Jalene is a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments with CTC’s Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers program.
What do you enjoy and value most about working at CTC?
I love collaborating with the compassionate and skilled providers at CTC. The families on my caseload and colleagues at CTC are continually teaching and inspiring me.
Tell us a bit more about your role at CTC.
Children in early support services with diagnosed visual impairment or undiagnosed vision concerns impacting their development may qualify for vision support. There are several terms used to describe the role of those providing vision services in early support services. These titles range from a teacher of students with visual impairments (TSVI), early intervention visual impairment specialist (EIVIS), and vision specialist. The role of a TSVI on an early support team is to help explain the functional impact of a vision diagnosis on the development of the child. They provide interventions that help families maximize their child’s use of vision and/or compensate for the visual impairment to diminish the impact on overall development. A TSVI may introduce the use of a cane or braille, or access other adapted materials beneficial for children with visual impairments. The children served by a TSVI may have a brain based visual impairment, an ocular visual impairment, or both. Discuss with your early support team if you have questions or concerns about how your child is using their vision to determine if a vision consultation is needed.
What is your favorite activity to share with families?
Using a lightbox! The lightbox is one of the most powerful tools I’ve seen families use for their children with ocular or neurological visual impairments to provide visual access for their child or bring attention to a toy the child might not have looked at without light. I’ve seen several children reach for the very first time when playing with a lightbox!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I love spending time reading, walking, hiking, mentoring high schoolers, and perfecting a cup of Chemex pour over coffee!