Overview
This session will focus on using the results of the CVI Range assessment to create an accessible home/school lessons/materials/environments for learning through a team approach. Every team member brings their own expertise. Collaboration of team members for a child with CVI requires a strategic, consistent approach and a respect among disciplines. In this session, Overbrook School for the Blind's Melissa Brown (Occupational Therapist), Laura Stephan (Speech Language Pathologist), and Beth Ramella (Teacher of the Visually Impaired/Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist) will discuss the CVI Complete approach at OSB through case study and examples of successful CVI interventions.
Session Content Disclosures: This session will primarily focus on interprofessional collaborative practices and case studies based on the speakers' experiences at the Overbrook School for the Blind.
Learning Objectives
- Describe one or more ways to develop communication symbols and accessible materials based on the child's CVI needs.
- Describe one or more ways that Interprofessional Collaborative Practices (IPCP) can benefit children on your caseload.
- Identify three different adaptations to classroom materials and how they can benefit a child with CVI.
Primary & Secondary Strand
Vision & Hearing Technologies
Target Audience
- AT Specialists
- Caregivers
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educators
- Family Members
- Occupational Therapists
- Paraprofessionals
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Special Education Educators
- Teachers of the Visually Impaired
- Visual Impairment Specialists
Experience Level
Introductory
Primary Life Cycle Addressed
Birth - Pre K; Elementary - Secondary (K-12)
Content Area
In-person presentation with recording
Course Schedule
This course was given at the ATIA 2023 Conference on Thursday, February 2 from 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM (EST)
Continuing Education Credits
For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Learning Center CEUs
This course is offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
ACVREP; AOTA; CRC; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours.
ASHA CE Information: Recorded Session
Start date of ASHA CEUs offering: June 15, 2023
End date of ASHA CEUs offering: June 30, 2024
End date of current CRC CEUs offering: March 19, 2025
Please refer to the CRC Transition & Workplace Accessibility Series (2024-2025) page for further information on how to submit your CRC CEUs for this course to CRCC.
Speaker/s:
Beth Ramella, EdD, TVI, COMS
Overbrook School for the Blind, Teacher of Visually Impaired, Certified O&M
Biography
Currently employed as the CVI Specialist at the Overbrook School for the Blind. In the past, was an EI Developmental Specialist for 5 year before grad school; employed at the Western PA School for Blind Children for 24 years as a preschool teacher and special education administration; developed an outreach department at WPSBC; developed a CVI clinic at WPSBC for enrolled students and community; facilitated a weekly Comprehensive Developmental Assessment (play based); developed the My Talking Picture Board app with Little Bear Sees; developed a CVI clinic for OSB enrolled and community; private consultant at the UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; private consultant for parents, school districts and COSB schools; and creator of CVI products for American Printing House and CVI app for iTunes. Currently conducting research with CHP ophthalmology.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from Employment as the CVI Specialist at the Overbrook School for the Blind; creator of CVI products for American Printing House and CVI app for iTunes.
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No
Laura Stephan, CCC-SLP
Overbrook School for the Blind, Speech Language Pathologist
Biography
Laura is a Speech-Language Pathologist with 15 years of experience, specializing in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods and assistive technology for low-vision students as well as students having a dual-sensory loss and other complex communication needs. She works at Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia, Pa., where she implements a variety of low and high-tech communication systems, integrating them into the classroom to help students better access their education. Laura studied at The Pennsylvania State University and then went on to Gallaudet University to earn her Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology as well as George Mason to earn her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Concentration in Assistive Technology. She has presented at the HELIX conference in 2017, ATIA in 2016, 2018 and 2020, AOTA in 2019 and Penn Del AER Vision Conference in 2018.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from Employment
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
Member of ASHA
Melissa Brown, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist, Overbrook School for the Blind
Biography
Melissa Brown, MOT, OTR/L is a Board Certified and Licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Pennsylvania. She graduated from Temple University in 2006. She has over a decade of experience working in an approved private school for children ages 3-21. Melissa's specialties include: Multiple Physical Disabilities, Visual Impairment/CVI, Autism Spectrum Disorder/Sensory Processing Disorder, Fine Motor Delay (Handwriting/Dysgraphia) Assistive Technology and Seating and Positioning for Access. Melissa has presented at several state, national and international conferences including: Assistive Technology Industry Association in 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2020, American Occupational Therapy Association in 2018 & 2019, Penn-Del AER annual Vision conference in 2016 & 2018 and Tri-State ACA conference in 2017.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from employment
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
Professional Membership, AOTA