Since 2020, NDVS/SB has hosted virtual trainings for TSVIs about a variety of topics. These trainings serve as a way for vision professionals to connect with, learn from, and grow with their colleagues across the state and region. Some trainings are led by NDVS/SB staff, while other presenters are nationally renowned experts. Whether you are a TSVI, a student in a vision program, a parent of a visually impaired child, or simply someone interested in the vision world, we invite you to peruse our offerings here. This page will be updated with new recordings as they happen. If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, please email Cindy (ckwillia@nd.gov) or Emily (estenber@nd.gov).
TSVI Training on the APH Hive
Amy Campbell shared information about the Hive, a learning management system hosted by the American Printing House for the Blind. Courses on the Hive are appropriate for vision professionals, TSVIs, parents of blind or visually impaired children, and anyone else interested in the world of vision. Check out https://aphhive.org/ for more information and to sign up for courses.
May 2024 – ND Dual Sensory Project
Lacey Long, Project Coordinator for the ND Dual Sensory Project, shares information about the Project and deafblindness in general.
April 2024 - Learning Media Assessments with Jennifer Brooks
Jennifer Brooks, our Outreach Specialist from APH, presented tips and tricks to help you conquer conducting LMAs.
February 2024 – College Preparation with Vision Loss
Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Amy Osvold will present on college preparation with vision loss. Amy will share about her own experiences as a person with vision loss who recently completed a master’s degree, as well as what she’s learned from her clients over the years.
December 2023 – Active Learning Part 2
Hillary Keys, Sara Kitchen, and Scott Baltisberger from TSBVI presented more information on Active Learning in this hour-long training for TVIs.
October 2023 – Active Learning Part 1
Hillary Keys, Scott Baltisberger, and Sara Kitchen from Texas gave an introduction to Active Learning.
September 2023 - Dr. Ryan Capouch from Lumen Vision
Dr. Capouch from Lumen Vision in Fargo shared how his office performs vision therapy, as well how they assess and diagnose convergence insufficiency. He talked about how optometrists, TVIs, and other service providers can work together to help students who have this diagnosis. This training also addressed the new guidelines from OSEP and how convergence insufficiency is now a category to determine if a student is visually impaired and should be eligible for SPED services.
May 2023 – Parent Panel
For our last training of this school year, parents of visually impaired children shared their perspectives on what makes a good TVI, stories of their child's successes and failures, and if their opinion about residential schools vs. short-term programs and outreach.
April 2023 – Smart Home Appliances
Amy Osvold presented on smart home devices. There were ideas for adult clients, students, their families, and even for yourselves. She also talked about some everyday devices that she has found accessible or inaccessible. She showed a few ways to she has made inaccessible devices accessible.
February 2023 – All About APH in ND
This recording shares information for TVIs about the American Printing House for the Blind and how it functions in ND. Last year's APH Scholar Lanna Slaby shares her experience as well.
November 2022 – Guidelines and Games for Teaching Efficient Braille Reading with Renae Bjorg
Dr. Bjorg recently updated the book Guidelines and Games for Teaching Efficient Braille Reading which was originally written by her mentor Dr. Myrna Olson 40 years ago. Dr. Bjorg discussed the updated book and presented tips for teaching braille in this training.
November 2022 – Vision Loss and Depression
Amy shared information on vision loss and depression for TVIs in North Dakota. She researched this topic for her master's in social work and has a personal interest in the topic through her work as a Rehabilitation Specialist at NDVS/SB and as someone who is visually impaired herself.
May 2022 – O&M Techniques
Margo Lentz presented on O&M techniques for the different seasons and answered questions about O&M.
March 2022 – High School Checklist training with Robbin Clark
This is a recorded training for ND and SD TVIs. Robbin Clark from the Utah School for the Blind presented on the High School Readiness Checklist.
January 2022 – Vision Therapy
Dr. Ryan Capouch from Lumen Vision of Fargo talked about Vision Therapy and discussed how TVIs and eye doctors can work together.
December 2021 – Promoting Graphics Literacy for Students with Visual Impairments
A recording of the training for ND TVIs with Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum on Promoting Graphics Literacy for Students with Visual Impairments.
September 2021 – Finding Wheels
North Dakota TVI training featuring Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum sharing the Finding Wheels curriculum.
May 2021 – Document Accessibility
Assistant Technology Specialist Laurie Westling explains how to create Word documents accessible for your students and clients who use a screen reader and/or read large print.
March 2021 – CVI Part 3
Jodie Scherr presented on CVI at the March 17, 2021 meeting for North Dakota TVIs.
January 2021 – CVI Part 2
Jodie Scherr presented on CVI at the January 13, 2021 meeting for North Dakota TVIs.
December 2020 – CVI Part 1
Recording of 12/2 meeting of the ND TVIs, hosted by NDVS/SB.