Hi Kira,
This seems like a big job! How long have you been in the field? Is your job more director tasks? I look forward to learning with you.
Hi Chris,
Good to have the adult services represented also. Such a big role. I am excited about tactile graphics and use also. Which area of Oregon are you covering? I am Washington so close.
Hi Maddie,
Such an important role our state libraries have. Washington Talking Book and Braille Library is definitely utilized often in my work with students. Excited to learn also!
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Hi Samia - I have seen incredible growth in my deafblind learners when they have appropriate supports in place I’ve advocated several times for interveners, and having a consistent adult who can facilitate communication and who is knowledgeable about the students’ vison and hearing needs can truly be life-changing. One of the things that has been crucial is to be clear about the difference between a para or instructional aide and an intervener. I use the information from the National Center on Deafblindness to help with that in IEP meetings, even though the term “intervener” isn’t as common in my region. When I worked as a Deafblind Consultant for our State Deafblind Project, training interveners was a priority area, as well as providing support to the TVI’s, O&M’s and related service providers who need additional training in deafblindness.
Good morning, I have posted my response for week one but I think I did it incorrectly. I am having trouble figuring out how to post in the thread.
My name is Felicia Luna I just completed my 18th year in education but my first year as a TSVI. I completed my practicum in December 2025. This was the first time Medina Valley ISD in Texas had a full time TSVI. Since they have not had a TSVI full time my colleagues did not truly understand my role. I had to explain to a few I am specialized instruction, and I am a certified teacher. Being in a small district transitioning to a large district we are navigating new territory together. I teach birth-22. I have students in all levels, infant toddlers, preschool, elementary, middle school and high school. Next year I will also have a student in 18. A few of my students are non-verbal, others are multi MVI and I have a few vision only students in general education. I have three students leaning Braille. I am excited to gain practical understanding that I can implement into my practice to better serve my students.
Hello Maddie, I haven’t heard the of print disability before can you tell me about it?
Hello Roxanna, do you work for LAUSD? How is it working in such a large district? Do you work with other TSVI in your district? Are you an itinerant teacher? I work in a district that is growing as rural community merges with the City in Castroville and San Antonio Texas. I am the only TSVI in my district. It is the first time they have had a full time TSVI they had contracted TSVI before.
Hello, Tarin. Good to hear from you! Yes, we are neighbors, for sure. I am an instructor at the Oregon Commission for the Blind. Our adult learners come to our Orientation and Career Center here in Portland where we see them in person. I also do a fair amount of remote teaching. The unfortunate COVID showed us that we could definitely teach remotely. There are several people who want to learn Braille but there isn’t a Braille instructor in some of our other offices. I love the challenge of remote teaching and the fulfillment it brings, knowing that I am serving someone who would otherwise find it highly inconvenient or impossible to come to Portland. I also teach smart phones and for this, we enjoy having group classes and individual instruction. I also lead one class each term in techniques of daily living for the hands-on activities that do not involve a phone or piece of technology. Finally, I have a few Mac students. So, that’s more than you bargained for! ;0)
In my closing survey, I want to ask for a special course or emphasis somewhere for those of us who teach adults. I know APH focuses on K-12, but many of these wonderful tools are used by adults. And, this course would be radically different with them in mind. I know I’ve already learned important things about the various aspects of child development for the blind/visually impaired child. I look forward, with great anticipation, to the tactile graphics section.
Thanks again for writing, and all the best!
Chris
Hello,
I am a registered nurse (pediatrics) who went back to school to become a TVI/COMS after two of my three kids were diagnosed with Usher type 2c. I was hired and have worked the last 12 years with children 0-3 in two large regions. Majority of my students are MI/VI. I would love to get your contact information as it is nice to meet other TVI’s who work exclusively with the 0-3 population. I love working with the littles and getting to know their families over the course of three years. The growth these children make is incredible and I love sharing in the small and large joys that it brings!
My name si Danielle Pedersen, I am a vision teacher for Eastern Suffolk BOCES located on Long Island. I am an itinerant teacher that serves various populations of students, including district based general and special education and more developmental programs. I am excited to learn about braille literacy as I am possibly getting braille student in kindergarten.
Hi Felicia! I have a similar student population as you, however I just work through schools. I love working with the various age and skill groups!
Hi Teri! You must be busy! I know that CVI is becoming more recognized, but crazy enough I haven’t had any student with CVI yet (my other colleagues have). I work with students ages 5 and up- working with the families in the earlier years must be a great experience!
Hi, my name is Stephanie Steerman and I am a TVI in Newnan, GA. I work with students from preschool through graduation. I excited to learn anything and everything from each of you. I never feel like I know enough!
Hi Karen, I am not a braille transcriber for the DOE. I am a state resource teacher for the blind and low vision programs. This means I play many roles! I provide a bridge between the state and the teachers by being in the schools about 50% of the time. I provide consultations and support through assessments, instruction design, etc. for other TVIs statewide. I also provide support to Kauai students as the current TVI spot is vacant. (if you’re interested or no anybody interested the position is open!!). I also create guidance/protocol from the state level and provide trainings alongside my awesome team here.
It is beautiful and I feel so lucky to service the islands! I have a caseload of students and balance that with my state office work. I go to Kauai about once a week, which is fun and switches things up for me to service students!
Hi Carrie!!! 
Hi Terri! I received my undergrad at Mizzou and did my student teaching in the schools around the area. I loved it and one of my life changing mentors there! Nancy Moss- she is an AMAZING self-contained teacher that I learned so much from.
Mary_Verlinde
There are a lot of great resources younger students with braille and tactile graphics. It can be really hard to word with classroom teachers etc., but being on the same page is essential. I love to keep learning fun with students and base it on their own interests. It’s really the simple things that make the biggest difference.
Kerri Clarkin
Samie,
I often find that working with adults who are often have trouble getting past their own fears is pretty common. The most success I have had or seen is 1. introducing teachers etc. to successful blind adults – 2. really listening to where the roadblocks are and trying to find simple solutions to make progress – 3. Encouraging meaningful engagement in all classroom and school activities. It takes patience, but hopefully will get better with time.
Kerri Clarkin
Hi Jennifer,
Braille transcribers are hard to come by. It’s a wonderful profession and very much in demand. My school district had a teacher had a braillist who provided excellent materials for our students. She’s retired from the school distirct, but does contract work ( just about full time).