Following the recent webinar by Dr. Lotfi Merabet, “Understanding the Brain and CVI,” the Michigan Department of Education is hosting a CVI Monthly Conversations webinar series (unfortunately Dr. Merabet is not part of the series). You can register for the series here.
The monthly schedule is below.
Monthly CVI Conversations
Come and converse! Join once, or every month as school personnel and parents lead discussions aimed at improving the understanding of and access to materials for students with CVI.
Cost: Free
Zoom Link: Register in advance for this meeting:
Register here for CVI Conversations
Time: 2:45-3:30 pm.
November 2, 2022: CVI Conversations: Setting the Stage
In the first of 7 sessions, participants will learn about setting up the environment for optimal access to learning. In addition, basic information will be reviewed about CVI and who is impacted by this brain-based visual impairment.
December 7, 2022: CVI Conversations: Fill Up Your Toolbox
What does a student with CVI need and where can you find it? During this session, educational materials available to school personnel will be shared that promote access to the curriculum.
January 11, 2023: CVI Conversations: Meaningful Materials for Everyday Experiences
Access to materials is imperative for all students. Our conversation this month will leave you with ideas for creating materials for preferred student activities, daily routines, emergency drills, and student reports for the IEP.
February 1, 2023: CVI Conversations: Partnering with AAC
Technology unlocks the world of communication for many of our students. Be ready this month to discuss how we can use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to enhance the lives of our students with CVI.
March 1, 2023: CVI Conversations: Making Sense out of Print
What do you see? How do we know if a student is interpreting or just looking? This month we dive into discussions about literacy, 2D materials, and making sense of print.
April 12, 2023: CVI Conversations: Don’t Reinvent the Wheel
Your time is valuable. During this CVI Conversation, the latest resources will be shared so you don’t have to spend your time creating or searching.
May 3, 2023: CVI Conversations: Tracking Gains
Is it spring or IEP season? Documenting progress for students with CVI is crucial. This month’s conversation will focus on what assessment tools, progress checklists, and screeners are available for school personnel and families to use.
Join Us! Discussion Leaders:
Sara Cruchelow – Van Buren ISD
Jessicia Klenk – Washtenaw ISD
Amy Shepherd – MDE- Low Incidence Outreach (LIO) and Washtenaw ISD
Johanna Brutvan – MDE-LIO
Hosted by Michigan Department of Education-Low Incidence Outreach
With the return to in person school following a year of remote learning, the birthday party invitation came early. The real and true measure of any and all social skills goals in the IEP should be, “By June, having received all appropriate supports in place all year long, the student with CVI will be invited to X number of birthday parties.” Believe me, there is nothing so gut wrenching as attempting to explain to your child why he was not invited to the party. Here we are in November, at the first birthday party invite, for my son with CVI. 
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