- Vision
NextSense teacher Jo-Anne (Jo) has spent 25 years watching many “little individuals go from concerned and anxious” to graduating from high school and leading successful, fulfilling lives.
Over two-and-a-half decades, she has supported scores of school students who are blind or have low vision in metropolitan Sydney and the Canberra region through our School Support Services.
Support teachers like Jo work collaboratively with classroom teachers and schools to meet students’ vision-related needs, helping them fully participate in and access the school curriculum. NextSense support teachers also work with students who are deaf and hard of hearing.
— JoWe’re very fortunate to work with students not just for a single year but often journey with them as they progress through the grades.
She explains that having regular contact with each student and their family builds a deep understanding of the child’s strengths and needs. This enables her to better equip both students and classroom teachers with the tools and strategies that help each learner reach their full potential.
“Having that consistent connection means you can provide more meaningful support, because you really get to know the student,” she says.
“You can guide families in how best to support their child at home, and you get to watch a young person grow from feeling unsure to becoming increasingly confident and independent.”
Jo says she has seen countless students flourish over the years.
“Inclusion is something I’ve always been passionate about,” she says.
— JoBeing able to walk into a mainstream classroom and make some thoughtful adjustments—showing teachers how simple modifications can open the door to full participation—is incredibly rewarding.
“The students genuinely do bloom.”
NextSense Manager of School Support Services, Pranitha Moodley, says Jo brings extensive experience, dedication and highly developed skills to her work.
“She has a particular passion for supporting students who use braille, and she thrives when working with younger learners who show a strong interest in access technology and braille literacy,” Pranitha says.
“Jo takes great pride in fostering independence and confidence, and she consistently guides students towards achievements that often exceed their own expectations.
“Her commitment to teaching and her care for every student is evident in all she does. We are extremely fortunate to have Jo as part of our School Support Services team.”
Jo often hears from former students who reach out to share milestones— a new job, a wedding, or graduation from university.
— JoOne of the best feelings is seeing a student move through their schooling, go on to university, and then graduate—sometimes with honours in areas like law—and continue on to the Bar.
“There’s a real sense of pride in knowing that the support you provided behind the scenes has made a meaningful difference in their life.
“It’s lovely to still be in their thoughts when they call to say, ‘Hi Jo, I’ve done this’, or ‘I’ve passed the Bar’, or ‘Here’s what I’m doing now’.”
Jo emphasises that these achievements also reflect the strength of NextSense as an organisation.
“We’re incredibly fortunate at NextSense to provide continuity of care from birth right through to the end of a child’s schooling,” she says.
“Early intervention is invaluable—not only for the child, but for the family—because they are the ones supporting that child through those crucial early years.
“I’ve seen every stage of support within NextSense, and each plays a significant role in preparing a young person to step into the world and live their best life.”