Topic: Being blind when the world is designed for those who can see; the importance of the Expanded Core Curriculum

21^st Century classrooms are filled with posters, electronic whiteboards, timetables and multimedia presentations. This exciting display can capture important concepts and notices, and display them as a visual reminder for students. However, for students who are blind or have a vision impairment, access may be limited. This session discusses the Expanded Core Curriculum. What it is and why it is important for students with no or low vision. We discuss the barriers that prevent implementing the ECC in schools, including knowledge, time and advocacy.

Topic: The role of Social Skills in community participation, inclusion and employment

Social skills can be difficult for students with a vision impairment as they may not be able to see appropriate reactions of those around them. This session looks at some social skills that are important to foster from school age, to ensure our students have knowledge and skills to interact with their peers. We also discuss the use of social media for students with vision impairment and the use of technology to support this.

Topic: Toolbox of Technology: what is required for students who are blind or have a vision impairment to use problem solving skills and adaptive technology to access the curriculum

McLinden, Douglas, Cobb, Hewett & Ravenscroft (2016) talk about students with vision impairment ‘access to learning’ and ‘learning to access’. In this session we look at the difference between being giving students access to accessible documents and enabling them to have the skills to gain access through problem solving and adaptive technology.

Topic: How to effectively advocate in school, services and the community for your child with a vision impairment

This session will suit parents, teacher aides, teachers and advisory teachers as they advocate for services within schools and the community to truly include students with a vision impairment.

Topic: Hear my voice; the importance of self-advocacy for students who are blind or vision impaired

This session looks at ways at which we can equip students with a vision impairment to feel confident in raising access issues with teachers, technology departments and schools to enable equitable access.

This event addresses the following Standards from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers: 1.1.2, 1.2.2, 1.3.2, 1.4.2, 1.5.2, 1.6.2, 2.6.2, 3.2.2, 3.3.2, 3.4.2, 3.6.2, 4.1.2, 4.4.2, 4.5.2, 5.1.2, 5.2.2, 5.3.2, 5.4.2, 6.2.2, 6.2.6, 6.3.2, 6.4.2, 7.4.2. It fits within the Priority Area of Children/ Student with Disabilities. This event is evidence and research based.