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 2026-2027 Meetings
A description of each session can be found on its registration page.
Thursday, November 5, 1:00-2:00 PM ET
Access Through Assistive Technology
Learn how the Assistive Technology Project for Education (ATP) supports Tennessee educators in meeting the needs of students with visual impairments. This session will introduce the ATP lending library, available resources, and referral process to help educators access assistive technology supports that promote student access and independence in learning.
Register here to receive webinar instructions.
Friday, January 15, 2027, 1:00-3:00 PM CT
Winter Consortium of Vision Educators (COVE) Meeting
Gather with TVIs and COMS from around Tennessee to check in and discuss topics of interest.
Register here to receive webinar instructions.
Tuesday, January 19, 2:00-3:00 PM CT
AI for Access: Graphics, Braille, and Beyond
Presented by Erika Green, M.Ed., CTVI, and Tiffany Silvers, M.Ed., CTVI. Two Tennessee TVIs will share strategies for using generative AI to create accessible graphics and develop engaging braille contraction lessons. Bring your questions and ideas for a discussion that includes practical tips and attendee experiences using AI.
Register here to receive webinar instructions
Thursday, January 28, 1:00-2:00 PM CT
Visual Impairment Scale of Service Intensity of Texas (VISSIT): Using the VISSIT to Determine Service Intensity Provided by TSVIs
Presented by Rona Pogrund, Ph.D., TSVI, COMS, Professor and Coordinator of the Visual Impairment Program at Texas Tech University. This presentation will provide an overview of the VISSIT, a service intensity tool that helps TSVIs determine the appropriate type and amount of service for students on their caseloads. A sample VISSIT case study will be included.
Register here to receive webinar instructions
Thursday, February 18, 1:00-2:00 PM CT
The VISSPA: Workload Analysis Tool for TSVIs and COMS
Presented by Rona Pogrund, Ph.D., TSVI, COMS, Professor and Coordinator of the Visual Impairment Program at Texas Tech University. Learn about the history and use of the Visual Impairment Scale of Staffing Pattern Analysis (VISSPA), a workload analysis tool designed to help TSVIs and COMS evaluate how they spend their professional time. A sample workload analysis will be demonstrated.
Register here to receive webinar instructions
Friday, April 30, 1:00-3:00 PM CT
Spring Consortium of Vision Educators (COVE) Meeting
Gather with TVIs and COMS from around Tennessee to share updates, discuss topics of interest, and connect with colleagues as the school year comes to a close.
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.