A Step Forward

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 Hie...

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?...

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: E...

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 Mo...

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 Ga...

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 Mistak...

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...

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 Hap...

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: H...

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, syste...

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 t...

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...

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:* Lear...

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...

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...

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...

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 Vision...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, orien...

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...

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 Signa...

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 v...