VIDBE-Q Volume 68 Issue 4
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friend, and encourager. I shared my ideas from when Liam was in preschool
through all his elementary years as "Liamsmom". It is fun to look back on my
blogs. It is like a journal documenting my son's literacy journey!
Because a TSVI believed in me, I learned braille and created accessible
books. Because a state DeafBlind Project Director supported me, I felt empowered
to share my ideas with others. Because staff surrounded me, I felt comforted in a
very difficult time in my life. Because a manager of an educational website
encouraged me, as a (then) single mom, I felt brave enough to go back to school
and to earn a master's degree to become a TSVI. They helped turn a very dark and
lonely time in my life, into a time of hope and triumph. Whatever you do, whatever
your part is in working with a student who is DeafBlind and their families, know
that you play an important role. The kind words, the encouragement, the times you
go the extra mile matters.
Some families and students that you serve have gone through incredibly hard
things. Unimaginable things. Sometimes their day-to-day lives are hard. The future
holds many unknowns that are tough and overwhelming. For families, the
educational journey can be very lonely and isolating. Sometimes you are the only
other adults the families may talk to. Letting them know you are there can mean
the world. Not every parent is going to want to go and make bins of books, learn
braille, and do all the things. It can be overwhelming. I remember being in the
