Come spend some time chatting with a TVI! Learn helpful tips and get a backstage pass at how an itinerant teacher of the visually impaired spends her day! Add some great ideas to your teacher toolbox or just simply have fun hangin' with some VI Peeps!
Hey Guys! Come listen as I chat with my mentor and friend Ira from the deafblind project.Lots and lots of resources! National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB): www.nationaldb.org. You can locate your own state Deaf-Blind Project through the website. Importance of Hand-Under-Hand (pdf attached): https://www.nationaldb.org/info-center/talking-hands-to-hands-factsheet/Intervener versus Paraprofessional versus SSP (pdf attached): https://craft.nationaldb.org/OHOA/Module-3/Comparison-of-Supports_a.pdf
I had the best time chatting with Dr Yue-Ting from San Francisco State University! She shares great tips for teaching technology and her work with Deafblind students. You are going to love her! SF State Program in Visual Impairmentshttp://viprogram.sfsu.eduInstagram/Twitter/Facebook/YouTube @viprogramsfsu
This week is the second part of my chat with Dr. Kathryn where she discusses virtual functional vision assessments. Come have a listen.
TVI Shana and I chat about teaching braille in a virtual setting. Com and hang out and listen! Don't forget to reach out!Come find me: https://www.instagram.com/therealauntmichelle/Email me: tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.com
Self-reflection is the key to growth. This week we talk about the hard question of whether you have grown in your career as a TVI. I have 4 steps for you to think about to help you answer this question and make steps to improve.Please drop me an email and let me know what you think or about episodes you'd like to hear in the future.Come find me: https://www.instagram.com/therealauntmichelle/Email me: tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.com
Dr. Kathryn Botsford comes and gives us a great perspective of our roles as TVIs. I had so many laughs chatting to this wonderful lady! Who is full of such timely advice.I'd love to hear from you about any ideas about what you'd like for future podcasts or questions!!Come find me: https://www.instagram.com/therealauntmichelle/Email me: tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.com
This week’s episode is going to be super short and sweet! That’s because the next few episodes are going to be long but so full of tips! So here are 5 ways to utilize your paraprofessional during distance learning. Hope these ideas help! If you have a great suggestion… email me please so we can share!Deafblind Modules: https://www.nationaldb.org/products/modules/ohoa/Email: tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.com
Amanda is back!!!! We had so much to talk about, I had to split the episode! This week I’m chatting with Amanda again from TVI Tips from Amanda. Her energy is contagious! While many are fearing this school year, Amanda is excited and is chalk full of great tips and helpful ideas. Get your pencils ready to take note… not if you are driving! But Amanda offers some pro tips and a list of supplies you may need if your district are going to be face-to-face! Not to mention how to teach Braille virtually! You can find Amanda at: https://www.tvitips.com/Amanda’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ouDTUZ5_h01apvhjr2OTQAmanda on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TVITips/Come find me: https://www.instagram.com/therealauntmichelle/Email me: tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.com
Episode 4 Amanda Shares How She is Getting ReadyAmanda is back!!!! This week I’m chatting with Amanda again from TVI Tips from Amanda. Her positivity is contagious! While many are fearing this school year, Amanda is excited and is chalk full of great tips and helpful ideas. Get your pencils ready to take note… not if you are driving! But Amanda offers some pro tips and a list of supplies you may need if your district are going to be face-to-face!You can find Amanda at: https://www.tvitips.com/Amanda’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ouDTUZ5_h01apvhjr2OTQAmanda on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TVITips/Come find me: https://www.instagram.com/therealauntmichelle/Email me: tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.com
Episode 5 Mentally Getting Ready for the SchoolLet’s be real! TVI guilt is real. Many TVI across the country felt frustrated and overwhelmed by the whole distance learning from last school year. As we prepare for this 2020-21 school year, mentally we need to make sure we prepared for a GOOD, but challenging school year.Come find me: https://www.instagram.com/therealauntmichelle/Email me: tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.com
This week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Jenn who’s been a TVI for 6 years and the last 3 years as a COMS as well. My favorite quote from our chat was that “you are doing something amazing!” Jenn encourages other TVIs and COMS to share their skills. She launched a website, Eyeteachteactile.com, sharing her wonderful virtual lessons. No, really they are great and so timely since many of us will be working virtual again this school year. And don’t forget to bring your graphic art tape :-)Come follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealauntmichelle/Find Jenn on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/eyeteachtactile/Or her Website https://sites.google.com/view/eyeteachtactile/home?authuser=0AND can't forget the graphic art tape!!!! https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/458357/Chartpak-Graphic-Art-Tape-18-x/
I found a meme last year, that said: August is like one long Sunday night. You know, the time in your weekend when you buckle down and start to prepare for your week. So when the calendar strikes Aug 1, honey it’s time to start getting ready for school!With that in mind, I want to discuss 5 ways for Teacher’s of the Blind and Visually Impaired to get ready for the school year. COVID-19 is still a real and viable threat (not for discussion.) School systems around the world are making choices about how school will be handled in the Fall. Face-to-face, total distance learning set up, or some hybrid of both. Likewise, some schools may begin on way and like the 2019-2020 school year, switch up part of the way through. Regardless of how your school system is going to handle it, here are some things to get you started.Let me know how you get ready for school!Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/therealauntmichelle/
Thinking about going to get your CATIS? Maybe add O&M to you resume? With summer approaching it might be a good time to start to a new program.
Transition planing can be a challenge. Come chat with Vocational Rehab Counselor, Danielle. She shares her passion and some very good resources for us to use with our students as we get ready to write those transitional plans. Mentioned in this Episode:Can I Wear My Nose Ring to My Interview by Ellen Gordan Reeveswww.mynextmove.org
I'm so excited to get to chat with my first first fan! Lindsey is studying to become a TVI and works at her university in the disability office. Come be inspired by how much hard work and passion this young woman is bringing to our field.Not to mention, we get to find out who won the free T-Shirt!!!
I can hardly believe it! Come celebrate my Podcast's 20th Episode with me. I have 5 lessons I have learned from this journey. Plus a give away! Leave a review and then email me at tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.com to get your name entered into a drawing for a FREE TVI Squad t-shirt!
Come get a fresh perspective on our field from someone who is training to be a TVI.
Have you ever talked to someone who was super passionate about the vision field? Well I have and her name is Kim Avila! Join us as we catch up and learn her story of coming into the vision field. Also we discuss some of the challenges facing the field today.
How are we suppose to offer services to our students, when we can't meet with them face-to-face? It's week 3 of the shut down. How are you doing? Me, I'm freaking out a bit. Come listen as we discuss three things to remember during this brave new world.
Sharing 2 bonus tips from Amanda about dealing with being overloaded and overwhelmed as a TVI trying to do the best for our kiddos! I will still be podcasting through the shutdown. I hope you will still be listening. Be safe!
This week we are going to talk about ways to support our students and ourselves during this time while schools are closed, and students are learning from home. Amanda’s video https://youtu.be/btuqwA54T60Perkins https://www.perkinselearning.org/technology/blog/virtual-schools-serving-students-online-education https://thejournal.com/Articles/2013/04/29/4-Tips-for-Teachers-Working-with-Visually-Impaired-Students-Online.aspx?Page=1 https://www.afb.org/blindness-and-low-vision/your-rights/technology-and-information-accessibility/distance-learning-howhttps://elearningindustry.com/tips-develop-online-training-courses-visually-impaired-employees https://noredink.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/217988483-How-to-enable-Text-to-Speech-read-aloud- Don't forget to reach out to me on Instagram @therealauntmichelleOr email me at tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.com
This week we will chat with Dr. Val Foytik O.D. She is an optometrist who conducts low vision exams in Virginia Beach. She shares her view on eye health and the importance of working together as a team to help her patients and our students. Vision Walk 2020 https://give.fightingblindness.org/event/hampton-roads-visionwalk-2020/e239818 Please, if you have questions or show ideas or just want to say HI! Contact me:Instagram: @therealauntmichelleEmail: tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.com
There are many roads that lead us to find our passion, listen in on my chat with TVI Christina. She has a wealth of information about life as a TVI.
Hey Squad!I have a new squad member to introduce you to. This week I have an amazing chat with TVI and COMS: Amanda. She is a passionate and amazing wife, mother, TVI and COMS. Amanda created her own YouTube and Facebook group to help other TVIs. i enjoyed our lively conversation, and I think you will too!Find her: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ouDTUZ5_h01apvhjr2OTQhttps://www.tvitips.com/Find me: Email me tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.com
Sometimes things don't go the way we plan. A very real part of life as a TVI is that we have to deal with the death of our students. Today, I need to share about the first time I lost a student and what I learned from it.
Math can pose a challenge for students with visual impairment and blindness due its visual and abstract nature. This episode we are going to learn about math aids that can be used not only during instruction for students but on the state assements. (There are no affiliate links listed below.)Points to remember:Accommodations provided to students with disabilities as part of the instructional and assessment process should allow equal opportunity to access the assessments in the Virginia Assessment ProgramAccommodations used on the state assessments must be documented in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan and used in daily instruction.ImportanceMath aids can help our VI students with understanding the same information that their sighted peers have.If you know your students can use these during instruction, and SOL that is helpful!Number LinesAPH tactile number line- A number line may be blank or printed with whole numbers. AbacusColored Shapes- Colored shapes are blank and may be two- or three-dimensional. Graph paper - Graph paper with or without a coordinate plane may be used.
What access technology is available for state testing.Remember assistive technology device’ means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.”*Accommodations, including assistive technology devices, provided to students with disabilities as part of the instructional and assessment process should allow equal opportunity to access the assessments in the Virginia Assessment Program.*Assistive technology accommodations used on statewide assessments must be documented in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan and used in daily instruction*This makes me upset when they spring use of Whiteboard at the last minute because the school forgot to order a large print Visual aids A student with a visual impairment may use an interactive/electronic whiteboard or data projector to project the test onto a large surface (projection screen, dry erase board, or wall) for magnification purposes only.Interactive/Electronic whiteboard; Data projector Paper and OnlineVisual AidsCCTV (closed circuit television) Electronic magnificationA student with a visual impairment may use a CCTV or electronic magnifier to enlarge a paper test form. PaperVisual aidsColor overlay Tinted screen Screen Magnifier A student with a visual impairment or processing disability may use only one blank color overlay, tinted screen or screen magnifier.Paper or OnlineResponse Devices Word processor, Word processor with speech-to-textA student with a visual impairment who does not use braille, as well as students who have an orthopedic impairment, a specific learning disability, or other disability that interferes with the composing process or prevents them from composing their response within the online test, may use a word processor or word processor with speech-to-text capabilities to complete the short-paper component of the SOL Writing test. Paper and online writingResponse DevicesBraille writer or brailler Blind and vision-impaired students may use a braille writer or brailler to complete the short-paper component of the SOL Writing test or to record responses to multiple-choice SOL test questions.Braille PaperWhat CAN’T BE UsedUse of software or applications on a device concurrently running TestNav for online SOL test administration. Use of any Internet-capable device during testing to access software or applications other than TestNav (some CCTV can access the internet and take pictures)ReviewWe discussed the visual aids and response devices. It is good to be mindful of what is available for your kiddos. Subscribe and leave a commentJoin my squad! Follow me on Instagram, YouTube and websiteLinks are below *This information is available at the Department of Education http://doe.virginia.gov/testing/participation/ Please, share this epoxide out with your fellow TVIs and #tvitalkswithmichelleFollow me on Instagram @therealauntmichelle
Hi Squad!High stakes test are a part of the life of today’s students. This maybe your first time as a TVI or the first time handling testing for a particular grade level. It is very important to know what accommodations are available as you prepare to make suggestions for your student’s IEPs. This is the second in a six episode-series dealing with testing accommodations. This epoxide will discuss the possible accommodation available for the state tests in Virginia. If you missed the first epoxide click here! If you haven’t subscribed don’t forget to so you won’t miss out on this important series. Q &AJake reached out with a question about how can his student take an electronic test on the computer. Types of accommodationstime/scheduling – Setting - physical environmentPresentation Response Timing SchedulingMultiple test sessionsTime of dayOrder of testsPlanned breaks during testSetting AccommodationsTest locationAdaptive or special furnitureSpecial lightingPresentationSpecific verbal promptsVisual AidsAmplification equipmentNoise dampening equipmentLarge-printBraille testRead-aloudAudio testInterpreting/transliterating test and testing directionsWritten directions accompanying oral directionsResponse AccommodationsEnlarged copy of answer documentCommunication board or choice cardsExaminer records responsesBrailleWord processor or word processor with speech-to-textWord prediction softwareSpelling aidsEnglish dictionaryDictation using a recording deviceDictation to scribeRead back student responseCalculator and arithmetic tools (Going to talk about that in another episode)Math aidsDry erase boardAdditional writing implementsAccommodations for VIBreaking tests into multiple days (tests sessions) Reading test is LOOOONG)Planned Breaks during testing (eye fatigue)One –on- one Extra lightSlant BoardWord processorBraille writer Large-printBraille – Paper and pencilRemember Accommodations…Have to be in the IEPHave to use “everyday”Have to be ordered earlyThis information is available at the Department of Education http://doe.virginia.gov/testing/participationEmail questions or comments to: tvitalkswithmichelle@gmail.comPlease, share this epoxide out with your fellow TVIs and #tvitalkswithmichelleFollow me on Instagram @therealauntmichelle
Testing in an essential part of students lives today.We have to be prepared, so our kiddos have equal accessThis may be your first testing season, or the first time your students are testing in a particular grade level. Let me help you get geared up for Testing Season! This is the first in the series about testing accommodations.
Have you ever met someone who inspires you? Since I met, Kassy Maloney, O&M specialist and owner of Allied Independence and creator of the International O&M Online Symposium, I have felt nothing but inspiration. Today, I’m going to introduce y’all to the newest member of my VI squad! Link for the ONLINE registration- https://orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/A Step Forward podcast- https://alliedindependenceonline.com/astepforwardOn Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/kassymaloney/
WHO am I?•Allow me to introduce myself•All about me•Show level- helpful tips and tricks•Episode- to give you a context as to who I am•Lol, no idea if it will be interesting at all :-PWHO•Wife•Mother of three adults•Special ed teacher 24 yearsWHAT•Help the next gen.•Connect to other tvi•Provide support and helpful informationWHY•Knowledge should be shared•I’ve met people who try to hoard knowledgeREFLECTIONS•I hope that I didn’t bore you•Just wanted to share a bit about me•And I want to know you to!!•Connect with me on Instagram @therealauntmichelle•Check out my YouTube channel: Aim Braille Solutions•Check out my website AimBrailleSolutions.com•This year: Plans to meet some of my VI squad•A series on state and national testing•More technology lessons•Please join me Michelle
Starting off as a new TVI, a million questions maybe swarming your brain. This week, I answer a question about service time and how do we figure our how much time each student on our caseload should receive.
Are you looking for great apps to use with your kiddos? Today’s podcast, I discuss three great and FREE apps TVI can use with their students. • Novel Effect https://www.noveleffect.com/• Pixel Envision Find the Difference http://www.pixelenvision.com/app/find-the-differences-for-kids-farm-animals/• Fluidity by Nebulus design https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fluidity-hd/id399403909
Having a heart to serve and work with students who are differently able-ed motivated Crystal Hunt to become a TVI and a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Come and hear her journey to begin working with babies and school-age students with blindness and visual impairment. Join us as she shares a few tips and tricks!
Shopping for the perfect gift can be a challenge. Today I'm going to be sharing some ideas for gifts to buy for children and adults with visual impairment. If you are a TVI or a parent or family member looking for ideas to give the person in your life with a visual impairment then this episode is for you! Whether adding to your own personal toolbox or surprising your favorite person, let me offer you some suggestions. You can see everything I mention over on my Pintrest Board https://www.pinterest.com/therealauntmichelle/gifts-for-persons-with-vi/
Technology is an important part of the life of a TVI. Developing ways to teach new tech to our kiddos, not to mention keeping up with ever changing is a must for the teacher of the visually impaired.
Take Two: Find out more about the Launch date of TVI Talks With Michelle! Find out a bit more about the WHY behind the program.
Come spend some time chatting with a TVI! Learn helpful tips and get a backstage pass at how an itinerant teacher of the visually impaired spends her day!
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