Professional Development Library

Recapping the 2023 Texas Symposium on Deafblind Education

Join us as we recap the highlights from the 2023 Texas Symposium on Deafblind Education that occurred at the end of February in Austin, TX. Open captioned and ASL.

Resources & Guidance for Using the CVI Range

The CVI Range, by Dr. Roman-Lantzy, is the only CVI-specific assessment instrument currently available to determine how a student with cortical visual impairment best uses their vision. Potential assessors have varying degrees of knowledge and confidence when approaching this assessment. Join us as we offer resources and guidance with the aim of strengthening our competence in using the CVI Range. Open captioned and ASL.

Assessing Spatial Dysfunction in O&M and the Classroom

We might assume all students can learn orientation, but what if they can’t? How do we recognize and assess spatial dysfunction? Find out when to persist with orientation language, and when to try other navigation strategies instead. Open captioned and ASL interpreted.

Essential Tools of the Trade for Teachers of Students who are Deafblind

This session will review the newest publication from TSBVI, Essential Tools of the Trade for Teachers of Students who are Deafblind: A How-To Guide for Completing Evaluations. Open captioned and ASL interpreted

Driver or Active Traveler- What’s the Role of the VI Professional?

Open captioned. Learning to manage transportation effectively as a young person with low vision is an essential part of transition planning and preparation for adulthood. The presenters will provide an overview of pre-driver readiness skills and activities, driving using a bioptic device, and active traveler (non-driver) skills. Information will be shared about new TSBVI online courses that give a more in-depth understanding of the process for professionals and families.

Book Access for Students with Visual Impairment

Open captioned. Come learn about the vast array of reading options now available for large print, audio, and braille. Organizations such as Bookshare, Texas Talking Book Program, BARD, and Learning Ally will be covered.

WREIC – Transitioning from Early Intervention – Determining the Childs’ Needs Together

Open Captioned and ASL. Join us for this panel presentation from the Western Regional Early Intervention group. Participants will develop techniques to best support families for a successful transition from Early Intervention to an IEP. Participants will recognize a school district's varied perspectives, strategies, needs, and possible limitations during a child’s transition into preschool. Resources Include: • Quality Indicators • NCDB guide: Determining need for an intervener; TSBVI Guide: Determining need for intervener in educational setting.

Effective Itinerant Strategies

Open captioned. Going from a self-contained classroom, to a residential school setting, and then itinerant teaching position can be jarring. Rachel Collins shares her experiences and some helpful tips and strategies to navigate the Itinerant Teaching Role.

Setting the Foundation: Writing PLAAFPs, IEP Goals, and a Short Word on IFSPs

Open captioned. When building a house, it’s important to have a strong foundation so it doesn’t fall down later. Creating an IEP or IFSP starts the same way--with strong statements of present levels that lead to pertinent and collaborative goals. As boring as this topic may sound, we'll have some fun this session while we review the necessary components for a strong and compliant foundation for students' IEPs.

Participants will:
• Know and understand the components of a PLAAFP statement
• Know and understand the components of goals and outcomes for IEPs and IFSPs
• Describe the connection between PLAAFP statements and goals, and how working collaboratively will benefit the process.

Orientation & Mobility Services and Support: Birth through Five

Open captioned. Join us for a conversation about the important role orientation and mobility specialists play in supporting our youngest learners who are blind or visually impaired in the home, school, and community settings. Early childhood O&M resources will also be highlighted during this session.