Navigating the crossroads of career and calling can be a profound journey. For Laura, a seasoned teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI), her path from the corporate world to the classroom wasn’t just a career shift—it was a deeply personal evolution fueled by passion, resilience, and a commitment to empowerment. In this podcast discovering the empowering shift from Business to Braille, we delve into Laura’s transformative journey, exploring her unique insights into teaching Braille and supporting neurodivergent learners.

Discovering a Calling to Become a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments

Laura’s journey to becoming a TVI began when she was just 15 years old. Despite having high-functioning low vision due to nystagmus, she volunteered at a day camp for kids with visual impairments. This experience ignited a passion for helping others thrive, laying the foundation for her future career.

Although Laura initially pursued a business major in college, she always kept her interest in visual impairments at the back of her mind. After graduating, she joined a volunteer corps in a charter school for refugee and immigrant children, which solidified her desire to work with kids. This experience, combined with her earlier volunteer work, led her to pursue a master’s degree and a career in TVI.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Working with students at the camp taught Laura valuable lessons about resilience and adaptation. She saw firsthand how children with visual impairments could achieve great things when given the right support. This experience also helped Laura process her own visual impairment, fostering confidence and a deeper understanding of her challenges.

One particularly pivotal moment for Laura was attending a camp at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) after her junior year of high school. It was here that she connected with visually impaired peers and recognized shared challenges and strengths, regardless of the level of residual vision.

From Isolation to Empowerment 

Laura’s reflections on isolation and community are profound. Growing up, she sometimes felt out of place due to her high-functioning low vision. However, working with learners in the camp and later in her career allowed her to create a supportive environment for others facing similar challenges.

The ability to help guide and empower students who were navigating their own visual impairments provided Laura with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s clear that her experiences have deeply influenced her approach to teaching and her dedication to her students.

The Power of Perspective for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments

“This role is very unique in how much you can impact a child. And in a lot of scenarios, your half developed skill set is the only thing available to that child. And if you weren't there to offer that half developed skill set, they would be receiving literally zero in that area. So I always, you know, encourage people to think about that sort of perspective.” - Laura Jones

Throughout her career, Laura has focused on several key areas: working with students with multiple disabilities, assistive technology, self-advocacy, and Braille. She has found that each area brings unique rewards and challenges. For instance, her work with Braille learners has been both a joy and a challenge,  including slow progress and the need to adapt teaching techniques to meet each student's unique needs.

One significant challenge Laura faced was finding effective techniques for her diverse group of Braille students. To maintain morale, she and her paraprofessional made a positive note after each session. This approach not only helped them stay motivated but also reinforced the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of their students' progress.

The Impact of Belief and Positivity

Laura’s journey is a testament to the growth and evolution that comes with experience. She reflects on her early years with gratitude for the lessons learned and the growth achieved. The ability to see long-term impacts on her students, such as one who continues to benefit from the technology skills learned in fourth grade, is incredibly rewarding.

Her advice to the community is simple yet powerful: believe in yourself and your students.

Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of seeing the potential in every student. Laura’s ability to adapt, learn, and grow has made her a cherished mentor and advocate in the field of visual impairment education.

Embracing the Journey of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments

Laura’s journey from business to Braille illustrates the profound impact that personal experiences and passions can have on professional fulfillment. By embracing neurodivergence, adapting to the needs of her students, and fostering a supportive learning environment, Laura has made a significant difference in the lives of many young learners.

Her story serves as an inspiration for all educators, reminding us that our paths—whether they start in the boardroom or the classroom—can lead to meaningful and impactful careers. As we reflect on Laura’s journey, let us be inspired to embrace our own unique paths, believe in ourselves and our students, and continue to make a positive difference in the world of education.

We’re excited to see Laura present at the TVI symposium in September and look forward to learning more from her. Her story reminds us that, no matter where we start, our paths can lead to profound and impactful careers when driven by passion and commitment.

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your journey with us. Your insights and experiences are truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to continue learning from you.

Topics: 

teacher of students with visual impairments,  low vision therapist, visual impairments progress and challenges, volunteer work, self-advocacy, assistive technology, braille, neurodivergent students, career fulfillment, student growth, sensory regulation, impactful teaching practices, empowering students