Welcome to BLV Access! Building Your Professional Toolkit

I am so excited to finally hit “Publish” on my first post here at BLV Access!

If you are wondering what BLV stands for, it is short for Blind Low Vision. As a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS), and educational consultant, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting students experiencing visual impairment. After years in the field, I recognized that success hinges on having immediate access to relevant, vetted information.

The goal of this blog isn’t just to share tips; it’s to provide you (the committed professional or dedicated family member) with the critical knowledge necessary to build a comprehensive toolkit. This toolkit is what equips you to make informed decisions, write effective goals, and ensure access for students.

Why This Blog Exists: Curating Essential Knowledge

In a world increasingly filled with content generated by algorithms and AI, the value of authentic human experience is more critical than ever. My commitment is to deliver tested, hands-on insight forged from thousands of hours spent in the field.

My mission for BLV Access is to disseminate specialized information so you can integrate it directly into your professional practice. I want to move beyond general best practices and provide the specific, actionable knowledge that makes the difference between a compliant program and a truly empowering one.

Here, you’ll find creative hacks, real-world examples, and the strategies that actually work outside of a controlled clinic environment—all delivered with a personal, expert voice you can trust as you continue to sharpen your skills.

What yo Expect: Our Core Content Pillars

What exactly will we be talking about? BLV Access will focus on the key areas where support and clarity are needed most:

• Orientation and Mobility (O&M): We will dive into everything from effective cane training techniques to how to adapt O&M for students with complex needs. It is all about building confidence and safe, independent travel.
• TVI Classroom Strategies: From braille literacy best practices to modifying general education curriculum, we will explore the practical tools and methods that ensure full access and engagement for students with visual impairment.
• The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC): We will dedicate time to understanding all nine areas of the ECC and providing clear, practical strategies for assessment, planning, and instruction across the curriculum.
• Assistive Technology (AT): The world of tech moves fast. We will review the latest in low vision devices, screen readers, accessible apps, and discuss how to integrate them seamlessly into the learning environment.
• Essential Assessments: Guidance on translating student needs—informed by the FVA and LMA results—into meaningful ECC-driven IEP goals and advocating for appropriate services.

My hope is that this becomes your reliable, first-stop resource for the high-quality, relevant support you need to excel.

Let’s Get Started

I am thrilled you have stopped by. To make sure you do not miss any strategies, please subscribe to the newsletter.

To kick things off, I want to hear from you: What is the single biggest question or challenge you are currently facing related to Blind/Low Vision support? Share your thoughts in the comments below!