Bev Sharritt, Specialist
Specialty Areas: Blind/Low Vision, Issues Concerning AEM and AT in Indiana IEPs
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Bev Sharritt fell into the Blind/Low vision teaching field when she shared a doughnut with her future mentor at a long ago genetics conference for biology teachers. She studied at Purdue University (biology education), Butler University (blind/low vision) and Salus University (orientation and mobility). She has worked at the Indiana School for the Blind, and as an itinerant teacher for the blind. Her focus for her students has been on independence in the NOW, and she feels privileged to see the continuing spectacular changes in technology that bring access for students with blindness, and their sighted peers—side by side. Her favorite thing is to cook a big meal for friends, family and strangers, and listen to the talk that happens around the table.
Specialty Areas
- Blind/Low Vision
- Braille translation, literary, Nemeth code, and Braille music
- Braille instruction
- AEM discussions related to the IEP
- Electronic materials Accessibility
- Secondary Age Transition
- Pie
Experiences
- PATINS Specialist
- Teacher for students with blindness and low vision, 16 years
- Secondary science teacher, Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Orientation and Mobility Specialist, 4 years
- Biology teacher
- Digital Rights Manager
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Services available:
- Direct consultation for technology specific to blindness and low vision, including Braille access technology
- Trainings for AEM (accessible educational materials) including digital textbooks, novels and readers including DRM (digital rights manager) access to ICAM materials
- Trainings for drafting IEP's that include access to electronic media
- Consultation for assistive technology evaluations
- Trainings for technology specific to orientation and mobility
- UDL classrooms that include access for visual loss; multisensory instructional methods.
Upcoming Trainings:
- TBA
Have a specific training need, or need a training that is at a more convenient time? Email Bev to tailor one to your needs!
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Stories from the road. . .
I am privileged to meet with talented teachers and rock-star parents working with students who have blindness and low vision. Here are some brief glimpses into their stories:
8/19/16: "Sometimes you just have to get through Monday to get to Tuesday. . ." J.D.L. This is one of my favorite quotes from one of my students who has autism and blindness when I served as a teacher for students with blindness and low vision. I am just beginning this position, and, so far have traveled to meet a couple of TOBLV's in the throes of the intensity of those first few weeks of school. You are at your busiest, putting equipment in place, delivering materials, conducting in-service time to staff, and settling in students in new environments. When I see you, I am hoping you are taking some of J's advice to heart and dealing with each issue one moment at a time.
Post Your Story: (opens new window)
Do you have a story about technology bridging the gap for yourself, or someone you serve who has blindness or low vision? Please share your challenges, insights, and victories in this space.
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Resources:
Presentation handouts
New technologies for students with blindness and low vision
Parent resources
Expanded Core Curriculum
Decision making tools for electronic media and the IEP
Universal Design for Blind and Low Vision
Tablet apps for blindness and low vision
Technology for Orientation and Mobility
-
Bev Sharritt fell into the Blind/Low vision teaching field when she shared a doughnut with her future mentor at a long ago genetics conference for biology teachers. She studied at Purdue University (biology education), Butler University (blind/low vision) and Salus University (orientation and mobility). She has worked at the Indiana School for the Blind, and as an itinerant teacher for the blind. Her focus for her students has been on independence in the NOW, and she feels privileged to see the continuing spectacular changes in technology that bring access for students with blindness, and their sighted peers—side by side. Her favorite thing is to cook a big meal for friends, family and strangers, and listen to the talk that happens around the table.
Specialty Areas
- Blind/Low Vision
- Braille translation, literary, Nemeth code, and Braille music
- Braille instruction
- AEM discussions related to the IEP
- Electronic materials Accessibility
- Secondary Age Transition
- Pie
Experiences
- PATINS Specialist
- Teacher for students with blindness and low vision, 16 years
- Secondary science teacher, Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Orientation and Mobility Specialist, 4 years
- Biology teacher
- Digital Rights Manager
-
Services available:
- Direct consultation for technology specific to blindness and low vision, including Braille access technology
- Trainings for AEM (accessible educational materials) including digital textbooks, novels and readers including DRM (digital rights manager) access to ICAM materials
- Trainings for drafting IEP's that include access to electronic media
- Consultation for assistive technology evaluations
- Trainings for technology specific to orientation and mobility
- UDL classrooms that include access for visual loss; multisensory instructional methods.
Upcoming Trainings:- TBA
Have a specific training need, or need a training that is at a more convenient time? Email Bev to tailor one to your needs!
- Direct consultation for technology specific to blindness and low vision, including Braille access technology
-
Stories from the road. . .
I am privileged to meet with talented teachers and rock-star parents working with students who have blindness and low vision. Here are some brief glimpses into their stories:
8/19/16: "Sometimes you just have to get through Monday to get to Tuesday. . ." J.D.L. This is one of my favorite quotes from one of my students who has autism and blindness when I served as a teacher for students with blindness and low vision. I am just beginning this position, and, so far have traveled to meet a couple of TOBLV's in the throes of the intensity of those first few weeks of school. You are at your busiest, putting equipment in place, delivering materials, conducting in-service time to staff, and settling in students in new environments. When I see you, I am hoping you are taking some of J's advice to heart and dealing with each issue one moment at a time.
Post Your Story: (opens new window)
Do you have a story about technology bridging the gap for yourself, or someone you serve who has blindness or low vision? Please share your challenges, insights, and victories in this space. -
Resources:
Presentation handouts
New technologies for students with blindness and low vision
Parent resources
Expanded Core Curriculum
Decision making tools for electronic media and the IEP
Universal Design for Blind and Low Vision
Tablet apps for blindness and low vision
Technology for Orientation and Mobility