Know Where You Are
Part of guiding students along their paths involves orientation. The TSVI's
first priority in orientation is finding the beginning of the path, which means
identifying the AT that best fits the strengths and needs of each student on their
caseload. The TSVI orients the student to that AT, providing explicit explanations
and instruction, modeling, constructive feedback on the use of the AT, and
reinforcement of successful application of the AT in the student's daily life and
educational journey. Each student's journey will have twists, turns, and its own
seasons along the way. As the journey commences, the TSVI serves as a guide
who reminds the student how to remain oriented and on the path. As with any other
type of navigation, TSVIs must periodically re-orient themselves and their
students, making course corrections as needed. This can include learning new skills
on the AT device used by the student, switching methods and strategies on the
student's current AT, or changing AT to fit the student's needs and strengths that
were discovered during the re-orientation process along the journey. Facing the
myriad of possibilities may seem overwhelming at times, much like planning a trip
to somewhere new. It can help to remember that even as TSVIs balance short-term
and long-term goals, students do not need to be everywhere at once. Journeys take
time.