Presentations

Breakout #1 - 9:05 - 10:20 am

Math Matters: Empowering Blind and Low Vision Students with Resources and Advocacy, JJ Isaacson

This engaging session focuses on elevating numeracy for blind and low vision students. With a commitment to making math as accessible as literacy, participants will explore innovative resources and effective strategies that benefit all learners, including sighted students.

Practical tools for coaching general education teachers will be shared, ensuring they can implement inclusive practices in their classrooms. Advocacy approaches will also be discussed to empower students to thrive in math just as they do in literacy. Attendees will hopefully leave equipped with a mindset to make "Numeracy  ≥ literacy!"

Understanding Optic Nerve Hypoplasia: A Holistic Approach to Teaching Blind and Low Vision Students, Scott Wall

• Understanding the impacts of ONH on brain structures, such as the thalamus and septum pellucidum, and hormonal functions, including cortisol, growth hormone, thyroid, antidiuretic hormone, and sex hormones.

• The role of hypopituitarism and pituitary gland dysfunction in student behavior and learning readiness.

• Strategies for structured instruction that support sensory balance and routine, leveraging music and rhythm.

• Collaborative approaches for sharing critical information about ONH impacts with multidisciplinary teams, especially during key educational transitions.

• Real-world examples of addressing student-specific challenges related to ONH.

Breakout #2 - 10:30 - 11:45 am

Improving O&M Techniques Through Proprioceptive Facilitation, Dr. Rosen (lead) and Dr. Parker (co-presenter)

Innovative Early Literacy Interventions for Children with Complex Needs, Darlene Daniels, Becky Morton, Stephanie McAlexander, and Claudia Swapp. Additional Early Literacy Resources Here

Literacy development begins at birth and is deeply influenced by the relationships and experiences a child encounters during infancy and early childhood. However, children with complex bodies, visual impairments, or dual sensory impairments (Deafblind) often miss out on many incidental learning opportunities that typically support literacy development. This session is designed to address these challenges by exploring innovative, out-of-the-box interventions tailored specifically for these children, including the use of literacy boxes and experience books. 

Breakout #3 - 1:00 - 2:15 pm 

Success Ahead: Guiding Blind and Low Vision Students Through Higher Education Transitions, JJ Isaacson, Michael Cantino

Transitioning from high school to higher education can be challenging for blind and low vision students. In this session, K-12 and higher education professionals will share essential strategies for a smooth transition, including accessible materials, assistive technology, and key differences between high school and college. We’ll highlight support systems students can rely on and provide practical tips to help teachers guide students confidently through this next phase of their education.

Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Instruction for Students who are Deafblind and those with Complex Bodies: Best Practices and Strategies, Darlene Daniels and Ky Hansen

This session explores effective strategies for providing Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instruction to students who are Deafblind, as well as students with complex bodies. Participants will gain an understanding of the unique sensory needs and challenges faced by individuals with combined vision and hearing loss and/or complex bodies, and how these factors impact their ability to navigate and interact with their environment.

Mini #1 - 2:30 - 3:35 pm

Independence Across America: Guide Dog Schools, Sharon Zenger

This session is about learning about what each dog guide school provides clients, professional development they provide for O and M instructors, and other classes or resources they provide to the visually impaired community.

ECC Field Trips with SOESD, Bob Wohlers

Field trips provide many opportunities for our students to learn valuable skills, socialize with others who have similar life experiences and have fun. Join me for a discussion on how SOESD plans up to 3 field trips per including planning, paperwork, financials, ideas and logistics. 

Tactile Literacy for Functional Academics, Annie Stockton, Kirsten Dlugo

In this session we will share some case studies of students using tactile strategies to support functional academics. Topics will include Turning on Touch Thinking, Edmark, and tactile systems for literacy.

Before the Code, Annie Stockton, Kirsten Dlugo

In this session we will review some important elements about setting up a work environment for a beginning braille reader. Topics will include desk set up, body positioning, and early braille mechanics.

Keynote - 9:00 - 10:30 am

ECC: A Trifecta of Perspectives, Emily Coleman

Emily will share her perspective as a mother, teacher, and administrator in the role of ensuring students who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision have access to instruction in the expanded core curriculum. Although Emily is well trained in the field of blindness education providing her a certain level of expertise, humor and fate more often play a role.

Mini #2 - 10:40 - 11:45 am

FVLMA Resources: Documents to Streamline the Assessment Process, April Love

This session will introduce the Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessment (FVLMA) Report Template, developed by the BVI Professional Learning Team (PLT). In addition to the template, attendees will receive guidance on documents designed to support the assessment process, both before and during evaluations.

FVLMA Tools: What's in my Assessment Kit?, April Love, Annie Stockton, Kirsten Dlugo

In this session, we will delve into our favorite tools found in a Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessment (FVLMA) kit, providing an overview of the key materials used to evaluate a student's visual functioning and learning media needs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share insights about their own kits and exchange practical tips for enhancing assessment practices.

Digital Tools for Low Vision Math Access, Lee Chandler

This session explores innovative digital solutions to support low vision students in mathematics. We'll explore a range of apps and websites designed to improve math accessibility. The session will cover digital calculators, photo-based apps and tools to change spacing, boldness and size of math problems for easier reading. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge of how these digital tools can be implemented to create a more inclusive math learning environment for students with low vision.

iOS 18: What's in it for us?, Joe Dlugo and Krista Bulger

The release of iOS 18 marks a significant step forward for Apple's mobile operating system. Learn about the latest features designed to enhance accessibility for our students with blindness and low vision. We'll explore the new Apple Intelligence tools and other updates that can make a meaningful difference in the classroom.

Mini #3 - 12:45 - 1:50 pm

Introduction to the APH Monarch, Dan Glowicki

I will have the Monarch device on hand for teachers to see and interact with.  I plan to go over the basic functions of the device, what the larger braille display can do, and go through the new tutorial program as part of the presentation.  

AI in Action: Streamlining (Almost) Everything in Working with Your Students, April Love, JJ Isaacson

This 30-minute session will explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, focusing on how it can assist Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVIs). TSVIs will gain practical strategies for incorporating AI in their workflows. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Understanding how AI can streamline administrative and instructional tasks for TVIs.

• Addressing potential risks, including bias and data security.

• Learning to write effective AI prompts to get accurate and meaningful results.

• Exploring specific AI tools and applications relevant to TSVIs.

Comfort in Focus: Tech Ergonomics for Blind and Low Vision Learners, Joe Dlugo

Ergonomics is often overlooked in educational settings, yet it plays a vital role in supporting blind and low vision students who use assistive technology. This presentation will explore practical approaches to designing ergonomic workspaces that reduce strain, boost comfort, and enhance learning outcomes. Attendees will learn strategies for optimal device placement, adapting classroom environments, and tailoring setups that align with the specific needs of blind and low vision students, ultimately promoting greater accessibility and success.

OR Project 7th Edition Web-based, Tyler York

We will be showing the new web-based version of the OR Project, new numbering system, dynamic charts, easy to use checklists and the integration of the teaching activities within the skills inventory.

Mini #4 - 2:00 - 3:05 pm

Working with Crummy Documents, Michael Cantino

Our students encounter all kinds of documents in various formats, and those documents are not always easy to work with. In this session, we'll learn some tips and tricks to help you and your student quickly adapt and access documents on a variety of devices. 

MathKicker.ai, Michael Cantino

Creating accessible math documents can be difficult! Specialized editors are expensive and tedious to use, and once you have your document prepped, how will your student demonstrate their work to their teacher? Fortunately, MathKicker.ai has come up with an excellent, free solution. In this session, we'll learn how to prepare documents in seconds using MathKicker.ai, and we'll explore how students can use the MathKicker Editor to solve problems and effortlessly demonstrate each step of their work to a sighted instructor.

STEM Playground, Lee Chandler, Krista Bulger, Joe Dlugo

This lab is an opportunity to discover innovative teaching methods and a platform to empower your students through STEM, making it a truly inclusive and transformative educational experience. Join the WSSB AT specialists for this unique interactive array of STEM activities. Here, you'll explore a room full of gadgets, gizmos, and hacks that make STEM activities accessible and engaging for your students. From tactile models in engineering to accessible coding and APH STEM products, each activity is crafted to ignite curiosity and enhance learning for students with blindness or low vision.