Now more than ever, with teaching moving further and further into a virtual space, it is imperative that we keep in mind our primary goal — improving the lives of our students.

Orientation and Mobility is already a field that specializes in catering to a person’s specific needs, and the COVID-induced shift to online learning has certainly added another layer to that task. But instead of looking at this as another hurdle, let us see it as a time of new opportunity. 

In this week’s podcast I get to talk with Amy Parker, an assistant professor and the O&M Program Coordinator at Portland State University. Amy is a wealth of information, as well as a radiant source of confidence and clarity amidst these trying times. She tells us how we can breathe some life into our online lessons, explains why we need to see mobility as a human right, and speaks on the importance of continuing to learn and serve in order to teach and lead. 

Amy is a dedicated professional who continues to see herself as a servant of the people. Previously, at Texas Tech, she was heavily involved with teaching remotely and developing the curriculums to do just that. Now, as that becomes the norm, Amy tells us about how we can take on today’s new teaching challenges in stride, and use the changing landscape as a chance to further foster a community.

From bringing educational resources to remote areas of Alaska, to understanding the challenges faced by a visually impaired person of color, this conversation brings to light many of the obstacles that we are faced with today. Join us, as we take a step forward together — at a time when we need it the most.