The National Agenda for Children and Youths with Visual Impairments, Including those with Multiple Disabilities

Anne L. CornVanderbilt University

What is the National Agenda? Parents, professionals, and adults

with visual impairments who have a passion for making education services for children with visual impairments and blindness better (numbers unknown)

A journey with a destination but without a complete roadmap

Background A satirical presentation An open letter to professionals and

parents A topical meeting A steering committee formed Five committees write goals 19 goals are written

Background Likelihood-impact analysis Data from 400 responses analyzed Eight goals are drafted Reviews by professionals, parents,

and consumers National Agenda established National Goal Leaders

Background

Advisory board Endorsing

organizations Publication of

data Publication of the

National Agenda booklet

Eight Goals of the Agenda

Goal 1: Early referral Goal 2: Parent participation Goal 3: Professional personnel Goal 4: Caseloads

Eight Goals of the Agenda

Goal 5: Array of services Goal 6: Assessment Goal 7: Access to instructional

materials Goal 8: Expanded core curriculum

Expanded Core Curriculum (Hatlen, 1996) Compensatory Orientation and mobility Social and interpersonal Independent living Career education Recreation/Leisure Technology Visual efficiency

Basic Premises Change is measurable Empowerment of parents,

professionals, adult consumers No ownership Parent-professional partnerships Flexibility at state and local levels

For goal setting and activities

Basic Premises National supports with state and

local efforts Local and state efforts drive

national directions The National Agenda is not the

solution – people are the solution

Structure Steering committee Parent and professional leadership

Ms. Donna Stryker, Parent, New Mexico Dr. Phil Hatlen, Supt. TX School for the Blind

Advisory board National goal leaders (NGLs) State co-coordinators Endorsing organizations and school

programs

National Snapshot of Services

National goal leaders gather data for their goals

Report to the Nation is published

States use national data to compare, contrast, set goals

National, State, and Local Strategies

A Call to Action National Web Site Video Pamphlets under

development Parents Teachers Administrators

States’ Efforts

States’ Efforts Publications Web Sites Legislation (VA)

Spin-off Projects (examples)

National Plan for Training Personnel to Serve Children with Blindness and Low Vision (goal 3)

Spin-off Projects (examples)

Education Guidelines from the National Association of State Directors of Special Education

Spin-off Projects (examples) American Foundation for the Blind

Textbook and Instructional Materials Solutions Forum (goal 7)

Research on the Expanded Core Curriculum for Students with Visual Impairments (goal 8)

Uses of the National Agenda Vehicle to garner political support

for change State planning Support for parents Organizer for communications, e.g.,

newsletters to parents (goal 8) Organizer for personnel

preparation (goal 8)

Benefits Functions as a change agent at the

national level Facilitates parents and

professionals forming partnerships Enhances communications among

professionals

Benefits Identifies assessments and a

curriculum that all students with visual impairments should receive

Helps administrators understand the roles and functions of the TVI, COMS

Facilitates cross agency and cross-disciplinary communications

Benefits Leadership opportunities Commitment of professionals and

parents Empowers professionals and

parents to make change (when state or government supports are not available)

Challenges Politics within states States and organizations needing

technical support Funding Communications and meetings Organizational status

Challenges Autonomous efforts (in the name

of) Insufficient data to track change Frustrations with how far we still

need to go Accepting change that has occurred

as accomplishments worthy of celebration

Current Status Five-year re-assessment resulted in

continuation of national goals New efforts to support states that are

motivated but in need of mentorship American Foundation for the Blind

has allocated a 10-hour per week position to helping states achieve the goals

Affirmation of Beliefs When

there are early referrals parents are partners there are sufficient personnel there are appropriate case loads for

professionals assessments are valid for the

population

Affirmation of Beliefs

there is an array of placement options texts and instructional materials are

in appropriate media and available at the same time as for sighted peers

the Expanded Core Curriculum for Students with Visual Impairments is taught…

Affirmation of Beliefs Then

children and youths with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities will receive an appropriate education in their least restrictive learning environment.

National Planning Determine levels of satisfaction

with current practices Acknowledge needs exist (if any) Volunteer Steering Committee

Respected individuals Individuals without personal agendas

Strengths and resources

National Planning Consider barriers Communications A beginning plan

“Buy-in” from individuals and groups Data Review and input from the field Time

National Planning Commitment of several agencies to

support effort (examples) American Foundation for the Blind National Goal Leader organizations Texas School for the Blind and Visually

Impaired Time Flexibility Patience

Conclusion When education services are not

what you want them to be: believe you can make change Believe others want to join you in

making change Believe you will arrive at your

destination, even if you don’t have the entire road map