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 2024-2025 Meetings
A description of each session can be found on its registration page.
Friday, April 25, 12:30-2:30 PM CST
TN COVE (Consortium of Vision Educators) Fall Meeting
Quarterly Consortium of Vision Educators meeting to discuss timely issues and news; focused on TVIs and O&M specialists, all educators supporting students with VI are welcome.
Register here to receive webinar instructions
Friday, May 9, 12:00-2:00 PM CST
Sensing & Learning: A Research-Based Approach for Learners with Significant & Complex Disabilities
Sensing & Learning is a practical, collaborative approach that helps teams assess sensory efficiency, learning media, and present levels for students at the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development in order to effectively write IEP goals and plan meaningful instruction. Stacey Chambers, co-author of Sensing & Learning from APH, will share case study examples from her own students and share tips for implementing this approach.
Register here to receive webinar instructions
Wednesday, May 14, 2:00-3:00 PM CST
Naturally Embedding the Expanded Core Curriculum: Tips for TVIs
Presenter: Kait Grayson
This presentation will provide strategies for seamlessly embedding the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) into every lesson. Participants will also learn how to strategically select a monthly focus to help guide ECC integration and promote essential skills in student sessions.
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.