VIDBE-Q Volume 66 Issue 3
Through the coursework we were required to volunteer a significant number
of hours with people with visual impairments. I began spending my Sundays -the
only day I had off work and classes-with the Bay Area Outdoor and Recreation
Program enjoying outings and falling in love with the community. I caught the bug
and soon I was attending and completing my master's degree under Drs. Sandra
Rosen and Ting Siu. I was one of the rare people who was not employed in the
field as a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) nor as an orientation and mobility
specialist before completing my course work.
While working as a TVI, after having met Dr. Sandra Lewis twice at
conferences, I decided to apply to Florida State University (FSU). FSU has a long
standing reputation and has produced some excellent scholars alongside the many
working TVIs. As a non-traditional student with two decades of teaching
experience I felt lucky to have been given the chance to learn at FSU. I have been
fortunate to have been mentored by Dr. Lewis for the past two years, and that even
in retirement, she will continue as an integral part of my committee to assist with
all VI related aspects of my project.
The Grant
I have been a long-time member of the Council for Exceptional Children
(CEC). Once a member of the field of visual impairments I sought membership of
related professional organization. The Division of Visual impairment and
