can do to stretch out that weird time between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Find the rest of the show notes at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/episode9
Have you ever had trouble assessing your students' O&M Skills when they were 0-5 or had multiple impairments? On this week's episode, we are joined by Texas Two Steps creators for a casual conversation about the inconsistent evaluations they experienced and how they wanted to improve the assessment and curricula strategies being used with young children.
You'll get to hear all about Tracy's biggest accomplishment, despite having a TON of accolades under her belt. And what Shay thinks is holding us back from becoming the experts in our own right.
Resources listed:
International O&M Online Symposium.
Get the Texas Two Steps.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed because you have so much on your plate, you couldn't possibly get it all done? Well my friend. Today is your lucky day. I am taking you on a step by step journey detailing the exact system that I use to manage my time. It helps combat feelings of stress, overwhelm, and helps keep you on track so you can get more done in less time.
Learn how to throw away your to-do list with this super easy 4 step time management system.
Find more information at our website: https://alliedindependenceonline.com/episode7
Teaching O&M in rural areas can be frustrating. The bus doesn't run on time- if at all. There are no sidewalks to help our students get a sense of orientation. The community, though well-meaning, can sometimes hinder our students' independence.
In this episode, Shannon Wright and Jeremy Hill come together from opposite sides of the world to discuss the challenges of teaching O&M in rural areas and how they overcome these challenges.
Join us for an insightful episode that's sure to help you find a creative way to help your students increase their independence in rural areas.
Our free webinar is being held November 12 at 8 PM EST. The link to register for the webinar is https://alliedindependenceonline.com/webinar.
In this lesson, Kassy shares 5 ways to get your students off of their school campus and in to appropriate learning environments.
See full show notes at https://alliedindependenceonline.com/episode5
You probably already know that our profession officially started during WW2 and then catapulted in the ’60s when the first university accredited programs were created. Although we started by inviting only World War 2 veterans to live their highest level of independence, we now serve a much broader range of students. Find out where we still struggle and how the veterans of WW2 are still influencing your students' independence.
5 Easy Ways to Celebrate White Cane Day and Blindness Awareness Month with your Orientation and Mobility Students: 1. Have a big celebration. Invite 1,000 of your closest friends to march along main street and have a party! Make shirts. Hire a bounce house. Have the mayor give a proclamation. Pull out ALL THE STOPS. This way to celebrate White Cane Day with your students and the entire community. In Austin, they start planning in April and have a lot of support from the community. This is a great option if you are looking for ideas for next year and if you want to get the community involved. If you don’t have an extra few months to plan that, check out the other options below. 2. Plan an awareness activity. You can show the video “Just Ask” and have students do fun activities like sandwich making, simple obstacle course, tag, teach guide technique under blindfold. This idea is great for O&M students who want to showcase their abilities and help educate their friends. We talk about more specific ideas in the podcast. 3. Have your student make a thank you card and deliver it to teachers on campus. This idea is great for students who want to celebrate with the teachers who have helped them along the way. 4. Have the student make a card for someone and mail it from the post office. Making a card allows the student to be involved in the process and helps them create something meaningful. Taking it to the post office to be mailed can help increase their independence and teach them all about post offices, address systems, city blocks, etc. 5. Make Cane pretzel rods. By taking a simple pretzel rod and dipping it in white chocolate, you can have a fun, easy to eat (or give away) snack! Who doesn’t love snacks?
Want a copy of a card you can easily download for your student? Visit Allied Independence Online to grab your free download!
Just because you are only one person, doesn't mean you don't have what it takes to make a HUGE impact. Ever wondered how Kassy Maloney came to running the International O&M Online Symposium when she was just an O&M Specialist? Then this episode is for you!
In Episode 2, we are going to take you on the journey of:
- How Allied Independence came to came to be.
- Answer your burning questions like “Who IS this girl?”, how can an O&M Specialist create an entire purpose-driven company?
- How we are working to get more people with visual impairments in the workforce and improve the lives of O&M Specialists- at the same time y’all!
Links discussed in this episode:
International O&M Online Symposium
Come hang out with me on Instagram.
And be sure to leave a review on your podcast platform so others can find us!
Welcome to A Step Forward, a podcast for Orientation and Mobility Specialists!
This week, check out what’s coming up and how Orientation and Mobility Specialists are coming together to take... A Step Forward.
Are you an Orientation and Mobility Specialist who wants to increase the independence of your students with visual impairments? Welcome to A Step Forward, an O&M Specialists’ roadmap for helping your students become more independent while staying sane in the workplace.
Every week, join Kassy Maloney as she has shares conversations with other O&M Specialists to help give you a global perspective, simple strategies to help your students succeed, and a bit of kick in the pants inspiration to help keep you going!