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

Hot off the presses, Perkins recently released this "comprehensive and inclusive educational assessment tool for students with Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), created by The CVI Center at Perkins. The Perkins CVI Protocol is an expert evaluation tool designed to help teachers of the visually impaired create a robust, individualized CVI evaluation report with recommendations for students with CVI." The Protocol is

• Free
• Downloadable
• Customizable
• Grounded in science

Learn more and get the protocol on this Perkins CVI Protocol Website page. Make sure to sign-up for the training when you request your copy.

The Perkins CVI Interventions Library "is a collaborative collection of strategies for anyone supporting students with Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) in the educational or home setting. This virtual guide encourages you to browse for new ideas, target specific categories related to the needs of your student/child, and submit your own intervention(s) to share with others." Topics include:

• Literacy and materials

• Learning environment

• Communication

• Presentation methods

Learn more on the Perkins CVI Interventions website.

TADA! is "designed to be a free online curriculum for anyone to use with a student of any age and ability who would like to learn nonvisual basic drawing skills, spatial concepts related to coding, and how to create computer graphics. TADA offers a set of ten (10) activities that are organized as introductory, intermediate, and advanced "points of interest" that can be followed like an adventure map and punctuated with excitement!

By following the TADA! map, students can expect to:

• Learn to draw using physical media and materials

• Exercise spatial literacy with physical and virtual canvases

• Learn basic coding concepts

• Practice using accessible descriptive language

• Develop basic concepts for creating computer graphics

• Apply creativity and resilience towards drafting, rendering, and revision processes"

Learn more on the TADA! Website.

Eschenbach's Optaro® is the "first video magnifier specifically made for a smartphone. It easily attaches to an iPhone turning two devices into one. By downloading the free app, it allows the iPhone to communicate with the Optaro® camera, turning the phone into a full-featured video magnifier."

• Attachs to an iPhone
• Full HD image
• 3.3x - 15x magnification
• Integrated stand
• Customizable features (e.g., reading lines, blinds and color contrast)

Learn more by watching this YouTube video and checking out the Eschenbach's website.

Created by the Austin McDowell Foundation, the Austin Assessment is a "fun and simple card matching game that is also a screening tool for CVI related visual issues. Two versions of the app are available with different packages: one for families and personal use, one for professionals." Learn more on the Austin Assessment website.

CVI Ally: An Academic Access Companion for Students with Brain-based Visual Impairments and Their Teams (Webinar) - Watch Perkins' 1 hour webinar by Matt Tietjen, Nai Damato, and Rachel Bennett on how CVI can affect the different domains of a school day, and their collaborative resource CVI Ally.

CVI for TVI & Other Professionals (Resource Article) - This article discusses Perkins CVI monthly webinar, which provides a forum for collaboration and discussion on CVI. Learn more, register, and access past webinars on their website. Upcoming webinars:

• November 13, 2024 at 3:00 pm EST: Using a New Checklist to Identify Students Who May Have Brain-Based Hearing Issues, and Strategies for Supporting Their Learning and Active Engagement (Speaker: Maurice Belote)
• December 3, 2024 at 2:00 pm EST: The Perkins CVI Protocol

CVI Now Educator Hub - A space for educators and providers working with kids and adults with CVI to learn, network, share resources, and build community.

How To Find a Doctor Who Is Able To Evaluate For and Diagnose CVI (Article) - Use Perkins' CVI Doctor Directory to "find a medical professional in your area who may be able to evaluate for and diagnose CVI. This Perkins list is informed in two ways: 1) neuro-ophthalmologists responded to a survey that asked if they wanted to participate in our CVI directory and 2) by parent-reported information. The Perkins CVI Now team follows up with medical providers who were parent-reported, asking permission to be a part of this list." This article includes:

• A link to the Perkins CVI Doctor Directory
• Tips for Medical Advocacy

"This list is solely an informative tool and a starting place for families and caregivers, and not an official endorsement. The directory is a work in progress. To suggest a medical provider knowledgeable about CVI and able to evaluate and diagnose, please email cvinow@perkins.org." Tip: Prior to scheduling an appointment with any medical professional, call beforehand and ask about their knowledge and experience working with a child with CVI.

• CVI Scotland is "designed and owned by everyone affected by CVI. It has has over six hundred pages, so if you are new to CVI Scotland they strongly recommend you take our 2 minute tour." Topics include Understanding CVI, Assessing CVI, Supporting CVI, Lessons, CVI Reading Tool, COOL games, etc.
• Paths to Literacy's CVI and Literacy includes information on accessible materials, children with CVI and motoric challenges, learning to read, as well as activities and strategies.
• Roman CVI Resources includes information on the CVI Range/Assessment, CVI Schedule, Roman Bubble, and Getting a Diagnosis, etc.
• Strategies to See is a website for those who care for and work with students with cerebral/cortical visual impairment (CVI). Topics include, Tips, Tricks, Modifications & Strategies, Toolbox, Forms, Literacy, DIY Projects, Complexity at a Distance (CAD), Videos, and Recommended Products.

This document on CVI, created by the Pennsylvania Advisory Committee on Education of Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired (PACES – BVI) to the Pa Department of Education's Bureau of Special Education, provides information on the following topics:

• What is CVI?
• Is CVI a Visual Impairment?
• How is CVI Diagnosed?
• What is the Educational Referral and Evaluation Process?
• Who is Qualified to Evaluate and Provide Services to Children with CVI?
• What Assessment Tools Are Used by a Program for Students with Visual Impairments to Address Referral and Service Provision?
• Evaluation Process to Service Provision for Students with Visual Impairments Who May Have CVI – What Does It Look Like?

On this PaTTAN CVI website page we provide a brief explanation of CVI, address how different CVI terminology is used, and provide resources in the following areas:

• CVI Assessment resources
• Websites on CVI
• CVI Books and Publications
• PaTTAN Trainings on CVI
• e-Learning Trainings on CVI
• Position Papers on CVI

This PaTTAN Publication on CVI facilitates team discussion and problem-solving, and offers practical ideas to implement throughout the school day, with the intent to promote a student’s access to instruction in a positive learning environment. Also available in Spanish and Dutch.

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. Learn more on the APR website.

PaTTAN will not be offering the HELIX conference this fall. We are working on something new but can't spill the beans just yet. Look for more details in the 2024-25 school year.

This one-day, interactive conference will cover inclusion practices, instructional strategies, and adaptations for physical education and sport for children with visual impairments. The goal of the Tether Conference is to provide educators, professionals, parents, and self-advocates with the tools necessary to connect students with visual impairments to high-quality physical activity programs in their schools and communities. For more information and to register, visit www.campabilitiesdelaware.org/tether-conference.

When: November 15, 2024; 9am-3:45pm

Where: Kutztown University

Fee: $20 for professionals; $10 for students; waived for Kutztown students

The Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter of AER invites you to participate in their annual conference as they focus on Sharing our Stories and Continuing Our Legacy. This nationally respected conference offers a notable line-up of professionals who will present three general sessions, 35 concurrent sessions, an exhibitor hall with a large group of exhibitors on Thursday’s Exhibitor Day, professional poster presentations, the Penn-Del AER awards banquet, their AER Chapter meeting, and a tempting silent auction!

• April 30–May 2, 2025
• Best Western Premier Central Hotel and Conference Center
• Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Learn more on the Penn-Del AER website.

The BVI Family Resource Group Newsletter includes information about upcoming events, seasonal topics (such as summer camps), the expanded core curriculum, family organizations, and a family feedback form. We encourage you to share this resource with families!

• 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: PaTTAN - Family Resource Group

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

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

PaTTAN Statewide

• Tess Nasehi - tnasehi@pattan.net - Statewide BVI Family Support Specialist