This newsletter is not an endorsement of any organization or product that may appear.

"The current literature, expertise, and resources available for supporting children who are blind or low vision and for children with Autism are extensive individually. However, in children with the combined diagnosis of blindness/low vision and Autism, these supports are currently scarce. Therefore, it requires families and professionals to consider multiple different considerations and teaching approaches catered to the unique characteristics of the individual child. For children with Autism their ability to learn skills from the ECC may be impacted based on characteristics of Autism. The following are some of the areas of impact that an individual may experience with Autism; social skills, communication skills, executive functioning, sensory needs, behavior, motor skills." In this APH series each video will cover one ECC skill area and the possible impact and considerations for a child with a dual diagnosis of blind/ low vision and Autism.

This research study looks at executive functioning skills in students with visual impairments. Executive functioning (EF) skills are involved in the regulation of behavior (like controlling impulses), emotion (like coping with frustration), and cognition (like planning an activity). More specifically, this research project aims to understand how students with visual impairments use their executive functions, how their EF skills develop, and how we can best measure these skills. Findings will be used to inform instructional and assessment practices that target EF.

Please share with your families of students with visual impairments and encourage them to take part in this study. Have them reach out to Dr. Kim Zebehazy at the University of British Columbia to let her know they are interested.

OKO is a free mobile app that makes every pedestrian signal accessible by using your phone's camera. Audible, vibration or visual feedback is used to inform you about the detection of a WALK or DON'T WALK signal. OKO also assists people from veering off while crossing the street.

• Currently for iPhones only: Download it free
• Android version in the works

Learn more on the AYES website or by watching one of these YouTube videos:

• OKO - iPhone App Designed to Make Traffic Signals Accessible! - Vision Forward's Tech Connect

• The OKO App - AI Copilot for Blind Making Every Pedestrian Signal Accessible - The Blind Life

This braille training project is funded by the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Agency, (H235E190002). It is intended to support braille literacy and mathematics instruction and may be used by pre-service and in-service TSVIs, paraprofessionals, parents and educational team members. Each course features numerous lessons which provide a thorough scope of the braille code. Please select the training materials most appropriate for you:

• Instructions

• Screen Reader Hints and Tips

• Voiceover Mac and iOS

• Jaws

• UEB Foundation
• UEB Foundation Assessments
• UEB Advanced - Coming Soon
• Nemeth

"Periodic comprehensive clinical low vision evaluations by optometrists or ophthalmologists trained and experienced in low vision rehabilitation are essential to maximize the functional abilities of students with visual impairments and to facilitate their success in the classroom and in the community. Information from these clinical low vision evaluations is essential for the development of Early Intervention Programs (EIPs) as well as Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Accommodation Plans."

Read more by accessing the position paper in the professional serving students with VI google drive.

The following organization have been known to financially support student's in this endeavor:

• Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) - Their mission is to assist Pennsylvanians who are blind or visually impaired gain the skills necessary to live and work independently in their communities.

• PA Associations for the Blind (PAB) - Their vision is to be the leading organization for information, resources, and advocacy regarding services for Pennsylvanians who are visually impaired, while obtaining and maximizing public and/or private funds ensuring effective use by member agencies

• PA Lions Clubs - One of PA Lions Club’s missions is to help individuals with visual impairments

"Most surveys and studies indicate that the majority of people in the United States with vision loss are adults who are not totally blind; instead, they have what is referred to as low vision."

Read more on the AFB website about:

• Facts about Low Vision
• Visual Acuity and Low Vision
• A Functional Definition of Low Vision
• Low Vision vs. Legal Blindness
• Using Low Vision Optical and Non-Optical Devices
• Visual Impairment
• Light Perception and Light Projection
• Total Blindness

Classroom Adaptations for Students with Low Vision – "When working with children with low vision it is important to remember that they have the potential to learn to use their vision in a more efficient way. Soon their website, what can teachers do to help them reach their maximum level of visual efficiency? Teachers and other professionals working with these children have to provide the necessary instruction and environmental modifications to help students maximize their visual ability, develop a positive self-image and greater independence in the classroom and the community." Read more on the Paths to Literacy website.

The Impact of Visual Fatigue for Students with Visual Impairment: Issues and Solutions – This article provides "tips to help caregivers and educators recognize the specific causes and symptoms of visual fatigue and to offer solutions to students with low vision." Read more on the Paths to Literacy website.

Side Note: Pages 134-139 of Foundations of Education: Instructional Strategies for Teaching Children and Youths with Visual Impairments (3rd Ed.) address assessing vision's impact on reading efficiency, visual fatigue, academic achievement, and handwriting.

Texas School for The Blind and Visually Impaired YouTube Channel

• Low Vision Tools in ONE Minute: Mac- Display

• Low Vision Tools in ONE Minute: iOS- Display

• Low Vision Tools in ONE Minute: Mac- Zoom & Hover Text

• Low Vision Tools in ONE Minute: Chromebook- Display

• Low Vision Tools in ONE Minute: Chromebook- Magnifiers and Display Size

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education (BSE), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) is sponsoring a year-long opportunity for early career (three years or less) special education teachers, teachers of the deaf, teachers of the visually impaired, special education administrators, and school psychologists to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of special education professionals with five or more years of experience.

The application for mentees is currently open.

For students who have low vision, various interventions have the potential to maximize the use of functional vision, which varies from student to student. Specifically, these strategies can maximize clarity, optimize the field of view, maximize color and contrast, optimize lighting, minimize glare, and enhance visual efficiency, visual comfort, and visual confidence. This booklet explains the general process for matching students with appropriate low vision interventions within a functional setting.

After using digital media all day, are your students making comments related to their vision? This publication describes some of the symptoms of, and solutions for, digital eye strain.

This card identifies commonly-used acronyms and initialisms used in the field of special education.

This fact sheet provides an explanation of the difference between entitlement for services and eligibility for services. Checkout the Comparison of Legislation Concerning Entitlement and Eligibility Chart on the page 2! It compares IDEA, ADA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in following ways:

• In General
• What it is?
• Who is Responsible for Identification?
• Differences in appropriate services
  

The Penn-Del AER Chapter is pleased to present the Call for Concurrent Session Presenters and Call for Poster Presenters for the 2024 Penn-Del AER Conference. They invite you to submit a proposal. The conference will be held in-person in Harrisburg. The theme for the 2024 conference is “Shared Stories: Magnifying Our Impact.” We encourage all education and rehabilitation professionals to share their expertise by presenting their fresh ideas, innovative insights, successful programs, or research results at this well-respected annual event.

Download the call for papers on the Penn-Del AER website. Deadline December 1, 2023.

The AER International Conference 2024 Call for Proposals is an open invitation to you to submit session presentations that are relevant and of interest to their attendees. (You do not have to be a member of AER to submit a proposal or present at the Annual Conference.) The 2024 AER Biennial International Conference is being held in Charlotte, North Carolina from Wednesday, July 24 through Sunday, July 28, 2024! They will be accepting proposals for 60-minute and 90-minute breakout sessions; poster sessions; and 1/2 and full day symposiums.

Submission deadline to submit your proposal is December 1, 2023 (11:59 pm central time)

Did you know that PaTTAN has a monthly BVI Family Newsletter? The BVI Family Newsletter for March includes information about the Parent UEB survey, ESY Determinations, summer camp options (more to come in future newsletters), and a family special education quick start guide. We encourage you to share this resource with families and check it out yourself!

• Sign up

All families of children who are blind or visually impaired (BVI), deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), or deaf-blind (DB) are invited to sign up for the PaTTAN Family Resource Group.

The goal of this group is to send out resources, event information, and contacts that can benefit your family and child. It is an easy way for you to get updates and take advantage of any available opportunities.

For more information:

• Watch our 2-minute video
• Contact us by email: FamilyResourceGroup@pattankop.net
• Check out the PaTTAN website for additional information!
• Sign up today: Blind-Visual Impairment Initiative and Family Resource Group Sign up

Resources to share with families:

• Family Resource Group Information
  
• Family Resource Group Poster
  
• Family Resource Group Flyer
  

Do you know families who may be interested in connecting with other families of children who are blind or visually impaired? APH (American Printing House for the Blind) FamilyConnect and the Chicago Lighthouse have partnered together to provide a virtual support group that connects on the first Wednesday of every month from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm (ET). Visit the FamilyConnect website to view additional details and resources.

AER continues with synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities, with a discount if you are an AER member. AER is releasing has a slew of exciting upcoming live opportunities , which can be viewed on their events page. They also created an extensive library of recorded courses, presented by experts in the field. Complete your continuing education from anywhere: home, work, even at the park! Every webinar on this site is approved for ACVREP credits and will provide a certificate upon completion.

The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Hive offers a variety of free online courses for vision professionals and educators to increase their ability to respond to the needs of students with visual impairments. This “one-stop” for professional development offers ACVREP continuing education units upon successful completion of a course.

The APH ConnectCenter includes FamilyConnect, CareerConnect, and VisionAware – a hub of websites that offer curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives.

Access Academy is your one-stop resource for the meaningful education and training webinars you need to get the most out of APH products and services. From tutorials on new products and hacks on how to get the most from your beloved tech, to information on resources, services, and programs: our goal is to give you the info you need for home, the classroom, and the workplace.

APH is also hosting many live events, including a focus on transition. Visit the APH Connect Event page to register for live online learning opportunities and earn ACVREP credits.

Eschenbach Academy is a "new online educational platform designed to supplement the knowledge and training they currently provide via in-person and webinar formats. Eschenbach Academy’s educational content ranges from interactive low vision courses, low vision training modules and general business courses useful for practice managers and owners.

This new eLearning platform provides training content that will help you and your staff become more efficient and effective in providing low vision care to your patients who have a vision impairment. In so doing, it will allow your low vision care service to deliver even more successful outcomes for both your patients and your practice."

This resource will be added to future newsletters under "Leisurely Learning."

Hadley offers a variety of free online learning opportunities in the following categories:

• Daily Living
• Recreation
• Braille
• Adjusting to vision loss
• Technology
• Vision loss

*Sign-up/log-in to get access to the entire training.

Perkins School for the Blind has a number of offerings for those working with students with visual impairments to increase their knowledge and skills. Visit the following sites to learn more:

• Perkins eLearning - Professional Development
• Accessible Science
• College Success
• Paths to Literacy
• Paths to Transition
• Paths to Technology

We encourage all supervisors and professionals in the field of visual impairment to sign up for access to our drives. We will be posting recorded presentations, resources and much more! Sign up today! Select your group below to request access.

• Supervisor Access Request Form
• Professional Access Request Form

PaTTAN East - 333 Technology Drive Malvern, PA 19355

• Jenifer Edgar - jedgar@pattan.net - Educational Consultant
• Tess Nasehi - tnasehi@pattan.net - BVI Family Consultant

PaTTAN Central - 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112

• Greg Gerhart - ggerhart@pattan.net - Educational Consultant

PaTTAN West - 3190 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238

• Tim Knight - tknight@pattan.net - Educational Consultant
• Greg Lazur - glazur@pattan.net - Educational Consultant