Through April 2024, Disability Services (DS) offices across the state will continue to offer free monthly virtual training sessions covering a variety of essential DS topics. ASL Interpreters and live transcription services will be provided during each session. All presentations will be recorded for post-session viewing, please register to receive a link. 

Empowering Blind Students for Success in College

"Empowering Blind Students for Success in College: Navigating Technology, Communication, and Expectations" will be presented by Nate Kile, Annee Hartzell and a student panel on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

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Session Summary

Accessible, clear communication is the cornerstone of successful support. There are many unknowns when working with someone who has a disability, even more so when the person is blind/low vision. Managing realistic expectations is essential for both educators and students (if you're uncertain as to current best practices, you’re not alone!) This session will explore how to set achievable goals and foster respectful, supportive environments to help blind students thrive academically and personally. To offer deeper understanding, a panel of blind college students will share invaluable perspectives regarding common technology, communication, and campus navigation barriers, as well as their personal successes in higher education. We're honored to have blind students who are currently attending college participate in this discussion. Attendee questions are welcome and will be addressed at the end of the session. Happy Valentine's Day! 

Spotlight on Co-Presenters

Nate Kile

Nate Kile is the program director at the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and associate director of instructional services for Your TechVision, a company offering remote training for blind youth and adults around the country. Nate equips others for success by providing institutions, students, and businesses with expert guidance as they navigate the world of web accessibility, WCAG guidelines, respectful use of language, institutional inclusion, and various accommodations for the blind. Nate has taught thousands of hours of assistive technology, instructing both youth and adults on today’s most popular and relevant devices and applications for both school and the workplace. Nate has consulted with the University of Alaska Anchorage on accessibility and indoor navigation of the UAA campus. He's helped many young adults transition into college and is committed to impacting the lives of the blind, empowering others to be equipped with the tools that will allow them to live independent, productive, and fulfilling lives. Nate's hobbies consist of reading across many genres, singing/songwriting, playing guitar, and taking daily walks with dogs in his beautiful home of Alaska.

Annee Hartzell

With an MS in special education specializing in Severe Needs Vision, Orientation, and Mobility, Annee Hartzell’s academic journey encompasses diverse environments ranging from K-12 classrooms to virtual instruction in assistive technology, braille, daily living skills, and academic subjects. Annee’s versatile skill set includes proficiency in multiple languages, including English and Spanish Braille, coupled with a functional understanding of the Japanese language, Braille literacy, assistive technology, and early childhood education. Recognized as ‘Distinguished Teacher of the Year’ for fostering independence and growth among students with sensory challenges, Annee’s impressive body of work highlights her continued commitment to enhancing the educational experiences of blind, low-vision, and deaf students via best practice inclusivity, innovation, and advocacy.

Virtual Disability Services Coffee Chats 

The morning after each series presentation, staff and faculty can ‘Zoom’ with DS in an informal virtual gathering centered around coffee, conversation, and constructive solutions. DS Coffee Chats are not recorded. Chats begin at 8:30 a.m.

Upcoming DS Coffee Chat Links 

 

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