Paraprofessional Instructional Support Techniques: Supporting Students Who Are Braille Users
As part of the BEST Grant's goals to support the implementation of braille instruction and braille technology, BEST is offering a professional development workshop focused on topics and techniques related to both support of students in curricular and extracurricular activities.
Dates / Times
Monday September 29th, 2025. 1:00pm - 3:00pm.
Description
Paraprofessionals are frequently the school staff with the most contact with students who are blind or visually impaired. Paraprofessional Instructional Support Techniques is a 2-hour in-service via Zoom for paraprofessionals with all levels of experience whose role is to support students who are braille users in the preschool to grade 12 school setting. This training will focus on topics and techniques related to both support of students in curricular and extra curricular activities. Paraprofessionals will have the opportunity to network, problem solve, and sharpen their skills through a variety of activities.
Location
Online
Objectives
Through discussion, demonstration, and small group activities, participants will:
- Review fundamental principles of blindness etiquette.
- Investigate techniques with which blind students participate in curricular topics.
- Explore the nine areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairments.
- Sharpen braille reading and writing skills.
- Problem solve challenging situations which occur during the school day.
- Network with other Ohio paraprofessionals.
- Begin the thinking/planning process on how to implement instructional support techniques with students in their home school district.
Agenda
- Blindness Etiquette
- Braille skill practice
- Role of the Paraprofessional
- Core Curriculum support techniques
- Expanded Core Curriculum overview and support techniques
- Braille skill practice
- Technology
- Putting it all together!
Participants Need to Have:
- A brailler and braille paper or
- a computer with 6-key capability (Perky Duck, etc.)
- For a free Perky Duck download visit http://www.duxburysystems.com/perky.asp
- For assistance in installing or using Perky Duck check out these Tips & Tricks videos: https://ataem.org/best-2019-2024/Perky-Duck
Contact Hours
Two (2) contact hours will be offered for participation
Instructor
Shelley Mack, TVI, Certified Braille Transcriber, and Braille Consultant for the AT&AEM Center
Registration
This workshop is limited to 25 participants.
Deadline for registration: September 25th, 2025
Register online via OCALI Pass
Do you need accommodations?
Please fill out the Accommodations Request form at least one week prior to the scheduled training to ensure we are able to fulfill your request adequately. We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully!
For more information contact Augusta Fisher | (614) 410-1042 | augusta_fisher@ocali.org