Online Canvas Courses
What to Do if You Are Working with a Student Who is Blind or Visually Impaired
Ongoing | July 31, 2023 - June 14, 2024
This independent, self-paced training is designed for teachers (classroom, physical education, music, art, etc.) therapists, and paraprofessionals that are new to the needs of students with visual impairments. However, any school-based personnel working with students with visual impairments would benefit from completing these modules. There are a total of 5 modules, which include videos and other activities. Participants may earn up to 5 in-service credit hours if approved by your school district.
The Impact of Deafblindness on Learning and Development
Ongoing | July 31, 2023 - June 14, 2024
The Florida and Virgin Islands Deaf-Blind Collaborative (FAVI) and the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI) have collaborated to create this new learning opportunity using materials developed by the National Center on Deaf-Blindness. These are professional development modules for practitioners who want to improve their knowledge of deaf-blindness and gain practical skills that are essential for working with students who are deaf-blind. The intended audience is teachers from a variety of areas (e.g., special education, visual impairment, deaf/hard of hearing, severe/multiple disabilities), related service providers, and administrators. Participants may earn up to 14 in-service credit hours if approved by your school district.
Canvas Resource Site for Teachers
Tired of scouring the internet looking for teaching resources? What if lots of information were placed in one spot for your convenience? You got it! FIMC-VI's Canvas Resource Site for Florida professionals is an expansive collection of resources for those working in the field of visual impairment. Find information on a multitude of topics including: the Expanded Core Curriculum, General Professional Development, Students with Complex Learning Needs, Cortical Visual Impairment, Deafblindness, Florida Low Vision Initiative, Technology Services, Remote Learning, APH Product Swap, etc. Information is regularly updated.
Webinars
All webinars are recorded and posted on our YouTube channel unless noted.
Florida Low Vision Initiative (FLVI) Updates
August 4, 2023 | 1:30 pm-3:30 pm EST
The Florida Low Vision Initiative (FLVI), a Florida Department of Education Discretionary Project, provides students with low vision in PK-8th grade with free comprehensive low vision care, and prescribed portable optical aids to improve visual access and increase independence in- and outside of the classroom setting. Participating TVIs will receive ongoing support from the FLVI staff and Low Vision Specialist to address the student's individual visual access needs. In this session, Kim Roberts of the FLVI will review the LiveBinders platform, project services, and the current referral process.
FIMC-VI Info and Updates Webinar Series
Part 1 | August 17, 2023 | 2:00 pm-3:30 pm EST
If you are new to teaching or to Florida, you don't want to miss this webinar. Come learn about FIMC-VI's services, including braille and large print textbooks, products from the American Printing House for the Blind, our loan library, and more.
Part 2 | November 16, 2023 | 2:00 pm-3:30 pm EST
This webinar will focus on the Annual Census, including why the Census is conducted, who is responsible for completing the Census, and the steps to completing the Census. If you have students registered with us, be sure to attend or watch the recording!
Part 3 | April 11, 2024 | 2:00 pm-3:30 pm EST
This webinar will primarily address the process for ordering braille and large print textbooks from FIMC-VI and returning materials to us.
Assistive Technology Assessment
September 1, 2023 | 2:00 pm-3:30 pm EST
Explore the process for systematic selection of assistive technology tools and devices that best meet a student's needs in all environments.
Canvas Resource Scavenger Hunt
September 28, 2023 | 2:00 pm-3:30 pm EST
Take a fun tour and scavenger hunt to see what amazing resources are stored in the FIMC-VI Canvas Resource Site free for you!
Navigating the Internet: Webinar Series
October 11, 2023 | 4:00-5:00pm EST
October 18, 2023 | 4:00-5:00pm EST
October 25, 2023 | 4:00-5:00pm EST
November 8, 2023 | 4:00-5:00pm EST
November 15, 2023 | 4:00-5:00pm EST
Join Cody Laplante from eye.t
as he demonstrates effective strategies for teaching internet navigation with a screen reader! This will be a 5-part webinar series. You are encouraged to join every session live or catch up by watching the recordings prior to the next webinar, but it is not a requirement.
Common Misconceptions - Repeated
October 24, 2023 | 9:00 am-10:30 am EST or
October 26, 2023 | 2:00 pm-3:30 pm EST
Attend this open discussion of some widely misunderstood concepts related to the education of students with visual impairments, including topics such as assistive technology, braille, and orientation and mobility. This webinar will not be recorded due to the double offering and to encourage problem-solving conversations.
Obtaining Digital Text
February 8, 2024 | 2:00 pm-3:30 pm EST
Would you like to understand the process and laws behind digital textbook acquisition? Learn about the federal laws protecting the rights of accessible media. Find out how to order materials in the state of Florida. Take a peek at FIMC-VI's new easy to follow support document for obtaining digital text.
Florida Statewide Assessments
Date/Time TBD
An in-depth discussion of statewide assessment updates, suggestions for preparing your students and what materials you will need when testing begins. If you are administering statewide assessments, especially the braille versions, attend this webinar (or watch the recording)!
Watch our website for registration information.
Working with the Experts - Visually Impaired
Communication and Sensory Learning for Students with Visual Impairment and Complex Learning Needs
Spring | Date and Location TBD
Two-day learning event presented by Stacey Chambers and Jasamyn DeGrant. Day 1 will focus on the new Sensing and Learning Guidebook. Presenters ask that participants complete a pre-requisite course in the APH HIVE: "Using the Sensing and Learning Approach with Sensorimotor Stage Learners". The workshop will then apply the content through the use of video examples, student assessments, goal writing, and instructional routine development. Day 2 will take us further into communication for learners with vision and multiple disabilities, via Symbols and Meaning.
District Vision Contacts Meetings
Fall | October 19, 2023 | Virtual
Spring | Date TBD | In-person | Location TBD
The Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS), host these annual meetings specifically for district contacts responsible for the programs for students with visual impairments.
Check our website for information and registration for the Spring In-Person Vision Contacts meeting.
