Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Five TSBVI staff members were recognized for their outstanding work by the Council of Schools and Services for the Blind (COSB) Leadership Institute.

Outstanding Teacher of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Craig Edgley

Outstanding Paraprofessional
Brittany Francis

Outstanding Teacher of Students who are Blind with Additional Disabilities
Kristine Seljenes

Outstanding Outreach Director
Kate Borg

Outstanding Related Services Provider
Bernie Smith

SAVE THE DATE!

2024 Texas Focus
Behavior: A Different Focus
February 22-24, 2024 Hosted via Zoom

Some students with sensory impairments across ages and developmental levels may exhibit behaviors that interfere with learning and social interactions. It is our responsibility as educators and families to determine the root of behaviors, adjust our interactions, build resilience, and teach positive behaviors to support learning and contribute to social development. Join us as we examine our perceptions and understanding of behavior, learn about processes that impact student behavior, and develop proactive and responsive strategies that will move relationships in a positive direction.

Registration Fees:
Professionals & Family Members - $50.00 USD
Paraprofessionals & Univ. Students - $35.00 USD

Registration will be posted in the near future. Please stay posted for more details, as they are made available!

[image of the TSBVI Wildcat Logo]

The Fall 2023 issues of Texas SenseAbilities, TSBVI's online magazine, is available on our website:! Read the articles, share with your friends, and bookmark the page!
Click https://www.tsbvi.edu/tx-senseabilities
[image shows students and staff crossing the street during the 2022 White Cane Day march in Austin.]

Texas Deafblind Project members: Sarah Mossberger, Kate Borg, Rachel Collins, Heather Withrow, and Kaycee Bennett are providing and supporting testimony at the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) meeting today.

These subject matter experts are communicating their support for the draft rule which would create a plan for mentorship, grandfather clauses, and coursework and clinical teaching requirements for the upcoming deafblind certification exam.

DBMAT (Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas) celebrated their 50th anniversary at TSBVI. This group of passionate leaders have created a welcoming organization to help share best practices and offer families the support they need to thrive.

This year's event was punctuated by an awards ceremony, 50th anniversary cake, and a group photo. We would like to thank the UT chapter of the Future Doctors of America for volunteering for the event.

The TSBVI Board reserved time on their agenda to acknowledge the academic accomplishments of TSBVI students on state standardized tests and also to bid farewell to retiring teacher Elina Mullen.

Elina served the students at TSBVI for 33 years! She plans on returning to her ancestral homeland in the Seychelles. Bon voyage Elina.

The hot weather is starting to fall away and evening tandem bike rides are back! The Recreation Department team members are busy tuning the bikes and getting ready to hit the road with our students.

Tech Tea Time for October is now open for registration!

October 5th: Travel Tech
Presenter: Andrew Bernet
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40776

October 12th: O&M - 3D Printing & More!
Presenter: Jim Allan
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40778

October 26th: How to Include Travel Tech in your Lessons
Presenters: Audra Bishop & Kelly Nicholson
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40896

[ID: flyer showing image of deconstructed teapot and the text: Tech Tea Time, talk tech with teachers and paraprofessionals. Every Thursday at 3:00pm Central Time]

Family Recharge Zone from TSBVI Outreach Orientation & Mobility - It’s a Family Thing!

Family-focused training followed by a conversation exclusively for adult family members with children and adults who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind.

October 5, 2023
Times: 11:30A - 1:00P or 6:30P - 8:00P (Central Time)

Join us in exploring ways families can bring Orientation & Mobility into daily life. This session is for every family - all ages and abilities. During our time together
we’ll chat about: Home and school connections, "Common ground"
activity ideas for the whole family, White Cane Day opportunities.

ASL Interpreting for the 11:30A - 1:00P Gathering!
Spanish interpreting for the 6:30P - 8:00P Gathering!

Register here: https://www.tsbvi.edu/statewide-resources/engagement/family/recharge

Start With Hello Week activities are happening on campus! Start With Hello Week brings attention to the problem of social isolation in schools and empowers young people to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school and community. TSBVI students will participate in various fun activities this week to help strengthen friendships and connectedness.

Start With Hello Week is organized by Sandy Hook Promise, a national nonprofit led by family members whose loved ones were killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. They are focused on preventing various forms of violence by educating youth on mental health and wellness programs that identify, intervene, and help at-risk individuals.

October Coffee Hours are all about Orientation and Mobility

October 2nd: Family on the Move
Presenter: Heather Withrow
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40843

October 16th: Traveling to Transition and Beyond - OM for Ages 15-64
Presenter: Andrew Bernet
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40892

October 23rd: Sound Travels: A Collection of Tools to Support Collaboration in O&M for Students who are Deafblind
Presenters: Kaycee Bennett, Edgenie Bellah, & Rachel Collins
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40841

October 30th: Early Childhood O&M - Lessons and Activities for Preschoolers
Presenter: Mary Shore
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40894

[image of 2 people, coffee, coffee cup and text that says 'Coffee Hour with TSBVI Mondays at 3:00pm Central Time. Find Registration at tsbvi.edu/events ACVREP and SBEC credit available']

Students vying for Student Council leadership roles stepped up to the podium to make their case to the student body.

Students visited with distinguished guest author Chris Barton today. Mr. Barton described his creative writing process and the journey he took to become a published author. After the seminar, the students went to the library to fill out their application for the Texas Talking Book Program.

Thank you LRC Director, Renee Toy, and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for this inspiring event!

The Spinrockers, Devin Gutiérrez and Mary Rose Bushland, backed up by the TSBVI Choir and legendary musician Marcus Cardwell, will debut their new song titled: "Just Can't Stop this Groovin" at White Cane Day.

Join the White Cane Day celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 18., from 9am to 2pm on the TSBVI campus.

Visit https://whitecaneday.org/ for more information.

🌟 Calling all TSVI educators! 🌟
Discover the new Braillenote Touch+ Bridge Course Tailored for inclusive teaching
🔹 Master the Touch+: Unleash its potential, from unboxing to advanced features
🔹 Seamless Integration: Elevate your students' learning with navigation, docs, math, and more
🔹 Empowerment in Education: Join our interactive course, equip yourself to support student success
Enroll now for an accessible education revolution!

Find more information and registration at: https://www.tsbvi.edu/statewide-resources/professional-development/online-learning?k=&t=566

Online Learning This page lists all TSBVI e-learning courses currently available for professionals, paraprofessionals, and family members.

We have a new page on our website called the "Media Minute!" https://www.tsbvi.edu/campus-resources/media-minute Visit it to read blog posts about TSBVI programming that incorporates media from recent and historical times curated by our campus Archivist, Suzanne Becker. Current posts feature TSBVI's horticulture and animal care programs. Future posts will highlight yoga, performing arts, anatomy of the eye lessons, Residential Department Hobby Hour, fitness, and fine arts. New posts will be added monthly, giving an in-depth view into instruction across the Comprehensive, Short Term, and Outreach Departments. Check back frequently!

Image of the "Media Minute" banner under "Campus Resources" on the TSBVI website.

Horticulture post: https://www.tsbvi.edu/about/announcements/blog/media-minute-gardening-and-horticulture

Animal Care post: https://www.tsbvi.edu/about/announcements/blog/media-minute-animal-care

This Thursday, students will meet distinguished guest author Chris Barton in the Learning Resource Center (LRC). LRC Director, Renee Toy, organized this event in conjunction with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission as part of their Texas Talking Book Program. Students will get the opportunity to register for the Texas Talking Book program after meeting Mr. Barton.

Chris Barton is the author of picture books including bestseller Shark vs. Train, Sibert Honor-winning The Day-Glo Brothers, and Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions. His newest books include Glitter Everywhere! Where It Came From, Where It’s Found & Where It’s Going (2023) and Moving Forward (an SLJ Best Book of 2022). Other recent titles include How to Make a Book (About My Dog) and Fire Truck vs. Dragon.

Save the date! Attend White Cane Day on Wednesday, Oct. 18., 9am to 2pm on the TSBVI campus.

Schedule of Events and Activities:

- March to campus begins at 9:00AM

- Black’s BBQ served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

- Rides, Rock Climbing Wall, Petting zoo

- Bookmobile

- Firetruck

- Java Ice

- Army Marching Band

- Bonzo the Clown

- DJ Mix Doctor and Dancing

- HEB Cookies, Drinks, and Snacks

- Sensitivity Dome for a Quiet Space

- Cooling Center with Chairs and H2O

- Vendors from all over Texas

- Flu shots and booster shots from the Health Dept.

- K*T interviews

- Dog Guides from San Antonio

Visit: whitecaneday.org for a full schedule of events

50 years ago today an extraordinary Orientation and Mobility instructor named Burnsteen "Bernie" Smith started working with TSBVI students. Her five decade commitment to the students at TSBVI is unmatched. Bernie we deeply appreciate your service to TSBVI and look forward to many more years to come.

Fun facts from 1973:
- The first handheld cellular phone call was made
- Televised hearings of the Watergate scandal began in the Senate
- Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes and became a Triple Crown winner
- The film American Graffiti was released

At TSBVI, we're thrilled to share an extraordinary partnership with the local non-profit organization VT Seva Austin. Together, we're embarking on an exciting journey to create an innovative "Real Voice" audio book listening space for our students.

Phase One Success:
Thanks to the unwavering dedication of VT Seva's student volunteers, the first phase of our project is nearly complete, with over 100 books recorded! The commitment and passion of these young volunteers are truly inspiring.

But our journey is far from over. We're now entering the second phase, where VT Seva is crafting a cutting-edge listening area for our students. This space is taking shape with tactually rich furniture, plush carpeting, and state-of-the-art lighting. It's designed to offer a comfortable and accessible environment for TSBVI students to explore the audio book catalog mentioned above. Students will have the opportunity to access these audio books through purpose-built audio players or by simply sitting beneath the canopy of the latest sound dome technology.

VT Seva's service to the community and deep business relationships both locally and internationally, have attracted generous contributions to the "Real Voice" listening space project from partners like General Motors ($20,000 grant) and Journeyman Group (Complimentary design and construction of the listening space). TSBVI thanks both organizations for their support of the project.

A Visit from VT Seva CEO:
It was an honor to welcome VTSWORLD CEO, Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami Ji, all the way from India to our TSBVI campus. His visit was accompanied by a generous $30,000 donation, a testament to his extensive experience in operating schools for the blind in India. Swami Ji encourages continued collaboration between both organizations and their students.

We are deeply thankful for the support of VT Seva volunteers and eagerly anticipate the continued success of this collaboration and the completion of the "Real Voice" audio book listening space. Keep an eye out for updates as we work hand in hand to provide our students with an environment where they can truly flourish in their love for literature.

Student leaders attended the first student council meeting to discuss proposed activities for the campus. The students also learned about how to prepare for the upcoming election of student officers.

Tech Tea Time for September is following the theme of SpEd considerations for students who a blind or low vision. See the great session topics below!

Sept 14th: Legal Overview-504 with Lorna Salgado and Jessica Garrett
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40772

Sept 21st: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with Luiz Perez
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40774

Sept 28th: Assessment--Tx 4 Step and the Multidisciplinary Team Approach with Anita Swanson
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40815

[ID: flyer showing image of deconstructed teapot and the text: Tec Tea Time talk tech with teachers and paraprofessionals. Every Thursday at 3:00pm Central Time]

September Coffee Hours are all about the Law.

***A special note***
How many of us get frustrated because we feel like our supervisors don't really understand what it is we do? Make sure to share the September 11th session with your administrators so they can join and learn what it is you do and how best to support you!!

Sept 11th: Supervising Teachers of Students with Visual Impairment? This Coffee Hour Is for You with Emily Coleman
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40833

Sept 18th: Don't Build Your House on the Sand: IEPs, PLAAFPs and Goals with Kate Borg
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40835

Sept 25th: IFSP Meetings Are Not ARDs/IEPs for Babies with Mari Hubig
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40837

[image of 2 people, coffee, coffee cup and text that says 'Coffee Hour with TSBVI Mondays at 3:00 pm Central Time Find registration at tsbvi.edu/events ACVREP and SBEC credit available']

https://conta.cc/3sAK12w

New Course Announcement - JAWS for Students and Teachers On Campus Weekend Course Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired JAWS for Students and Teachers Dates: November 9-12, 2023 Location: On TSBVI campus Grades: 5-8 Does your student need to boos

Four outstanding TSBVI employees received national recognition by the Principals of School for the Blind (POSB). Congratulations!

Outstanding Teacher of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Craig Edgley

Outstanding Teacher of Students who are Blind with Additional Disabilities
Kristine Seljenes

Outstanding Paraprofessional
Brittany Francis

Outstanding Related Services Provider
Bernie Smith

Texas SenseAbilities, TSBVI's online magazine, is excited to announce that a SPECIAL issue has been posted on our website:
TX SenseAbilities - 2023 Special Issue on Family Engagement: Lessons Learned From Our Families.

Click https://www.tsbvi.edu/tx-senseabilities to read about an important new initiative, The Value of Family Engagement: Identifying Unique Needs and Priorities of Families with Children Who Are Deaf-Blind, which is a call-to-action for the families of ALL children with disabilities.

[black and white image shows a family with their child. Each parent is kissing him on the cheek]

Volunteers from The Junior League of Austin (JLA) are back on campus to record audio books for our students. TSBVI has been the beneficiary of numerous JLA grants over the years and their support allows our students to have access to new books and a growing collection of audio books.

Thank you JLA Project Chair, Meaghan Lisman for helping to coordinate these wonderful volunteers!

Family Recharge Zone from TSBVI Outreach: Three Ways Families Can Get a Strong Start to the School Year

1. Learn how to build collaborative relationships with everyone on your child’s school team, including the transportation and cafeteria team.

2. Discover how to proactively and quickly share your child’s story and learn tips to help new staff feel more confident in interacting with them.

3. Gather tips for organizing all your information, including the evaluations, IEP, and your child’s portfolio.

Adult family members with children and adults who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind (combined vision and hearing loss): Join us as we continue to learn about the power of family stories, both for our individual families and for our communities.
Dates & Times: September 7, 2023, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM or 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Central Time)

Zoom link for our September Gathering, please visit
https://tsbvi.zoom.us/j/93216587186

ASL Interpreting for the 11:30-1:00 Gathering!

Spanish Interpreting Available for the 6:30-8:00 Gathering!

Zach Seigel, Vice President of Large Programming for the UT Interfraternity Council at Texas (IFC) visited the campus to meet the students and staff. He also delivered a $10K donation to support the Texas Deafblind Project!

TSBVI Outreach staff members, Heather Withrow and Rachel Collins, who both work on the Texas Deafblind Project accepted the generous donation.

The UT Austin IFC hosts a 7,000 person music event in which fraternity and sorority houses serve as music venues. The proceeds for this event are donated to local charities and nonprofit organizations.

Thank you Texas IFC.

On their first day of school students used their lunch period to reconnect with old friends.

https://conta.cc/3KH1lcl

STAAR Test prep for Braille Readers Submit your referral today! Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Junior Access to Academic Skills STAAR Test Taking Strategies for Braille Readers September 10-15, 2023 Grades 6-8 Topics t

The staff fueled up on hotdogs, tacos, and snow cones today. The students will be back next week and we are ready to greet them.

Did you know that Coffee Hour is not our only beverage related weekly professional development opportunity? Did you know that this other fabulous offering focuses on all things related to Assistive Technology? We are excited to announce the continuation of last year's newest hit, Tech Tea Time!

Join us, every Thursday, at 3pm. We will be following the same monthly themes as Coffee Hour, so you will get a chance to dive even deeper into the monthly topic, but with an AT focus. See you there!

August 17: Caseload Tech
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40766

August 24: Rolling Out Tech in the Classroom
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40768

August 31: AT and the Team Approach
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40770

It's the most wonderful time of the year! With the start of the new school year, Coffee Hour is back and we are SO EXCITED for some changes that we've made. The biggest and most important change is that in order to provide higher quality professional development, we will be spending a month on each topic. This will give participants a chance to dive deep and put strategies into practice.

For your planning, here are the first semester topics...
August: Starting the Year
September: SpEd Law and IEPs
October: Orientation and Mobility
November: Active Learning
December: The ECC

ACVREP and PD credit is available. Registration for August is up and ready. Session titles and registration links are below. We look forward to seeing all of you this year!

8/14/23: Effective Itinerant Strategies
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40759

8/21/23: Complex Learners–Setting Up for a Successful School Year
Register: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40761

8/28/23: Let’s Be Real–Building and Maintaining Collaborative Relationships within the Team
https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?&session_id=40764

https://conta.cc/3s43YP3

Calling all Art Lovers! Submit your referral today! Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Elementary Independence Weekend: Fun with Art, Craft, & Fine Motor August 24-27, 2023 Grades 3-5 Specific topics for this w

Bernie Smith from the TSBVI O&M team was awarded a 50th anniversary service pin at the all-staff welcome back celebration. This is the first time that any employee has reached this milestone. The staff celebrated Bernie's achievement by playing a song on a kazoo and dancing.

Bernie we appreciate you and wish you many more years of service at TSBVI.

https://conta.cc/3s3mlna

2023-24 Referral is now open for Short-Term Programs at TSBVI! Request to Attend a Short-Term Programs Class by Submitting your referral today! Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Short-Term Programs 2023-24 School Year Referral Is Now Open! Short-Te

Superintendent Emily Coleman and CFO Ann Du discuss the 2023-24 budget with the TSBVI Board of Trustees.

This spring our students got to explore Waymo's fully autonomous vehicle on campus. Today, Waymo announced that Austin will be the fourth major ride-hail city!

We are thrilled that our students will experience a future with more transportation options for work and leisure. Waymo's acknowledgement of the need for more transportation option for the blind and visually impaired started a decade ago when Steve Mahan, who is legally blind, took the world’s first ride in a fully autonomous vehicle on public streets in Waymo’s Firefly prototype vehicle back in 2015.

https://waymo.com/blog/2023/08/waymo-one-heads-to-austin.html