A Sense of Texas

Latest Episodes:

Matt Schultz - TSBVI Residential Program Mar 01, 2022

Show notes

Some of the most vital learning at a residential school happens outside of the classroom. TSBVI Residential Director Matt Schultz joins us to discuss how creating a positive environment in our dorms can facilitate learning in the classroom as well as at home with their families. Also joining us are Darius, Pedro, and Michael from the TSBVI Wildcat Wrestling team to tell us about how their experiences with athletics are helping them progress in their journey to adulthood.

Planning Behavior Intervention - Part 2 Feb 15, 2022

Show notes

Our conversation continues as Lynne McAlister and Deanna Peterson provide their professional perspectives on children's behavior, and what can sometimes be misinterpreted as misbehavior. Later in the episode we are also joined by James Coleman, who shares a relatable parental view on the matter!

Free behavior guidance tool can be found here: https://www.tsbvi.edu/tsbvi-publications#publications

Further discussions about the topic: Coffee Hour

Lynne and Deanna's contact info:

mcalisterl@tsbvi.edu

petersond@tsbvi.edu

Planning Behavior Intervention Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

Lynne McAlister and Deanna Peterson from TSBVI Outreach discuss planning behavior intervention for children and young adults who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind. In today's episode, we dive deeper into the complexities behind what behavior means, misconceptions, and helpful perspectives to keep in mind.

Free behavior guidance tool can be found here: https://www.tsbvi.edu/tsbvi-publications#publications

Further discussions about the topic: Coffee Hour

Lynne and Deanna's contact info:

mcalisterl@tsbvi.edu

petersond@tsbvi.edu

Monique Coleman Jan 15, 2022

Show notes

Monique Coleman (soon to be Dr. Coleman) is a longtime educator in the field of blindness education and an adjunct professor with San Francisco State University. Her recent article on Paths to Literacy titled, "Culturally Responsive Literacy Education with Learners Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired," caught our attention and inspired us to invite her on our show. She mentions many other leaders in education with a focus on diversity and inclusion, so be sure to listen close. Article Link: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/blog/culturally-responsive-literacy-education-learners-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired

Paul Olson - Bill of Rights Dec 15, 2021

Show notes

Families of children who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision value resources to better understand, and have conversations regarding, their child's educational program. Paul Olson, Superintendent of North Dakota Vision Services/ School for the Blind, initiated the creation of such a document and is going to tell us all about it. "A Bill of Rights for All Children with Visual Impairment and Their Families" was co-authored by Paul, Emily, and Janie Blome. Check out the below links to view the resources discussed yourself.

Bill of Rights in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese:

https://aerbvi.org/resources/publications/

Abbreviated Bill of Rights for families:

https://familyconnect.org/blog/raising-a-child-who-is-blind-and/my-version-of-the-bill-of-rights/

Lastly, we will not be posting an episode for January 1st. In the meantime if you have questions or want to suggest topics for future episodes, feel free to contact us at podcast@tsbvi.edu. Otherwise, we'll see you back here in one month!

Dr. Cary Supalo Dec 01, 2021

Show notes

Teaching and learning STEM subjects is difficult for everyone, and for students with disabilities it can be a greater challenge due to lack of access. Today Dr. Cary Supalo joins us to discuss his experiences as a blind student, and how educators can help encourage students who are blind to get interested in STEM.

Family Engagement Nov 15, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, Emily will explore what it means to work in family engagement. You'll hear from Edgenie Bellah and Yolanda Shaw, some of the hurdles educators and families both struggle with, and how we all ultimately hope to keep the child's best interests at heart. Expert Katherine Houck will also provide further information about family engagement opportunities.

TSBVI Family Lynx Nov 01, 2021

Show notes

Few things are more helpful to the parent of a blind, visually impaired, or deafblind child than being able to connect with other parents who know the joy, and also the struggles, of their situation. Amy Potts, Barbara Knighton, and Patty Bushland join us this month to talk about how they started TSBVI Family Lynx and how it's helping parents of students at TSBVI and how parent organizations across the country are doing the same.

Jeff Molzow - White Cane Day Oct 15, 2021

Show notes

Jeff Molzow is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, someone who helps teach adults who are blind and visually impaired to return to work successfully and effectively. Jeff has continuously pushed the envelope of his field via his passion for blind advocacy, combined with a strong background in technology.

Now Jeff is here to help us understand what White Cane Day is, and why it's such an important day for the blind community. You'll also hear from TSBVI student Michael Fulk, sharing his take on this holiday.

For more information about White Cane Day visit https://whitecaneday.org/

Dr. Rosy Carranza -Teacher of Tomorrow Oct 01, 2021

Show notes

Dr. Rosy Carranza facilitates the Teacher of Tomorrow Program with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). In this episode, Rosy shares her background, her expertise, and her passion surrounding the education of blind students and the educators who teach them.

To learn more about the Teacher of Tomorrow program visit https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow