Shows
A Sense of TexasTSBVI's Java JamCreating a greater sense of community and involving everyone is huge here at TSBVI and nothing shows that more than TSBVI's Java Jam. This weekly event featuring music and hospitality from students and staff, and draws folks from across our campus to enjoy the festivities and grab a beverage to keep them going for the rest of the day. We get the feeling this newly created campus gem is here to stay.
2026-02-0120 minA Sense of TexasHaunted House for the Blind at TSBVIBetter late than never, but in this episode we want to highlight the Haunted House at TSBVI, which has been resurrected this spooky season after taking a few years off. It's always a special opportunity to let the community create an inclusive fall event on our campus that we hope to keep going for years to come. Come along with Emily as she takes her turn through the haunted house and then hear from the students and staff who make the halloween magic happen.
2025-11-1515 min
A Sense of TexasWildcat Coffee Shop at TSBVIMost all of us need a cup of coffee to add that extra perk to the morning or get over the mid-afternoon slump, but not all of us are lucky enough to have highly trained baristas on hand to get a delicious cup of joe without leaving the office. Help us kick off the new year by letting us show you how we get our caffeine fix at TSBVI at the Wildcat Coffee Shop.
2025-10-0116 minA Sense of TexasEtiologiesUnderstanding why an individual is blind, deafblind, or has low vision is key to understanding how to get them the support and services they need, especially for students. We're so happy to have TSBVI Outreach consultants Kathi Garza and Rachel Collins join us to discuss 5 etiologies (and one bonus one!) and how recognizing these conditions can help improve outcomes across our student population.
2025-04-0129 minA Sense of TexasCurriculum at TSBVIAngela Wolf joins us to share updates to TSBVI's Curriculum and her experiences in education. TSBVI sells resources all over the world and to share an out-of-state perspective we share additional insight from Adam Wilton in Canada and Beth Peters in Iowa. You can check out resources mentioned at TSBVI's online store and in our Instructional Resource Library.
https://www.tsbvi.edu/store
https://www.tsbvi.edu/statewide-resources/instructional-resource-library
2025-03-0525 minA Sense of TexasTSBVI Cemetery PlotA lot of interesting things happen at TSBVI and it has a lot of assets you wouldn't imagine would be acquired by a school for the blind. But even we were surprised to hear from Ryan Dees at the City of Austin. He informed us that TSBVI purchased a cemetery lot in East Austin's Oakwood Cemetery in the 1870's that had fallen into disrepair. So come help us ring in the spooky season to learn more about this lot and how it came to be.
To take a walking tour of Austin cemeteries be sure to attend o...
2024-10-0120 minA Sense of TexasNew AdminWelcome back for another new season! TSBVI is a national and international leader in the education of students who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. When we make leadership changes it doesn’t just impact our students on campus, but it impacts the 11,000 students around the state of Texas and even outside of our state lines. Today we’re introducing you to our new Outreach Director, Erica Cairns, and our new Short-term/ Summer Program Principal, Dr. Eden Hagelman.
2024-09-0117 minA Sense of TexasThe Day to Day of a TSBVI StudentAfter a long and eventful school year some of us here at A Sense of Texas were seeking a much needed break. And just like every good superhero, the students participating in the Audio/Visual class here at TSBVI came to our rescue. To close out the school year the students have created an episode showing us what day-to-day life looks like for students, and how attending school here has helped them socially and academically. As a bonus we've also included some key moments from the recent TSBVI Graduation ceremony. Thanks so much for being a part of our...
2024-06-0115 minA Sense of TexasOnline AlgebraSolving for X is a pretty difficult challenge for most sighted students, so imagine learning algebra with a visual impairment? And add to that doing everything online? Well, lucky for our students in Texas we have TSBVI's very own John Rose here to save the day. John Rose and his students are joining us this week to discuss the TSBVI online algebra course and how it has helped them on their journey to becoming math experts.
For more information on the algebra course and the other great offerings visit the TSBVI Short Term Programs website.
2024-05-0118 minA Sense of TexasAccessibility and the EclipseOn April 8th a solar eclipse will cross North America with totality being visible from Mazatlan to Montreal. Here in Austin we're lucky enough to be in the path of totality and this presents the unique challenge of making the eclipse accessible to our student population. We speak with Allyson Bieryla, an astronomer from Harvard University, along with students and staff at TSBVI to learn how technologies new and old are being utilized to make the eclipse accessible to the blind and visually impaired community. Special thanks to David Schechter and the folks from CBS News for speaking with...
2024-04-0111 minA Sense of TexasTSBVI's EXIT ProgramPretty much everyone wants to do their best Peter Pan impersonation and never grow up, but unfortunately growing up is an inevitability for all of us, including our students here at TSBVI. Today we'll show you how Experiences in Transition (EXIT) helps our post-graduation students learn skills for everyday living as well as important job skills to help them contribute to society, and themselves, for years to come.
Click the link for more information on the EXIT Program and be sure to check out Wealthy Bee on Spotify to hear the full versions of her songs included in th...
2024-02-1521 minA Sense of TexasThe BIG Show at TSBVIAs a school for students with a wide range of abilities, inclusion is standard practice here at TSBVI. But one event that goes above and beyond is The Big Show. The Big Show is held twice a year and any student enrolled in a music class at TSBVI is welcome, and encouraged, to participate. From piano recitals to jazz ensembles with a little bit of mariachi thrown in, the holiday Big Show has it all. This month we're going to pull back the curtain on The Big Show and speak with the musicians cheering up your holiday, and the...
2024-01-1511 minA Sense of TexasUSABA Goalball Youth NationalsOne of our favorite events that we host on the TSBVI campus every other year is the USABA Goalball Youth Nationals tournament. This year was a banner year for us with a record 23 teams in attendance and the competition did not disappoint. With two gold medal games that went down to the wire, we were lucky to witness some top notch talent. The USABA national teams have a bright future ahead with athletes like these waiting in the wings.
2023-12-0118 minA Sense of TexasIntervenersStudents who are deafblind often are paired with an intervener to supply important information about their environment through interaction and communication. Every year, TSBVI Outreach offers an intervener team training on our campus to focus on these important professionals, which we highlighted here. In addition to the training, we spent time in a TSBVI classroom recording conversations from a typical morning with one of our deafblind students.
About the Intervener Team Training: https://www.tsbvi.edu/events/2023-introduction-to-the-intervener-team-model
TX Senseabilities Article: https://www.tsbvi.edu/tx-senseabilities/issues/tx-senseabilities-fall-winter-2014-issue/intervener-basics-myth-legend-and-reality
2023-11-0115 minA Sense of TexasCraig Edgley - TSBVIOur students always benefit from mentors and teachers who can identify with their disability so it's great to have Craig Edgley from TSBVI join us. Losing sight at a young age Craig has earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree so he's well aware of how to navigate the needs of blind and visually impaired students in an educational environment. We're so happy to have him here to share his experience and expertise.
2023-03-0130 minA Sense of TexasThe Blind History Lady (Peggy Chong)Peggy Chong, AKA The Blind History Lady, has taken it upon herself to document and explore lesser known historical figures who are blind. Today’s episode primarily focuses on Don Mahoney, however this is just the tip of the iceberg of knowledge that Peggy has accumulated over her impressive career.
Check out: https://theblindhistorylady.com/ to find out more.
Email: theblindhistorylady@gmail.com to join the monthly email list!
2023-01-1517 minA Sense of TexasTSBVI MakerSpace and Broadcast StudioOne of the biggest hurdles in teaching students with visual impairments is creating accessible learning environments for STEM and many software applications that are minimally accessible, like video and audio editing. Joining the podcast this week are Chris Correll and Sue O'Brien who are pioneering new curriculums in our TSBVI MakerSpace and Rosa M. Gonzales Center for Broadcast Communication to help bridge these gaps in learning.
Programming note: we will be on a break for the holiday and will return with another episode January 15th.
2022-12-1525 minA Sense of TexasGoalballAfter TSBVI recently competed in the U.S. National High school Goalball Championship, we thought it would be a great time for an episode about what goalball is and what it means to the players and anyone else supporting the sport. We will hear from Mark Gronquist, Tammy Reed and Zach Arambula- and be sure to stick around until the end to hear from pro athlete, Libby Daugherty!
2022-12-0126 minA Sense of TexasKassy Maloney - Allied IndependenceA few years ago, Kassy Maloney created an online space for Orientation and Mobility providers that has continued to grow. Her company, Allied Independence, provides professional development and resources to practitioners around the world. She highlights their programs and shares some of her own professional perspectives on our show.
Website: https://alliedindependenceonline.com
Kassy's Interview with Emily on her podcast "A Step Forward": https://alliedindependenceonline.com/astepforward/motherhood-propelled-first-female-superintendent-with-emily-coleman
2022-11-1523 minA Sense of TexasLee Sonnenberg - AERLee Sonnenberg shares his experiences as the newest Executive Director at the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, as well as his perspective as a parent of a child with a visual impairment. Be sure to stick around until the end where Kate Borg, President of the Texas AER and Outreach Director at TSBVI, shares more about TAER.
2022-11-0120 minA Sense of TexasPeter Tucic - HumanWarePeter Tucic is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Humanware. As a blind individual himself, he openly shares about his work and his upbringing. Be sure to stay on until the end when he provides solid takeaways for students who are blind and looking to be empowered.
For more information on HumanWare and their products visit https://www.humanware.com/en-usa/home
2022-10-1532 minA Sense of TexasPollyThe American Printing House for the Blind has partnered with Thinkerbell to create a new Braille teaching tool and learning device titled, "Polly." Shivam Agarwal and Donna McClure-Rogers tell us about the device, the intended outcomes, and the many ways it will positively impact a student's education and independence. To find out more and join the "Polly" wait list please visit https://www.aph.org/polly-wait-list/.
2022-10-0128 minA Sense of TexasNew Season, New SongGoing into our 5th season and our 81st (!!!!) episode we thought it was time to mix things up a bit. Last year we tasked on campus musical masterminds the Semi-Modulars with creating a new theme for our show and we're so happy to share it with you for the first time. We talk with band members Brandon, Destiny, Heather, Joel, and their fearless leader Daniel Butler about the creative process and how they came up with the new song.
We love the Semi-Modulars here at A Sense of Texas and hope you do too. To check out...
2022-09-1513 min
The TASP Talks PodcastEp 33 - TSBVI with Emily ColemanChris and Brook spend a little time learning about blindness and visual impairments from Emily Coleman, Superintendent of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI).
Check out Emily on the TSBVI podcast A Sense of Texas
Information about White Cane Day here
Got a question or comment? reach us at podcast@txasp.org
Intro/Outro Music by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
2022-07-1300 minA Sense of TexasDr. Michele McDonnall - NRTCWith graduations happening all around the country it's an important time to think about the skills our students are taking with them as they transition to adulthood. We thought this was the perfect time to bring on Dr. Michele McDonnall from the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision to talk about the work they do to help people with blindness and low vision get into the workforce.
For more information on the NRTC please visit their website at https://www.blind.msstate.edu/
Also, with graduations upon us that means we're...
2022-06-0127 minA Sense of TexasBirdabilityVirginia Rose, Founder and President of Birdability, along with Freya McGregor, Director of programs and outreach, and an occupational therapist, discuss the group's goals and their personal journeys that led them to birding.
Through education, outreach and advocacy, Birdability works to ensure the birding community and the outdoors are welcoming, inclusive, safe and accessible for everybody.
2022-05-1526 minA Sense of TexasSCASB 2022TSBVI competes in athletics and performing arts with other schools for the blind in Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Louisiana through the South Central Association Schools for the Blind. As we just wrapped up our annual track and performing arts event, we wanted to debrief with one of our Athletic Directors, Coaches, and two of our Senior female athletes.
2022-05-0121 minA Sense of TexasDr. Rona PogrundDr. Rona Pogrund is the Coordinator of Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments Program in the Department of Special Education, College of Education at Texas Tech University. She provides instruction, mentoring, and guidance to those seeking to become a teacher of students who are visually impaired (TSVI) and those working on a Masters or Doctorate degree in our field. Her 49 years in blindness education make her an expert in teacher training, professional engagement, and all the things that make our profession great.
2022-04-1532 minA Sense of TexasMike Hudson - APH MuseumHousing one of the foremost collections of materials and technology used to advance the education of blind, low vision and, Deafblind people in the world, the Museum at the American Printing House for the Blind is showing how the contributions of the past can create better outcomes in the future. APH Museum director Mike Hudson is here to tell us about some of the exhibits on display at the museum and what they have planned for the future.
To find out more about the museum go to https://aphmuseum.org/ to plan your visit.
2022-04-0130 minA Sense of TexasMarnee LoftinWhen evaluating a student to determine eligibility for special education and to develop an educational plan, it's critical to take into account a student's accommodations specific to their visual impairment. Marnee Loftin has been a leader in this work for quite some time. We're lucky to have her on the podcast.
Here ares some links to many other great resources available online:
Additional podcasts to check out:
https://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/258-assessment-with-visually-impaired-kids-part-1-w-dr-carol-evans-marnee-loftin-dr-terese-pawletko-may-nguyen-and-stephanie-herlich/
https://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/260-assessment-with-visually-impaired-kids-part-2-w-dr-carol-evans-marnee-loftin-dr-terese-pawletko-may-nguyen-and-stephanie-herlich/
Video Resource from Improving Literacy:
https://improvingliteracy.org...
2022-03-1521 minA Sense of TexasMatt Schultz - TSBVI Residential ProgramSome 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.
2022-03-0140 minA Sense of TexasPlanning Behavior Intervention - Part 2Our 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
2022-02-1524 minA Sense of TexasPlanning Behavior InterventionLynne 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
2022-02-0123 minA Sense of TexasMonique ColemanMonique 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
2022-01-1537 minA Sense of TexasPaul Olson - Bill of RightsFamilies 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://ae...
2021-12-1527 minA Sense of TexasDr. Cary Supalo
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.
2021-12-0128 minA Sense of TexasFamily EngagementIn 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.
2021-11-1535 minA Sense of TexasTSBVI Family LynxFew 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.
2021-11-0130 minA Sense of TexasJeff Molzow - White Cane DayJeff 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...
2021-10-1525 minA Sense of TexasDr. Rosy Carranza -Teacher of TomorrowDr. 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
2021-10-0132 minA Sense of TexasTSBVI & Texas FolklifeWelcome back from the break! Just like you, we're slowly working our way back into the flow of the new school year. Today we're going to share with you a great collaboration some of our students participated in over the summer with Texas Folklife and their Stories from Deep in the Heart podcast series. Today you'll hear stories about Texas barbecue, haunted hotels, and the dark history of the famous moon towers throughout town.
Visit https://texasfolklife.org/ to learn more about Texas Folklife and to hear more from the Stories from Deep in the Heart podcast s...
2021-09-0130 minA Sense of TexasGetting in Touch With Literacy - Part 2This episode we welcome back Dr. Cay Holbrook and Janie Blome, founders of the Getting Touch With Literacy conference. On the last episode they talked about the history of GITWL as well as how they are preparing to say farewell to the conference this December. This time we let them step up on the soapbox to discuss all things conference and blind education.
The Getting In Touch With Literacy conference will be held December 1-4, 2021 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. For more information on the conference visit http://www.gettingintouchwithliteracy.org/ and register now! If y...
2021-06-1525 minA Sense of TexasGetting in Touch With Literacy - Part 1One thing we have all missed during the last 15 months has been the brainstorming and social interaction that come out of attending conferences in person. Helping us get back into the groove is one of our favorite conferences, Getting in Touch With Literacy. Joining us this week are founders of Getting in Touch With Literacy, Dr. Cay Holbrook and Janie Blome. They'll discuss the history of GITWL as well as how they are preparing to say farewell to the conference this December. They had so many things to say that we had to make this a two part episode...
2021-06-0128 minA Sense of TexasPat Pound - ActivismTSBVI Low Vision Specialist Dr. Cindy Bachofer guest-hosts this episode and speaks to her good friend Pat Pound, former director of Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, Vice Chair on the National Council on Disability, director of the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, and longtime activist in the field of disability rights. Pat brings a wealth of knowledge about the work needed to bring about advances on the local, state, and federal level going back to the 1970s, leading up to the passage of the ADA and beyond. She continues her work even in retirement with Open Doors Organization...
2021-05-1522 minA Sense of TexasPaths to Literacy - Charlotte CushmanTSBVI is proud to have been one of the founders of one of the more indispensable resources for parents and teachers alike: Paths to Literacy. Emily speaks with Charlotte Cushman of Perkins and TSBVI- and then we hear from Cyral Miller, former Outreach Director at TSBVI- about the origins of the service and what it means to makers and users alike
2021-05-0124 minA Sense of TexasSuperintendent Roundtable Episode TwoBack for our second dose are Robert Hair from Maryland School for the Blind; Gina Ouellette from the California School for the Blind; and Scott McCallum from the Washington State School for the Blind to discuss the positive things we have learned about educating blind and visually impaired students during the pandemic and the things they are most looking forward to as we slowly move into the "new normal."
2021-04-1530 minA Sense of TexasSuperintendent Roundtable - Episode OneWhile the pandemic has affected everyone in some way it hasn't affected everyone in the same way. Joining us this week we have asked superintendents Robert Hair from Maryland School for the Blind; Gina Ouellette from the California School for the Blind; and Scott McCallum from the Washington State School for the Blind who, along with our own Emily Coleman, will talk about safety, remote learning and how vaccines are changing the way we educate blind and visually impaired students across the country.
These effusive educators had so much to say this episode requires a booster. Join...
2021-04-0124 minA Sense of TexasJill Robbins-Silver: Audio Description for TheaterWith the proliferation of streaming media- especially over the last year- many have become familiar with the audio describing services that companies make available for their visually impaired audiences. But- in a time and place when gathering in crowds is not a public health problem- the same applies to live theater (and some places you may never have thought about before). Jill Robbins-Silver joins Emily for a discussion about how she got into the line of work, its uses and procedures, and the value it brings to so many cultural experiences.
Links mentioned in this episode:
2021-03-1525 minA Sense of TexasDr. Kirk Adams - AFBIn 1921 the American Foundation for the Blind was created to expand opportunities and access for people with vision loss. This week we're so lucky to have AFB President and CEO Dr. Kirk Adams joining us to talk about the history of the foundation, how they're celebrating their centennial and how they plan to use the next 100 years to expand opportunities for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.
For more information on the American Foundation for the Blind visit https://www.afb.org/.
2021-03-0127 minA Sense of TexasPaul Schroeder - Public Advocacy and APHPaul Schroeder heads up the American Printing House for the Blind's efforts in government affairs in his new position at that venerated organization. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience dating back to the earlier days of government advocacy which found him on the White House lawn for the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. He speaks with Emily today about some of those experiences and how we can better advocate for our students and children in this changing world.
Links referenced in this episode:
American Printing House f...
2021-02-1525 minA Sense of TexasApril Love - The Oregon ProjectAlmost all of us who have worked with visually impaired students in early childhood know about the Oregon Project. Created in the 70's by Mark Moskowitz the OR Project is a great tool for parents, teachers, vision specialists, and counselors. April Love from the Southern Oregon Education District and home to the Oregon Project joins us this week to tell us all about it. Also, TSBVI Curriculum Director Debra Sewell comes along to tell us about how we use the Oregon Project here in Texas.
To find out more about the Oregon Project visit https://www.soesd.k1...
2021-02-0127 minA Sense of TexasDr. Rachel Schles - Accurate Child CountingPerhaps the most important factor in providing services to our students with visual impairment or who are Deafblind is knowing how many of them there are in a given state or district. This duty falls to state education departments down to the most local level. Texas has its own particular way of gathering this information and is currently in the midst of its Registration of Students with Visual Impairment and the Deafblind Child Count. In this episode, Emily speaks with Vanderbilt University's Dr. Rachel Schles, the recipient of the DVIDB Deborah D. Hatton Dissertation of 2021 Award. Dr. Schles has...
2021-01-1530 minA Sense of TexasEmily Gibbs - NFB of Texas2021 will hopefully bring a return to some form of normalcy but some things we learned in 2020 will help us become better educators going forward. Emily Gibbs of NFB (National Federation of the Blind) Texas joins us to discuss some of the innovative ideas, and some of the challenges, in helping students across Texas access the resources they need during a global pandemic.
If you'd like more information on NFB Texas please visit their website https://nfbtx.org/ or the Texas Parents of Blind Children facebook group.
2021-01-0117 minA Sense of TexasA TSBVI Holiday Special"Our regularly scheduled program will not be seen so that we may bring you the following special presentation."
It's been a year, hasn't it?
As we go into winter break and recollect, reassess, and recharge ourselves for another year we thought nothing would be better than to say what they used to say almost every night back when TVs were square and there were only three or four channels. After a year of lockdowns, cancellations, reschedulings, emergency protocols, and working tirelessly to maintain, let's put our 2020 to bed with a holiday special.
2020-12-1517 minA Sense of TexasOur 50th Episode!Oh wow, can you believe it? 50 episodes!?!?! Me either. For this momentous occasion we decided to kick back and relax at the TSBVI pavilion where Outreach Director Kate Borg asks Emily about the blessings and challenges of our first 50 episodes and what we have planned for the future. We like it so much we think we'll make another 50. I sure hope you'll join us.
2020-12-0124 minA Sense of TexasRobbin Clark - The ECC and 21st Century TeachingTSBVI Outreach Director takes over the controls again this time to talk to her colleague and friend Robbin Clark from(among many places) the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind about the value and power of the Expanded Core Curriculum. She delves into the challenges of being a teacher for 21st century learners and how we can meet the mandate set out by The National Agenda.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
9 More Than Core on Faceboo
9 More Than Core on Instagram
Robbin's Blog
2020-11-1525 minA Sense of TexasDr. Penny Rosenblum - Access and EngagementCovid-19 has created changes in all our lives in one way or another. Often forcing us to learn new ways to accomplish tasks that felt mundane in February. This has definitely made professionals in the field of visual impairment adapt to how we provide service to our students. Dr. Penny Rosenblum from the American Foundation for the Blind joins the podcast to discuss the Access and Engagement survey and how it is helping us learn the impact of covid-19 on our students, families, and professionals and how we can use this information as a tool to provide better services...
2020-11-0126 minA Sense of TexasVocational Rehab at a DistanceThis month we share a fact-finding interview held by the TSBVI IR department discussing the our experiences over the summer running two of the school's flagship vocational rehab programs: SWEAT and WALIC. Our instructors Carlotta Binns and Laurel Taylor give us some background on these programs, the challenges remote instruction has presented them, and how they worked to overcome them going into the regular school schedule.
2020-10-1521 minA Sense of TexasEarly Childhood InterventionIt's often hard to track how a toddler is developing but if you suspect there is a problem getting them help early can vastly improve outcomes. Guest host Kate Borg, TSBVI Outreach Director, joins the podcast this week with TSBVI Outreach Consultants Kathi Garza, Deanna Peterson, and Mary Shore to discuss ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) and how it's helping toddlers with visual impairments achieve milestones in early development.
For more information on Early Childhood Intervention:
https://hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services
https://www.tsbvi.edu/outreach
2020-10-0129 minA Sense of TexasJake Koch - Guide DogsGuide dogs are one of the best- and most widely known- resources for people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence in transportation and mobility, but they are often misunderstood. The amount of work that goes into getting a dog ready for service and the skills needed by the prospective user of the service are enormous. Jake Koch has expansive knowledge of these service animals and works at Guide Dogs for the Blind to get service dogs working for people who need them. Afterward, TSBVI's Lisa Calaci talks to us about student experience with service animals.
2020-09-1528 minA Sense of TexasThe Semi-ModularsOne of the most challenging and fun parts of teaching students in a residential school is extracurricular activities. These activities are essential to helping our students gain important social skills and to help fill the time on campus they aren't spending in the classroom. TSBVI Residential Instructor Dan Butler joins us to talk about The Semi-Modulars, a student music group born from his idea of using tactile synthesizers to help kids learn about music and sound design. We also hear from a member of The Semi-Modulars, Graham, about how the group has helped him tackle challenges in his own...
2020-09-0134 minA Sense of TexasTSBVI Reopening PlansThis episode is getting uploaded a little later than usual so that we could ensure the accuracy of the information inside. As of the morning of August 15, 2020, these are up-to-date. But given the shifting nature of information, we will strive to keep this updated if anything changes.
Emily, Sally Freeman, and Daniel Wheeler speak about the current plans to reopen the school and what safety protocols and equipment is in place. Emily speaks on the school as a whole, Sally on the Health Center perspective, and Daniel on the technological challenges and opportunities brought about by this cri...
2020-08-1530 minA Sense of TexasChris Tabb - O&M at a DistanceAt the very least, Spring 2020 saw school systems scrambling to maintain their educational mandate for their students. Few experienced the challenges of distance learning more than those who teach O&M, the most physically contacted part of education for those who are blind or visually impaired. We are fortunate to have specialists like Chris Tabb, formerly of TSBVI and currently of Maryland School for the Blind (though stay tuned for an update on that), in the field to bring their curiosity and voracious appetite for information to the rescue.
Chris presented some of his insights t...
2020-08-0125 minA Sense of TexasSpecial Episode: Barbara MilesBarbara Miles has been a leader in the field of DeafBlind education for as long as we can remember. Before her recent retirement she hosted a workshop at TSBVI and was kind enough to sit down with our own Matt Schultz and Chris Montgomery to talk about communication and building relationships with our students and what she hopes to see in the field of DeafBlind education going forward.
2020-07-1521 minA Sense of TexasSpecial Episode: Person First LanguageBetween given names, nicknames, and any number of adjectives used to describe yourself, language will always be an important part of how people identify themselves. In this episode we bring in our resident linguist Doug Bigham to discuss some context of person first versus identity first language and how it has been used in marginalized communities. We will also share perspectives from past interviews with Adam Wilton, Neva Fairchild, and Greg Stilson to discuss how educators and people with visual impairments are using person first or identity first language to describe themselves and the people in the communities they...
2020-07-0129 minA Sense of TexasBruce McClanahan Live!This is the recording of our first live episode on June 5th. Assistive Technology Guru Bruce McClanahan joined Emily for a discussion on the past, present, and future of assistive technology and to trade insights from their years in the field. If you'd like more information or access to Bruce's copious resources, you can find that here.
2020-06-1524 minA Sense of TexasLive Sense of Texas Episode Coming This Friday!This is not an episode. It's a teaser for our first LIVE episode this Friday, June 5th at 1PM eastern time. Emily will sit down (virtually) with assistive technology expert and legend Bruce McClanahan for a discussion on all things assistive and remote tech. We hope you'll be in the audience and will contribute your own questions and conversation during the episode. There's more info in the teaser.
The link to the LIVE episode's Zoom room.
See you on Friday!
2020-06-0102 minA Sense of TexasNeva Fairchild - AFBThe impact of becoming blind as an adult isn't often on the minds of educators working mostly with children who are blind or visually impaired. Helping adults learn the skills needed to live and work with their disability is an important part of educating all individuals with vision loss. Neva Fairchild, National Aging and Vision Loss specialist with American Foundation for the Blind, joins the podcast this week to discuss how AFB is helping individuals who become blind later and shares some of her own journey as a person who is blind.
2020-05-1528 minA Sense of TexasChrissy Cowan & Cyral Miller - Mentor Programs Part 2In March, Chrissy and Cyral told us about the origins and operations of the Texas Mentor Programs with special attention on the experience of the mentee. Now they return to focus on the experience of the mentors and speak about their work helping other states set up programs for their own teachers. Afterwards, one of the alumnus of the program Pam Parker, Outreach Director for the Washington State School for the Blind (and one of Emily's mentors), joins us to offer her perspective on the Texas program as an out-of-state professional and program participant.
All of us at...
2020-05-0121 minA Sense of TexasDr. Yue-Ting Siu - Accessibility and Remote InstructionThe Covid-19 pandemic caught many systems and individuals by surprise, causing many to scramble for solutions to daily-changing circumstances. As one state’s school districts after another closed schools and delayed student return, many teaching professionals found themselves working fast and improvising in order to keep lessons making it to their students. These challenges are especially acute for special education teachers.
One person inordinately prepared for a challenge such as this is Emily’s guest Dr. Yue-Ting Siu, a TVI and assistant professor in the Program for Visual Impairments in the Department of Special Education at San...
2020-04-1521 minA Sense of TexasGreg Stilson - APHGreg Stilson joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a blind programmer in the private sector and how APH is positioning themselves as a global innovator in the field of assistive technology.
2020-04-0125 minA Sense of TexasChrissy Cowan & Cyral Miller - Mentor ProgramsSometimes a new TVI or COMS (or one in training) find themselves in an area with a small support system. In a state the size of Texas, this can happen more often than not as many school districts are far-flung and in isolated areas. Cyral and Chrissy join Emily to discuss the programs TSBVI Outreach instituted decades ago to address this issue and how they've kept it going and the improvements that have been made over time. This will be Part One of this discussion, which will conclude this time next month.
2020-03-1525 min
A Sense of TexasKathi Garza - NOAHTSBVI's own Kathi Garza joins the podcast to tell us how NOAH (National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation) provides opportunities for individuals with albinism to fellowship with one another and create an empowering environment for parents of children with albinism to learn more about the condition and how they can help their child lead rewarding lives. To provide a parents perspective on NOAH Sara Venn joins us via telephone from North Carolina.
2020-03-0132 minA Sense of TexasScott Baltisberger - Emotional LiteracyWhen a child resists being taught, what is the problem? Is it simply behavioral? Is is a failure of teaching skill? Emily speaks with TSBVI Outreach Consultant Scott Baltisberger about his recent article in TX SenseAbilities (TSBVI's newsletter) regarding some recent new understanding about what's necessary to create the right environment for learning to take place. It's both new and remarkably intuitive. After the interview, Ann Adkins- editor-in-chief of TX SenseAbilities- tells us more about the publication and how to get your own copies to read articles like Scott's.
www.tsbvi.edu/tx-senseabilities
2020-02-1529 minA Sense of TexasAdam Wilton - Services in CanadaWhile the United States and Canada are often viewed as very similar there are some distinct and interesting differences between how the two countries offer services to people who are blind and visually impaired. #LearnedGentleman Adam Wilton from the Provincial Resource Center for the Visually Impaired (PRCVI) in Vancouver, British Columbia joins us to discuss how services in Canada differ from those in the US and to explore many tangents with host Emily Coleman.
2020-02-0129 minA Sense of TexasSergio Oliva - The Braille InstituteJoin us on our first over-the-phone guest interview as Sergio Oliva, Associate Vice President of The Braille Institute's National and Youth Programs, joins Emily for a discussion of the programs the Institute promotes to aid blind students and digs into the heart-warming reasons and results of the annual Braille Challenge. Emily is then joined by a resident expert TSBVI student to give a kid-level report on the Challenge.
brailleinstitute.org
1-800-BRAILLE
2020-01-1529 minA Sense of TexasJim Meehan - Austin LighthouseAs we all know there are many obstacles standing in the way of employment for people who are blind and visually impaired. Jim Meehan, President and CEO of the Austin Lighthouse, is here to tell us how the Austin Lighthouse is breaking down some of those barriers and providing employment opportunities as well as a variety of other services for the visually impaired community in the Austin area. TSBVI transition expert Carlotta Binns also joins us to share her opinions about employment and some of her insights from touring one of Jim's facilities.
2020-01-0130 minA Sense of TexasEvan Hearn - An Outside PerspectiveEvan Hearn, a University of Texas at Austin journalism student, drives by the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and gets curious. It eventually leads to him creating his own podcast episode- spotlighting two of TSBVI's multi-talented students and the school's music education programs- which serves as the main course for our pre-holidays entry. We also invited Evan into the studio to tell his story about discovering and investigating the work TSBVI does and the students it benefits. As we wind into the holidays, this is a nice reminder that outreach happens all the time, even when...
2019-12-1528 minA Sense of TexasJanie Blome - AERAER Executive Director Janie Blome joins host Emily Coleman to discuss the importance of professional organizations and the future of AER. One of AER's offerings is an accreditation process and following Janie, TSBVI Outreach Director Kate Borg shares her experiences with this specific program.
2019-12-0128 minA Sense of TexasMichael Clinkscales - Student Health & Well BeingSchools for the blind are often responsible for more than sheer academics. We are responsible for the whole student; helping them navigate the world as well as textbooks. TSBVI Social Worker (and 27-year veteran of blind education) Michael Clinkscales joins Emily for a wide-ranging conversation on what brought a college student intent on teaching to taking on social work for a school for the blind, the challenges and rewards of the work, and some energizing new teaching methods on the horizon. TSBVI Instructor John Rose joins us for the expert segment to discuss one of those new methods: the Unh...
2019-11-1524 minA Sense of TexasJohn Ravenscroft - CVIDr. John Ravenscroft brings our first international perspective to the podcast to discuss brain based visual impairment (CVI, NIVI) as well as how proper research is helping practitioners in the field achieve better results for our kids. Sara Kitchen from TSBVI Outreach also joins us to show how TVI's and the Texas Sensory Support Network are helping kids with CVI right here at home.
2019-11-0128 minA Sense of TexasNorma Crosby - NFBThe National Federation of the Blind is one of the best known entities in blind services nationwide. But as with many things we think we know, there's always so much more to learn about a subject. Norma Crosby, the president of the NFB of Texas, joins Emily to discuss the many things the organization has cooking and to talk about living the life she wants. Afterwards Emily speaks to a TSBVI student about navigating services on the ground level.
To contact organizations mentioned in this episode:
National Federation of the Blind of Texas
https://www...
2019-10-1524 minA Sense of Texas2019 Outreach Forum RoundtableBefore Emily transitioned from outreach director to superintendent, she attended the 2019 COSB Outreach Forum, which brings together professionals from all over the country to discuss the current state and future of outreach in blind education. She rounded up eight of her colleagues to join her in this roundtable discussion of the challenges and joys of the job. Joining Emily are:
Adrian Amandi, California School for the Blind
Tanya Armstrong, Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Julie Johnson, New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired...
2019-10-0126 minA Sense of TexasChris Montgomery - TDB PilotMany difficulties arise when teaching a student who is hard of hearing or who has a visual impairment. When you combine the two it brings up a whole new set of challenges that not many of us are trained to deal with. Chris Montgomery, DeafBlind Consultant from TSBVI Outreach, joins us today to discuss how the Teacher of Students who are DeafBlind (TDB) Pilot program could help create more positive outcomes for individuals who are DeafBlind in your classroom and beyond.
2019-09-1523 minA Sense of TexasKate Borg - TSBVI's New Outreach DirectorWelcome to A Sense of Kates! This episode features a conversation with Kate Borg, who has pulled up stakes in Utah to come to Austin to serve as the new outreach director at TSBVI-- the seat formerly held by our host, Emily Coleman. Afterwards, longtime TSBVI Outreach team member Kate Hurst joins us in the expert seat to share some insights into how the Texas department works, the kind of people it attracts, and the importance of its mission.
2019-09-0122 min
A Sense of TexasTSBVI's New SuperintendentA Sense of Texas began as a way for TSBVI's new Outreach Director to learn more about her new home and position. Now a plot twist has changed the game going forward. Join us as Guest Host and TSBVI Board Member Michael Garrett sits down to discuss the future with the school's new superintendent, Ms. Emily Coleman.
2019-08-1522 minA Sense of TexasSummer Episode: George Stern & Andrew Cohen at Texas DeafBlind Symposium 2017With the new school year not quite here but rapidly approaching we bring you another summer episode. Today we hear from George Stern and Andrew Cohen, two DeafBlind individuals who presented at the Texas DeafBlind Symposium in 2017. George discussed the importance of activity in his growth as a person who is DeafBlind and how we as educators can use activity to help our students feel involved both in and out of the classroom. Andrew brings to us information about the DeafBlind Camp of Texas. If you'd like to learn more about the DeafBlind Camp of Texas please visit their...
2019-08-0122 minA Sense of TexasSummer Episode: Mickey Damelio: Rec and LeisureWhile a critical part of the ECC, recreation and leisure often get put on the back burner to make more room for life and academic skills. But as Mickey Damelio, formerly of Florida State University, shared with us at Texas Focus 2016, it is incredibly important to instill knowledge about one's body and making that body move if our students are going to truly enjoy a long, healthy life. This is our second Summer Special episode where we step back from the usual format and bring you some information from the vaults, a little off our usual beaten path. We h...
2019-07-1529 minA Sense of TexasSummer Episode: Emily's Keynote AddressAs we move from the hustle and bustle of the school year into the summer time we will be taking a break from our regular format to bring you some special episodes. Emily came to us from Washington state and was the keynote speaker at the Pacific Northwest AER Conference in March this year. So grab your chaise lounge and enjoy excerpts from the address from our own Emily Coleman.
2019-07-0122 minA Sense of TexasDavid Wiley - TransitionsVery little is more critical than finding the route our students can use to move from the world of learning to the world of doing. Helping them discover the ways and means of how they will spend the rest of their lives is a singular and all-important task. TSBVI Outreach's David Wiley joins Emily to discuss what he's learned in over 30 years in the field and shares an exercise many have found helpful in focusing the work of getting a child from student to productive member of society. Afterwards, Emily talks to Gabby and Robbie Caldwell- a TSBVI student and...
2019-06-1524 minA Sense of TexasAmy Parker - CECBeing a member of a professional organization is important for many reasons and Dr. Amy Parker is going to explain why. She is the current lead for the Division on Visual Impairments and DeafBlindness (DVIDB) with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Another DVIDB Board member, TSBVI's own Adam Graves, joins us at the end to share his take on this important organization.
2019-06-0132 minA Sense of TexasRenee Toy - Summer ReadingAs the school year winds down, many of us start working on the pile of books we want to work through over the summer. Renee Toy, TSBVI's Learning Resource Director, joins Emily to discuss some of the exciting literacy programs the school has introduced and hands out plenty of recommendations to populate those reading lists. Afterwards, TSBVI Outreach Consultant Scott Baltisberger announces the premiere of an exciting new project the school is launching. Here is the project link: https://www.tsbvi.edu/publications/6025-tomas
Featured Reading Programs:
Bookshare - www.bookshare.org
Audiobook Syn...
2019-05-1529 minA Sense of TexasMatt Schultz - InteractionMatt Schultz from TSBVI Outreach joins the podcast to discuss interaction and the importance of building relationships and creating space for communication initiated by our students. Edgenie Bellah chimes in as our expert at the end to focus on the family perspective and the important, irreplaceable role they play in their child's life.
2019-05-0137 minA Sense of TexasDr. Cindy Bachofer - Low Vision StudentsPerhaps one of the most overlooked and least understood members of the blind population, low vision students face particular challenges as they navigate their lives. Dr. Bachofer, part of the TSBVI Outreach staff, has dedicated her life and education to the field, as well as being a person with low vision herself. Join Emily as she and Cindy take a deep dive into this fascinating subject. Our expert for this episode is TSBVI student Rey Garza, who will give us a peek into his life and accommodations and will offer some advice to teachers with low vision students.
2019-04-1532 minA Sense of TexasDr. Craig Meador - American Printing House for the Blind Part 2In our first two-parter, Craig Meador returns to tell us more about APH's expanded ambitions, how his personal leadership story developed, and some of the lessons his life's plot twists have taught him. TSBVI Superintendent Bill Daugherty drops by later to give us his observations on leadership.
2019-03-1523 minA Sense of TexasDebra Sewell - TSBVI CurriculumThe curriculum is the backbone of every successful classroom especially when teaching blind and visually impaired students. Debra Sewell, head of the Curriculum department at TSBVI, joins the podcast to discuss upcoming releases, bestsellers, and some hidden gems you may not know about, including a great collaboration with Chris Montgomery and Matt Schultz from the Outreach Department for students with DeafBlindness.
2019-03-0129 minA Sense of TexasTad Doezema - EXIT ProgramsEXIT Programs provides the critical bridge between academic education and making a space for our students and children in the real world. In this episode, we learn from both sides of the equation. Tad Doezema serves as an assistant principal for TSBVI EXIT Programs and Alexis Lugo is in her second year in the program.
2019-02-1528 minA Sense of TexasSara Merritt - Short Term ProgramsOften times our visually impaired and DeafBlind students just need the slightest little push to lead them to success in their home districts. Sara Merritt and Kathi Garza join the podcast this week to describe how Short Term Programs at TSBVI can provide the skills and confidence to help students in the home, classroom, and in everyday life.
2018-12-1533 minA Sense of TexasMiles Fain - Comprehensive ProgramsIt's easy to forget sometimes that with all of the activities and programs TSBVI develops and runs every year, in the end it's a public school with students showing up every day for an education. TSBVI Principal Miles Fain joins Emily to discuss the challenges and rewards of running a school for special needs students.
2018-12-0117 minA Sense of TexasCyral Miller - Outreach ProgramsOne outreach director to another. Emily interviews Cyral Miller, who created and ran the Outreach Department at TSBVI from its inception through her (semi) retirement this fall.
2018-10-3128 min