Family Resource Group- October 2025
Blind/Visually Impaired Edition
Fall is in the Air
As the autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to turn, we find ourselves well into an exciting and vibrant season of learning. Fall is not only a time of change in nature but also a time of growth and discovery.
In this edition of the newsletter, we’re excited to highlight upcoming events and ways you can stay involved in your child's journey. Your partnership and support make a meaningful difference every day — thank you for being an essential part of our educational community.
As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me at any time. We also ask you to provide feedback by completing the survey at the end of the newsletter.
Teachers, therapists and school staff who work with your child are invited to subscribe to receive a copy of this newsletter as well. Education staff may visit the registration page to sign up. Please pass this information on to the professionals who support your child.
Tess Nasehi
Family Resource Group BVI Editor
This newsletter is not an endorsement of any organization or product that may appear.
PaTTAN's 2025 Technology Adventure for Students with Hearing & Vision Needs
Join us for the second annual Technology Adventure for Students with Hearing & Vision Needs -- connecting students, families, educators, assistive technology (AT) representatives, and community agencies in your region!
Explore new technology, chat with vendors, find helpful resources, and ask any questions you may have. Participate in sessions with the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to learn more about the supports available for students before and after graduation, including assistive technology services.
Don't miss this chance to embark on this adventure, grow your skills, learn, and explore together right in your community. Register by choosing your desired location below. See you there!
Locations:
- Western Region Event October 13th; 8:45 am- 3:45 pm
- Eastern Region Event November 18th; 8:45 am- 3:45 pm
- Central Region Event November 20th; 8:45 am- 3:45 pm
Schools Engaging Families Webinar Series
Save the dates for this 6-part Schools Engaging Families Webinar training series, which will provide information to assist school staff with the planning and implementation of a successful program to enhance family-school partnerships.
Each session will reflect on family engagement research, resources, best practices, and strategies, designed for educators; however, families, related service providers, community members and others interested in bolstering student achievement by family-school-community partnerships are encouraged to attend.
Session Details:
- Session 1 (10/14/25, 4:00-5:00pm): Welcoming All Families into the School Community
- Session 2 (11/19/25, 12:00-1:00pm): Strengthening Family-School Partnerships Through Effective Communication
- Session 3 (1/22/26, 4:00-5:00pm): Partnering to Support Student Success
- Session 4 (2/18/26, 12:00-1:00pm): Speaking Up for Every Child
- Session 5 (3/19/26, 12:00-1:00pm): Shared Decision Making
- Session 6 (4/20/26, 4:00-5:00pm): Collaborating with the Community
Camp Abilities NJ @ Rowan University Fall 2025 Camp
Camp Abilities NJ @ Rowan University is an educational sports camp for children ages 6-17 who have visual impairments. The goal of CANJRU is to empower youth with visual impairments through sport, physical activity, and wellness education. At camp, children participate in a variety of sports and activities including canoeing, rock climbing, and making a healthy meal. Athletes are paired 1:1 with trained coaches throughout all activities.
Date: November 7, 2025 (day only) 9:00am - 3:45pm
Contact: Coach Maria at LeporeStevens@Rowan.edu
NFB of PA State Convention
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind is hosting its annual state convention this November. Whether you're a long-time member or attending your first convention, this event is for you. From inspiring speakers and workshops to networking and fun activities, the NFBP convention has it all!
Date: November 13 - 16, 2025
Location: Best Western Premier, Harrisburg, PA
2026 Pennsylvania Department of Education Conference - Save the Date!
Join us for the annual Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education's premiere conference: 2026 MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Educational Practices That Work! The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education conference brings together families, school leaders, teachers, related service providers, community organizations, and other experts in general and special education.
Dates: February 25 - 27, 2026
Location: Hershey, PA
More details and registration information to follow.
2025-2026 ECC Challenge
Students, family members, and teachers can participate in the Maryland School for the Blind's Monthly ECC Challenge for the 2025-26 School Year. Each month will highlight a different area of the Expanded Core Curriculum. Participants may complete activities related to the monthly focus to learn new skills and share proof of participation for a chance to win prizes! By participating, students may see other students' ECC experiences, discover they are not alone in their ECC journey and gain an ECC community. We hope you'll have fun and learn a lot in the process, should you choose to participate.
Paths to Literacy shares helpful tips and ideas to get you started on this month's challenge!
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) offers many resources to learn more about the importance and ways of teaching O&M to your child.
- FamilyConnect shares articles and resources on orientation & mobility topics, such as assessment, questions to ask your child's O&M instructor, related activities for families, school fire safety, as well as O&M for babies and toddlers, preschoolers, young children, grade schoolers, and teenagers.
- APH Access Academy also shares related videos on their YouTube channel on topics, such as dog guides, public transportation, collaborative partnering and many more.
- The Hive also offers an online course on independent living skills for blind children.
- APH is celebrating White Cane Safety Day too!
Perkins School for the Blind
The Perkins School for the Blind houses a vast library of articles and videos on O&M. Anyone can visit the Perkins website and search for O&M resources. Below are a few examples of what Perkins has to offer in this area.
- "What is this O&M? Parent perspective video" guide from Paths to Technology
- "Accessible maps and way finding tools for low vision" guide from Veronica Lewis
- "How People with Visual Impairments Navigate the World" webinar from Kristen Clark
- "How to be an effective human guide" guide from Veronica Lewis
- "Airport O&M Activities" strategy by Diane Brauner
- Perkins is also celebrating White Cane Day!
Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children
provides resources, advocacy, and connections for parents with blind and low vision children.
Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students
shares details on scholarships, workshops, conventions, and internship possibilities.
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)
helps families and blind children maximize their skills, independence, and opportunities, while holding high expectations.
Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services (BBVS)
assists Pennsylvanians who are blind or visually impaired gain the skills necessary to live and work independently in their communities.
TSBVI Family Recharge Zone
serves as a virtual space for families to collaborate on the first Thursday of each month.
FamilyConnect from APH
offers online resources for families.
NUEVO: Charlando con Conchita
Estoy iniciando un grupo de apoyo mensual para padres hispanohablantes de estudiantes ciegos y con baja visión. Este será un lugar para hablar en español, hacer preguntas y construir una comunidad. Será el último martes de cada mes. Nuestra primera sesión será el 28 de enero a las 4:00pm EST. No es necesario registrarse. Enlace de Zoom aquí.
This is a support group for Spanish-speaking families of blind/low vision children.
NEW: Telesupport Group for Parents of Blind/Visually Impaired Children
Announcing a virtual support group for families of blind/visually impaired children in the Philadelphia region. This group, sponsored by Educating Communities for Parenting, connects every-other Thursday from 6:30-7:30pm via Zoom. Families share resources, information, and encouragement with other families in the Philadelphia region. Contact Maria Ceferatti at mcef869@gmail.com or 610-212-5566
for more information.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
NLS provides a free braille and talking book library service. Follow the steps shown on the National Library Service website to enroll and receive:
- books and magazines, including bestsellers, biographies, fiction, how-to books, music scores and instructional materials
- in braille or audio formats
- instantly downloadable or mailed to your door for free
FAMILIES TO THE MAX: Statewide Network of Families
leads change by building awareness, empowering families, presuming competence, and fostering high expectations of students with disabilities.
PEAL Center
works with families, youth and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs to help them understand their rights and advocate for themselves.
HUNE
offers free bilingual (English and Spanish) programs, supports, and services on all aspects of special education. HUNE also offers an after-school and summer program.
Parent to Parent of PA
aims to connect and empower families by building a supportive community. Families can connect with others who have had similar journeys so that no parent feels alone.
PaTTAN Library
PaTTAN hosts a collection of publications, videos, podcasts, and websites to help families and educators better understand special education information. Listed below are a few popular resources, but you can also search PaTTAN's website and PaTTAN's YouTube channel to find more. Many of our publications are also available in other languages.
- Family's Quick Start Guide to Special Education Bundle
- Blind-Visual Impairment page
- Blind/Visual impairment publications
- Family Information
- Student-Led IEP Process
- IEP Information
This newsletter is not an endorsement of any organization or product that may appear.