Week#5 - Reflections

    The  Week 5 material regarding the role of the teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) and the introduction to the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) has been packed with information. In comparison to the first time I experienced this material, back in the late 80's early 90's, where there wasn't really a formal name for the skills we were presenting, it's refreshing to have a clear way to describe what we do when we are working with the visually impaired and blind. Being a TVI is so much more than just adapting materials and teaching Braille. The Expanded Core Curriculum provides an excellent way to describe the skills our area of expertise encompasses. I truly appreciate that change as a better way to articulate my role as a professional. 
   
      I found it awkward to explain my role as a TVI in a video to an imaginary administrator. The reason being, I really don't enjoy watching myself or listening to my own voice. I might have done 10 takes just because of an unexpected background sound, (such as a dog barking, or plane flying overhead), or just thinking I didn't sound conversational enough. My worst take was trying to spit out all 9 areas of the ECC in two minutes. I'm positive I would have left an administrator confused had I gone that route. On the other hand, I truly appreciated how easy it was to do! If only all technology could work that simply. Hopefully, I will gain more comfort as I get more experience with this medium.

     I was finally able to speak with my mentor, Marielhi this week!  She currently works in the elementary school where I was one of the original TVI's working in the pre-k/ Kindergarten vision resource room. Flash forward 23 years and the program has expanded to three vision resource rooms with three TVIs that serve students with visual impairments from pre-k to fifth grade. I found it exciting to hear about how students with VI / blindness are being served through these resource rooms. Marielhi also works part-time at Central Florida Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired with adults in transition. I'm looking forward to hearing more about that program! I know that Marielhi is going to be a fantastic resource for understanding how this field has grown and developed.