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,…

Even though I took over a dozen online classes in high school (and over three dozen in college), I seemed to always find ways to practice self-advocacy in the virtual classroom. While it may have seemed frustrating at the time, my case manager and other…

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…

I’ve talked a lot about the lessons I learned from various staff members at my schools, including my teacher of the visually impaired and my case manager. However, my guidance counselors were also working hard, usually behind the scenes, to help ensure things went as…

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

Ten words to know before your first IEP meeting so that you can be prepared and get the best services as early on as possible!

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.

How to transfer to a virtual class partially through the year or at the mid-year mark from a traditional classroom environment. Great for students with IEPs, 504 plans, or other emergency situations.

My review of the iPad app Notability, and how to integrate it into the classroom. Also includes tips for teaching students how to use it.

Answering the who, what, when, where, and why of the Cogswell-Macy Act, summarizing it for readers.

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