141. Top Takeaways from the 2023 TVI Online Symposium
Topics:
Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, transformative experience, CVI, technology in education, growth mindset, educational innovation, teacher development, student empowerment, empathy, inspirational education, multilingual, Expanded Core Curriculum, special education, inclusive education, visual impairment community, framework, orientation, mobility
Picture this: a digital extravaganza where the brightest minds in the field gathered virtually to share wisdom, ignite creativity, and uplift the spirit of every educator and advocate present. 2023 TVI Online Symposium was a symphony of knowledge, an online carnival of insights, and an educational fiesta unlike any other!
Now, imagine the thrill of discovery, the joy of learning, and the camaraderie of educators, all packed into one symposium. We laughed, we learned, we took notes like there was no tomorrow, and we came away with our hearts full, ready to transform the world of visual impairment education.
One of the standout aspects of our conferences, and this symposium in particular, is our commitment to not just providing ideas but helping you become a better teacher. We understand that the real work happens after the conference, when you put those ideas into practice. However, that's often easier said than done. Overcoming imposter syndrome, setting aside dedicated time, reviewing your notes, and committing to personal growth – these are the real challenges.
If you missed the virtual confetti and inspirational fireworks of the symposium, I'm here to share the juiciest nuggets of wisdom and my top takeaways with you!
Rethinking the Expanded Core Curriculum
Robbin Clark's presentation on reimagining the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) was a revelation. Traditionally, the ECC consists of nine separate areas, which can be challenging to navigate and teach comprehensively. Robbin proposed a collapsed ECC framework, categorizing the curriculum into three main areas: Access, Independent Living, and Community Readiness. This simplification allows educators to focus on specific skill sets while maintaining the integrity of the ECC. It's a practical approach that promises to enhance the teaching and learning experience for both students and teachers.
Access - This category encompasses compensatory, sensory efficiency, and assistive technology skills. By teaching access skills, educators can offer a comprehensive learning experience, delving into more than just Braille or basic technology use.
Independent Living - Covering independent living skills, recreation and leisure, and social interaction skills, this category highlights the importance of preparing students for life beyond the classroom. It extends to practical skills and social interactions that play a vital role in daily life.
Community Readiness - Going beyond the traditional understanding of "community," this category acknowledges that students belong to multiple communities. Whether it's their school, church, sports team, or family, students need to be prepared to navigate and contribute effectively to these communities. It includes career education, orientation, mobility, and self-determination, emphasizing holistic preparation.
Understanding Cultural Context and Parent Perspectives
Conchita Hernandez's presentation shed light on the importance of understanding the cultural and familial context of each student with visual impairments. She opened my eyes to the idea that not everyone wants independence for their children with visual impairments. Conchita also emphasized the need for educators to be culturally responsive and sensitive to parents' perspectives. This insight encourages us to approach our students' education with empathy, acknowledging that they belong to multiple communities with unique values and priorities. Let's also remember that our students belong to multiple communities, and we should help them thrive in all of them.
Embracing an Asset-Based Approach to Technology
Belinda Rudinger reminded us to embrace a growth mindset when it comes to technology. In our rapidly evolving digital world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of technological tools and apps available. However, the key takeaway here was that we don't need to know everything about every technology. Instead, we should focus on learning enough to introduce technology to our students. Empowering them to explore and choose what excites them within the tech landscape can be a game-changer for their learning journey.
Rethinking CVI Assessment and Support
Burju and Ilse shared their groundbreaking work addressing Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). They introduced an approach that made me think, "Why didn't I think of this sooner?" The simplicity and effectiveness of their method left me awestruck. Instead of relying on the traditional phases of CVI, which can feel somewhat restrictive, they have embraced a more comprehensive system. Their approach provides a much richer understanding of each student's unique visual profile. By doing away with the numbered phases, they've crafted a 3D framework that feels far more holistic and adaptive. This shift in perspective promises to revolutionize how we assess and support students with CVI, offering them the tailored guidance they truly need. Moreover, Burju and Ilse also shared an invaluable protocol designed to assist TVIs in their CVI work. Implementing it might require an initial investment of time and effort, but the long-term benefits in terms of improved education access for the students are undeniable.
Crafting Connections: Fostering Professional Relationships with Creativity
Liz Eagan and Sylvia delivered a presentation that was not only informative but delightfully entertaining with their engaging banter. Their discussion centered on crafting and its potential to create meaningful connections, especially in the realm of professional relationships. Liz's ingenious idea of having students decide which teachers or staff members to gift their crafted creations to caught my attention. The thought behind this concept is pure brilliance. These thoughtful gestures of handmade crafts not only show appreciation but also initiate a connection between students and staff members. It's a heartwarming way to foster relationships in the educational community. Moreover, the idea of having students create crafts as gifts to key figures in the school hierarchy is a superb strategy. It goes beyond just sharing a token of appreciation; it plants a lasting memory in the minds of administrators, superintendents, or principals. Such a simple yet powerful way to establish relationships that can lead to better support for visually impaired students..
It's nearly impossible to encapsulate the wealth of knowledge and inspiration that flowed through the symposium in a single blog post since apart from these takeaways, there were numerous outstanding presentations that covered an array of topics. The 2023 Teachers of Visually Impaired Online Symposium was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a transformative experience, leaving educators with valuable insights, innovative strategies, and a supportive community that will undoubtedly enhance our roles as educators of the visually impaired.
As we move forward, let's embrace the knowledge and inspiration gained, applying it in our classrooms to empower our learners, foster independence, and build brighter futures. Together, we can continue to make a profound impact on the lives of those we serve, ensuring that no child is left in the shadows.