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by Melissa Snyder, Region 5 Outreach Coordinator, COMS

One thing that I have learned about being a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) is the value of learning through hands-on experien

ces. At times this experience comes through working with students and clients when providing instruction, and at other times from being lucky enough to take part in opportunities like attending the Leader Dogs Pro Seminar. I am thankful for having the opportunity to travel to Rochester, MI, this summer and spend a few days at the Leader Dogs campus doing just that.

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by Cindy Williams
NDVS/SB Student Program Coordinator

Summer is fast approaching, and the school year has come to an end. With that in mind, we look forward to the excitement of summer and summer opportunities! Check out the following resources and ideas you can do at home over the summer to incorporate learning in the Expanded Core.

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by Ken Dockter
NDVS/SB Adult Program Coordinator

At the end of every adult instructional week, the clients and staff gather in our Vision Resource Center to discuss the week. First, we pass out Certificates of Courage to the adult clients who attended the week. These certificates are high contrast and tactual, and braille is placed on them for the braille readers. The ceremony consists of talking about the courage and sacrifice it takes for adults to come to the school for a week of instruction in training for low vision or blindness. 

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by Paul Olson
NDVS/SB Superintendent 

As we close out another successful school year, the NDVS/SB staff can reflect on months of hard work and remarkable service. While summer offers a chance to slow down, the mission to serve individuals with low vision or blindness doesn’t take a break—and neither do we.

Our dedicated team has spent the past year supporting students and adult learners across the state. Their commitment is unwavering, and while the pace may shift in the coming months, our work continues with purpose and enthusiasm.

Professional growth doesn’t stop at the end of the school year. Many of our newer staff members recently participated in a braille training. Braille Fun 101 demonstrated to these new staff the continued importance of braille as the best medium of literacy for many. Meanwhile, teachers and instructors engaged in blindfold training to deepen their understanding of the daily challenges faced by our students. These exercises aren’t just symbolic; they build empathy and sharpen the skills that define our quality of care and instruction.

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NDVS/SB Houseparent

Because it’s part-time work and often filled by college students, there is quite a bit of turnover amongst the houseparents. “Schedules change, students graduate, they need to fulfill internships or are looking for more hours,” explains Cindy Williams, Student Program Coordinator at NDVS/SB. “All of these things mean that we are often hiring and training in new houseparents, and that we are very grateful for the houseparents who do stick with us year after year.” One of those current veteran houseparents is Teagan Weber. While she’s only been on staff for three years, her experience – and her attention to detail – is a huge asset. Teagan, Cindy explains, “is very organized with our Sunday check-in/drop-off of students. I feel confident having her make sure all the necessary paperwork is completed.” Teagan’s experience working in childcare, as well as her future plans to be an occupational therapist, have also served her well as a houseparent. “Her skills shine through,” Cindy says. “She has even requested resources in order to present to her classes on working with individuals who are blind or low vision.” While Teagan will one day move on from NDVS/SB, she feels confident that what she learned while working here will stay with her. “I will be able to use my knowledge about visual impairments when working with future clients who may be experiencing the same challenges as the clients I have worked with at NDVS/SB,” she says. Read on to learn more about Teagan.

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