Visual Field Newsletter

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• Loan Library - A variety of materials are available for loan, including access technology, assessment tools, APH products, and professional literature. Refer to the Loan Library List to see available items. Please utilize your resources and/or check with others in your district/LEA prior to ordering from this list. Items from the Loan Library may be sent to a student or teacher’s home. Depending on the item, both the student and ordering teacher must have updated registrations with FIMC-VI. Use the following form to complete your request: Loan Library Request form. If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Mulcahey or Andrea Wallace.
• APH Materials - Do you need APH materials for registered students? Visit the APH website to view available products and submit orders using the APH Order Form. Be sure to submit your order using your district's/LEA's procedures.
• Accessible Instructional Materials - See Obtaining Digital Text or Ordering Textbooks.
• Professional Learning - Consider upcoming trainings, past events and recordings on our YouTube Channel: FIMC-VI as you create your professional growth plans for the year.
• Forms - New staff who need access to FIMC-VI's site, need a mentor, need a braillewriter repaired, APH consent forms signed, visit our Forms Page.
• Important Changes - Please see Communication regarding changes to FIMC-VI's Services and Supports for 2025-26

Register to access any of the Canvas Courses using our Canvas Sign-Up Form.

Just Keep Swimming with JAWS

Ongoing

This course will cover basic computer concepts, Windows and JAWS keyboard commands, and the use of Microsoft 365 applications with a screen reader. There will be tips and suggestions throughout the course of how to teach these concepts to students. Currently, there are 8 modules that are required before the more advanced modules will be released. The advanced modules are still in development and will be released as they become available. Modules 1-8: Windows and JAWS basics, computer navigation and concepts, word processing, and file management. Participants may earn up to 10 inservice credit hours for completion of Modules 1-8, if approved by your district/LEA.

What to Do if You Are Working with a Student Who is Blind or Visually Impaired

July 31, 2025 - June 19, 2026

This independent, self-paced training is designed for teachers (classroom, P.E., music, art, etc) therapists, and paraprofessionals that are new to the needs of students with visual impairments. However, any school-based personnel working with students with visual impairments would benefit from completing these modules. There are a total of 5 modules, which include videos and other activities. Participants may earn up to 5 inservice credit hours, if approved by your district/LEA.

Communicating With Children Who Are Deafblind

July 31, 2025 - June 19, 2026

This module from the National Center on Deafblindness examines the many ways children who are deafblind communicate. It offers essential information, strategies, and detailed examples of how to: develop and expand communication skills at all levels, provide effective access to the general education curriculum, and create stronger connections with others. Participants may earn up to 14 inservice credit hours if approved by your district/LEA.

The Impact of Deafblindness on Learning and Development

July 31, 2025 - June 19, 2026

This module from the National Center on Deafblindness is for practitioners who want to improve their knowledge of deafblindness and gain practical skills that are essential for working with students who are deafblind. Participants may earn up to 14 inservice credit hours if approved by your district/LEA.

Early Intervention for Children Who Are Deafblind

July 31, 2025 - June 19, 2026

Early intervention providers working with infants and toddlers who are deafblind and their families need to have a clear understanding of how deafblindness impacts learning and development. They also require knowledge of practical strategies that can be used to support a child and family during these critical early years. This module from the National Center on Deafblindness explores the foundations of early intervention with children who are deafblind and how providers can best encourage their communication and concept development. Lessons include ways of expanding a child’s world to more people, places, and things as well as important strategies for supporting the transition to preschool. Participants may earn 14 inservice credit hours if approved by their district/LEA.

Register to access any of the following Canvas Resource Sites using our Canvas Sign-Up Form

Resource Site for Florida TVIs

Did you know that FIMC-VI has a Canvas site filled with resources specific to the education of students with visual impairments? Topics include instruction in the areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum, information from the Florida Low Vision Initiative, cortical visual impairment, deafblindness, technology, discussion boards, job postings and more! This free site is available to anyone in Florida who is involved with the education of students with visual impairments in this state.

Braille Learning Community

This Canvas group is for individuals serving students in Florida who wish to learn braille or improve their braille skills. This site includes a variety of literary and math braille resources to support and extend participants' knowledge of braille codes, including both UEB Math/Science and UEB with Nemeth. Participants will have access to a discussion board for posting related questions and a board for sharing braille files. Seasoned and certified braille transcribers are welcome to join and help others become more proficient. FIMC-VI staff and a learning community of peers will support those completing literary and math Unified English Braille (UEB) modules at UEBonline.org. Participants may earn up to 50 inservice credit hours if approved by your district/LEA.

Resource Site for School Psychologists and Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs)

School psychologists and TVIs in Florida are invited to join this site where they will have access to resources related to psychoeducational assessment of students with visual impairments. This site includes a list of cognitive and processing subtests to consider when assessing students with visual impairments, a risk list for combined vision and hearing loss, relevant webinars from the American Printing House for the Blind, materials available on loan from FIMC-VI, and a discussion board. Upon completing an optional quiz, participants may earn three inservice credit hours if approved by your district/LEA.

New to Statewide Assessment
August 6, 2025 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EST

If you are new to administering Statewide Assessments or just want a quick refresher, you'll want to attend this webinar! Participants will: learn how to prepare students for test day, understand upcoming changes for Statewide Assessments and find out materials that will be needed for testing.

Register for New to Assessment

Florida Low Vision Initiative (FLVI) Updates

August 7, 2025 | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm EST

The Florida Low Vision Initiative (FLVI) is an Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – funded state supportive project for students with visual impairments. The FLVI provides students with low vision in PK-8th grade with free comprehensive low vision care and authorized prescribed portable low vision devices to improve visual efficiency for increased independence, and to develop self-determination skills to access materials in - and outside of the classroom setting. Participating teachers of students with visual impairments receive ongoing support from the FLVI staff and Low Vision Specialist to address the student's current and ongoing visual access needs. In this session, Kim Roberts of the FLVI will review the LiveBinders platform, project services, and the current referral process.

Register for FLVI

FIMC-VI Info and Updates Webinar Series

Part 1

August 14, 2025 | 9:00 am - 10:30 am EST

If you are new to teaching or to Florida, you don't want to miss this webinar. Come learn about FIMC-VI's services, including braille and large print textbooks, products from the American Printing House for the Blind, and our loan library. Learn about the professional learning opportunities or student & family events that FIMC-VI will offer this year.

Register for Info and Updates Part 1

Part 2

November 20, 2025 | 9:00 am - 10:30 am EST

This webinar will focus on the use of FIMC-VI's new and improved online system for completing the Annual Census. Training will include: why the Census is conducted, who is responsible for completing the Census, and the steps to completing the Census in the new system! If you have students registered with us, be sure to attend or watch the recording!

Register for Info and Updates Part 2

Part 3

March 26, 2026 | 9:00 am - 10:30 am EST

Did you know that FIMC-VI has a new online ordering platform? Come see it in action! Join this session to learn about end-of-year procedures, including returning textbooks to FIMC-VI and ordering materials and textbooks for the next school year.

Register for Info and Updates Part 3

Getting to Know Rule 6A-6.03014, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

August 26, 2025 | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm EST

The revision of Rule 6A-6.03014, F.A.C. Exceptional Student Education Eligibility and Assessments for Students with Visual Impairments went into effect on May 21, 2024. Join us as we review the changes and discuss the impact. Topics will include required assessments and considerations for eligibility.

Register for Rule 6A-6.03014, F.A.C., Revision

Alternate Statewide Assessment

September 10, 2025 | 9:00 am - 10:30 am EST

This webinar is for teachers who are administering or supporting administration for students with visual impairments taking the Florida Alternate Assessment-Performance Task. Topics covered may include: the role of the TVI in the testing process, braille administration of the alternate assessment, and general test administration guidance. Please note this training does not replace required district/LEA trainings for test administrators of the Florida Alternate Assessments.

Register for Alternate Assessment

Mangold Curriculum with Exceptional Teaching

September 18, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm EST

Explore the Mangold method for developing proficient braille readers in this informative webinar. Learn how to make lessons engaging, motivating, and effective for new braille students. This training will discuss the time-tested Mangold method for developing proficient braille readers, explain Mangold Basic Braille Units 1-3, and describe teacher-tested lesson ideas.

Register for Mangold Curriculum

Understanding Florida Statewide Assessment Item Types and the Implications for Students with VI

October 16, 2025 | 1:30 - 3:00 pm EST

Are your students with visual impairments taking Florida Statewide Assessments this year? Are you interested in learning about how different item types are adapted for braille and computer-based tests? Do you know about tools/features available to prepare your students with low vision to access online assessments? Do you know about opportunities coming soon for braille access to computer-based sample items? Take this opportunity to learn about the item types and implications across all platforms for students who are blind or low vision. Math examples will be presented in all braille formats. Attending this webinar will provide information that will help you prepare your students to answer potentially challenging test item types and ultimately enhance their success!

Register for Understanding Florida Statewide Assessment Item Types

Statewide Assessment Updates

January 7, 2026 | 9:00 am - 10:30 am EST

If you are administering statewide assessments for children with visual impairments, you'll want to attend this webinar (or watch the recording)! Join Kathy Kremplewski and Karen Reno for an in-depth discussion of updates related to the test ordering process, test administration, accommodations, transcription of answers, and how to access computer-based testing. Attendees will also hear updates for the upcoming FAA-PT.

Register for Statewide Assessment Update

Techy Tuesday - Accessibility

January 13, 2026 | 9:00 - 10:30 am EST

Come learn about making accessible digital content in various platforms (Microsoft Office and Google Suite), and overall best practices for accessibility. The new Canvas Course geared for teachers and other stakeholders working with students who are visually impaired will be introduced.

Register for Techy Tuesday - Accessibility

Eligible for Visual Impairments: Now What?

Assessment- done! Eligibility Meeting- done! Next Steps? In this 3-part webinar series, participants will learn about prioritizing students’ assessed needs, writing effective IEP goals, the art of lesson planning, informal data collection and procedures for reviewing data at times of reevaluation.

Part 1

February 3, 2026 | 9:00 -10:30 am EST

Register for Eligible Part 1

Part 2

February 10, 2026 | 9:00 -10:30 am EST

Register for Eligible Part 2

Part 3

February 17, 2026 | 9:00 -10:30 am EST

Register for Eligible Part 3

Working With the Experts - Visually Impaired | Spring

April 15-16, 2025 | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm EST | Monroe Center/FIMC-VI | Tampa, FL

Spring into Accessible Math Instruction with Sara Larkin!
Join us for a free, dynamic two-day workshop led by Sara Larkin, the statewide math consultant for the Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired and a State Programs Consultant for Project INSPIRE².

Sara will guide you through innovative strategies for teaching math to students with visual impairments. You'll explore:

• Effective instructional approaches for accessible math
• Hands-on techniques for teaching and learning with tactile graphics
• Tools and tips for integrating technology and digital math across all grade levels

Whether you're a seasoned educator or just getting started, this workshop promises to be both informative and inspiring—don’t miss it!

See the WWE Events page for more information and for registration information (coming soon).

What: Tools for TVIs: The Itinerant Teacher’s Handbook by Stacey Chambers was designed to provide information and guidance to itinerant teachers of students who are blind or visually impaired (TVIs). It covers the itinerant roles and responsibilities and other topics important to the success of itinerant teachers, which are not necessarily included in teacher preparation programs.

This PLC & Book Study will guide you through the relevant areas an itinerant teacher would most likely encounter daily or throughout the year working with students who are blind and visually impaired in various educational settings. Each week, the assigned chapters will have an activity that you can complete to assist you in your job duties as an itinerant teacher. You will also be provided with access to additional resources, many of which are Florida-specific.

When: These meetings will be held monthly from August 2025-May 2026.

To learn more and to register, visit the PLC and Book Study page.

For questions, contact Cheri Hart.

District and Local Education Agency (LEA) vision contacts are the individuals responsible for the programs that serve students with visual impairments.

We have found that with the rapid rate of change in education, one opportunity to get contacts together is just not enough. Three meetings will be held virtually, unrecorded and include content that is selected by you and your colleagues. Bring questions or pose them prior to each meeting. This is a time to discuss things that are in-the-moment, on your plate and related to your very unique population.

Register for District/LEA Virtual Vision Contacts Meet-Ups 2025-2026

August 21, 2025 | 9:00 - 11:00 am EST

October 9, 2025 | 9:00 - 11:00 am EST

February 19, 2026 | 9:00 - 11:00 am EST

The Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS), hosts this in-person meeting specifically for District/LEA contacts responsible for the programs for students with visual impairments (VI). It is recommended that the District/LEA contact person for the vision program or their designee attend this meeting. Attendees will review individual District/LEA VI Program data, meet with size alike groups and participate in problem solving discussions.

In-Person District/LEA Vision Contacts Meeting 2025-2026

April 14, 2026 | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm EST | Monroe Center/FIMC-VI Tampa, FL

See Upcoming Events to learn more and find registration information (coming soon).

If you have a new District/LEA vision program contact this year, please provide the name and contact information of that person to Tiffany Conrad.

Florida APH Abacus Math Bee

Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 8:00 am - 3:30 pm EST | Monroe Center/FIMC-VI | Tampa, FL

Abacus and mental math users of all ages who are visually impaired are invited to participate in the fourth annual Florida APH Abacus Math Bee on our "Math Mission to Mars"! Student and family workshops focused on STEM will also be offered and lunch is provided for everyone. Separate student and attendee registration required.

Learn more and register for the Abacus Bee

Bee Ready for the Abacus Bee!

Use these resources to inspire, refresh and introduce Abacus math skills for yourself, students and parents.

• Introduction to the Cranmer Abacus on YouTube
• "The Abacus: A Million Manipulatives in Your Pocket" course at the APH Hive (you will need to log in or create a free account).
• Practice2Master Abacus App from the American Printing House - FREE for download and a wonderful, user friendly tool for teachers to use to refresh their Abacus skills. Consider also sharing this app with parents or using it during instruction with students.

Florida Cane Quest

Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 8:00 am - 3:30 pm EST | Monroe Center/FIMC-VI | Tampa, FL

Florida Cane Quest travelers are invited to show off their orientation and mobility skills at this year's "O&M Odyssey"! Cane travelers in grades 3-12 will complete a variety of routes and tasks to earn prizes while families learn more about independence, getting around, and self-determination for their students. Separate student and attendee registration required.

Visit our website to learn more and find Cane Quest registration information (coming soon)

FIMC-VI Florida Regional Braille Challenge 2026

Friday, February 13, 2026 | 8:00 am - 3:30 pm EST | Monroe Center/FIMC-VI |Tampa, FL

Braille readers in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade are recognized and celebrated for their accomplishments at the Florida Braille Challenge where "Birds of a Feather Braille Together". Fun, hands-on activities related to the theme are available in the morning and then students participate in the contest rounds at their reading level. Families are included in the activities and a workshop and lunch is provided for all. Separate student and attendee registration required.

Check website for Florida Braille Challenge updates and registration

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) Regional Braille Challenge

Thursday, February 26, 2026 | FSDB St. Augustine, FL

FSDB is hosting its third annual regional event on campus, which is open to non-FSDB students. Lunch is provided for everyone as well as a workshop for family members while students are testing. Registration and event questions should be directed to FSDB.

Contact Jennifer Valderrama for more information.

FIMC-VI at Family Cafe

June 2026 | Orlando Area

The Family Cafe is designed for all students with disabilities and their families, not just children with visual impairments. FIMC-VI will be holding sessions specific to visual impairment as well as hands-on exploration activities. This multi-day family-centered conference is filled with many opportunities for networking, learning and fun! Registration is free for families and limited hotel reimbursement is available on a lottery basis.

Learn more at Family Cafe or FIMC-VI Upcoming Events