Technology as a Bridge for Students: A
TVI's Perspective
Shawn Passarieu, M.Ed., M.A.
Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments/Orientation and Mobility Specialist
San Diego County Office of Education/
North Coastal Consortium for Special Education Program for the Visually Impaired
spassarieu@sdcoe.net
One Friday after work, I stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things for dinner.
When the cashier asked how my day was going, I
told her that I was looking forward to the long
weekend after a busy week at school. Naturally,
she asked what grade I taught. Unbeknownst to
her, that was not an easy question to answer! I
always ponder this question - do I give her the
short and sweet answer, "I teach students between ages 3 and 22 who are visually impaired or
blind," or the longer, more descriptive answer?
There really isn't a short answer, in my
opinion, given that each student on my caseload
is so much more than merely a member of a particular grade level. Some are in general education
settings, perhaps also receiving specialized academic instruction or "pull out" services for braille
or technology. Some are in special day classes
with others who have moderate to severe disabilities, with "typical peer" interaction during lunch or
recess. Some are in classes for the medically
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