Trauma Informed Instruction for Students with Sensory Impairments
Open captioned. There are a number of similarities between the behavioral characteristics associated with childhood trauma and those commonly demonstrated by students with visual impairments, including those who are multiply impaired and/or deafblind. Parallels also exist among educational approaches for working with our population (Jan van Dijk, Lilli Nielsen, Barbara Miles, etc.) and therapeutic approaches for working with those who have experienced childhood trauma. During this coffee hour, the presenters will discuss how trauma-informed instruction and educational approaches for populations with sensory impairments complement and support each other.
TSBVI Tech Tea Time: Stories of Vision Loss Podcast
Open captioned. Let's talk about how podcasts, YouTube channels, and other resources are being used in our field. How do they fit into the greater fabric of education, advocacy, connection, and motivation... Let's share our ideas.
Resources
Transcript (TXT)Assessment of Deafblind Access to Manual Language Systems – An Evaluation Tool
Open captioned. This session will give an overview of the free evaluation tool "Assessment of Deafblind Access to Manual Language Systems" or ADAMLS. Participants will become famliiar with the tool and how to use the results to ensure access for students who are deafblind that are accessing manual language.
TSBVI Tech Tea Time: Explanation and Demo Hable One and Hable Easy
Open captioned. Join us for an in-depth session where we’ll introduce you to Hable’s innovative assistive devices – the Hable One and the Hable Easy. This session will guide you through the unique features and functionalities of each product, showcasing how they empower individuals to navigate and interact with smartphones and tablets independently. We’ll start by explaining how each device works, from the ergonomic design to the specialized command system that allows effortless typing, navigation, and voice commands. You’ll learn about the specific use cases each product is designed for and see live demonstrations of key functions. We'll discuss who these products are best suited for, covering their compatibility with various devices and apps, and explain who they might not be the best fit for. The session will also include insights into the development journey, user feedback, and examples of how Hable devices make a difference in the daily lives of users. Ideal for anyone curious about assistive tech, educators, family members, or potential users – come learn how Hable is opening new doors for the BVI community!
Access to Language is a Human Right
Open captioned. Have you ever considered how language access impacts the education of students who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or have complex access needs? Join this session to explore the legal foundations of language access, how communication modes are determined, and the implications for a student’s individualized education plan (IEP). This training will highlight the importance of providing and respecting both receptive and expressive communication modes to ensure equitable access to education.
TSBVI Tech Tea Time: Hands-free Device Control with the MouthPad^ by Augmental
Open captioned. Gabi Muñoz from Augmental will introduce the company's first product, the MouthPad^, which is aimed at providing universal, equitable access to one's personal electronics by leveraging wearable technology. This innovative assistive device is worn in the mouth on the upper jaw, much like a 'smart retainer/aligner', and it functions just like a standard wireless computer mouse with its Bluetooth radio, a touch-sensitive trackpad positioned across the roof of the mouth, and a suite of supporting sensors to provide all standard mouse functions. You can press your tongue on the trackpad to perform a click, and move your tongue across the trackpad to move the cursor across the screen. You can even opt to control cursor movement with head-motion tracking instead of the tongue, and much more. Muñoz will discuss the benefits of this intraoral approach, which include increased independence, expressivity, convenience and privacy.
Toileting Strategies for Children Who Are Deafblind
Open captioned. Toileting can be a complex process for any child, but for children who are deafblind, unique considerations must be taken into account to ensure success. This session will explore practical strategies for supporting toileting in a way that is accessible, individualized, and developmentally appropriate. Participants will learn how to use routines, sensory accommodations, communication supports, and environmental modifications to help students who are deafblind develop independence in toileting. Whether you’re an educator, family member, or service provider, this session will equip you with tools to create a structured, supportive, and dignity-focused approach.
TSBVI Tech Tea Time: Using AI to Help Students with VI and other Complex Needs
Open captioned. In this session, we will explore the unique challenges faced by students with visual impairments (VI) when using technology and how artificial intelligence (AI) can support their learning. We'll discuss common barriers, such as accessibility limitations and the need for tailored educational experiences, and how AI is positioned to address these needs. Learn about how AI-Learners uses advanced AI techniques to create personalized, accessible learning games for students with disabilities. We’ll showcase the platform’s AI-driven features, such as adaptive difficulty levels, visual simplicity, and individualized progress tracking. A case study from Texas Schools for the Blind will highlight how AI-Learners successfully enhances student engagement and learning outcomes. The session will conclude with practical steps on how educators can get started with AI-Learners to support their students with visual impairments and other complex needs, offering an easy pathway to integrate AI into the classroom.
TSBVI Tech Tea Time: Mind Mapping: Assistive Software for Essay Writing, Note Taking, etc.
Open captioned. Mind Mapping is theory based and proven to be great for planning, brainstorming, and reading and writing comprehension for both students and adults. Learn how individuals can overcome difficulties with Anxiety, Blank Page Syndrome, Feeling Overwhelmed, Confusion on Assignments and Time Management. Individuals with or without learning disabilities can benefit from Mind Mapping, but specifically, it can be helpful for individuals that have been diagnosed with ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, Executive Function Disorder, etc. In this interactive presentation, attendees will be guided through Mind Mapping best practices on how to visually organize topics, research, cite and reference information, and export data in any academic format, such as APA, MLA, etc. Furthermore, we will illustrate when Mind Mapping is paired with technology how it can enhance creativity, clarify thinking and improve understanding of the subject at hand.
You Don’t Have to Be Einstein to Do Science
Open captioned. Two veteran science teachers demonstrate how to adapt science for students who are blind and visually impaired.