Novel Cost Effective Support Program Launching Soon for Educators of Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Lafayette, Indiana, September 2, 2015 (Newswire.com) - The number of students who have blindness or low vision (BLV) who are educated in inclusive general education settings is increasing. General education teachers who have students with disabilities in their classrooms frequently work with special education teachers at their school. Most special education teachers have not had formalized training in established methods that allow BLV students access to classroom activities and learning.

Due to financial restrictions, it is unlikely that schools will have the resources to hire additional special education teachers with specialized training for BLV students. This program, known as the Teacher’s Support Program, will provide consultative services from experts in the field of blindness. Schools, school districts, teachers, or teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) who are new to the field or who may just need a new angle for content presentation will benefit from this program.

We will be able to help support a stronger community of practice in the field of blindness and in the education of blind students.

Michelle Michaels, Co-founder

This program will offer a practical solution to hiring a special education teacher with a specialization related to the field of blindness. Support options will be offered as Single User or Multi-User plans designed to meet the varying needs of each customer. With services being provided when needed, the program promises a financially viable alternative to previous approaches.

“Far too often, teachers do not have a support network to fall back on. Once their formal education is complete, they may enter a school setting where they are the only expert in matters related to blindness. Our support program will be designed for those times when a little extra help is needed from another colleague in the field.

Similarly, it may be a teacher’s first time having a student who has a visual impairment in their classroom and a little extra help concerning appropriate accommodations may be needed.

We are here to help. Once our program is available, we will be able to help support a stronger community of practice in the field of blindness and in the education of blind students,” said Novus Access co-founder Michelle Michaels.

Novus Access co-founder Mick Isaacson states that, “there are numerous initiatives for increasing the representation of students with disabilities in post-secondary studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As these initiatives begin to reach their objectives, colleges and universities will increasingly be faced with issues concerning educational access of these students. Our program will be able to help these institutions.”