The Current Issue:
TX SenseAbilities – Fall 2024 Issue
Featured Article
Lions, Tigers and Medicaid Waivers: OH MY!
The author describes her family’s waiver journey and offers advice to other families and caregivers about ways to navigate the Medicaid waiver system in Texas. Image: Joshua sells crafts and treats he and his peers made at the TSBVI Farmer's Market.
Family Wisdom
Bringing Home the Family Engagement Priorities: Part 3
This article delves into the final two Direct Services Priorities featured in the TX SenseAbilities series centering on the Family Engagement Report. These priorities are designed to foster systemic change by acknowledging families as essential leaders in the process. For a comprehensive understanding of the Family Engagement Report, readers are encouraged to explore the 2023 Special Issue of TX SenseAbilities on Family Engagement: Lessons Learned From Our Families published in August 2023.
Let’s Have Some Fun!
This article describes the behavioral benefits of play for children who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. It provides suggestions for adapting commonly found items in the home and budget-friendly materials. These suggestions can be used by anyone to help enhance children’s creativity and imagination, especially families. This information is from a workshop by the author and is reprinted, with permission, from the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, Future Reflections Convention Issue, 2023
Supporting Siblings
Julia shares her experiences growing up as the sibling of a brother with autism. She later became his guardian and describes her recommendations for families to consider when raising and doing long-term planning for their children with special needs. She emphasizes the importance of including siblings in discussions about long-term planning and how to support the unique needs of siblings who sometimes put their needs and feelings on hold.
Family Recharge Zone—Making Connections Across the Digital Divide
TSBVI offers a monthly virtual Family Recharge Zone for adult family members with loved ones who are blind, deafblind or have low vision to connect and share experiences. Each session includes a brief presentation on relevant topics followed by open discussions.
Introducing the American Society for Deaf Children
The author shares information about the American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC), a family organization that promotes American Sign Language (ASL) as an important mode of communication. Learn about the many initiatives this national organization offers both virtually and in person.
In the Driver’s Seat: Empowering Our Future Drivers
The author’s daughter, Peyten, attended “In the Driver’s Seat” at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) in March 2024 and shared the following information about her daughter’s experience and the effect it had on their family.
Effective Practices
Short-Term Programs Offers Hybrid Algebra I Course
The author describes how the Short-Term Programs (STP) Department at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) helps students across Texas earn high school credit for Algebra I through a hybrid class that meets both online and in-person.
Access to Language is a Human Right
Have you ever thought about access to language as a fundamental human right? Read on for a better understanding of language access, how decisions about communication modes are made, implications for a student’s individualized education plan (IEP), and support for this concept in legal codes and precedents. The author emphasizes that communication modes can differ receptively and expressively for a student, but both must be provided and respected.
Adapted PE for Students with Complex Access Needs Including Visual Impairment
The author discusses key considerations for creating inclusive physical education programs for students with visual impairments.
PLAAFPs for Students With Visual Impairments
The author provides information on writing effective PLAAFP statements for students with visual impairments, including specific information on required components.
Partnerships in Active Learning: One School’s Transformation
When St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf in Brooklyn, New York wanted to create a program to educate students who are deafblind, they turned to Perkins School for the Blind in Massachusetts for help. Learn about the steps they took to create an ongoing collaboration resulting in positive outcomes for students.
News & Views
Supporting Student Destinies
TSBVI’s Superintendent describes how the book, "The Alchemist," mirrors her heart as she makes difficult decisions for her son who is blind and has multiple disabilities. She also reflects on how the 11,000 students in Texas who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision also face difficult decisions as they pursue their destinies.
Transition Resources for Lifelong Success: APH FamilyConnect and CareerConnect are Your One Stop Shop
A comprehensive resource on transition services for students who are blind, deafblind or have low vision, this article describes the various components of the APH ConnectCenter: FamilyConnect, Career Connect, and the Transition Hub. It includes links to articles and sections of the APH website which contain detailed information about careers, work experiences, college, and transition experiences for students with a variety of needs. The valuable suggestions for “life after school” are appropriate for both parents and students.
Use of Braille for Independence and Adult Life: Staff Spotlight on Marshall Burns
For this follow-up article to the Spring 2024 issue on Braille PenPals, the author interviewed Marshall Burns, the author of that article, on his personal use of braille and the importance of braille for increased independence.
What’s the Latest from the TSBVI Media Minute?
Learn about the latest TSBVI Media Minute posts on the MakerSpace, Fine Arts, Theater, and Summer Programs. The Media Minute is a campus resource which uses current and historical media to highlight programming across various TSBVI departments—Comprehensive Programs (Instructional and Residential), Short-Term Programs, Outreach, and the Curriculum Department.
Discover Morgan’s MAC (Multi-Assistance Center): Services Actualized for Individuals with Special Needs and Disabilities
Texas is fortunate to be home to Morgan’s Wonderland, which is an “ultra-accessible” theme park designed for people with special needs. Since opening its doors in 2010, the organization continues to add opportunities and services. Read about their newest service, the Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center (Morgan’s MAC), a free, family-centered program that connects people with disabilities to essential services.
STEAR: Texas Registry Offering Support Evacuating During Emergencies
The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) is a free, voluntary program providing a resource to register anyone who may have difficulty following directions or evacuating independently during an emergency. Registering with this state service notifies local emergency responders of the unique needs of individuals and helps them arrive prepared to better meet those needs.
Download Article (PDF)Texas Technology Access Program
Dr. Swanson describes the Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP), its four components, and how it can help people access their environment and live more independently. She has used assistive technology (AT) with people on the autism spectrum, persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and adults with neurological challenges. She has also presented about AT across the US and internationally and published numerous journal articles.