Tennessee Visual Impairments Virtual Academy (TN VIVA)
Formerly known as the Unity Virtual Academy, TN VIVA is a professional development learning series for all school educators, community stakeholders, and families looking to learn about best practices, supports, and resources for students with visual impairments (blindness, low vision, and deafblindness). Attendees can earn ACVREP credits or a general certificate of attendance to use towards renewal of their teaching license.
TN VIVA is collaboratively coordinated by the Tennessee School for the Blind, Peabody College’s Program in Visual Disabilities, and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
Target audience:
- Teachers of students with visual impairments (TVI)
- Orientation & mobility (O&M) specialists
- Parents of a child with a visual impairment
- Students with a visual impairment
- Classroom teachers
- Related service providers
- Vocational rehabilitation counselors
- Early intervention providers
- School administrators
- Medical professionals
Upcoming 2025-2026 Meetings
A description of each session can be found on its registration page.
Friday, August 22, 12:30-2 PM CST
VIVA 25-26 Kick Off and RCVI Welcome Back to School!
Kick off the school year with colleagues from the field and learn about the year ahead with TN VIVA and Consortium of Vision Educators (COVE) gatherings. Dr. Allen Huang will provide updates regarding all things new with the Tennessee School for the Blind and Resource Center for the Visually Impaired.
Register here to receive webinar instructions
Friday, September 12, 12:30-2:30 PM CST
TN COVE (Consortium of Vision Educators) Fall Meeting
Topics for Discussion: Testing Accommodations for Students with VI and What's in your FVLMA/ECC assessment kit?
Gather with colleagues from the field to discuss a variety of topics. Select topics will be prepared for discussion, but attendees should feel free to bring their own questions and topics.
Register here to receive webinar instructions
Tuesday, September 23, 11 AM-12 noon CST
Identity and Developmental Considerations When Assisting Individuals with Visual Impairments
Presenter: Ayctivia Palmer, CRC, CVE, LAC
This presentation aims to explore the unique factors that impact the development of individuals with VI's. Through a professional and personal lens, this presentation discusses the need for professionals assisting individuals with visual impairments to consider the disability, identity, and various biopsychosocial factors. The goal of this presentation is for professionals to walk away with a deeper understanding of how they can best relate, support, and assist individuals with visual impairments as they transition through life's many stages.
Register here to receive webinar instructions
Friday, October 3, 12:30-2:30 PM CST
Access for All: Differentiated Instruction for Complex Learners with Visual Impairments
Presenter: Melissa Hawkins, M.Ed, CTVI
This seminar explores effective, research-based strategies for differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students with visual impairments and additional disabilities. Participants will view hands-on examples, adaptive tools, and flexible lesson frameworks that promote access, engagement, and independence. Whether you're a classroom teacher, specialist, or paraprofessional, you’ll leave with practical approaches to immediately implement in your learning environment.
Register here to receive webinar instructions
Wednesday, October 22, 12:15-1:15 PM CST
Learned Helplessness
Presenter: Jay Humphreys Ed.S. CTVI
Learned helplessness is a common challenge amongst students with visual impairments and is intensified by professionals and caregivers who provide excessive support and prompting. Intentional practices can increase student independence and strengthen post-secondary outcomes.
Register here to receive webinar instructions
Friday, January 16, 12:30-2:30 PM CST
TN COVE (Consortium of Vision Educators) Spring Meeting
Topics for Discussion: To be announced!
Register here to receive webinar instructions
January (Date TBD)
TSB INSPIRE Academy Summer Program for College and Career Readiness
Tennessee School for the Blind (TSB) just held a highly successful inaugural INSPIRE Academy summer program in June 2025. Join us for an evening session to learn about the program that is designed to support students' College and Career Readiness. INSPIRE instructors will share about big picture educational priorities for high school students preparing to transition to college and the workplace as well as how INSPIRE is designed to provide specific experiences that address Expanded Core Curriculum skills our students need to enjoy success in those pursuits.
Register here to receive webinar instructions
Archived Webinars
Click here to view archived sessions from TN VIVA Series, formerly known as the Unity Virtual Academy Series.