Blindness Skills Specialist Program

Professional Development

A variety of professional Development opportunities are available for your staff. The main focus of all the professional development activities is to provide an opportunity for your district to understand the unique needs of students who have visual impairments.   The professional development opportunities could include:

1. On-site in-services or training for your staff members
2. Small group or individual meetings
3. Trainings provided through the Southeast RPDC

Sample trainings could include:

• Planning instruction in unique skill areas including independent living, social skills, and transition

• Planning programs for Early Childhood Education

• Acquisition of Literacy Skills for Braille and print readers

• Designing instruction in social studies, science or mathematics

• Designing instruction in art, music and physical education

• Use of Assistive Devices

• Orientation and Mobility Issues in the school environment

• The role and responsibilities of the Paraprofessional

• Functional vision screening of students with Multiple Disabilities

• Planning instruction for students with Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities

• What is the Expanded Core Curriculum for Students with a visual impairment?

• Educational and Functional Implications of Vision Loss

Classroom Assistance

Teachers may request one-on-one assistance from the Blind Skills Specialist to assist in designing and modifying instruction for students who are blind or visually impaired.  Call Jennifer K. Coy for details and to request a visit.

Scheduling Professional Development Opportunities

Professional Development opportunities can be scheduled through the Southeast RPDC.  For information about current trainings and dates, please contact the Southeast RPDC office at:

Office Phone: (573) 651-5161
web page: http://www6.semo.edu/blindskillsprogram
fax: (573) 651-2380

In addition to workshops listed on the Southeast RPDC calendar, you may contact the Blind Skills office to schedule an activity tailored to meet the needs of your local school district.  Please contact:

Jennifer K. Coy, Blind Skills Specialist 
Office Phone:  (573) 651-5077 or 1-800-401-6680 Ext. 4 (in Missouri only)
Email:  jcoy@semo.edu       
Fax: (573) 651-5118