When I was in middle school, I began to experience academic ableism in the classroom, primarily from my teachers. While I was fortunate to have many wonderful teachers who helped me to develop a love of learning and a sense of belonging in the classroom,…

In response to recent school closures, VISTAS Education Partners (based out of New Jersey) has started a free resource called the National Homework Hotline for blind and visually impaired students to receive support and help with accessing classroom materials during this time. I am super…

A common question I receive from parents of kids with low vision or people who are losing their sight is about the most common classroom accommodations for low vision students. Even as my vision has changed over time, my accommodations have stayed fairly consistent from…

The other day, I was having a conversation with a teacher of the visually impaired about paper and document sizes for people with low vision. They were wondering how I would choose what documents would be on what size paper, and how I would store…

There were many times when I was in middle and high school that I had to deal with anxiety related to receiving accommodations in the classroom for my vision impairment. I was not very confident in explaining why I had poor eyesight and even less…

While it wasn’t officially written as part of my IEP accommodations, my teachers and I worked together to develop various accommodations for my low vision so that I could use computers in the school computer lab. Because I attended schools with limited funding for assistive…

Explaining the process of a child study meeting using the scientific method of problem solving.

The best advice about disability accommodations my mom and I ever received- how and why to convert your IEP to a 504 plan before graduating.

Tips for managing dysgraphia in classroom settings, from elementary school to college.

Eight items every student must know about their IEP so they can self-advocate.

Common stereotypes or misconceptions about students with IEPs, demystified

Five not-so-secret things your IEP case manager isn’t telling you, from a college student who had a IEP

What I learned from my high school teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) as a low vision student

My experiences with my state Protection and Advocacy organization, and why every student with a disability should know about them

Why having a tutor from the same school or school district is beneficial for students, especially those with IEP or 504 plans