Supports for Educators Serving Students with VI

Supports for Educators

PaTTAN BVI Newsletter

The Blindness/Visual Impairment Initiative disseminates a monthly newsletter each school year from September through May. It provides national and statewide information, resources, research, tools, supports, events, and trainings opportunities.

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2023-24 Supports to Retain Educators Serving Students with VI

Tactile Graphic Bootcamp 

This unique hybrid series (July – October 2024) combines asynchronous learning with interactive virtual sessions with guest presenters. Participants will be provided access to online modules containing rich, on-demand resources that help build tactile graphics competencies for professionals supporting students who are blind or have low vision. Attendees can explore topics ranging from the fundamentals of tactile graphic design to practical applications and integration strategies within educational settings. With flexibility as a guiding principle, participants can navigate these materials at their own pace, tailoring their learning experience to suit their individual needs and preferences. ACT 48 and ACVREP credit is available for your participation in this event. 

PaTTAN Technology Adventure for Students with Vision and Hearing Needs 

Are you wondering how to find and pay for assistive technology before and after graduation? Come explore new technology and chat with vendors, learn about new trends, and ask any questions you may have. Try out the latest assistive technology and find what works best for each student. Join our "Q&A" sessions to get the answers to your questions about assistive technology and secondary transition; participate in round table discussions with local transition professionals so you can learn about the supports available for students after graduation, including assistive technology. Don't miss this chance to embark on this adventure, grow your skills, learn, and explore together right in your own community. See you there! 

Registration is Open! (Click on the office site below.)  

Where and When: 

Who Should Attend: Students, Families, Education Professionals, and Assistive technology (AT) representatives 

Coffee, Tea, O&Me: Becoming a Beacon 

This virtual discussion series is tailored specifically for Orientation & Mobility Specialists. We are thrilled to have guest speaker Bonnie Dodson-Burk present monthly on a range of topics, from navigating complex intersections and roundabouts to understanding ADA Guidelines and tactile warning surface indicators. Join us as we delve into these often-overlooked subjects. Each 90-minute session will consist of approximately 60 minutes of content, followed by 30 minutes reserved for networking, discussion, and questions. This is a great opportunity to engage with peers, ask questions, and acquire practical skills that can be applied in your daily practice.  

Registration Information Coming Soon! 

Where: Online 

Who Should Attend: Orientation and Mobility Specialists 

When: October-April; Second Wednesday of each month from 2:30 to 4:00 PM 

Credit: ACVREP & ACT 48 

TVI Time: Spotlight on CVI  

Delve into the world of supporting students with visual impairment, with a special focus on CVI a brain-based visual impairment for the 2024-25 school year. Enhance your daily practice through dynamic discussions and uncover strategies to overcome obstacles faced by itinerant teachers. Forge connections with colleagues who share your role across the commonwealth Guest presenters may periodically join to enrich the conversation by sharing their expertise on specific topics, referencing current resources, research, textbooks, and publications, with opportunities for Q&A. 

Registration Information Coming Soon! 

Where: Online 

Who Should Attend: Orientation and Mobility Specialists 

When: October-April; Last Thursday* of of each month from 2:30 to 4:00 PM; *October meeting is on Last Tuesday. 

Credit: ACVREP & ACT 48 

Supports to Prepare TVI and COMS

Mentoring Opportunities For TVI and COMS 

Pennsylvania has a mentoring program for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists. The goal is to provide additional support and professional growth as you embark on your new career. You will be matched with a professional that is in a similar role, with similar students, and assigned to similar classrooms. Our mentors and mentees have raved about the program. Get matched with a mentor today! 

This program is open to new teachers and professionals with less than 3 years of experience. 

Supports to Attract Individuals to Become TVIs or COMS
Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) 

If you like working with students on a 1:1 basis, enjoy traveling, and enjoy working with students of all ages you may enjoy becoming a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments. In the Is a Career as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment Flyer , you will find information on what a TVI is, where you could work as a TVI, why you might enjoy this career, how to become a TVI in Pennsylvania through our university programs. These university programs often have grants to help their students with tuition costs. 

Don’t just take our word for it, listen to a short video from Holly on why she became a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments. 

 

Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) 

If you enjoy working in dynamic environments, outdoors and indoors, you may enjoy a career as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. COMS promote safe an independent travel across home, school, and community environments. In the Career as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist Flyer, you will find information on what a TVI is, Where you could work as a TVI, why you might enjoy this career, and how to become a COMS in Pennsylvania through our University Programs. These university programs often have grants to help their students with tuition costs. 

Don’t just take our word for it, listen to a short video from Autumn on why she became a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and loves her job!