PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

VIISA Course 2

Working with Preschoolers who are Blind or Visually Impaired (BVI)

in Center-based Preschools

The purpose of this course is for participants to gain and develop skills in understanding the unique needs of preschoolers who are blind or visually impaired in the center-based setting. The focus will be on working with these children in the preschool setting as well as in collaboration with the family and other members of the service delivery team. Transitioning from the preschool to the elementary school setting will also be addressed.

Registration ClosedVIISA COURSE 2

  • Want a preview? See the VIISA DRAFT agenda here.

    • Dates: Session I: November 6-8, 2024

    Session II: April 2-4, 2025

    Location: Missouri School for the Blind
    3815 Magnolia Avenue
    Saint Louis, MO 63110

    Register:

    For more information contact:

    Becky Romine
    rebecca.romine@msb.dese.mo.gov
    314 633 3945

    Open Hands Open Access Training

    The program, Open Hands Open Access (OHOA) is an online, work at your own pace training program that offers modules designed to increase knowledge and encourage the use of best practices for supporting children with combined vision and hearing loss. OHOA/ DeafBlind Intervener Learning Modules are a national resource designed to increase awareness, knowledge, and skills related to intervention for students (ages 3 through 21) who are deafblind and being served in educational settings. If you are currently working with a student with dual sensory loss, you may be eligible for a stipend for every successful completion of modules and monthly consultation from our DeafBlind Project staff.
    For more information, see https://www.nationaldb.org/products/modules/ohoa/

     

    For more information, contact:
    Dena Molen
    School Support Specialist
    Dena.molen@msb.dese.mo.gov
    314 633 1553

    INSITE

    In-Home Sensory Intervention Training and Education

    When: July 2025

    Location: Missouri School for the Blind
    3815 Magnolia Avenue
    Saint Louis, MO 63110

    A curriculum model of home intervention for infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children who have a visual impairment and may have other multiple disabilities, including DeafBlind.  The INSITE model and training is for Parent Advisors for MoSPIN (Statewide Parent Involvement Network) home visits.  This curriculum includes the following areas: communication, hearing, vision, cognition, motor impairments, and developmental resources.

    You Could Be A PA!

    Contact:

    Melissa Moore

    MoSPIN Coordinator/Lead Parent Advisor

    314-663-1591

    For more info on becoming a Parent Advisor for MoSPIN, contact Melissa.Moore@msb.dese.mo.gov

     

    Intervener Certification

    In the United States, state deafblind projects and university certificate programs are the primary sources of intervener training. Coaching and supervision, in addition to coursework, are essential. MoDBTAP is your source for intervener training. For intervener training and for certification, contact dena.molen@msb.dese.mo.gov. MoDBTAP can provide tuition assistance to support your certification. (However, you must be working with a student with deafblindness!)

    Considering becoming an Intervener?

    Start with MoDBTAP, and explore these certification programs:

  • Central Michigan DeafBlind Intervener Certification
  • Utah Intervener Program
  • San Francisco State University
  • Shawnee State (Ohio)Intervener Program

    • Hand In Hand: Understanding Deafblindness

     

     

     

    See you in 2025! Hand in Hand will take place in Kansas City area and St. Louis next Fall!

    Email ashley.foley@msb.dese.mo.gov
    or call 314 633 1587 for more details and get your team registered!

    This course provides instructional strategies and practices specific to the education of students with combined vision and hearing loss with or without additional disabilities. The course is taught by specialists in the field of DeafBlindness and contains two sessions. Session one, includes information on such topics as common causes of DeafBlindness, assessments specific to students with DeafBlindness, and instructional strategies shown to be most impactful for this population of learners. Session two, dives deep into the communication needs of learners with DeafBlindness and the specific application of materials from part one for the individual students being served by participants. Follow-up coaching and mentoring is available from MoDBTAP Project staff to deepen comfort levels with real-world application.


    The target audience for this course includes any members of the educational team serving a student with combined vision and hearing loss inclusive of those with multiple disabilities. We welcome all teachers (general or special ed.), the learner’s caregivers/parents, paraprofessionals, related service providers, or post-secondary students intending to work with learners with combined vision and hearing differences.

    FALL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEEK 2025!

    See you next year!

    If you need assistance, send a message to jane.herder@msb.dese.mo.gov
    or call 314 633 1582.

    When: September 2025

    Where: Missouri School for the Blind

    3815 Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110

    Unified English Braille Code

    To find more information on Unified English Braille Code, please visit the BANA UEB webpage.

    Coursework Leading to Certification as a TVI and O&M

    CLICK HERE FOR TVI and OM programs breakdown

    Training and Certification (undergraduate and graduate)

    Considering a degree program?

    The following college and university programs have successfully completed the accreditation process and have earned the distinction of “AER Accredited.” Each of these personnel preparation programs has demonstrated adherence to high quality standards that lead to a valuable academic experience; and the competencies needed for employment and certifications.


     

    Lighthouse for the Blind-St. Louis Tuition Reimbursement Program

    The Tuition Reimbursement Program was developed for individuals who are specializing in the field of service to persons who are blind or legally blind. This program is for college students in their senior year in an undergraduate program, OR a graduate student OR a paraprofessional that is currently employed and working in the field.

    So you want to be a TVI/OM?

     

    AER Accredited Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Programs

     

    AER Accredited Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) Programs

     

    AER Accredited Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) Programs

     

    DeafBlindness Programs