The Current Issue:
TX SenseAbilities – Spring 2026 Issue
Featured Article
Interactive Reading Materials for Learners Who Are Deafblind
This is the first in a series of three articles for this issue of TX SenseAbilities focused on interactive reading for learners who are deafblind or have complex access needs. The author emphasizes the importance of literacy and expands its definition. He also offers practical ideas and solutions for sourcing and adapting materials. Image description: Individualized materials make interactive reading fun.
Family Wisdom
Looking Back on Our Travels with Abbey: Tips for Your Family Travels
Written from a parent’s perspective, this article shares practical strategies for traveling with a child with complex medical and sensory needs. Emphasizing familiarity, sensory-friendly planning, accessibility, medical preparedness, and flexibility, it highlights how intentional choices can create meaningful, enjoyable travel experiences for the whole family. Keeping Abbey engaged and safe during travel required a mix of preparation, creativity, and flexibility. Here are the specific strategies that worked best for the author’s family.
Busting Myths About Family Support: What Hands & Voices Teaches Us About Walking with Families
Think you know Hands & Voices? You might be surprised. While many believe family support is only for those in crisis or those who use a specific communication method, the truth is far more inclusive. In this article, Michaela Hamaker deconstructs some common myths surrounding the Texas Hands & Voices organization, revealing a parent-powered, grassroots community that meets families exactly where they are. From the "kitchen table" to the classroom and beyond describes the extent of Hands & Voices family support. They are a vital lifeline that helps children thrive from diagnosis through young adulthood.
Discover How to “Live A Life You Love” at Southwind Fields
The CEO of Southwind Fields invites readers to meet the “locals” of Southwind Fields and learn about this supportive community where adults with learning differences and disabilities strive to “live a life they love.” Families can explore this option for loved ones transitioning from school-based special education services, as well as all those over 18 needing support in order to attain a more independent life.
Post-Secondary Considerations For Taking A Step Into The Real World
Are you a family member looking for information on post-graduation options for a young adult that will assist with transitioning them into the workforce or community? This article will share information about a training program for Texas residents who are interested in enhancing their life skills and confidence before they embark on the next chapter in their lives.
Raise a Puppy, Change a Life!
An Orientation and Mobility Specialist shares her unique insight into the special work done by those who raise puppies to be guide dogs. In addition to detailed descriptions of all that they do, she also provides photos, a YouTube video, a link to a puppy raising guidebook, information on puppy raising clubs, and even a readiness checklist for individuals with vision loss who may be thinking about getting a guide dog. For those who may worry about giving up a puppy after it’s been trained, she explained that raisers get “pupdates” once they’re placed with their life partner.
My Journey Through Mentorship and Leadership
An adult with a visual impairment describes her journey to mentorship, leadership, and advocacy. Crediting her experiences with the National Federation of the Blind, Madison models confidence and independence and has become a mentor herself, holding high expectations for blind students. She is committed to supporting the next generation of blind leaders and actively participates in activities to introduce them to experiences to help them build the skills they will need to be successful.
Effective Practices
Selected Strategies to Support Interactive Reading for Learners Who Are Deafblind
This is the second in a series of three articles in this issue of TX SenseAbilities focused on interactive reading for learners who are deafblind or have complex access needs. The author shares effective, research-based interactive reading strategies that teachers, family members, and other caregivers can use immediately.
Environmental Considerations to Engage Learners Who Are Deafblind in Interactive Reading
This is the third in a series of three articles in this issue of TX SenseAbilities focused on interactive reading for learners who are deafblind or have complex access needs. The author addresses environmental considerations and offers practical solutions to address concerns that may arise in a variety of locations.
The Partnership Playbook: Family Engagement as Professional Practice
"The Partnership Playbook" is a new online resource that offers practical, research-informed strategies for educators and school leaders as they move from an emphasis on involvement to authentic partnership with families. Designed to strengthen trust and shared decision-making, without adding more tasks for teachers, "The Partnership Playbook" provides support for professionals as they work to improve outcomes for students.
Teacher of Students Who are Deafblind (TDB) Mentor Mini-Pilot Set for Spring
This article is a brief update from the Texas Deafblind Project about the current status of the Teacher of Students who are Deafblind (TDB) Mentor Program.
Considerations for Visual Impairment When Designing a Behavior Intervention Plan
The author discusses the possible impact of a student’s visual impairment on behavior through an in-depth description of five key areas for consideration when developing a Behavior Intervention Plan. He also describes some proactive strategies to address areas that require additional support.
News & Views
Braille Instruction: Why So Elusive?
Braille is the legally designated default literacy medium for students with visual impairments, yet only 7.6% of Texas students who are blind, deafblind or have low vision receive braille instruction. This article highlights statewide advocacy efforts for renewed commitment to expanding braille access to improve long-term educational and employment outcomes.
Early Childhood Intervention Family Stories Project
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program serves families with children from birth to 36 months who have developmental delays, disabilities, or certain medical diagnoses that can impact development. Through collecting and sharing real stories from families who have experienced the benefits of ECI services, the ECI Family Stories Project highlights the impact of ECI, builds awareness of families’ perspectives, and inspires other families to explore services for their children.
Download Article (PDF)VI Services in Private and Homeschool Settings
As Texas offers state-funded education savings accounts in 2026–2027, more families may choose private or homeschool options. This article explains how federal Child Find requirements, eligibility determinations, and proportionate-share funding affect the availability and limits of special education services for students with visual impairments who receive services outside of the public school system.
A Welcome Expansion: Aligning Texas Eligibility with Federal Standards
Educators and families may have noticed a shift in language around special education eligibility for young children. The transition from Noncategorical Early Childhood (NCEC) to Developmental Delay (DD) represents an expansion rather than a restriction. This legal update will clarify what is changing, what is staying the same, and why this shift benefits young children with sensory disabilities when determining additional areas of eligibility.
Guidance for Teachers: Personal Device Law & Special Education/504 Exceptions
Although Texas now restricts student cell phone use during instruction, federal disability laws require exceptions. Students with IEPs or 504 Plans must be allowed to use personal devices when they are used as accommodations or for assistive technology. Educators must review students’ plans, support appropriate use, and ensure that students can access required tools.
Looking to Up Your Braille Math Skills or Seeking to Engage Your Students in Fun STEM Learning Opportunities?
Project INSPIRE offers free, on-demand braille math courses for professionals and engaging student programs supporting Nemeth and UEB Math/Science instruction from elementary through high school. In partnership with Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI), professionals can earn 12 hours of continuing education credit while strengthening accessible STEM instruction.
Take a Media Minute—Spring 2026
Check out the most recent Media Minute on the TSBVI website! Family members looking for support from other families who share similar experiences, educators wondering how to include students who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision in the annual school-wide Science Fair, or community members seeking ideas on how to make accessible, sensory-rich, and inclusive art for all members of the public to create and enjoy, please take a TSBVI “Media Minute” and check out this campus resource of blog posts on the TSBVI website!
