VIDBE-Q Volume 65 Issue 4
Sue Glaser
Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision, Tampa, FL
Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired
sglaser@fimcvi.org
Despite the daily and often hourly reminders to socially distance during the
time of the COVID-19 pandemic, in many ways, students have had opportunities
to become socially closer. Maintaining a physical distance from one another is
crucial, but with all the options to communicate with friends, family, and peers
through the use of technology, socializing can feel closer than ever. Focusing on
being physically instead of socially distant can also assuage feelings of isolation
and being cut off from society. Working directly with students, families, and
teachers at the Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision (LBLV) in Tampa during
virtual and remote instruction has proven it is possible to maintain an adequate
physical distance while still maintaining close contact. The following social and
career skills lessons, strategies, and ideas created and implemented by teachers
from LBLV kept dozens of middle and high school students with visual
impairments from two districts of over 3000 square miles, engaged, interactive,
and socially close during virtual instruction for our Year-Round and Summer
Teaching Social and Career Skills from a Distance to Students with
Visual Impairments
