Vision Mentorship and Grant Program | Washington State School for the Blind

Welcome back to the new school year! The WSSB Outreach Vision Mentorship and Grant Program mentor continues to offer support for developing the next generation of teachers of students with blindness and low vision. Our dedicated team of teachers remains focused on providing new educators in Washington with increased support time, specialized knowledge from multiple professionals, and a wide range of resources. We will continue to offer both in-person and online support, as well as enhanced professional development opportunities including monthly webinars and state-specific resource creation. We look forward to connecting with you.

Mentor meetings

Mentor meetings are monthly Zoom gatherings that include WSSB mentor staff and members of the mentor program. They typically occur on the third Monday of each month at 3:00-3:45.

February meeting: Routines

Monday, February 23rd, 3:00-3:45

This month we'll discuss the importance of keeping things consistent—developing and using routines when we work with blind and low vision learners. The team will share some examples of routines we use with various types of learners. As always, we'll offer a clock hour and leave time for questions about any topic.

Want to join the mentor program and receive invitations for our monthly Zoom meetings? Contact Joe Dlugo

Grant application window is open!

The vision grant program is a partnership involving the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), Washington Sensory Disability Services (WSDS), the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) and Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. Since 2017, our program has offered yearly grants and mentor support to currently certified Washington State teachers who wish to add a vision endorsement to their certificate. We are now also encouraging applications for those wanting to become Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists through Portland State University. Over this time, we have added over 50 new vision professionals throughout the state to assist in meeting the needs of this ever-growing field. Applications are taken every winter/spring with a deadline of April 1^st. Grants are limited and competitive. After applying and being accepted into one of our partner programs, you will receive a questionnaire that when completed will qualify you for grant consideration. Grants are awarded in mid-April. The grant pays for all tuition but not course fees and books. If you are interested, please contact us for more information.

Apply for Stephen F. Austin University Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments Training Program

Apply for the Portland State University Orientation and Mobility Program

Frequently asked questions for school administration looking to fill a position

Frequently asked questions for potential TBLVL applicants

Frequently asked questions for potential O&M applicants

Connect with SFA program staff

Watch a webinar explaining the grant program note: the video states a master's degree is needed for the program. This is no longer a requirement.

Need a Mentor?

Our program offers mentor support for new vision educators throughout Washington State, including those in their first 3 years, and those new to the state. Our services are not limited to those who have received state grants. We offer mentorship in the following areas:

Teachers of Blind and Low Vision Learners (AKA “TSVI/TVI”), ages birth-21
Orientation and Mobility Specialists (O&M), ages birth-21
Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS) working in school settings

Please contact Joe Dlugo for more information.

Resources

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Current Job Postings

Are you a vision education professional in Washington State looking for a new position? Check out our job postings. Postings are updated monthly.