Presentations

Brailler Cleaning and Maintenance Workshop

12pm - 4pm

This workshop is intended for TVI’s, instructional assistants, or any staff that work directly with students that use braille writers. The purpose of the workshop is to teach participants how to do basic cleaning and maintenance of the Perkins brailler in order to keep the braillers in working condition. Common brailer issues will be addressed and participants will be given knowledge on how to solve them. Participants will also learn how to determine if a brailler needs further repair by a qualified repair technician. Participants will learn in a hands-on way by actually cleaning a brailler from OTMC’s inventory. A tool kit and supplies will be provided for participants with the plan that participants will take the tool kit back to their region to be used in the cleaning and maintaining of their braillers. The workshop will be led by Dan Glowicki TSVI/OM/Perkins Level 3 Brailler Repair Technician from Cascade Regional Inclusive Services LBL-ESD, in conjunction with J Beresheim TSVI MLIS from the Oregon Textbook and Media Center (OTMC).

Made to See: Practical CVI Adaptations and Make and Takes along with The CVI State Fair and Swap: Craft, Create, and Collaborate

1pm - 4pm

An afternoon of instruction and a plethora of ideas on adaptations for students with CVI.  We will also have a  CVI Maker Market. Participants can bring 1+ materials they have created to trade with other participants.  Bring as many adapted creations as you would like to trade for others.  Everyone participating will walk away with new materials and great ideas! Example: I might bring three adapted books.  I can trade others for three different items that were made and walk away with three new adapted materials to use with my students. There will be make and takes you can continue to work on during the CVI Maker Market Swap if you do not participate in the market itself.  In addition, you may not have time or want to participate in the Maker Market but have something you have created that you'd like to share.  We will be having our first CVI Oregon State Fair.  Bring your sample for participation prizes and fun recognition.  The fair entries will be displayed throughout the conference.

Breakout #1  -  9:00 - 10:00 am

Sensory Systems, Intentional Touch, and Movement in Deafblindness for Students with Complex Bodies, Blind Low Vision and Deafblindness (Sunriver Room), Darlene Daniels and Kristy McFarland

Through an interprofessional lens combining TBLV and OT expertise, attendees will gain knowledge for navigating complex sensory-motor profiles, optimize tactile access, and maximize learning outcomes in educational settings. The session explores the intersection of low vision, deafblindness, complex motor, and complex communication disabilities, and provides strategies to elevate access from simple contact to a purposeful intervention. Participants will examine how sensory systems function when a student has a sensory disability—and how a person’s life experience is further complicated by a co-occurring low-incidence motor disability. Presenters will break down the clinical and practical considerations for when and how to provide touch input, distinguishing between passive guidance and intentional, learner-centered touch. Additionally, the session highlights how to adapt movement strategies for students with complex physical profiles to build foundational body and spatial awareness.

Reducing Friction, Increasing Impact: AI Tools for TSVIs (and O&M and Parapros too!) (Deschutes Room), JJ Isaacson

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how educators work, but its greatest value may be in reducing the friction created by time-consuming administrative and organizational tasks. This interactive, hands-on workshop explores practical ways AI can support Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), and paraprofessionals in their daily work while preserving the professional judgment, relationships, and human connection that remain at the heart of our field.

Participants will explore real-world applications for assessment writing, goal development, lesson planning, accessible material creation, scheduling and organization, presentation design, image analysis, and student supports. Attendees will have opportunities to experiment with AI tools, reusable prompts, custom resources, and emerging AI-powered assistants designed specifically to support visual impairment services.

This is a bring-your-own-device workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop and smartphone to actively engage in guided activities and leave with practical tools, prompts, and workflows they can immediately apply in their professional practice. The focus is not on replacing expertise, but on leveraging AI to handle routine tasks so professionals can spend more time where they have the greatest impact: supporting students.

Breakout #2  -  10:10 - 11:10 pm

Tactile Graphics Best Practice (Sunriver Room), Michael Cantino

Make better tactile graphics! We'll cover everything from simple strategies for creating tactile graphics on the fly to creating complex 3D graphics.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of CVI Assessment: Comparing Tools, Identifying Strengths, and Building Comprehensive Evaluations (Deschutes Room), Saaron Putnam-Almaguer

A look at what each tool does well, what it misses, time commitment, training requirements, educational usefulness, family friendliness, progress monitoring value, and using AI to help synthesize data from different assessments. 

Breakout #3  -  1:05 - 2:05 pm

Inclusive Literacy Program Development (Sunriver Room), Dr. Holly Lawson and Dr. Amy Parker

This session is designed to highlight initiatives to enhance programming at PSU related to inclusive literacy instruction for students with complex needs. Project LIBROS, funded by the US Department of Education, provided scholars with opportunities to explore literacy in connection with identity, access, and community inclusion. The presenters will share examples of lessons learned through scholar feedback and experiences. Participants will gain an understanding of core elements of shared reading as a research-based intervention to support literacy instruction, as well as practical strategies to take back to your students. 

AT in the Early Years (Deschutes Room), Leslie Romeo, Dr. Yue-Ting Siu, Eli Sanchez

When should AT be introduced to blind and low vision students? As early as possible! Attend this session for inspiration on how to intro tech in natural environments to build sensory skills for access, self-determination, and positive attitudes toward AT.

Mini Sessions #1  -  2:15 - 2:45 pm

Teacher Perspectives on Literacy Instruction for Students with Cortical Visual Impairment (Sunriver Room), Carrie Lascano, Ann Mackrory, Amanda Brown, and Shaina Witteborg

This qualitative study explored how Teachers of the Blind and Low Vision (TBLVs) adapt shared reading and literacy instruction for students with cortical visual impairment (CVI). Eighteen practicing TBLVs participated in virtual focus groups examining instructional strategies, collaboration, and professional learning related to literacy instruction for students with CVI. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach, allowing patterns and themes to emerge from participant responses through an iterative process of coding, categorizing, and concept development. Four major themes emerged: Individualized Access and Literacy Supports, Shared Reading and Literacy Engagement, Collaboration and Implementation Barriers, and Professional Learning and Training Needs. Participants emphasized the importance of environmental modifications, multisensory instruction, adapted technology, and flexible literacy approaches to support literacy access and engagement. Findings also highlighted barriers related to service delivery, training, and implementation across educational teams. Results suggest a need for increased literacy-focused CVI training and collaborative instructional supports.

The VistaQuest BaseKit (Deschutes Room), Kristin Gault

The VistaQuest BaseKit is a ready-made kit designed for children diagnosed with Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI). It features intentionally selected materials and activities to target CVI-specific visual characteristics after a child's visual skills have been assessed.

The activities are designed to be multi-sensory to promote whole-body learning. The strategies are embedded and designed to go beyond the activities in the BaseKit. The BaseKit was created to be a support for the TBVI, educational team, and family who may be new to CVI.

One of the highlights are the TrailGuides, which are clear, step-by-step instructions adaptable for teachers, specialists (TVIs, SLPs), teaching assistants, and family members practicing at home.

Breakout #4  -  2:55 - 3:55 pm

Harnessing Touch in O&M for DeafBlind and Blind Learners (Sunriver Room), Dr. Amy Parker, Darlene Daniels, and Ky Hansen

How can touch become more than a prompt or physical assistance? This interactive session explores touch as a meaningful source of information for DeafBlind and blind learners during Orientation and Mobility instruction.

Participants will experience hands-on activities using ProTactile, haptic, tactile, and shared-movement strategies and consider how touch can communicate information about the body, environment, movement, and orientation. Through practical examples and case studies, we will explore ways to adapt these approaches for learners with diverse sensory and physical needs, including students with complex bodies.

Participants will leave with practical strategies for incorporating intentional touch into everyday O&M instruction while supporting connection, communication, active participation, choice, and independence.

Three Little Pigs for Extensive Support Needs and O&M (Deschutes Room), Leslie Romeo, Dr. Yue-Ting Siu, Eli Sanchez

Join a fun, interactive session and play with how the Three Little Pigs can provide a theme for learning with the Lite Box, Switches, and Code N Go Mouse. Every participant will leave with a set of lesson plans for any student with extensive support needs including CVI.

Mini Sessions #2  -  4:05 - 4:35 pm

Mapping It Out: An O&M Map-Making Roundtable (Sunriver Room), Bob Wohlers

Bring your map-making ideas, workflows, and questions! This roundtable gives O&M specialists an opportunity to share how they create accessible maps for students with blindness or low vision. We’ll explore everything from creating tactile maps to taking information from sources such as Google Maps and turning it into useful, accessible maps for low vision travelers. No presentation and no “sit and get,” just O&Ms sharing what they do, what they’ve learned, and what they’re still trying to figure out. The goal is to exchange ideas, share resources, and learn from one another to improve how we create and use maps for our students. Bring examples!

Ask, Share, Learn: Practical EI/ECSE Strategies (Deschutes Room), Darlene Daniels, Kristin Gault, Becky Morton, Stephanie McAlexander, Kim Medlin, Claudia Swapp, Anne Olson-Murphy

Have a question about supporting young children in Early Intervention or Early Childhood Special Education? Bring it to the panel! This interactive 30-minute session gives participants the opportunity to ask questions and hear practical strategies from experienced Teachers of Blind Low Vision who are working with EI/ECSE students. Topics may include collaboration with families and teams, communication, sensory needs, inclusive practices, adapting activities, and supporting children with complex needs. Come with your questions and leave with ideas you can put into practice right away.

Welcome Meeting - Oregon Statewide Resources

Learn about all the excellent resources available to support your work with students!

Breakout #5  -  9:15 - 10:15 am

Navigating a Computer Without a Mouse (Sunriver Room), Dr. Yue-Ting Siu, Eli Sanchez, Leslie Romeo

Learn how keyboard shortcuts can help you work faster with reduced strain on your hands and body. We may not be able to help you reverse a bad decision, but we can definitely help you Control+Z a typo. All attendees are encouraged to bring a charged laptop and sense of fun and adventure.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work - AAC and CVI: Collaboration Tools, Part 1 (Deschutes Room), Ruth McKee, Deborah Lesher, Kristy McFarland

This presentation explores collaborative tools and strategies for teams supporting AAC users who are also learners with CVI. Participants will learn about assessment tools; access methods and strategies, such as switches, eye gaze, Partner-Assisted Scanning, and alternative pencils; and ways to integrate CVI considerations with AAC modifications. The presentation will also focus on aligning communication supports with the intended goal of an activity, optimizing positioning and environmental factors, and using multiple senses to support meaningful communication responses when a clear yes/no response is not available.

Breakout #6  -  10:25 - 11:25 am

Chasing the Monarchs: Keeping up with and Progress Monitoring the Monarch (Sunriver Room), Leslie Weilbacher

What is new with the Monarch multi line braille display? Check out new features for math, tactile graphics and more.  Walk through a new progress monitoring tool and skills checklist to help keep your student flying high.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work - AAC and CVI: Collaboration Tools, Part 2 (Deschutes Room), Ruth McKee, Deborah Lesher, Kristy McFarland

This presentation explores collaborative tools and strategies for teams supporting AAC users who are also learners with CVI. Participants will learn about assessment tools; access methods and strategies, such as switches, eye gaze, Partner-Assisted Scanning, and alternative pencils; and ways to integrate CVI considerations with AAC modifications. The presentation will also focus on aligning communication supports with the intended goal of an activity, optimizing positioning and environmental factors, and using multiple senses to support meaningful communication responses when a clear yes/no response is not available.

Mini Sessions #3  -  1:05 - 1:35 pm

AT and Transition: Recipes for Success (Sunriver Room), Eli Sanchez, Leslie Romeo, Dr. Yue-Ting Siu

Too often, blind and low vision students graduate without critical technology skills that are needed to succeed in college and employment. To ensure successful transition and achieve life goals after high school, teachers must adopt a holistic approach to implementing needed technology instruction. This workshop will challenge participants to level up their technology teaching skills and strategize effective instructional planning to meet students’ technology needs for life after high school.

O&M Glow-Up: Evolving Consultation for Complex Student Needs (Deschutes Room), Ky Hansen and Kate Dilworth

What does "consult" mean for O&M students? How can we enlist families and school staff to support movement and travel skills for students with complex needs? The CRIS O&M Consult PLC has some ideas, and we hope you do too! 

Mini Sessions #4  -  1:40 - 2:10 pm

Dead Simple Document Accessibility (Sunriver Room), Michael Cantino

What exactly is document accessibility, and why is it so confusing? We'll breakdown the very basics of document accessibility so you can easily explain the concepts to others and provide guidance on how to resolve common issues.

Little Routes, Big Journeys: Building Early O&M Through Purposeful Movement (Deschutes Room), Darlene Daniels, Stephanie McAlexander, and Becky Morton

This 30 minute session will explore how purposeful movement can become meaningful opportunities to build early O&M skills. Participants will learn what a simple mini-route is and how to create mini-routes within familiar environments that encourage children to explore, make choices, develop body and spatial awareness, and build confidence in movement. Practical strategies and examples will be shared for incorporating early O&M into routines, play, and daily activities for young children who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind. 

Mini Sessions #5  -  2:20 - 2:50 pm

Nemeth in a Flash! (Sunriver Room), Michael Cantino

Tricks to speed up your Nemeth production! From math OCR to equation editors to instant access with a braille display, we'll cover production techniques to help you provide timely access without having to braille your expressions by hand!

From Experiences to Stories (Deschutes Room), Anne Olson-Murphy and Darlene Daniels

Experience Books are personalized, multisensory literacy tools designed around the real-life experiences of students with vision impairments or deafblindness. Using accessible forms of communication—such as objects, tactile symbols, textures, photographs, braille or print, students can revisit and share meaningful experiences. Experience Books support literacy by building concepts and vocabulary, developing communication and comprehension, encouraging sequencing and storytelling, and providing repeated opportunities to engage with familiar language in a meaningful context.  

Mini Sessions #6  -  2:55 - 3:25 pm 

Braille Boss! (Sunriver Room), Michael Cantino

Tips, tricks, and things I wish someone had told me sooner! We'll learn how to make the most of your software, how to quickly search through reference materials, and how to make sense of all those wacky formatting rules.

Buzzing Along: Supporting DeafBlind Travel with the Mini Guide (Deschutes Room), Ky Hansen

This 30-minute introductory session will provide participants with a crash course on the Mini Guide electronic travel aid and its potential role in supporting safe and independent travel for DeafBlind individuals. Participants will gain a basic understanding of what the Mini Guide is, how it works, and how information provided by the device can be accessed and used by travelers with combined vision and hearing loss. Through an overview and practical examples, participants will explore how the Mini Guide can support environmental awareness, orientation, and safe travel. Participants will leave with foundational knowledge of the tool and ideas for considering its use as part of individualized orientation and mobility instruction for DeafBlind travelers.

More poster sessions to come, but here are some of the poster sessions that are currently scheduled.

OR Project 7th Edition In Action, Brooke Painter

A brief demonstration of the new 7th edition of the Oregon Project will highlight updated tools, structure, and features that enhance usability and support ongoing assessment. Participants will see how the new edition can streamline data collection and support clearer connections between assessment items and instructional planning.

Accessibility at Beaverton Transit Center Using Public Transit for Visitors with Visual Impairments, Dr. Amy Parker

Accessibility at Beaverton Transit Center: Improving Public Transit Through Participatory Design is a project funded through TriMet with Portland State University. PSU has engaged with BLV youth and adults to evaluate wayfinding experiences using tactile maps and modifications to the built environment. With engagement from local O&Ms and TSVIs, we gathered data on travelers' efficiency and confidence. A poster presentation will highlight qualitative and quantitative insights from the participants. The project offers a model for engaging youth and adults with other transit providers in OR and beyond. 

Helen Keller National Center, Regional Rep, Kirsten Hille

Overview of resources available through the Helen Keller National Center for Oregonians.

Bringing Stories to Life with ChatGPT Teacher, Kim Medlin

This tabletop presentation demonstrates how the ChatGPT Teacher version can help TVIs quickly create family-friendly object story box lessons for young children who are visually impaired, blind, or DeafBlind. The same process can be adapted for students of different ages, abilities, and diagnoses. Attendees will see completed story boxes, lesson plans, material lists, and the organizational tools ChatGPT Teacher created to make planning, purchasing, and storage more efficient.

Braille Literacy: A Learning Series Preview, April Love

Teaching braille is about more than teaching the code—it’s about knowing HOW to teach students to become confident, efficient readers and writers. Stop by for a preview of an upcoming 8-session professional learning series focused on effective braille literacy instruction for TVIs. Throughout the series, participants will explore practical tools and strategies for teaching braille reading and writing, along with instructional practices that support effective literacy instruction. Visit the poster session to learn more about the series, ask questions, and find out how to sign up.

Welcome to Super Dungeon!, Michael Cantino

What if there was a fun way to practice orientation, screen reader skills, and tactile graphicacy all at the same time? Explore a spooky dungeon, plan your strategy, and track your location in this interactive (and accessible) computer game.