A Sense of Texas

TSBVI Dragonboat Team

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

With thousands of years of history, dragonboat is a sport built on working together as a team to accomplish a common goal. At TSBVI this is a skill we strive to teach everyday. In 2017 Outreach consultant Scott Balitisberger decided to bring these two things together and founded the TSBVI Dragonboat Team. We're happy to have you this month to hear from the TSBVI dragonboat team and their lead up to the Austin Dragonboat Festival.

NAVEG Training

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Identifying babies who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision can take a trained individual and a neonatal screening tool like the NAVEG. TSBVI Outreach providers are training others on its use and expanding access to services for infants and toddlers. Listen in to learn more about the NAVEG and check out the additional resources below.

TSBVI Coffee Hour

TSBVI Article in TX Senseabilities

NAVEG Training Flier

NAVEG Training Flier for Medical Professionals

NAVEG Screening Materials and Prices

Anchor Center

Texas Debut of the Monarch

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The newest advancement in braille and tactile graphic technology is the Monarch available from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). Thanks to significant grant funding from the Texas Education Agency, over three hundred students in Texas will be receiving their own Monarchs with roll-out training and support from TSBVI Outreach and partners. We're excited to share more about this device and how it's changing educational access for students.

APH link: https://www.aph.org/product/monarch/

TSBVI's Java Jam

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Creating a greater sense of community and involving everyone is huge here at TSBVI and nothing shows that more than TSBVI's Java Jam. This weekly event featuring music and hospitality from students and staff, and draws folks from across our campus to enjoy the festivities and grab a beverage to keep them going for the rest of the day. We get the feeling this newly created campus gem is here to stay.

Braille Awareness

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Braille literacy rates continue to be low and organizations like the ACB Braille Revival League and the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities are working to increase awareness and ensure all students who are blind or have low vision have access to braille instruction. Larry Johnson and Neva Fairchild are staunch advocates for braille, know exactly why our students need braille, and are willing to lend us their expertise.

Haunted House for the Blind at TSBVI

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Better late than never, but in this episode we want to highlight the Haunted House at TSBVI, which has been resurrected this spooky season after taking a few years off. It's always a special opportunity to let the community create an inclusive fall event on our campus that we hope to keep going for years to come. Come along with Emily as she takes her turn through the haunted house and then hear from the students and staff who make the halloween magic happen.

Wildcat Coffee Shop at TSBVI

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Most all of us need a cup of coffee to add that extra perk to the morning or get over the mid-afternoon slump, but not all of us are lucky enough to have highly trained baristas on hand to get a delicious cup of joe without leaving the office. Help us kick off the new year by letting us show you how we get our caffeine fix at TSBVI at the Wildcat Coffee Shop.

Disney's Moana Jr

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 10:50:14 -0500

Every spring, The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired puts on a play production that brings joy, and maybe a little stress, to the lives of students and staff from across our campus. This year we presented Disney's Moana Jr. Please join us as staff share the process and the positive impact it has on our students.

The Capitol Experience

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500

One of our main goals as a school for blind, low vision, and deafblind students is to expose students to as many experiences they can learn from as possible. Recently our host Emily Coleman helped to teach our Capitol Experience class, which gave the class a trip to the capitol to help advocate for their chosen causes to state representatives and their staff. This trip also gave them the chance to meet with Ron Lucey, the Executive Director of the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities to learn about his job and how they can improve government for themselves.

Etiologies

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Understanding why an individual is blind, deafblind, or has low vision is key to understanding how to get them the support and services they need, especially for students. We're so happy to have TSBVI Outreach consultants Kathi Garza and Rachel Collins join us to discuss 5 etiologies (and one bonus one!) and how recognizing these conditions can help improve outcomes across our student population.

Curriculum at TSBVI

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:13:03 -0500

Angela Wolf joins us to share updates to TSBVI's Curriculum and her experiences in education. TSBVI sells resources all over the world and to share an out-of-state perspective we share additional insight from Adam Wilton in Canada and Beth Peters in Iowa. You can check out resources mentioned at TSBVI's online store and in our Instructional Resource Library. https://www.tsbvi.edu/store https://www.tsbvi.edu/statewide-resources/instructional-resource-library

Waymo

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Public transportation has always been key to increasing mobility for blind and visually impaired people and new technology is advancing public transport to a whole new level. So we were delighted to have Waymo visit our campus last October to get a look at fully autonomous vehicles being tested in Austin. Waymo was kind enough to gift our campus with some codes to use the Waymo app during their testing phase and we have been able to share those with blind users and tech lovers across campus. With these codes we were able to take some newbies out for a few test rides to get their thoughts on this new technology and later we welcomed Amanda Ventura from Waymo to answer some of our questions. Be sure to visit https://waymo.com/ to find out more about Waymo in Austin and beyond.

Blind Soccer

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Learn more about this amazing sport with insights from its coaches and even top athletes! We will dive into what Blind Soccer is all about, why it means so much to its players and surrounding communities, and how it can help develop key skills like coordination, spatial awareness, teamwork and much more.

APH Annual Meeting 2024

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The American Printing House for the Blind brings educators together yearly for their Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY. This year, President Craig Meador shared information about their latest, game-changing product, the Monarch. To highlight the importance of this technology, you'll hear from the state at APH and experts like Paul Schroeder and Karen Anderson. For more information on the Monarch and all the other great APH products visit their website at www.aph.org.

TSBVI Cemetery Plot

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

A lot of interesting things happen at TSBVI and it has a lot of assets you wouldn't imagine would be acquired by a school for the blind. But even we were surprised to hear from Ryan Dees at the City of Austin. He informed us that TSBVI purchased a cemetery lot in East Austin's Oakwood Cemetery in the 1870's that had fallen into disrepair. So come help us ring in the spooky season to learn more about this lot and how it came to be.

To take a walking tour of Austin cemeteries be sure to attend one of the 18th Annual Murder, Mayhem and Misadventure tours on Saturday October 26th.

New Admin

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 02:28:29 -0500

Welcome back for another new season! TSBVI is a national and international leader in the education of students who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. When we make leadership changes it doesn’t just impact our students on campus, but it impacts the 11,000 students around the state of Texas and even outside of our state lines. Today we’re introducing you to our new Outreach Director, Erica Cairns, and our new Short-term/ Summer Program Principal, Dr. Eden Hagelman.

The Day to Day of a TSBVI Student

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500

After a long and eventful school year some of us here at A Sense of Texas were seeking a much needed break. And just like every good superhero, the students participating in the Audio/Visual class here at TSBVI came to our rescue. To close out the school year the students have created an episode showing us what day-to-day life looks like for students, and how attending school here has helped them socially and academically. As a bonus we've also included some key moments from the recent TSBVI Graduation ceremony. Thanks so much for being a part of our podcast and we'll see you next school year!

Online Algebra

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Solving for X is a pretty difficult challenge for most sighted students, so imagine learning algebra with a visual impairment? And add to that doing everything online? Well, lucky for our students in Texas we have TSBVI's very own John Rose here to save the day. John Rose and his students are joining us this week to discuss the TSBVI online algebra course and how it has helped them on their journey to becoming math experts. For more information on the algebra course and the other great offerings visit the TSBVI Short Term Programs website.

Accessibility and the Eclipse

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

On April 8th a solar eclipse will cross North America with totality being visible from Mazatlan to Montreal. Here in Austin we're lucky enough to be in the path of totality and this presents the unique challenge of making the eclipse accessible to our student population. We speak with Allyson Bieryla, an astronomer from Harvard University, along with students and staff at TSBVI to learn how technologies new and old are being utilized to make the eclipse accessible to the blind and visually impaired community. Special thanks to David Schechter and the folks from CBS News for speaking with us and putting a spotlight on accessibility to science for people who are blind and visually impaired. The CBS News story on accessibility and the eclipse is out now, be sure to check it out!

Click here to get more information on the LightSound Project and how you can bring eclipse accessibility to your community.

TSBVI's EXIT Program

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Pretty much everyone wants to do their best Peter Pan impersonation and never grow up, but unfortunately growing up is an inevitability for all of us, including our students here at TSBVI. Today we'll show you how Experiences in Transition (EXIT) helps our post-graduation students learn skills for everyday living as well as important job skills to help them contribute to society, and themselves, for years to come.

Click the link for more information on the EXIT Program and be sure to check out Wealthy Bee on Spotify to hear the full versions of her songs included in this episode.

The BIG Show at TSBVI

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

As a school for students with a wide range of abilities, inclusion is standard practice here at TSBVI. But one event that goes above and beyond is The Big Show. The Big Show is held twice a year and any student enrolled in a music class at TSBVI is welcome, and encouraged, to participate. From piano recitals to jazz ensembles with a little bit of mariachi thrown in, the holiday Big Show has it all. This month we're going to pull back the curtain on The Big Show and speak with the musicians cheering up your holiday, and the teachers who help bring it all together.

USABA Goalball Youth Nationals

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

One of our favorite events that we host on the TSBVI campus every other year is the USABA Goalball Youth Nationals tournament. This year was a banner year for us with a record 23 teams in attendance and the competition did not disappoint. With two gold medal games that went down to the wire, we were lucky to witness some top notch talent. The USABA national teams have a bright future ahead with athletes like these waiting in the wings.

Interveners

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 03:45:41 -0500

Students who are deafblind often are paired with an intervener to supply important information about their environment through interaction and communication. Every year, TSBVI Outreach offers an intervener team training on our campus to focus on these important professionals, which we highlighted here. In addition to the training, we spent time in a TSBVI classroom recording conversations from a typical morning with one of our deafblind students. About the Intervener Team Training: https://www.tsbvi.edu/events/2023-introduction-to-the-intervener-team-model TX Senseabilities Article: https://www.tsbvi.edu/tx-senseabilities/issues/tx-senseabilities-fall-winter-2014-issue/intervener-basics-myth-legend-and-reality

White Cane Day

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Blind Americans Equality Day, or White Cane Day, is coming up on October 15th, and we’ll have our campus event in Austin on Wednesday, October 18th. Over the years, White Cane Day has evolved from a focus on safety to a celebration of the achievements of people who are blind. The white cane is now recognized around the world as a symbol of blindness and a tool of independence. This episode highlights a song from The Spinrockers and the perspectives of students and adults who are white cane users themselves.

The Spinrockers' original song, "Just Can't Stop This Groovin'," was written and produced by Devin Gutierrez and Mary Rose, and will be released on October 15th, National White Cane Day.

For more information see their Facebook page below: https://www.facebook.com/thespinrockers?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Braille Challenge 2023

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500

From all of us here at A Sense of Texas we'd like to welcome you back from a relaxing summer. To kick off the new season we're trying something different with a fresh new format. Lucky for us, our friends over at the Braille Institute were more than happy to enable our new ideas by letting us capture audio from the Braille Challenge Finals held in Los Angeles this June. Braille Challenge is a great chance for our students and families to learn from each other and compete for a common goal. And hopefully with this episode you can learn a little bit too.

For more information on Braille Challenge and all things Braille, visit their website at https://brailleinstitute.org/

ChatGPT

Mon, 15 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Joe Dlugo is a TSVI, COMS, and Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) at the Washington State School for the Blind. Joe is also the Vision Grant Program Mentor for Washington Sensory Disabilities Services. Always at the forefront of technology in the field of blind, low vision, and deafblind education, he brings us an introduction to ChatGPT and potential implications for our work. Perkins School for the Blind recently published an article by Joe on this same topic: https://www.perkins.org/resource/generative-artificial-intelligence-impacts-on-professionals-in-the-field-of-educating-students-with-blindness-and-low-vision/

Cody Laplante - eye.t

Mon, 01 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Cody Laplante is an itinerant TSVI in Maryland and co-founder of "eye.t". He aims to create curriculum and professional development rolled into one for busy teachers of students with visual impairment with an emphasis on technology. You can currently find information regarding screen reader instruction on his website and tech tips on his youtube channel. For more information on eye.t be sure to visit them on YouTube at and the eye.t website.

Blind Leadership

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 01:56:50 -0500

Neva Fairchild is here to tell us all about the American Foundation for the Blind, and what kind of opportunities its Blind Leaders Development Program can offer.

For more information: https://www.afb.org/blind-leaders

NFADB

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Being a parent is hard enough, and being a parent to an individual with dual sensory loss presents a whole new set of challenges. Luckily, several groups have been created to help families of individuals with dual sensory loss get support as well as advocate for their loved one. Jacqueline Izaguirre and Melanie Knapp join us to talk about The National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB) and The Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas (DBMAT) and how they have helped them support and advocate for their loved ones with dual sensory loss.

For more information on NFADB, DBMAT, and the Cogswell-Macy Act please use the following links:

NFADB: https://www.nfadb.org/

DBMAT: https://dbmat-tx.org/

Cogswell-Macy Act: https://cogswellmacyact.org/

Please feel free to contact Jacqueline or Melanie if you have more questions about NFADB or DBMAT.

Jacqueline Izaguirre: jacqueline@nfadb.org

Melanie Knapp: melanie@nfadb.org

BADIE

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The “Benefits of Audio Description in Education,” or BADIE contest is an opportunity for students to find something of interest to them and share their opinion of the description. Susan Glass, Tabitha Kenlon, and Jason Stark join us from the American Council of the Blind’s Audio Description Project and the Described and Captioned Media Program to give us all the details.

For more info about the contest: badiecontest.org

Craig Edgley - TSBVI

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Our students always benefit from mentors and teachers who can identify with their disability so it's great to have Craig Edgley from TSBVI join us. Losing sight at a young age Craig has earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree so he's well aware of how to navigate the needs of blind and visually impaired students in an educational environment. We're so happy to have him here to share his experience and expertise.

The Monarch

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Greg Stilson, Karen Anderson and Peter Tucic give us the inside scoop about the Monarch. This innovative tactile device aims to modernize and advance the ways we can access braille and tactile graphics. For more info from the American Printing House visit: https://www.aph.org/the-ebrf-revolution/ https://www.aph.org/dtd-fact-sheet/ Karen Anderson's Article: https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr41/4/fr410414.htm

Peggy Garrett - American Council of the Blind of Texas

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

While the population of blind and visually impaired people is comparatively small, the resources available are quite large. One of those resources is the American Council of the Blind of Texas. Joining us is Peggy Garrett, Immediate Past President – Constitution & Bylaws Chair of ACBT, to tell us about what ACB does and how they can help people who are blind and visually impaired reach their goals.

For more information on services and how to get in touch with American Council of the Blind of Texas visit their website at https://acbtexas.org/

The Blind History Lady (Peggy Chong)

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Peggy Chong, AKA The Blind History Lady, has taken it upon herself to document and explore lesser known historical figures who are blind. Today’s episode primarily focuses on Don Mahoney, however this is just the tip of the iceberg of knowledge that Peggy has accumulated over her impressive career.

Check out: https://theblindhistorylady.com/ to find out more.

Email: theblindhistorylady@gmail.com to join the monthly email list!

TSBVI MakerSpace and Broadcast Studio

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

One of the biggest hurdles in teaching students with visual impairments is creating accessible learning environments for STEM and many software applications that are minimally accessible, like video and audio editing. Joining the podcast this week are Chris Correll and Sue O'Brien who are pioneering new curriculums in our TSBVI MakerSpace and Rosa M. Gonzales Center for Broadcast Communication to help bridge these gaps in learning.

Programming note: we will be on a break for the holiday and will return with another episode January 15th.

Goalball

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

After TSBVI recently competed in the U.S. National High school Goalball Championship, we thought it would be a great time for an episode about what goalball is and what it means to the players and anyone else supporting the sport. We will hear from Mark Gronquist, Tammy Reed and Zach Arambula- and be sure to stick around until the end to hear from pro athlete, Libby Daugherty!

Kassy Maloney - Allied Independence

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

A few years ago, Kassy Maloney created an online space for Orientation and Mobility providers that has continued to grow. Her company, Allied Independence, provides professional development and resources to practitioners around the world. She highlights their programs and shares some of her own professional perspectives on our show. Website: https://alliedindependenceonline.com Kassy's Interview with Emily on her podcast "A Step Forward": https://alliedindependenceonline.com/astepforward/motherhood-propelled-first-female-superintendent-with-emily-coleman

Lee Sonnenberg - AER

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Lee Sonnenberg shares his experiences as the newest Executive Director at the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, as well as his perspective as a parent of a child with a visual impairment. Be sure to stick around until the end where Kate Borg, President of the Texas AER and Outreach Director at TSBVI, shares more about TAER.

Peter Tucic - HumanWare

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Peter Tucic is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Humanware. As a blind individual himself, he openly shares about his work and his upbringing. Be sure to stay on until the end when he provides solid takeaways for students who are blind and looking to be empowered.

For more information on HumanWare and their products visit https://www.humanware.com/en-usa/home

Polly

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 00:01:00 -0500

The American Printing House for the Blind has partnered with Thinkerbell to create a new Braille teaching tool and learning device titled, "Polly." Shivam Agarwal and Donna McClure-Rogers tell us about the device, the intended outcomes, and the many ways it will positively impact a student's education and independence. To find out more and join the "Polly" wait list please visit https://www.aph.org/polly-wait-list/.

New Season, New Song

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Going into our 5th season and our 81st (!!!!) episode we thought it was time to mix things up a bit. Last year we tasked on campus musical masterminds the Semi-Modulars with creating a new theme for our show and we're so happy to share it with you for the first time. We talk with band members Brandon, Destiny, Heather, Joel, and their fearless leader Daniel Butler about the creative process and how they came up with the new song.

We love the Semi-Modulars here at A Sense of Texas and hope you do too. To check out all the albums they've created over the years visit https://thesemimodulars.bandcamp.com/ and download all your favorites.

Dr. Michele McDonnall - NRTC

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0500

With graduations happening all around the country it's an important time to think about the skills our students are taking with them as they transition to adulthood. We thought this was the perfect time to bring on Dr. Michele McDonnall from the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision to talk about the work they do to help people with blindness and low vision get into the workforce.

For more information on the NRTC please visit their website at https://www.blind.msstate.edu/

Also, with graduations upon us that means we're rapidly approaching summer and we'll be taking a break. Our next episode will arrive September 15. Enjoy your summer!

Birdability

Sun, 15 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia Rose, Founder and President of Birdability, along with Freya McGregor, Director of programs and outreach, and an occupational therapist, discuss the group's goals and their personal journeys that led them to birding.

Through education, outreach and advocacy, Birdability works to ensure the birding community and the outdoors are welcoming, inclusive, safe and accessible for everybody.

SCASB 2022

Sun, 01 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500

TSBVI competes in athletics and performing arts with other schools for the blind in Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Louisiana through the South Central Association Schools for the Blind. As we just wrapped up our annual track and performing arts event, we wanted to debrief with one of our Athletic Directors, Coaches, and two of our Senior female athletes.

Dr. Rona Pogrund

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Dr. Rona Pogrund is the Coordinator of Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments Program in the Department of Special Education, College of Education at Texas Tech University. She provides instruction, mentoring, and guidance to those seeking to become a teacher of students who are visually impaired (TSVI) and those working on a Masters or Doctorate degree in our field. Her 49 years in blindness education make her an expert in teacher training, professional engagement, and all the things that make our profession great.

Mike Hudson - APH Museum

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Housing one of the foremost collections of materials and technology used to advance the education of blind, low vision and, Deafblind people in the world, the Museum at the American Printing House for the Blind is showing how the contributions of the past can create better outcomes in the future. APH Museum director Mike Hudson is here to tell us about some of the exhibits on display at the museum and what they have planned for the future.

To find out more about the museum go to https://aphmuseum.org/ to plan your visit.

Marnee Loftin

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

When evaluating a student to determine eligibility for special education and to develop an educational plan, it's critical to take into account a student's accommodations specific to their visual impairment. Marnee Loftin has been a leader in this work for quite some time. We're lucky to have her on the podcast.

Here ares some links to many other great resources available online:

Additional podcasts to check out:

https://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/258-assessment-with-visually-impaired-kids-part-1-w-dr-carol-evans-marnee-loftin-dr-terese-pawletko-may-nguyen-and-stephanie-herlich/

https://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/260-assessment-with-visually-impaired-kids-part-2-w-dr-carol-evans-marnee-loftin-dr-terese-pawletko-may-nguyen-and-stephanie-herlich/

Video Resource from Improving Literacy:

https://improvingliteracy.org/videos/visual-impairment-and-dyslexia-video-series

Curriculum Resources from TSBVI: https://www.tsbvi.edu/tsbvi-publications

Matt Schultz - TSBVI Residential Program

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Some of the most vital learning at a residential school happens outside of the classroom. TSBVI Residential Director Matt Schultz joins us to discuss how creating a positive environment in our dorms can facilitate learning in the classroom as well as at home with their families. Also joining us are Darius, Pedro, and Michael from the TSBVI Wildcat Wrestling team to tell us about how their experiences with athletics are helping them progress in their journey to adulthood.

Planning Behavior Intervention - Part 2

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Our conversation continues as Lynne McAlister and Deanna Peterson provide their professional perspectives on children's behavior, and what can sometimes be misinterpreted as misbehavior. Later in the episode we are also joined by James Coleman, who shares a relatable parental view on the matter!

Free behavior guidance tool can be found here: https://www.tsbvi.edu/tsbvi-publications#publications

Further discussions about the topic: Coffee Hour

Lynne and Deanna's contact info:

mcalisterl@tsbvi.edu

petersond@tsbvi.edu

Planning Behavior Intervention

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Lynne McAlister and Deanna Peterson from TSBVI Outreach discuss planning behavior intervention for children and young adults who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind. In today's episode, we dive deeper into the complexities behind what behavior means, misconceptions, and helpful perspectives to keep in mind.

Free behavior guidance tool can be found here: https://www.tsbvi.edu/tsbvi-publications#publications

Further discussions about the topic: Coffee Hour

Lynne and Deanna's contact info:

mcalisterl@tsbvi.edu

petersond@tsbvi.edu

Monique Coleman

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Monique Coleman (soon to be Dr. Coleman) is a longtime educator in the field of blindness education and an adjunct professor with San Francisco State University. Her recent article on Paths to Literacy titled, "Culturally Responsive Literacy Education with Learners Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired," caught our attention and inspired us to invite her on our show. She mentions many other leaders in education with a focus on diversity and inclusion, so be sure to listen close. Article Link: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/blog/culturally-responsive-literacy-education-learners-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired

Paul Olson - Bill of Rights

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Families of children who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision value resources to better understand, and have conversations regarding, their child's educational program. Paul Olson, Superintendent of North Dakota Vision Services/ School for the Blind, initiated the creation of such a document and is going to tell us all about it. "A Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairment and Their Families" was co-authored by Paul, Emily, and Janie Blome. Check out the below links to view the resources discussed yourself.

Bill of Rights in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese:

https://aerbvi.org/resources/publications/

Abbreviated Bill of Rights for families:

https://familyconnect.org/blog/raising-a-child-who-is-blind-and/my-version-of-the-bill-of-rights/

Lastly, we will not be posting an episode for January 1st. In the meantime if you have questions or want to suggest topics for future episodes, feel free to contact us at podcast@tsbvi.edu. Otherwise, we'll see you back here in one month!

Dr. Cary Supalo

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Teaching and learning STEM subjects is difficult for everyone, and for students with disabilities it can be a greater challenge due to lack of access. Today Dr. Cary Supalo joins us to discuss his experiences as a blind student, and how educators can help encourage students who are blind to get interested in STEM.

Family Engagement

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Emily will explore what it means to work in family engagement. You'll hear from Edgenie Bellah and Yolanda Shaw, some of the hurdles educators and families both struggle with, and how we all ultimately hope to keep the child's best interests at heart. Expert Katherine Houck will also provide further information about family engagement opportunities.

TSBVI Family Lynx

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Few things are more helpful to the parent of a blind, visually impaired, or deafblind child than being able to connect with other parents who know the joy, and also the struggles, of their situation. Amy Potts, Barbara Knighton, and Patty Bushland join us this month to talk about how they started TSBVI Family Lynx and how it's helping parents of students at TSBVI and how parent organizations across the country are doing the same.

Jeff Molzow - White Cane Day

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Jeff Molzow is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, someone who helps teach adults who are blind and visually impaired to return to work successfully and effectively. Jeff has continuously pushed the envelope of his field via his passion for blind advocacy, combined with a strong background in technology.

Now Jeff is here to help us understand what White Cane Day is, and why it's such an important day for the blind community. You'll also hear from TSBVI student Michael Fulk, sharing his take on this holiday.

For more information about White Cane Day visit https://whitecaneday.org/

Dr. Rosy Carranza -Teacher of Tomorrow

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Dr. Rosy Carranza facilitates the Teacher of Tomorrow Program with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). In this episode, Rosy shares her background, her expertise, and her passion surrounding the education of blind students and the educators who teach them.

To learn more about the Teacher of Tomorrow program visit https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow

TSBVI & Texas Folklife

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 11:27:13 -0500

Welcome back from the break! Just like you, we're slowly working our way back into the flow of the new school year. Today we're going to share with you a great collaboration some of our students participated in over the summer with Texas Folklife and their Stories from Deep in the Heart podcast series. Today you'll hear stories about Texas barbecue, haunted hotels, and the dark history of the famous moon towers throughout town.

Visit https://texasfolklife.org/ to learn more about Texas Folklife and to hear more from the Stories from Deep in the Heart podcast series.

Getting in Touch With Literacy - Part 2

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500

This episode we welcome back Dr. Cay Holbrook and Janie Blome, founders of the Getting Touch With Literacy conference. On the last episode they talked about the history of GITWL as well as how they are preparing to say farewell to the conference this December. This time we let them step up on the soapbox to discuss all things conference and blind education.

The Getting In Touch With Literacy conference will be held December 1-4, 2021 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. For more information on the conference visit http://www.gettingintouchwithliteracy.org/ and register now! If you have further questions feel free to contact Dr. Holbrook at cay.holbrook@ubc.ca or Janie Blome at janie.blome@att.net.

Now, after 2.5 years, 63 episodes, and ~23,700 downloads we are finally ready to take a short break from podcasting. In the meantime if you have questions or want to suggest topics for future episodes feel free to contact us at podcast@tsbvi.edu. Otherwise, we'll see you back here in September. Enjoy your summer!

Getting in Touch With Literacy - Part 1

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500

One thing we have all missed during the last 15 months has been the brainstorming and social interaction that come out of attending conferences in person. Helping us get back into the groove is one of our favorite conferences, Getting in Touch With Literacy. Joining us this week are founders of Getting in Touch With Literacy, Dr. Cay Holbrook and Janie Blome. They'll discuss the history of GITWL as well as how they are preparing to say farewell to the conference this December. They had so many things to say that we had to make this a two part episode. Look out for episode two June 15th.

For more information and to register for the 2021 Getting in Touch With Literacy conference visit http://www.gettingintouchwithliteracy.org/

Pat Pound - Activism

Sat, 15 May 2021 00:00:00 -0500

TSBVI Low Vision Specialist Dr. Cindy Bachofer guest-hosts this episode and speaks to her good friend Pat Pound, former director of Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, Vice Chair on the National Council on Disability, director of the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, and longtime activist in the field of disability rights. Pat brings a wealth of knowledge about the work needed to bring about advances on the local, state, and federal level going back to the 1970s, leading up to the passage of the ADA and beyond. She continues her work even in retirement with Open Doors Organization. Her stories and motivational spirit point to the vigilance needed to advance the rights of the disabled long into the future.

Episode Transcript

Paths to Literacy - Charlotte Cushman

Sat, 01 May 2021 00:00:00 -0500

TSBVI is proud to have been one of the founders of one of the more indispensable resources for parents and teachers alike: Paths to Literacy. Emily speaks with Charlotte Cushman of Perkins and TSBVI- and then we hear from Cyral Miller, former Outreach Director at TSBVI- about the origins of the service and what it means to makers and users alike

Superintendent Roundtable Episode Two

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0500

Back for our second dose are Robert Hair from Maryland School for the Blind; Gina Ouellette from the California School for the Blind; and Scott McCallum from the Washington State School for the Blind to discuss the positive things we have learned about educating blind and visually impaired students during the pandemic and the things they are most looking forward to as we slowly move into the "new normal."

Superintendent Roundtable - Episode One

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0500

While the pandemic has affected everyone in some way it hasn't affected everyone in the same way. Joining us this week we have asked superintendents Robert Hair from Maryland School for the Blind; Gina Ouellette from the California School for the Blind; and Scott McCallum from the Washington State School for the Blind who, along with our own Emily Coleman, will talk about safety, remote learning and how vaccines are changing the way we educate blind and visually impaired students across the country.

These effusive educators had so much to say this episode requires a booster. Join us for Episode 2 later this month.

Jill Robbins-Silver: Audio Description for Theater

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:01:00 -0500

With the proliferation of streaming media- especially over the last year- many have become familiar with the audio describing services that companies make available for their visually impaired audiences. But- in a time and place when gathering in crowds is not a public health problem- the same applies to live theater (and some places you may never have thought about before). Jill Robbins-Silver joins Emily for a discussion about how she got into the line of work, its uses and procedures, and the value it brings to so many cultural experiences.

Links mentioned in this episode:

American Council of the Blind Audio Description Project

National Library Service Audio Description Resources

Jill's Email Address

Dr. Kirk Adams - AFB

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:01:00 -0500

In 1921 the American Foundation for the Blind was created to expand opportunities and access for people with vision loss. This week we're so lucky to have AFB President and CEO Dr. Kirk Adams joining us to talk about the history of the foundation, how they're celebrating their centennial and how they plan to use the next 100 years to expand opportunities for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

For more information on the American Foundation for the Blind visit https://www.afb.org/.

Paul Schroeder - Public Advocacy and APH

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:01:00 -0500

Paul Schroeder heads up the American Printing House for the Blind's efforts in government affairs in his new position at that venerated organization. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience dating back to the earlier days of government advocacy which found him on the White House lawn for the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. He speaks with Emily today about some of those experiences and how we can better advocate for our students and children in this changing world.

Links referenced in this episode:

American Printing House for the Blind

The Hive

Career Connect

Cogswell Macy Act

April Love - The Oregon Project

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:01:00 -0500

Almost all of us who have worked with visually impaired students in early childhood know about the Oregon Project. Created in the 70's by Mark Moskowitz the OR Project is a great tool for parents, teachers, vision specialists, and counselors. April Love from the Southern Oregon Education District and home to the Oregon Project joins us this week to tell us all about it. Also, TSBVI Curriculum Director Debra Sewell comes along to tell us about how we use the Oregon Project here in Texas.

To find out more about the Oregon Project visit https://www.soesd.k12.or.us/special-education/or-project/

For ordering information visit https://www.soesd.k12.or.us/oregon-online/

Dr. Rachel Schles - Accurate Child Counting

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 00:01:00 -0500

Perhaps the most important factor in providing services to our students with visual impairment or who are Deafblind is knowing how many of them there are in a given state or district. This duty falls to state education departments down to the most local level. Texas has its own particular way of gathering this information and is currently in the midst of its Registration of Students with Visual Impairment and the Deafblind Child Count. In this episode, Emily speaks with Vanderbilt University's Dr. Rachel Schles, the recipient of the DVIDB Deborah D. Hatton Dissertation of 2021 Award. Dr. Schles has dedicated her work to the ways we collect this data and how it can be improved to deliver the most accurate and helpful information. Her work continues and she invites anyone interested to contact her at her at rachel.schles@vanderbilt.edu to either contribute information or access her findings so they can advocate for their home states and districts.

Afterwards, we hear from TSBVI Outreach's Brian Sobeck, who heads up the annual effort in Texas. He has some changes that have been implemented this year and some tips for completing the registration. If you're in Texas and need help, please don't hesitate to contact him at sobeckb@tsbvi.edu.

Emily Gibbs - NFB of Texas

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 03:00:00 -0500

2021 will hopefully bring a return to some form of normalcy but some things we learned in 2020 will help us become better educators going forward. Emily Gibbs of NFB (National Federation of the Blind) Texas joins us to discuss some of the innovative ideas, and some of the challenges, in helping students across Texas access the resources they need during a global pandemic.

If you'd like more information on NFB Texas please visit their website https://nfbtx.org/ or the Texas Parents of Blind Children facebook group.

A TSBVI Holiday Special

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

"Our regularly scheduled program will not be seen so that we may bring you the following special presentation."

It's been a year, hasn't it?

As we go into winter break and recollect, reassess, and recharge ourselves for another year we thought nothing would be better than to say what they used to say almost every night back when TVs were square and there were only three or four channels. After a year of lockdowns, cancellations, reschedulings, emergency protocols, and working tirelessly to maintain, let's put our 2020 to bed with a holiday special.

TSBVI Theater Teacher Robert Pierson has pulled together some of his talented students to give you a short program of winter poetry. Sit by your real or virtual fireplace, pour a beverage, and enjoy their work and inspirations. Since many schools, including ours, have had to cancel their usual holiday programs, we hope this one serves as a suitable alternative.

All of us here at TSBVI and A Sense of Texas hope this episode finds you safe and warm and with loved ones and/or friends. We hope all the best for you and yours in 2021 and beyond. We will be back to provide you with information, expertise, and companionship as we face the challenges and joys of the new year.

Our 50th Episode!

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Oh wow, can you believe it? 50 episodes!?!?! Me either. For this momentous occasion we decided to kick back and relax at the TSBVI pavilion where Outreach Director Kate Borg asks Emily about the blessings and challenges of our first 50 episodes and what we have planned for the future. We like it so much we think we'll make another 50. I sure hope you'll join us.

Robbin Clark - The ECC and 21st Century Teaching

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 00:05:00 -0500

TSBVI Outreach Director takes over the controls again this time to talk to her colleague and friend Robbin Clark from(among many places) the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind about the value and power of the Expanded Core Curriculum. She delves into the challenges of being a teacher for 21st century learners and how we can meet the mandate set out by The National Agenda.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

9 More Than Core on Faceboo

9 More Than Core on Instagram

Robbin's Blog

Dr. Penny Rosenblum - Access and Engagement

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Covid-19 has created changes in all our lives in one way or another. Often forcing us to learn new ways to accomplish tasks that felt mundane in February. This has definitely made professionals in the field of visual impairment adapt to how we provide service to our students. Dr. Penny Rosenblum from the American Foundation for the Blind joins the podcast to discuss the Access and Engagement survey and how it is helping us learn the impact of covid-19 on our students, families, and professionals and how we can use this information as a tool to provide better services in the future.

For more information on the Access and Engagement survey visit https://accessengagement.com/

Vocational Rehab at a Distance

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0500

This month we share a fact-finding interview held by the TSBVI IR department discussing the our experiences over the summer running two of the school's flagship vocational rehab programs: SWEAT and WALIC. Our instructors Carlotta Binns and Laurel Taylor give us some background on these programs, the challenges remote instruction has presented them, and how they worked to overcome them going into the regular school schedule.

Early Childhood Intervention

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0500

It's often hard to track how a toddler is developing but if you suspect there is a problem getting them help early can vastly improve outcomes. Guest host Kate Borg, TSBVI Outreach Director, joins the podcast this week with TSBVI Outreach Consultants Kathi Garza, Deanna Peterson, and Mary Shore to discuss ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) and how it's helping toddlers with visual impairments achieve milestones in early development.

For more information on Early Childhood Intervention:

https://hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services

https://www.tsbvi.edu/outreach

Jake Koch - Guide Dogs

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 00:02:00 -0500

Guide dogs are one of the best- and most widely known- resources for people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence in transportation and mobility, but they are often misunderstood. The amount of work that goes into getting a dog ready for service and the skills needed by the prospective user of the service are enormous. Jake Koch has expansive knowledge of these service animals and works at Guide Dogs for the Blind to get service dogs working for people who need them. Afterward, TSBVI's Lisa Calaci talks to us about student experience with service animals.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

O&M Resource Guide

Are You Ready for a Guide Dog Lifestyle?

Orientation & Mobility Immersion Program

The Semi-Modulars

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 03:00:00 -0500

One of the most challenging and fun parts of teaching students in a residential school is extracurricular activities. These activities are essential to helping our students gain important social skills and to help fill the time on campus they aren't spending in the classroom. TSBVI Residential Instructor Dan Butler joins us to talk about The Semi-Modulars, a student music group born from his idea of using tactile synthesizers to help kids learn about music and sound design. We also hear from a member of The Semi-Modulars, Graham, about how the group has helped him tackle challenges in his own life.

To hear more of of The Semi-Modulars visit: http://www.thesemimodulars.bandcamp.com/

TSBVI Reopening Plans

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 00:01:00 -0500

This episode is getting uploaded a little later than usual so that we could ensure the accuracy of the information inside. As of the morning of August 15, 2020, these are up-to-date. But given the shifting nature of information, we will strive to keep this updated if anything changes.

Emily, Sally Freeman, and Daniel Wheeler speak about the current plans to reopen the school and what safety protocols and equipment is in place. Emily speaks on the school as a whole, Sally on the Health Center perspective, and Daniel on the technological challenges and opportunities brought about by this crisis.

This is specific to the Texas school, but if you're listening from elsewhere we hope it can help you with information. As always, we hope you are safe and secure and are helping bring services to those who need it.

Chris Tabb - O&M at a Distance

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500

At the very least, Spring 2020 saw school systems scrambling to maintain their educational mandate for their students. Few experienced the challenges of distance learning more than those who teach O&M, the most physically contacted part of education for those who are blind or visually impaired. We are fortunate to have specialists like Chris Tabb, formerly of TSBVI and currently of Maryland School for the Blind (though stay tuned for an update on that), in the field to bring their curiosity and voracious appetite for information to the rescue.

Chris presented some of his insights to these challenges in April as part of one of TSBVI Outreach's answers to the COVID challenge: their three-times-a-week Coffee Hours that provided professional development for people in the field throughout Texas, the country, and the world. This brainchild of newly-minted Outreach Director Kate Borg grew in popularity during its two-month run and was recently recognized with a presidential citation for excellence from the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division of Visual Impairments and Deafblindness and the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. There are rumors that it will continue in some form in coming months, even once our pandemic restrictions are lifted.

Chris brings his usual passion for the field, as well as his volumes of resources which you can access with the links below.

Chris' Live Binder

Chris' Distance Learning Resources

Coffee Hour Resources, Transcripts, and Recordings

Special Episode: Barbara Miles

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Barbara Miles has been a leader in the field of DeafBlind education for as long as we can remember. Before her recent retirement she hosted a workshop at TSBVI and was kind enough to sit down with our own Matt Schultz and Chris Montgomery to talk about communication and building relationships with our students and what she hopes to see in the field of DeafBlind education going forward.

Special Episode: Person First Language

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Between given names, nicknames, and any number of adjectives used to describe yourself, language will always be an important part of how people identify themselves. In this episode we bring in our resident linguist Doug Bigham to discuss some context of person first versus identity first language and how it has been used in marginalized communities. We will also share perspectives from past interviews with Adam Wilton, Neva Fairchild, and Greg Stilson to discuss how educators and people with visual impairments are using person first or identity first language to describe themselves and the people in the communities they serve.

Bruce McClanahan Live!

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 00:01:00 -0500

This is the recording of our first live episode on June 5th. Assistive Technology Guru Bruce McClanahan joined Emily for a discussion on the past, present, and future of assistive technology and to trade insights from their years in the field. If you'd like more information or access to Bruce's copious resources, you can find that here.

Live Sense of Texas Episode Coming This Friday!

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:01:00 -0500

This is not an episode. It's a teaser for our first LIVE episode this Friday, June 5th at 1PM eastern time. Emily will sit down (virtually) with assistive technology expert and legend Bruce McClanahan for a discussion on all things assistive and remote tech. We hope you'll be in the audience and will contribute your own questions and conversation during the episode. There's more info in the teaser.

The link to the LIVE episode's Zoom room.

See you on Friday!

Neva Fairchild - AFB

Fri, 15 May 2020 03:00:00 -0500

The impact of becoming blind as an adult isn't often on the minds of educators working mostly with children who are blind or visually impaired. Helping adults learn the skills needed to live and work with their disability is an important part of educating all individuals with vision loss. Neva Fairchild, National Aging and Vision Loss specialist with American Foundation for the Blind, joins the podcast this week to discuss how AFB is helping individuals who become blind later and shares some of her own journey as a person who is blind.

Chrissy Cowan & Cyral Miller - Mentor Programs Part 2

Fri, 01 May 2020 00:01:00 -0500

In March, Chrissy and Cyral told us about the origins and operations of the Texas Mentor Programs with special attention on the experience of the mentee. Now they return to focus on the experience of the mentors and speak about their work helping other states set up programs for their own teachers. Afterwards, one of the alumnus of the program Pam Parker, Outreach Director for the Washington State School for the Blind (and one of Emily's mentors), joins us to offer her perspective on the Texas program as an out-of-state professional and program participant.

All of us at TSBVI and A Sense of Texas hope this episode finds you healthy and helpful in this time of upheaval. We hope the podcast has and will continue to provide needed information to you. If you are looking for further resources, please visit the TSBVI Media Library for our extensive collection of webinars and training videos.

And check out our new program Coffee Hour with TSBVI, a thrice-weekly chance to hear from and chat with education professionals from TSBVI, around the country, and around the globe.

Dr. Yue-Ting Siu - Accessibility and Remote Instruction

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:01:00 -0500

The Covid-19 pandemic caught many systems and individuals by surprise, causing many to scramble for solutions to daily-changing circumstances. As one state’s school districts after another closed schools and delayed student return, many teaching professionals found themselves working fast and improvising in order to keep lessons making it to their students. These challenges are especially acute for special education teachers.

One person inordinately prepared for a challenge such as this is Emily’s guest Dr. Yue-Ting Siu, a TVI and assistant professor in the Program for Visual Impairments in the Department of Special Education at San Francisco State. She literally wrote the book on accessible technology and we couldn’t be more fortunate to have her with us to share her critical knowledge at a tumultuous time.

Links Referenced in This Episode:

Ting on Twitter

Ting's YouTube Channel

Ting's Book

Bruce McClanahan's Info and Downloads

Greg Stilson - APH

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Greg Stilson joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a blind programmer in the private sector and how APH is positioning themselves as a global innovator in the field of assistive technology.

Chrissy Cowan & Cyral Miller - Mentor Programs

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 00:01:00 -0500

Sometimes a new TVI or COMS (or one in training) find themselves in an area with a small support system. In a state the size of Texas, this can happen more often than not as many school districts are far-flung and in isolated areas. Cyral and Chrissy join Emily to discuss the programs TSBVI Outreach instituted decades ago to address this issue and how they've kept it going and the improvements that have been made over time. This will be Part One of this discussion, which will conclude this time next month.

Kathi Garza - NOAH

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 03:00:00 -0500

TSBVI's own Kathi Garza joins the podcast to tell us how NOAH (National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation) provides opportunities for individuals with albinism to fellowship with one another and create an empowering environment for parents of children with albinism to learn more about the condition and how they can help their child lead rewarding lives. To provide a parents perspective on NOAH Sara Venn joins us via telephone from North Carolina.

Scott Baltisberger - Emotional Literacy

Sat, 15 Feb 2020 03:00:00 -0500

When a child resists being taught, what is the problem? Is it simply behavioral? Is is a failure of teaching skill? Emily speaks with TSBVI Outreach Consultant Scott Baltisberger about his recent article in TX SenseAbilities (TSBVI's newsletter) regarding some recent new understanding about what's necessary to create the right environment for learning to take place. It's both new and remarkably intuitive. After the interview, Ann Adkins- editor-in-chief of TX SenseAbilities- tells us more about the publication and how to get your own copies to read articles like Scott's.

www.tsbvi.edu/tx-senseabilities

Adam Wilton - Services in Canada

Sat, 01 Feb 2020 03:00:00 -0500

While the United States and Canada are often viewed as very similar there are some distinct and interesting differences between how the two countries offer services to people who are blind and visually impaired. #LearnedGentleman Adam Wilton from the Provincial Resource Center for the Visually Impaired (PRCVI) in Vancouver, British Columbia joins us to discuss how services in Canada differ from those in the US and to explore many tangents with host Emily Coleman.

Sergio Oliva - The Braille Institute

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Join us on our first over-the-phone guest interview as Sergio Oliva, Associate Vice President of The Braille Institute's National and Youth Programs, joins Emily for a discussion of the programs the Institute promotes to aid blind students and digs into the heart-warming reasons and results of the annual Braille Challenge. Emily is then joined by a resident expert TSBVI student to give a kid-level report on the Challenge.

brailleinstitute.org
1-800-BRAILLE

Jim Meehan - Austin Lighthouse

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

As we all know there are many obstacles standing in the way of employment for people who are blind and visually impaired. Jim Meehan, President and CEO of the Austin Lighthouse, is here to tell us how the Austin Lighthouse is breaking down some of those barriers and providing employment opportunities as well as a variety of other services for the visually impaired community in the Austin area. TSBVI transition expert Carlotta Binns also joins us to share her opinions about employment and some of her insights from touring one of Jim's facilities.

Evan Hearn - An Outside Perspective

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 03:00:00 -0500

Evan Hearn, a University of Texas at Austin journalism student, drives by the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and gets curious. It eventually leads to him creating his own podcast episode- spotlighting two of TSBVI's multi-talented students and the school's music education programs- which serves as the main course for our pre-holidays entry. We also invited Evan into the studio to tell his story about discovering and investigating the work TSBVI does and the students it benefits. As we wind into the holidays, this is a nice reminder that outreach happens all the time, even when we least expect it. From the entire Sense of Texas team, we hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season!

Janie Blome - AER

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

AER Executive Director Janie Blome joins host Emily Coleman to discuss the importance of professional organizations and the future of AER. One of AER's offerings is an accreditation process and following Janie, TSBVI Outreach Director Kate Borg shares her experiences with this specific program.

Michael Clinkscales - Student Health & Well Being

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 03:00:00 -0500

Schools for the blind are often responsible for more than sheer academics. We are responsible for the whole student; helping them navigate the world as well as textbooks. TSBVI Social Worker (and 27-year veteran of blind education) Michael Clinkscales joins Emily for a wide-ranging conversation on what brought a college student intent on teaching to taking on social work for a school for the blind, the challenges and rewards of the work, and some energizing new teaching methods on the horizon. TSBVI Instructor John Rose joins us for the expert segment to discuss one of those new methods: the Unhushed Curriculum.

John Ravenscroft - CVI

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Dr. John Ravenscroft brings our first international perspective to the podcast to discuss brain based visual impairment (CVI, NIVI) as well as how proper research is helping practitioners in the field achieve better results for our kids. Sara Kitchen from TSBVI Outreach also joins us to show how TVI's and the Texas Sensory Support Network are helping kids with CVI right here at home.

Norma Crosby - NFB

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 03:00:00 -0500

The National Federation of the Blind is one of the best known entities in blind services nationwide. But as with many things we think we know, there's always so much more to learn about a subject. Norma Crosby, the president of the NFB of Texas, joins Emily to discuss the many things the organization has cooking and to talk about living the life she wants. Afterwards Emily speaks to a TSBVI student about navigating services on the ground level.

To contact organizations mentioned in this episode:

National Federation of the Blind of Texas
https://www.nfbtx.org/
(281) 968-7733

BELL Academy Info:
https://www.nfbtx.org/programs-summer-programs.php

National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
https://www.nopbc.org/

Texas Parents of Blind Children
http://www.tpobc.org/

2019 Outreach Forum Roundtable

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 03:00:00 -0500

Before Emily transitioned from outreach director to superintendent, she attended the 2019 COSB Outreach Forum, which brings together professionals from all over the country to discuss the current state and future of outreach in blind education. She rounded up eight of her colleagues to join her in this roundtable discussion of the challenges and joys of the job. Joining Emily are:

Adrian Amandi, California School for the Blind

Tanya Armstrong, Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Julie Johnson, New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Pam Parker, Washington State School for the Blind/Washington State Sensory Disability Services

Tiffany Sanders, Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Dawn Soto, Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Brandon Watts, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

Cindy Williams, North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind

Chris Montgomery - TDB Pilot

Sun, 15 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Many difficulties arise when teaching a student who is hard of hearing or who has a visual impairment. When you combine the two it brings up a whole new set of challenges that not many of us are trained to deal with. Chris Montgomery, DeafBlind Consultant from TSBVI Outreach, joins us today to discuss how the Teacher of Students who are DeafBlind (TDB) Pilot program could help create more positive outcomes for individuals who are DeafBlind in your classroom and beyond.

Kate Borg - TSBVI's New Outreach Director

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 03:00:00 -0500

Welcome to A Sense of Kates! This episode features a conversation with Kate Borg, who has pulled up stakes in Utah to come to Austin to serve as the new outreach director at TSBVI-- the seat formerly held by our host, Emily Coleman. Afterwards, longtime TSBVI Outreach team member Kate Hurst joins us in the expert seat to share some insights into how the Texas department works, the kind of people it attracts, and the importance of its mission.

TSBVI's New Superintendent

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 03:00:00 -0500

A Sense of Texas began as a way for TSBVI's new Outreach Director to learn more about her new home and position. Now a plot twist has changed the game going forward. Join us as Guest Host and TSBVI Board Member Michael Garrett sits down to discuss the future with the school's new superintendent, Ms. Emily Coleman.

Summer Episode: George Stern & Andrew Cohen at Texas DeafBlind Symposium 2017

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0500

With the new school year not quite here but rapidly approaching we bring you another summer episode. Today we hear from George Stern and Andrew Cohen, two DeafBlind individuals who presented at the Texas DeafBlind Symposium in 2017. George discussed the importance of activity in his growth as a person who is DeafBlind and how we as educators can use activity to help our students feel involved both in and out of the classroom. Andrew brings to us information about the DeafBlind Camp of Texas. If you'd like to learn more about the DeafBlind Camp of Texas please visit their website at https://www.dbctx.org/

Summer Episode: Mickey Damelio: Rec and Leisure

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 03:00:00 -0500

While a critical part of the ECC, recreation and leisure often get put on the back burner to make more room for life and academic skills. But as Mickey Damelio, formerly of Florida State University, shared with us at Texas Focus 2016, it is incredibly important to instill knowledge about one's body and making that body move if our students are going to truly enjoy a long, healthy life. This is our second Summer Special episode where we step back from the usual format and bring you some information from the vaults, a little off our usual beaten path. We hope you're enjoying your summer.

Summer Episode: Emily's Keynote Address

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0500

As we move from the hustle and bustle of the school year into the summer time we will be taking a break from our regular format to bring you some special episodes. Emily came to us from Washington state and was the keynote speaker at the Pacific Northwest AER Conference in March this year. So grab your chaise lounge and enjoy excerpts from the address from our own Emily Coleman.

David Wiley - Transitions

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 03:00:00 -0500

Very little is more critical than finding the route our students can use to move from the world of learning to the world of doing. Helping them discover the ways and means of how they will spend the rest of their lives is a singular and all-important task. TSBVI Outreach's David Wiley joins Emily to discuss what he's learned in over 30 years in the field and shares an exercise many have found helpful in focusing the work of getting a child from student to productive member of society. Afterwards, Emily talks to Gabby and Robbie Caldwell- a TSBVI student and parent, respectively- about looking to the future and matching interests to goals.

Amy Parker - CEC

Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Being a member of a professional organization is important for many reasons and Dr. Amy Parker is going to explain why. She is the current lead for the Division on Visual Impairments and DeafBlindness (DVIDB) with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Another DVIDB Board member, TSBVI's own Adam Graves, joins us at the end to share his take on this important organization.

Renee Toy - Summer Reading

Wed, 15 May 2019 03:00:00 -0500

As the school year winds down, many of us start working on the pile of books we want to work through over the summer. Renee Toy, TSBVI's Learning Resource Director, joins Emily to discuss some of the exciting literacy programs the school has introduced and hands out plenty of recommendations to populate those reading lists. Afterwards, TSBVI Outreach Consultant Scott Baltisberger announces the premiere of an exciting new project the school is launching. Here is the project link: https://www.tsbvi.edu/publications/6025-tomas

Featured Reading Programs:

Bookshare - www.bookshare.org

Audiobook Sync - www.audiobooksync.com

Learning Ally - www.learningally.org

Texas Talking Book Program - www.tsl.texas.gov/tbp

BARD - www.nlsbard.loc.gov/login//NLS

Your local public library

Matt Schultz - Interaction

Wed, 01 May 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Matt Schultz from TSBVI Outreach joins the podcast to discuss interaction and the importance of building relationships and creating space for communication initiated by our students. Edgenie Bellah chimes in as our expert at the end to focus on the family perspective and the important, irreplaceable role they play in their child's life.

Dr. Cindy Bachofer - Low Vision Students

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 03:00:00 -0500

Perhaps one of the most overlooked and least understood members of the blind population, low vision students face particular challenges as they navigate their lives. Dr. Bachofer, part of the TSBVI Outreach staff, has dedicated her life and education to the field, as well as being a person with low vision herself. Join Emily as she and Cindy take a deep dive into this fascinating subject. Our expert for this episode is TSBVI student Rey Garza, who will give us a peek into his life and accommodations and will offer some advice to teachers with low vision students.

Nancy Toelle - QPVI

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0500

The on-the-go lifestyle of an itinerant teacher is a large reason behind the creation of this podcast. In this episode we learn about Quality Programs for the Visually Impaired (QPVI). A program review process created by Nancy Toelle to ultimately improve student outcomes. This is an episode you won't want to miss, and besides, you probably need something to listen to on the way to your next school.

Dr. Craig Meador - American Printing House for the Blind Part 2

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 05:18:00 -0500

In our first two-parter, Craig Meador returns to tell us more about APH's expanded ambitions, how his personal leadership story developed, and some of the lessons his life's plot twists have taught him. TSBVI Superintendent Bill Daugherty drops by later to give us his observations on leadership.

Debra Sewell - TSBVI Curriculum

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0500

The curriculum is the backbone of every successful classroom especially when teaching blind and visually impaired students. Debra Sewell, head of the Curriculum department at TSBVI, joins the podcast to discuss upcoming releases, bestsellers, and some hidden gems you may not know about, including a great collaboration with Chris Montgomery and Matt Schultz from the Outreach Department for students with DeafBlindness.

Tad Doezema - EXIT Programs

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 00:10:00 -0500

EXIT Programs provides the critical bridge between academic education and making a space for our students and children in the real world. In this episode, we learn from both sides of the equation. Tad Doezema serves as an assistant principal for TSBVI EXIT Programs and Alexis Lugo is in her second year in the program.

Lou Tutt - AER

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Formed in 1984 AERBVI (Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired), more commonly known as AER, is THE professional organization for educators and rehabilitation counselors who work with individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Recently retired AER Executive Director Lou Tutt joins the podcast with newly elected AER President, our very own Emily Coleman, to discuss how AER helps professionals in the field of blindness and how we as professionals can find new leaders who will keep blindness education and rehabilitation moving forward for years to come.

Dr. Craig Meador - American Printing House for the Blind

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0500

One of the greatest resources for students who are blind or have visual impairment and those that teach them has been in operation since Congress mandated it before the Civil War. Dr. Craig Meador is the new president of the organization and is in the process of implementing new strategies and attitudes that will help APH reach those who need its services well into its next century of service.

Vivecca Hartman - DBMAT

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Being a parent of a DeafBlind child can be challenging so having the opportunity to communicate and learn from other parents in a similar situation can make all the difference for your child. This week on the podcast Vivecca Hartman, president of DBMAT (the DeafBlind Multi-Handicap Association of Texas), joins us to explain the goals of DBMAT as well as discuss how the organization helped her family.

Sara Merritt - Short Term Programs

Sat, 15 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Often times our visually impaired and DeafBlind students just need the slightest little push to lead them to success in their home districts. Sara Merritt and Kathi Garza join the podcast this week to describe how Short Term Programs at TSBVI can provide the skills and confidence to help students in the home, classroom, and in everyday life.

Miles Fain - Comprehensive Programs

Sat, 01 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0500

It's easy to forget sometimes that with all of the activities and programs TSBVI develops and runs every year, in the end it's a public school with students showing up every day for an education. TSBVI Principal Miles Fain joins Emily to discuss the challenges and rewards of running a school for special needs students.

Cyral Miller - Outreach Programs

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 07:23:01 -0500

One outreach director to another. Emily interviews Cyral Miller, who created and ran the Outreach Department at TSBVI from its inception through her (semi) retirement this fall.