VIDBE-Q Volume 67 Issue 3
for pushing me to initiate this change and to Dr. Koehler for making it such a great
experience! We are a small rare group of educators that make such a huge impact
on our students and their families. I finished out the school year and started classes
that summer. Reality hit when a huge box of books and a Perkins Manual Braille
Writer arrived on my front porch. Classes were an overload with my already busy
life with 3 little kids at home. It was intense, but equally neat to learn. My kids
were also fascinated with the braille, so we learned how to braille each of their
names. As the work got harder my kids helped me make flashcards to practice.
Their interest and fascination continues to help spread more awareness. As they
grow up, it's my hope that they'll have a greater understanding and appreciation
for individuals that are blind or visually impaired.
Fast forward to the start of the 2021-2022 school year. I completed my first
braille class so hopefully I'll be able to read some of Brooklynn's work. Yay! The
first week back I began to set up my classroom. I started contacting my related
service staff to create schedules. I received a text from my TSVI to find out she
TOOK ANOTHER JOB! Wait, what?! It's okay, they already have a new possible
candidate! Guess what, she backed out. I know what you're thinking, it's not a big
deal. They'll find and hire another person soon. Relax! Except, the TSVI world is
such a small field. The reality of the situation hit when Dr. Koehler emailed me
about an open TSVI position at the Stark County ESC. She wanted to make sure I
