A Step Forward

Welcome to Part 2 of "Global Perspectives on Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices in O&M with Molly Pasley and Panelists." Having laid the groundwork in Part 1, we now shift our focus to the practical aspects. How do we embody a culturally responsive orientation and mobility approach?

Exploring the diverse facets of independence for learners, we delve into the barriers, varied perspectives, and effective strategies to achieve these goals. And yes, we might finally uncover what happened with Uncle Steve!

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Explore the rich tapestry of Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) on this insightful podcast episode with Molly Pasley and a distinguished panel, originally presented at the International O&M Symposium last January 24-26, 2024.

This podcast episode offers a global perspective on inclusive education, exploring strategies and insights that transcend borders.

Join us as we transform symposium discussions into an engaging audio experience, unraveling the universal impact of culturally responsive teaching in O&M.

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In this episode, join us in a captivating conversation with the brilliant Julia Hutchinson, an esteemed expert in education and creativity. Dive deep into the world of teaching as Julia shares invaluable insights on "Developing Creative Lesson Plans."

Whether you're an experienced educator looking to revitalize your teaching approach or a newcomer seeking guidance, this episode provides actionable tips and innovative ideas to elevate your lesson planning game. Tune in and be inspired to create an educational environment that sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a love for learning.

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Explore the global impact of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) education in this podcast episode featuring Jay Whipple, a distinguished O&M specialist based in the United States. Join us as Jay shares his transformative experience collaborating with the Baseera Foundation to empower aspiring O&M professionals in the dynamic city of Cairo.

Tune in now and join us on a virtual journey through the streets of Cairo, exploring the boundless possibilities of expanding the O&M profession on a global scale.

To delve deeper into the Baseera Foundation, check out their website below.

Join us in this exciting podcast episode as we explore practical strategies for maximizing your time as an O&M specialist. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field, Kassy shares invaluable insights on time management, efficient planning, and leveraging technology to enhance your effectiveness.

Discover how to streamline your workflow, prioritize tasks, and strike the perfect balance between precision and flexibility in your role. Your journey to mastering the art of time optimization begins right here!

Don't miss out on tomorrow's O&M Online Symposium! Secure your spot for a day of learning and growth!

Dive into a compelling podcast episode as we explore the intricacies of navigating the world of dual sensory impairments with the esteemed audiologist, Amber Kasten. Join us in uncovering the challenges, triumphs, and innovative solutions within the realm of visual and hearing impairments.

Amber shares her wealth of expertise, emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and the importance of personalized care. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on transformative healthcare practices and fostering a more inclusive community.

Get ready for a cozy chat with the amazing Michaela Smith in our latest podcast episode. We're diving into the world of Early Childhood Orientation and Mobility, focusing on kiddos with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and multiple disabilities.

Michaela spills the beans on her experiences, drops some practical wisdom, and even shares a few heartwarming stories. Whether you're a parent navigating these waters or just curious about making the little ones more independent, this episode is your go-to guide for insights and good vibes. Tune in and let's learn together!

Don't miss out on the knowledge-sharing extravaganza! Register now for the upcoming International O&M Online Symposium and join the global community in expanding our understanding of Orientation and Mobility.

Kick off the new year with an insightful podcast episode that explores the empowering journey of introducing canes to learners with multiple impairments. As we embrace the possibilities of a fresh start, join us in uncovering the impactful intersections of independence, mobility, and inclusive learning in the lives of learners with diverse abilities. Start the year with inspiration and valuable insights for fostering a more inclusive educational environment.

Get ready to ditch the "I can't" attitude because this episode is a game-changer! We've got the one and only Evan Schwerbrock spilling the beans on his fitness program for the visually impaired.

Think of it as your backstage pass to a workout revolution where obstacles become stepping stones, and dumbbells are your new BFFs. Let's redefine fitness together – because who said you need 20/20 vision to crush those fitness goals?

Step into a world of empowerment and resilience with our latest podcast episode, where we embark on a captivating journey of self-discovery.

Buckle up for an adventure into the heart and soul of identity, where Cindy Bachofer's narrative becomes a compass guiding us towards a more inclusive and understanding tomorrow. Get ready to feel inspired, uplifted, and perhaps, see the world a little differently!

Click the link below to explore more of Cindy's online learning site and teaching telescope skills:

In this eye-opening repost episode, we delve deep into the perplexing challenge faced by educators and learners alike – the reasons why progress seems to hit a plateau.

Tune in to discover actionable strategies that empower educators to overcome obstacles and foster an environment conducive to continuous improvement. Don't let your learners miss out on the progress they truly deserve – it's time to unlock the gates to limitless learning!

Unlock the doors to knowledge and innovation by registering now for our upcoming online symposium – where ideas converge, insights flourish, and connections thrive. Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformative learning experience!"

Join us in this enlightening episode as we embark on a journey to explore the intricacies of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) education in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand. Our special guest, Carina Duke, a seasoned professional in the field, will be our guide through the unique challenges and triumphs of teaching O&M in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

It's a laid-back conversation full of insights, laughs, and maybe a few unexpected twists—because, after all, navigating O&M in Kiwi territory has its own unique flavor! Tune in for a chat that's as easygoing as a stroll through Aotearoa itself. Elevate your expertise and connect with O&M professionals worldwide – seize the opportunity to learn, share, and grow by registering for the International O&M Symposium today!

Dive into the dynamic universe of O&M as we unravel the hidden gems of mobility expertise – three intermediate strategies that transform the art of getting around into a symphony of empowerment.

This episode is a celebration of skill, independence, and the magic that happens when O&M specialists become navigational wizards. Get ready to be inspired, as we take a leap beyond the basics into a world where mobility is not just a journey but a thrilling adventure!

Don't miss out on the chance to connect, learn, and shape the future of mobility! Regular registration for the International Orientation and Mobility Symposium is open – secure your spot now and join us in advancing the field together! https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/

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Sara Leal, a passionate expert who is dedicated to improving the lives of visually impaired individuals across Portugal, shares her inspiring journey of becoming an O&M specialist and the profound impact she has made in the lives of individuals with visual impairments. Sara's experiences and insights offer a valuable perspective on how Portugal is working towards greater accessibility and inclusivity.

Join us for a captivating conversation about the power of O&M in Portugal, the incredible individuals making a difference, and the steps being taken to ensure that everyone can confidently and independently explore the diverse and enchanting landscapes of this captivating country.

Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and connection by registering today to be a part of the International Orientation and Mobility Symposium – join us in shaping a brighter future for individuals with visual impairments!

https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/

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How does one transform a group of individuals into a tightly-knit, harmonious team with a shared vision of empowering those with visual impairments? In this inspiring episode. we sit down with an amazing O&M Specialist, Melina Murray, to uncover the secrets behind cultivating a truly collaborative team. Join us for an insightful discussion as we uncover the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that have defined Melina's path. Unlock new horizons in the field of Orientation and Mobility – secure your spot at the upcoming O&M Symposium by registering today and join us in a journey of learning and growth! https://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com/

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In this enlightening podcast episode, we revisit the complex world of O&M specialists as they tackle the unique challenges of helping teenagers with visual impairments enhance their orientation and mobility skills. Tune in as Erin Buckley, a seasoned O&M expert, shares her experiences, insights, and strategies in guiding visually impaired adolescents towards greater independence.

In the world of education, where passion and purpose often drive the work, financial matters can sometimes take a back seat. However, it's essential for teachers to have the knowledge and strategies to make the most of their income, ensuring they not only survive but truly thrive in their careers.

Today, we're diving into the art of budgeting for teachers, unveiling practical insights, and money-saving techniques to help you have more money on your hands. Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the path to a more secure and fulfilling financial future!

Join our community by following us on our social media accounts today! Together, we can continue to learn, grow, and support one another on this exciting journey.

In the world of education, the word "data" often elicits groans, eye rolls, and a sense of overwhelming dread. Teachers are no strangers to the mountains of data they need to collect, analyze, and report on a daily basis. But fear not, dear educators, because in this episode, we're going to help you transform data from the dreaded four-letter word into a powerful ally in your teaching journey.

Tune in as Kassy Maloney reveal how to break free from the time-consuming data grind, regardless of the size of your caseload. Learn how to unlock more your teaching potential. Don't miss this empowering episode!

Join the conversation and stay inspired by following us on our social media accounts. Your educational journey is just a click away!

Discover the art of teaching beyond the visual realm, where imagination and innovation take center stage. Julia Hutchinson, our Clarity Coordinator, shares her wisdom and experiences that provide valuable guidance for educators and anyone interested in the transformative potential of creative teaching methods. Her stories of empowerment and inspiration will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the unique perspectives in teaching visually impaired students.

Listen in to learn how Julia Hutchinson's journey can inspire you to unlock your own creative potential as a teacher, making a positive difference in the lives of those you educate.

Stay connected with us by following our social media accounts for the latest updates and engaging content!

Get an exclusive glimpse into the transformative discussions, innovative strategies, and inspiring stories that left a lasting impression from this year's TVI Online Symposium and gain valuable takeaways that could shape your own perspective on the future. Whether you're a seasoned expert in the field, a student, or simply curious about the world of visual impairment education, this episode offers valuable insights and a unique perspective on the symposium's impactful discussions.

Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges and triumphs in the field of visual impairment education and discover how the symposium has ignited fresh perspectives and ideas.

Stay updated on the latest trends, insights, and inspiration by following us on our social media accounts – join our community today and be part of the conversation!

Picture a world where artificial intelligence becomes the guiding light for those who navigate our streets without sight. In this podcast episode, let us delve into the innovative work being done by one of the founders of OKO, Michiel Janssen, a visionary in the field of artificial intelligence and computer vision.

Let us discover how he and his team provide AI solutions that revolutionize the way visually impaired people interact with their urban environment, particularly at street crossings.

Join our vibrant community and stay in the loop by following us on our social media channels today!

Being a teacher of students with visual impairments or an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist is a profoundly rewarding profession. You have the privilege of shaping the lives of those who rely on your guidance and expertise to navigate a world designed primarily for sighted individuals. However, just like any other profession, there are days when the challenges seem insurmountable, and the emotional toll feels heavy.

Join us in this insightful podcast episode as we discover different coping strategies for those inevitable tough days in the classroom. From unexpected setbacks to emotional fatigue, we discuss how to stay resilient, nurture a positive mindset, and find renewed inspiration to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of visually impaired students.

Unlock a world of knowledge and inspiration by registering for our upcoming TVI Online Symposium – an opportunity you won't want to miss!

In this enlightening podcast episode, we unravel the much awaited TVI Online Symposium. Join us as we break down what this symposium is all about, its intended audience, and who might find it less relevant. Discover the ins and outs of this transformative event designed for educators dedicated to visual impairment education.

We'll explore the symposium's goals, offerings, and the kind of professionals who can benefit most from it. Equally important, we'll discuss who this symposium might not be the best fit for, ensuring that participants can make informed decisions about their involvement.

Whether you're considering attending or just curious about this impactful event, tune in for a comprehensive overview that answers the key questions about the TVI Online Symposium.

Registration is still ongoing, and don't miss the opportunity to expand your expertise and make a lasting impact on visually impaired students!

In this enlightening episode, join us as we sit down with Roxanne Ayres, a passionate advocate and expert in special education. Roxanne delves into the fascinating world of using switches as assistive technology to enhance communication for learners with visual and multiple impairments.

Gain valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories that highlight the transformative impact of assistive technology in education and beyond.

For individuals with visual impairments, navigating life's changes can present unique challenges. Transitioning from one phase of life to another can be daunting, whether it's moving from education to the workforce, adapting to new life circumstances, or pursuing your passions.

Melisa Matthews and Lee Huffman, experts from APH Connect Center, brings a wealth of experience in empowering individuals with vision impairments to conquer these transitions confidently. Whether you're a student stepping into a new academic phase or someone transitioning to the professional world, these experts will provide you with the tools you need to thrive.

Tune in to gain inspiration, gather actionable advice, and embrace the incredible impact that mastering transition skills can have on your journey. Join us on this empowering episode to elevate your life!

You will also hear more from them in our TVI Online Symposium this September so don't forget to register today!

How can we weave the threads of language, culture, and accessibility into a tapestry of learning that empowers English language and multilingual learners with visual impairments to not only overcome challenges, but also reshape the landscape of education?

In this episode, accompany us as we delve into a conversation with Conchita Hernandez, the visionary behind METAS (Mentoring, Engaging, and Teaching All Students), a non-profit organization that trains educators in Latin America that work with blind or low-vision students and other disabilities. Let us all gain insights into creating an inclusive classroom that embraces linguistic diversity and visual challenges not as hindrances, but as wellsprings of resilience and innovation.

We will also learn more from her in our TVI Online Symposium so guarantee your place by registering today!

In this inspiring podcast episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Roberta Becker and Tamara Black, the authors of innovative books about Braille reading.

Join us as we sit down with the creative minds behind this unique publication, exploring the motivation and vision that led to its creation. Discover the authors' personal journey and experiences in the world of Braille, along with the impact they hope to make with this educational resource.

Register and save your slot today for the Online TVI Symposium!

Do you struggle with getting the teachers you work with to actually follow through with your ideas? 

The TVI Symposium Planning Committee is proud to share this Bonus episode of the webinar, “What’s Working for TVI’s”. Join our expert panelists to discover innovative strategies for collaboration, creating routines for your learners with multiple impairments, and getting the learners with multiple impairments more involved in general education activities. 

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION for the TVI Symposium is now open! 

We’re already here with the third part of our exciting collaboration series! In this episode, we are going to talk about some of the simple strategies on how to get teachers to listen.

I hope you enjoyed our previous episode with our O&M Specialist, a true gem – Rebecca Taylor!

In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the power of collaboration between O&M specialists and classroom teachers, uncovering the invaluable strategies and insights that we can use to effectively meet the needs of our learners.

Join us in this conversation with Rebecca Taylor, a dually certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility specialist, as she shares her collaboration strategies and how they can be helpful in unlocking the full potential of our learners.

How can we move from a multidisciplinary approach to a transdisciplinary approach? What are the secrets to getting our teacher-peers to collaborate with us?

Join Kassy Maloney for a 3 part series as we dissect how you can become a better collaborator and support the teachers you work with.

Is Blindsquare still a good GPS app to use with learners with visual impairments? What length of cane should I use with wheelchair users?

Kassy Maloney, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, answers your questions, live! Whether you're a teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI), O&M Specialist, or anyone else in the world of visual impairments, this episode covers an array of topics that will help you become a better teacher.

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When we look at how to be an impactful teacher, I notice that the best teachers only focus on 3 key areas. In this conversation, Diyana Ahmad, a visionary TVI in Malaysia shows us how she helps her learners with Cortical and Cerebral Visual Impairments (CVI) in unique ways.

We also share:

• How she balances work & pleasure while traveling
• A Tiered system for creating tactile graphics
• What a day in the life of a teacher of students with visual impairments in Malaysia looks like.

SAVE THE DATE!

Our upcoming webinar, "What's Working for TVI's: Students with Multiple Impairments" is happening July 20th.

The TVI Online Symposium is coming up on September 21-22, 2023.

Welcome back to the podcast my friends! I’m so excited to bring you the episode this week as we have Katie Ericson as a guest in the podcast! Katie is currently a PhD student in Special Education at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. She’s going to share one of her very interesting journeys where she had the chance to go and teach in Japan. She is particularly interested in providing effective distance consultation for students with visual impairments, developing meaningful professional development for TSBVI and O&M specialists and physical activity and recreation for individuals with visual impairments.

Let’s hop on to the show!

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Teaching students with visual impairments has changed exponentially over the past few decades. How did the implementation of IDEA affect learning for students with visual impairments? Have we gone too far with inclusion? What role do parents play in the success of their children with visual impairments? What are some of the mistakes that vocational programs often make?

We are diving into all of these questions with CTVI & COMS, Jill Brown.

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It’s been 15 years since I started teaching and I remember my experience when I was a first year teacher where I didn't really know what I was doing. Well, in today’s episode, I will be sharing about a few things that I would like to change if I could go back to being a first year teacher and maybe these things could help you first year teachers out there, or even give you an idea on how you can be a better teacher.

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Now that the O&M's Symposium has ended, in this week's episode, we bring you a replay of last year's episode all about turning your ideas into impactful teaching strategies and how we can keep the moment right after a conference. This episode can be a refresh of information on what you could do with all the knowledge and strategies that you learned from the symposium.

If you're ready, let's get right into the episode!

In this week’s episode, we will be talking all about teaching from a transdisciplinary model. We’re excited to have Martina and Hrvoje from Croatia. They both work in a center called Mali Dom together in a transdisciplinary model for the students. They’ll be sharing about who they are and how they teach their students to ensure that their students can live a better life.

Let’s hop right into the podcast!

Happy Valentine’s Day my friends! In this week’s episode, we are getting a little bit personal. I will be sharing a little bit about my dating life because I’ve been really looking at myself and had some time to reflect on teaching in general. So grab your cup of tea or coffee, whichever drink you prefer and come join me for this episode!

As we have just ended the O and M Symposium, in this week’s episode, I will be sharing my 6 key takeaways from the Symposium itself. It was such a magical moment where we really manage to hone into three specific areas within the symposium. And really listening to you guys, looking at what you guys would want to see and what you guys would like to learn about. As I share about the key takeaways, I will also be sharing clips from the presentation that you can listen to. So without further ado, let’s get into the show.

In this week’s very special episode, we have Kim Owens with us! Kim is a chronically-ill woman living with multiple immune diseases. She’s a mother who’s navigating through the process of taking care of one of her children, named Kai, who lost his sight unexpectedly at the age of 10. This episode is a conversation with a mother and her story is just incredibly inspiring. You’ll get to hear her perspective as well as gain really good advice that Kim shared throughout the conversation.

This episode is something you should not miss out so hop on now!

In this week’s episode, we’re so excited to bring Lynn Geautraux to you guys! Lynn is also going to be a presenter at the symposium. He self-published his book called Comprehensive Cane Tip and AMD Modifications, Design and Refurbishing where he shared all his knowledge and his many years of experience in tinkering with AMDs which we can learn from and even hear about it in person during his symposium presentation that’s coming up.

If this doesn’t get you super excited already, come join us in the podcast and listen to what he has to share!

In this week’s episode, we’re bringing you the replay of the free live training webinar that we held last week! We invited Chelsea Schumaker to share all about how physical movement is important for our learners and most importantly how we can help our learners’ be included in PE lessons and get movements in. We also have a short Q&A session by the end of the webinar so if you were unable to make it last week, here’s your chance to catch up!

Join us now in this episode!

In this week’s episode, we are diving into perfectionism. As we start the new year, we tend to have goals that we want to achieve for the year and along with it, we could fall into setting really unrealistic goals and expectations on ourselves. While it could be too much, not all forms of perfectionism are negative. Today, we’re going to discuss how we can overcome perfectionism and be the best version of ourselves.

I’m excited to have Chelsea Schumaker in our podcast episode today! Chelsea is an O and M Specialist who is now in the process of getting her PhD! You will get to hear about Chelsea’s story which is closely related to physical activities and movement on how it shaped her as a person, who she is as a person, as well as how movement can affect O and M.

Jump into the podcast to find out!

I’m so excited to bring Lil Deverell and Marnie Roth to you guys in this week’s episode! Teaching learners who have spatial awareness issues can be difficult especially if they also get frustrated in the process and we’re not sure how to respond to that. Most of us tend to internalise this but what if the problem doesn’t lie within us? That’s what we will be talking about together with Lil and Marnie. Expect to get some amazing insights into what they will be sharing in this episode!

Hop on in now!

In this week's episode, we have an exciting guest with us! Erin Buckley, an O and M specialist who has covered all ages. She's currently the Vision Services supervisor and Comms at the North Shore Education Consortium in Beverly, Massachusetts. She's going to share her experience and what she learned when it comes to teaching students with low vision, specifically teenagers. She will also be presenting in the upcoming O and M Symposium so be sure to tune in!

In this week’s episode, we are breaking down the three pillars of impactful teaching to help know where you should focus your attention on so that you can be the best version of yourself, be a better and more impactful teacher, and improve your learners’ success while living a good and balanced life.

Join us now to find out!

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What does it take to stay organized, no matter where you are? What tools do impactful O&M Specialists use on a daily basis? We dive into all of these questions and more in your bonus episode! This is the audio of the live training, "What's in Your Car Trunk?" presented by Joan Brodbeck and Jeremy Hill. This episode comes down on November 17th!