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Coach. Professor. Phy ed teacher. And now a teacher at ND Vision Services/School for the Blind. Ashley Chase’s career has always revolved around education. Ashley, who will be working alongside Regional Coordinators across the state as well as helping support short-term programming in Grand Forks, just began her new role in August, but she is already looking at long-term opportunities and will be pursuing another graduate degree in Orientation & Mobility at Portland State starting this spring. “I love empowering people to be the very best version of themselves and try to meet aspirations that they may have in their life – and that is what NDVS/SB does,” she says. “I knew I wanted to be a part of that mission every day!” Continue reading to learn more about Ashley.

Meet Ashley Chase Full Article

NDVS/SB Assistive Technology Teacher

If you asked me years ago whether I would someday return to North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind (NDVS/SB), I probably would have been surprised. Yet, in many ways, coming to NDVS/SB feels less like starting over and more like coming home.

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I grew up in northeastern Minnesota, where being outdoors and participating in sports were a big part of my childhood. I spent a lot of time outside, and that love of activity, adventure, and being part of a team has stayed with me throughout my life.

I also come from a family of healthcare providers, so for much of my childhood, I assumed my destiny would be to become a nurse or a doctor. My first experiences in that world came through working as a lifeguard at Camp Courage and later at Camp Esquagama. Those experiences gave me a glimpse into healthcare and confirmed that I enjoyed the medical side of helping people.

But I discovered something else, too. I really enjoyed working with people, building relationships, teaching, and helping others learn and grow.

That realization helped change the direction of my life.

I eventually found my way to education and discovered that it allowed me to combine my love of people with my curiosity, creativity, and passion for learning. Education became much more than a career—it became a calling.

Meet Jessie Erickson Full Article

by Ken Dockter
NDVS/SB Adult Program Coordinator

Adults who attend Short-Term Programs take many different classes during their week at NDVS/SB. Orientation and Mobility, Braille, Technology, Daily Living Skills, Adjustment, Resources, and Recreation and Leisure are a few of the classes offered, with every class individualized by the instructor to meet each client’s unique needs. Every client’s schedule is different because we know everyone is interested in learning different things and every adult has different goals during their vision loss journey.

Before attending a Short-Term Program, a person may be unsure of what they would like to know as vision loss is new to them. NDVS/SB staff can help each client decide what classes best fit their unique needs and goals.

Learning non-visual techniques and strategies can bring a new outlook to a person’s life that can help in all aspects of their life. 

What exactly can a person learn in during a Short-Term Program? 

I Just Have to do it Differently Full Article

by Cindy Williams, TSVI
NDVS/SB Coordinator of Student Programs

Welcome to the new school year! As this school year begins, there is a familiar sense of excitement, preparation, and possibility. Educators are preparing, families are adjusting to new routines, and students are learning, growing, and making new connections. For families and educators of students who are blind or have low vision, back-to-school preparation can involve some additional questions: Will my child have the tools they need? Will teachers understand how to provide accessible instruction? Are we connected with the right professionals and resources?

For blind and low-vision students, community is a catalyst for confidence, self-advocacy, and independence. Because many students with low vision or blindness are the only students experiencing this in their local public schools, they may experience social isolation. Short-Term Programs (STPs) hosted at North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind (NDVS/SB) play a vital role in building this community. 

The Importance of Community Full Article

by Paul Olson, NDVS/SB Superintendent

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

This quote is widely attributed to Teddy Roosevelt, but he actually borrowed it from a previous author and restated it in one of his many speeches. Whatever its origin, I would contend that it is one of the wisest pieces of advice for living I have ever heard. It might even be said that it applies well to any organization striving for success. It has become my mantra when I am frequently thinking about how to manage the many complex demands of a small but very important agency serving our citizens. I do not believe I am exaggerating when I say that the quality of our service is crucial to people’s lives. Real outcomes leading to people living independently, success in school, and ultimately their employability, really does depend on expert-level service from NDVS/SB, as well as our schools and our partner organizations.

We very much attempt to be proactive in the management of our resources, staff, and expertise, but by nature we are somewhat reactionary. The number of children and adults needing support and instruction ebbs and flows. Having highly trained teachers and other staff in the right places at the right times to serve our wonderful citizens well is an ongoing, challenging endeavor. So, we look ahead, gauge changing societal needs, attempt to recruit and train the best staff possible and then….do what we can, with what we have, where we are at.  Thanks for the advice, Teddy. 

Superintendent's Scoop Full Article