Visual Field Newsletter

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Between now and August 31st, FIMC-VI will receive as many as 15 mail crates a day or approximately 3,000 books in 23,000 volumes. That's 6,000 volumes a MONTH. Below is a summary of the procedures to package and return books to FIMC-VI, but we suggest watching the FIMC-VI Info and Updates Part 3 webinar recording for even more details.

• Try to keep the volumes of one book together in the same box. If packing more than one book in a box, please insert a piece of paper separating the two books.
• If you need more than one box for a book, put a piece of paper in each box listing which volumes are present.
• Number the outside of boxes 1 of 16, 2 of 16, …
• Put your name and district/LEA on the outside of the box, such as: Anderson/Hillsborough 1 of 16.
• Send to: FIMC-VI, Attn: Denise/Shipping –Textbooks, 4716 W Montgomery Ave, Tampa, FL 33616
• Write Free Matter for the Blind where the postage would normally go, and ship for free!

• Recycle damaged volumes at your location.
• If a volume is missing or damaged (moldy, torn, bugs, etc.):
• Return the other volumes and in the box, include a note about the missing volume.
• Send Denise Battle an email with the access number, title, and volume that is being destroyed or is missing.

• Large print workbooks do not need to be returned.
• Please return braille workbooks.
• Email Denise Battle the access number and title from the barcode label to let her know which workbooks have been used.

• If a student in your district will need the same book over the summer or next school year, please do not return the book to us.
• Email the access number of the book to Denise Battle to let her know that you will not be returning the book to us this school year.

• Ensure student is registered in the FIMC-VI Portal.
• Confirm or add the specific location to where the books should be sent (include building name and your name).
• Let secretaries and custodians know!
• Keep the boxes for returning the books.
• Have a list of books with ISBNs from inside cover and other identifying information.
• Know your FIMC-VI Portal login information (reset your password at sign-in if needed).
• Register for a Portal account if you do not already have one (administrator approval needed).
• Check your orders in the Queue or Loan History.
• Refer to the FIMC-VI Portal User Guide if needed, located on the Dashboard "Help" section.
• Any changes or updates to textbook ordering based on funding available will be communicated.

Loan Library Materials

Summer is the time for FIMC-VI to collect and inventory items in the Loan Library to get them ready for next school year. Help us by returning items that you have borrowed.

Prior to returning technology, check to make sure all power adapters, cables and accessories are in the box. Note any issues with the device that may need attention (not holding charge, keys stuck, etc.). Please do not send technology back via FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND or in the same box as textbooks, since we have no way to track these and ensure they are received. You can request a return label from Colleen Mulcahey.

Please email Colleen Mulcahey with any questions and to receive a FedEx label as soon as you are ready to ship equipment back. If we have not heard from you by the end of the school year, Colleen will contact you directly.

Do NOT Return APH Materials to FIMC-VI

• Check with other teachers in your district to see if they can use the materials.
• Use the APH Swap-Meet in Canvas to send materials to someone else.
• Discard any incomplete, dirty, or unusable kits or materials.
• Contact Colleen with any questions.
• Reminder: APH technology that has been borrowed from our Loan Library must be returned.

For APH orders submitted after May 11, 2026

• APH orders can take from 4-6 weeks to arrive using FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND shipping.
• Please check with your school to confirm that someone will be there to accept your packages if you will not be working over the summer. All packages not received by your school will be returned to APH.
• Use the APH website for current status of materials and federal quota eligibility.

• Attention Paige Connect users! Check out the new and improved translate page from Paige Braille! This page now includes a variety of braille formatting options to use with your Paige Connect. Paige Braille has also launched an iOS app called “Learn braille.” You can master braille reading through bite-sized lessons, fun games, and a built-in translator.
• Due to supply chain issues, APH has taken on the production of items such as Feel N Peel stickers and Trifold Boards. At times, these products may be unavailable/out of stock. Keep checking the APH website and place your order as soon as you see that they are back in stock.
• Check out the “What’s New” feature on FIMC-VI’s Portal under APH products to see their latest releases.
• If an item is not listed on the APH portal when you do a Search either by name or catalog #, please contact Colleen Mulcahey.

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

The Florida Low Vision Initiative (FLVI), an Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – funded state project through Florida Supportive Services for Students with Visual Impairments is accepting referrals for the 2026-2027 School Year.

Low vision services are available to students with low vision, grades PK4-8th grade, who are receiving direct instruction from a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVI), as documented in the student's Individual Educational Plan (IEP).

Florida Low Vision Initiative Participants:

• Receive a free, comprehensive low vision evaluation.
• Are eligible to receive glasses and a wide variety of portable optical aids, when prescribed for their specific low vision needs.
• TSVls receive support with developing skill-specific IEP goals for the prescribed devices and implementing a plan to support the student's specific low vision needs.
• TSVls benefit from ongoing support from the FLVI Team and FLVI Low Vision Specialist to address the student's changing visual demands in-and outside of the classroom.
• Families are provided with valuable medical resources to learn more about their child's visual impairment and specific low vision needs.

Please use this link to Request Services.

To learn more about the services and instructional support provided by the Florida Low Vision Initiative, please visit the LiveBinders resource platform.

Please email Kim Roberts with any questions.

June 12-14, 2026 | Orlando, FL

The Family Cafe is for all students with disabilities and their families.

FIMC-VI will be holding several sessions specific to visual impairment as well as hosting a table in the exhibitor hall. This three-day family-centered conference is filled with many opportunities for networking, learning and fun!

Topics presented by FIMC-VI or in collaboration with other projects include:

• Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)
• Supporting students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) and/or Blind/Visually Impaired (BVI)

Learn more and register at The Family Café website.

Registration is free for families.

The Florida Abacus Bee is looking to return to the University of North Florida in early October!

Stay tuned for more details and the 2026 application packet. In the meantime, brush up abacus skills with your students using the following resources:

• Practice Exams
• Space Race Dictation Samples
• Watch a recorded webinar about the importance of the abacus and overview of the Florida Abacus Bee at FIMC-VI's Past Events.
• Watch and learn from APH’s recorded Access Academy webinars: Abacus Multiplication to Perfection and Abacus Divide and Conquer.
• Sign up for APH's Hive Course, "The Abacus: A Million Manipulatives in Your Pocket."
• Watch APH's ExCEL Summer Camp Webinar on “Abaci and Oreos” from 2022.
• Use Practice2Master Abacus app available for free through the App Store or Google Play store.

• What to Do if You Are Working with a Student Who is Blind or Visually Impaired
• The Impact of Deafblindness on Learning and Development
• Early Intervention for Children Who Are Deafblind
• Communicating with Children Who Are Deafblind
• Just Keep Swimming with JAWS
• Staying Afloat on the Internet with JAWS
• Accessibility Considerations and Implementation for Students with Visual Impairments
• Resource Site for School Psychologists and TVIs
• Braille Learning Community
• FIMC-VI Canvas Resource Site

View course and group descriptions and register.

Looking for more educational opportunities? Head over to the APH Hive, our FREE eLearning platform for educators and families that you can access at any time to earn ACVREP credits from the comfort of your home and office. With a growing course catalog covering categories like Early Childhood, Expanded Core Curriculum and more, we’re compiling the resources you need to serve students.

Learn more about the APH Hive, and sign up today!

May 6, 2026 | 5:00-6:00 pm EST

Florida Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired (FAER) presents

"Impact of Social Isolation on Individuals who are Visually Impaired" by Samantha Kelly, Vice President of Programs

Individuals who are visually impaired face loneliness and isolation at a higher rate than their sighted peers. During this session, we will look at the impact isolation can have on individuals, our role as professionals in this field, and strategies to improve access to social interactions.

Come join us virtually!

Register

What is a Mini Grant?

A small-scale funding award that could make a big difference for professionals serving individuals with visual impairments. Mini grants are designed to support teachers and rehabilitation specialists of individuals with visual impairments, orientation and mobility specialists, and other service providers in implementing innovative practices, acquiring adaptive materials, and addressing specific individual needs.

How much is a Mini Grant?

FAER may award up to $1000 per application, not to exceed $3000 annually.

When can I apply?

Applications will be collected annually, beginning January 30th and awarded until funds are depleted based on merits of each application. The committee may award funding or a portion of funding requested. Applications for a 2026 FAER Mini Grant are still being accepted.

Who is eligible?

• Must be a current FAER Member

• Must be a currently practicing professional in the field of visual impairment

• Must complete all sections of the application

How do I apply?

Application Form

July 29-August 2, 2026 | Louisville, KY

The AER International Conference has a long and meaningful history as one of the leading global gatherings for professionals in the field of visual impairment and blindness. Since its inception, the conference has served as a cornerstone event for educators, rehabilitation specialists, orientation and mobility instructors, researchers, and advocates, providing a vital forum for sharing innovations, best practices, and emerging research.

Held biennially, the AER International Conference fosters collaboration, professional development, and advocacy, uniting experts and organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Its legacy reflects AER’s enduring commitment to advancing education, accessibility, and independence through professional excellence and a strong, connected community of vision professionals worldwide.

Visit the AER International Conference website for additional information.

The Douglas C. MacFarland Travel Stipend was established to promote professional development among AER members by supporting attendance at the AER International Conference. Named in honor of Douglas MacFarland, this fund reflects AER’s commitment to strengthening the field through continued learning, engagement, and connection.

For the 2026 AER International Conference, AER will award three $1,000 travel stipends to support members in attending the conference.

In addition to the stipend:

• AER will cover conference registration and hotel accommodations for selected recipients
• The stipend will be provided as a reimbursement for travel-related expenses, including airfare and per diem

Learn more: Douglas C. MacFarland Travel Stipend - AERBVI

Apply by May 15, 2026

December 5-8, 2026 | New Orleans, LA

Southeastern Orientation and Mobility Association (SOMA) and Southwestern Orientation and Mobility Association (SWOMA) Conference 2026

We are VERY excited to announce that our 2026 SOMA/SWOMA International O&M Conference will be held in NEW ORLEANS, December 5-8! It's been almost 30 years since SOMA and SWOMA (SE and SW O&M associations) got together in New Orleans -- last time, there were more than 500 people from around the world.

Visit the 2026 SOMA/SWOMA Conference website for additional information.

Camp Abilities is an educational sports camp for kids, ages 8-16, with visual impairments. This camp provides an opportunity for the campers to participate in activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, beep kickball, swimming, tubing, as well as camping activities such as s'mores around the campfire. At this week-long, overnight camp, campers also get to experience independence through the opportunities to sleep away from home, navigate a new environment, and do things for themselves.

Learn more and register at Camp Abilities Florida.

May 8, 2026 | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST | Palmetto, FL

Teen Camp is intended for teens between the ages of 14 and 17 who are potentially interested in getting a Guide Dog through Dogs Inc and meet our basic criteria to be considered for placement.

The next session of Teen Camp is currently scheduled May 8th from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm EST. This event will take place on our campus at 4210 77th St E, Palmetto, Florida. This will be a busy day packed full of informative and helpful presentations, as well as hands-on opportunities with some of our dogs.

Lunch will be provided during the event, however, as this is a one-day event, attendees will be responsible for their own accommodations.

Go to the Teen Camp application for more information and to apply.

May 30, 2026 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm EST | St. Augustine, FL

Join us for a fun and interactive day where students explore careers alongside blind and visually impaired adults working in a variety of jobs. Enjoy hands-on activities, inspiring stories, and meaningful connections—all in a welcoming, family friendly environment.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

Students Ages 6-17 and their parents/guardians

WHEN & WHERE

Saturday, May 30, 2026, | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

at the Bloxham Hall – Training Room (Please Check in with Campus Police)

Travel Support - Travel reimbursement available for families to travel the day before.

RSVP by May 27, 2026

To RSVP, contact Jennifer Valderrama at valderramaj@fsdbk12.org or 904-827-2454.

Please include student’s name, age, and number attending.

Come learn, connect, and explore together!

Event flyer

June 27, 2026 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EST​​

Summer 2026 Schools's out!

Join us for some Saturday learning and fun! Students that are aged 6-17 who live in Florida that are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Blind or Visually Impaired, or Dual Sensory Impaired are eligible to join us. Parent supervision is expected, and siblings are encouraged to join. Here students will learn or improve their personal interactions with others. Learn, practice and implement skills based on the Expanded Core Curriculum. Students will follow the steps of a project and manage clean up when they are all done! Students will have a finished product they can be proud of!

Register for ECC Virtual Learning

Event flyer

For questions or more information please contact:

Jennifer Valderrama

valderramaj@fsdbk12.org

(904)827-2454

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and AER offer a comprehensive list of scholarships for individuals with visual impairments as well as for those studying to become a professional in the field of visual impairment.

Scholarships | American Foundation for the Blind (afb.org)

Universities & Scholarships - AERBVI

The music teacher at Pinellas Park High School in Pinellas County, Mr. Estes, recently had the opportunity to present at the Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) Conference, held at the Tampa Convention Center this past January. He co-presented with Valerie Nunez-Caicedo from Cross Bayou Elementary School.

Their session, titled “Music for Every Body,” highlighted practical and meaningful ways to support and include students who are visually impaired as well as those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in music classrooms. In the session they were able to show quite a variety of tools that included items like the Mantis, a magnifier and braille music flashcards.

This session was so successful, Mr. Estes and Ms. Nunez-Caicedo were asked to write an article for the Florida Music Director magazine. It begins on page 18.

Check out what a Clay County student is up to thanks to New Worlds Reading!

News4JAX - "Blind Clay County fourth grader finds new world in braille books. How a statewide program is making it possible"

New Worlds Reading was signed into law in June 2021 as a program to help Florida's striving readers strengthen their literacy skills, build reading confidence, and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Each month during the school year, eligible children receive a free book tailored to their interests with resources and activities for caregivers and children to use together. Books and materials are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille.

My name is Molly Pasley and I am working with Lindsay Harris and Allison Gladfelter at Northern Illinois University to study word learning and vocabulary development in children who are blind in hopes of developing age-based language norms since they do not currently exist. We are looking for participants. For more specific information about the project and the NIH research grant that is funding this research, please read Lindsay Harris WinsNIH Grant to Study Word Learning in Children Who Are Blind.

For specifics about the study, including criteria for participation, please see the information below:

All participating families will receive $250.

Your child is eligible to participate if they:

• Are age 5-14 at the time of the research session
• Were completely blind by age 1, with no more than light perception
• Reside in the United States or Canada and speak a variety of American or Canadian English as their primary language
• Hear English at least 3 hours a day
• Have access to a computer with camera, microphone, and internet connection

Your child is not eligible to participate if they:

• Have been diagnosed or suspected Intellectual Disability, Hearing Loss or Deafness or Deaf-blindness
• Are unable to sit and respond to questions for 10-15 minutes at a time

Go to the PenLAB website sign up for the study, and please forward the link to anyone you know who is eligible (or has a child who is eligible) to participate!

Thank you for supporting this important research!