SAVE THE DATES!
2024-2025 Training Opportunities from TSBVI Outreach
2024 Southwest Orientation and Mobility Conference (SWOMA)—“Community”
November 3–5, 2024
Austin Marriott North
Registration Fees:
- Professionals— $200
- Family Members, Univ. Students, & Paraprofessionals—$100
Registration ends on October 25th @ 5:00 PM Central Time!
For information, contact Scott Turner, Statewide Orientation & Mobility Consultant for Outreach Programs, or Rusti Wade, Administrative Assistant.
2025 Texas Symposium on Deafblind Education—“Convergence: Embracing New Beginnings with Presence & Connections”
February 27, 28, and March 1, 2025
Austin Marriott North
Registration Fees:
- Professionals & Out of State Professionals—$325.00
- Paraprofessionals Univ. Students—$225.00
- Family Members—$225.00
September 2025 is the date when Deafblind Certification in Texas officially begins! A whole new profession, a whole new take on qualified personnel, and a giant step toward creating equitable access for all students will be the focus of this DB Symposium. Join us in creating space and time together for sharing, learning, and reflecting on how this new certification can bring about change while we also consider practical ways to bring the following quote to life:
Every child, every person, has the right to be their own person with thoughts and opinions that others listen to; likewise, to exist in communicative and social contexts in which they are given the opportunity to express themselves. Malmgren, Sofi. 2019
We look forward to celebrating new beginnings with you!
In the Driver’s Seat: Introduction to Safe Driving with Low Vision
February 28–March 3, 2025
James C. Durkel Conference Center
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI), Austin, TX
For information, contact Cindy Bachofer (512-206-9434)
“Will I be able to drive?” Finding an answer to this question is a complex picture of gathering facts, making decisions, and facing emotional issues for these students and their families. This workshop for students, parents and VI professionals presents a range of information on driving with low vision, transportation choices and resources for families.
Eligibility for the program:
- Meet TX visual criteria for driving (acuity of 20/50-20/200; visual field of 140 degrees)
- Parent and student attendance at the workshop
- Students in grades 9-12
- Student referral request with TSBVI Short-Term Programs (TVI or COMS submit) https://www.tsbvi.edu/programs/short-term
In the Driver’s Seat will also be held “On the Road” at:
- Region 4 ESC on Saturday, November 2, 2024 (Contact Vandralyn French to register)
- Region 10 ESC on Saturday, December 7, 2024 (contact Alexa Poynor to register). Also for ESC 11 participants.
Other Important Dates
Low Vision Conference
May 16, 2025
Region 13 Education Service Center
Active Learning Conference
June 10–12, 2025
Region 11 Education Service Center
TAER (Texas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired)
March 20–22, 2025
Corpus Christi, TX