Visual Field Newsletter

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Ongoing | "Staying Afloat on the Internet with JAWS"

Whether you've completed the "Just Keep Swimming" JAWS course or are ready to jump into waves of the internet and stay afloat, this free course will introduce basic internet navigation concepts using the California School for the Blind's Screen Reader Training site. Lesson ideas and resources are included throughout the course. Participants can earn 5 inservice credits, if approved by your district/Local Education Agency (LEA).

Ongoing | Accessibility Considerations and Implementation for Students with Visual Impairments (VIs)

Participants will learn accessibility principles and best practices in popular platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. This content primarily focuses on strategies and tips for creating accessible documents for people with VIs but benefit everyone. This course is for anyone who creates classroom learning materials. Participants can earn 2.5 inservice credits, if approved by your district/LEA.

For more information and to register for one or more of our courses visit our Canvas Course page.

Virtual

Assessment - done! Eligibility Meeting - done! Next Steps? In this three-part webinar series, participants will learn about prioritizing students’ assessed needs, writing effective Individual Educational Plan (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

Part 2

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

Part 3

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

Register for After Eligibility Series

Virtual | 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

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

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 VIs. 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, hear from pertinent guest speakers, meet with size alike groups and participate in problem solving discussions.

Learn more and Register for the In-Person Vision Contacts Meeting.

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

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 VI. 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.

Comprehensive list of FIMC-VI services, online learning, webinars, and in-person trainings for the school year.

The Project INSPIRE team is pleased to offer our 7 professional development courses starting February 16, 2026 for TVIs, paraprofessionals, braille transcribers, etc. who would like to earn 12 CEU hours. The courses contain both information about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) braille codes (Nemeth Code and UEB Math/Science) and instructional strategies for supporting STEM learning for K-12 students.

If you would like to register for a course, please see the attached flyer and follow the link in the flyer to the registration form or you can go directly to the registration form.

Certified braille transcribers Mary Klein and Nancy Meinhardt produced books for TVIs and parents through FIMC-VIs print/braille early literacy program for many years. They are still producing books for your use - FOR FREE.

If you would like to receive FREE braille books, contact Mary. She will send you the current list of available books and you can choose what you like. The books are slightly used. If you have books you would like to have transcribed into braille, they can do that, too. Who doesn't love free?

LET'S KEEP OUR STUDENTS READING BRAILLE WITH FREE BOOKS!

Browse books already available

Email Mary for special requests at VLKRIE@AOL.COM

Use this comprehensive list of resources for teachers and parents to obtain books in braille, digital braille book files, materials to create tactile graphics, and more.

Free Braille Book Resources for Teachers and Parents

More Braille: More Empowerment campaign

World Braille Day — marked each year on 4 January, the birthday of Louis Braille — celebrates a system that has unlocked literacy, education, employment, and independence for generations of blind people. Yet in too many places, access to braille is still determined by geography, income, and whether trained teachers and appropriate materials happen to be available. This campaign is a global push to change that.

“Braille isn’t a ‘nice-to-have.’ It is literacy, full stop,” said Santosh Kumar Rungta, President of the World Blind Union. “I know from personal experience that braille can be the difference between dependence and freedom. This campaign is about ensuring that every blind learner — child, youth, or adult — has the tools and teaching to read, write, and participate on equal terms.”

Learn more about ICEVI's "More Braille: More Empowerment" campaign.

Teen Orientation and Mobility

June 7-13, July 12-18, and August 2-8, 2026

A free one-week O&M program for teens who have completed at least one year of high school. Instruction can cover basic to advanced cane skills or even guide dog readiness.

The teen travels with an adult supporter to Rochester Hills, MI — and all public transportation, room, and meals on the Leader Dog campus for both teen and adult supporter are covered by Leader Dog.

Teen Summer Camp

June 21-28, 2026

A free one-week program combining fun activities with exploring mobility options, discovering leadership skills and building friendships. Campers receive a free HumanWare GPS and learn about living and working with a guide dog.

Teen Campers must be legally blind, 16 or 17 years of age, but do not need to have plans to train with a guide dog.

Applications are now being accepted for Teen O&M and Teen Summer Camp!

As you continue supporting your clients’ independence journeys, we’d love for you to keep Dogs Inc in mind as a resource. Our program is compassionate, personalized, and designed to make the process as smooth as possible from application to placement and beyond. We also provide lifelong alumni support to ensure each team continues to thrive. That support includes the following AT NO COST:

• Monthly supply of dog food (Fromm Family Pet Food)
• Monthly preventatives for heartworm, flea & tick (Elanco’s Credelio Quatro)
• Annual veterinarian wellness check
• Vaccinations

Guide Dog Program Information:

📞 Admissions Team: 941-729-5665
📧 admissions@dogsinc.org
🌐 https://dogsinc.org/get-a-dog/guide-dog-programs/

Each week, a bite-sized 20 minutes will showcase a demo or workflow that can be put into practice immediately to support blind or low vision access to math. All demos will feature AT from APH, such as using JAWS with Desmos, creating JAWS-ready math materials, creating math graphics with the Pix- or PageBlaster embossers, creating Monarch-ready charts and graphs, and much more!

Miss a session and need info on the topic? Relevant tutorial videos will be posted to the Math and AT playlist on the @CATT-APH YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe for notifications when new videos post: https://www.youtube.com/@catt-aph

Register for Tech in 20

Does your family access ESE services here in Florida? If so, please take a moment to share your feedback with the Department of Education. The survey is open to parents of children with an IEP receiving ESE services from preschool to grade 12 (excluding gifted services). Students with disabilities ages 18 and up can also participate. Let DOE know how they're doing!

Complete the ESE Parent Survey today!

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

Parents and family members can join us for "Birds of a Feather Talk Tech Together" while students are competing in the Regional Braille Challenge. Statewide Educational Specialist for the Visually Impaired, Tori Short, will highlight important assistive technology for students with visual impairments at various ages and stages in their lives and provide attendees with resources for their students.

Your student does not have to be a competitor in the event to attend. All parents and family members are welcome. Childcare will not be provided.

Event Agenda/Flyer

Register to attend the Family Technology Workshop

FSDB is hosting Mentors & Models activities for children who are blind/visually impaired and their families. From January to June 2026, participants will be able to learn from blind, visually impaired, and deafblind adults during in-person and online events. Families can register for one or more of these opportunities at Mentors & Models registration. Travel reimbursement is available.

Mentors and Models Program Flyer

Mentors and Models Registration

February 16, 2026 | 6:00-7:30 pm EST

Virtual

Dive into a heartfelt conversation with Scott MacIntyre and James Durbin on navigating careers in music.

From classical pianist to American Idol star, blind from birth and a two-time kidney transplant survivor, Scott’s shared stages with Alice Cooper & Jonas Brothers—proving perseverance hits all the high notes. His story? Pure I Am Hope.

Meanwhile, James Durbin rocked his way to Idol’s Top 4, fronted Quiet Riot, and jammed with Judas Priest & Zakk Wylde—all while advocating for autism & Tourette’s awareness. “Disabilities don’t disable dreams,” he says.

Spots are limited. Don’t miss this empowering chat—perfect for aspiring artists!

Register for Music and Resilience

ONLINE TVI PROGRAM (Master of Science Program)

• Next cohort begins August 2026 (application deadline July 1, 2026)
• Learn how to effectively teach children with visual impairments skills that are essential for participating in the classroom, their community, careers, and their lives!
• Designed for general and special educators, paraprofessionals, and alt certified TVIs
• https://annescollege.fsu.edu/blind-vis

O&M SPECIALIZATION (Master of Science Program)

• Next cohort begins August 2026 (application deadline July 1, 2026)
• Learn how to teach children with visual impairments to safely navigate through their community and travel to and from essential locations!
• Designed for anyone with a BS degree (with or without TVI or related experience)
• Now offered in hybrid format
• Grant money, tuition support, and books available for eligible students
• https://annescollege.fsu.edu/blind-vis

ON CAMPUS TVI PROGRAM (Combined Bachelor/Master of Science Program)

• Next cohort begins August 2026 (application deadline June 1, 2026)
• Become a TVI! Teach content that transforms lives and is essential for independence and access.
• Designed for Pre-service TVIs
• Grant money, Start without a degree and graduate with a master’s degree!
• https://annescollege.fsu.edu/blindness-lowvis

Questions? Contact or schedule an appointment with Michael Tuttle at mtuttle@fsu.edu

Northeast Resource Center for Vision Education

Do you want a meaningful career that takes you places? In UMass Boston’s Vision

Studies program, we have 100% job placement rates for graduates of our master’s

& graduate certificate programs in TVIs, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, AT Instruction for People with VIs, and O&M.

Upcoming Information Sessions:

• Programs to Support Students who are Deafblind Info Sessions
• Information sessions for Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, Assistive Technology, Cortical Vision Impairment Programs

Dr. Lindsay Harris at Northern Illinois University (NIU) was awarded a National Institutes of Health grant to support word learning and vocabulary development in children who are blind and research is underway.

Participate

Earn up to $100 by participating in a vocabulary study! We are recruiting children who are blind and children who are sighted, ages 5-14.

Children who meet the following criteria are eligible to participate:

• A resident of the U.S. or Canada
• An English speaker who hears English at least 3 hours a day
• Able to access a computer with a camera, microphone and internet connection
• No hearing loss, intellectual disability, or deafblindness

In addition, children who are blind must have no more than light perception and must have been totally blind by age 1.

Go to the PenLAB website sign up for the study

Prevent Blindness is working with Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum to conduct focus groups with parents and guardians to gain an understanding about:

1. Experiences families have had when their child has been in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and been diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
2. Families’ journeys raising a child with ROP in relation to medical care, social/emotional support, and educational services.
3. Barriers families experience in accessing and attending eye care appointments for their child’s ROP.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Education and Support Program

Contact Dr. Rosenblum for those interested in participating in a focus group.

Children Who Are Blind/Low Vision (BLV) and Mental Health

A research team at Texas Tech University is conducting a virtual study exploring how the experiences of children who are BLV impact their mental and physical health.

The team is currently recruiting children in the United States who are BLV, ages 9–17, along with their primary caregivers, to participate. Sessions include accessible surveys and interviews and take about 3–4 hours. Families can earn up to $250 for full participation and will receive mental health resources tailored to their state.

If you have questions, email psychology.youthview@ttu.edu.

Learn more: Youth View Research Team