A Step Forward

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'...

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 conversati...

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...

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...

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...

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. Registrat...

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...

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 teachin...

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 f...

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 episod...

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...

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...

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 p...

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 assist...

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 ind...

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 Teac...

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 impac...

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...

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...

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 co...

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...

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 topic...

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...

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 di...

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 th...