Getting in Touch with Literacy Conference Recap

From Rocket City to the Golden State: Inspiring Innovation

This November, a team from the California School for the Blind (CSB), including teachers, specialists, and an administrator, traveled to Huntsville, Alabama, to attend the Getting in Touch with Literacy Conference, a national event dedicated to advancing literacy for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The conference provided a valuable opportunity for CSB staff to learn, share, and collaborate with educators and innovators from across the country.

Exploring New Frontiers in Literacy

While in Huntsville, team members visited Space Camp Headquarters at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, where they explored hands-on learning programs in science, technology, engineering, and flight. This inspiring visit opened the door for what may become an exciting future opportunity for CSB students to experience Space Camp, learning what it takes to become an astronaut or pilot through accessible, immersive instruction.

Some members of the group also visited the Alabama Institute for the Blind, where they were warmly welcomed by teachers and administrators eager to collaborate on future initiatives. The visit sparked meaningful discussions about literacy, technology, and program design for blind and low vision students, laying the groundwork for future partnerships between the two schools.

Sharing Expertise, Expanding Access (CSB Presentations)

CSB's presence at the conference extended beyond attendance, as our educators also shared their expertise through three featured presentations:

1. Cradle to Classroom: Building Early Literacy Skills with Assistive Technology
   Presented by Allison Mello and Adrian Amandi
   Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 10:00AM - 11:00AM
   
   This session highlighted low-tech and high-tech tools and strategies to foster early literacy experiences for young learners with visual impairments. The presenters demonstrated how families and educators can integrate assistive technology into daily routines at home and in the classroom to promote early literacy engagement.
   
   
2. From Assessment to Action: Integrating Functional Vision, Learning Media, Technology, and ECC
   Presented by Adrian Amandi and Yue-Ting Siu
   Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 1:45PM - 2:45PM
   
   This presentation explored how a Comprehensive Vision Evaluation supports literacy and access for blind and low vision students. By weaving together Functional Vision, Learning Media, Technology, and Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) assessments, the presenters demonstrated how cohesive reporting can lead to more meaningful recommendations and improved IEP collaboration.
   
   
3. It's New! What to Do? Be an Expert in Teaching and Using the Johns BRI 12th Ed. in an LMA
   Presented by Stephanie Herlich
   Friday, November 7, 2025 | 4:15PM - 5:15PM
   
   This hands-on, train-the-trainer workshop introduced the newly updated Jerry Johns Basic Reading Inventory (BRI), 12th Edition, for Learning Media Assessments (LMAs). Participants gained experience in the new administration, interpretation, and instructional applications, supported by an extended Google Classroom filled with videos, resources, and strategies.

Launching Learning, Leading the Way

The trip to Huntsville was more than professional development; it was an opportunity for CSB to both learn from national leaders and contribute to the field through sharing our own expertise. The presentations and connections made reflect CSB's commitment to advancing literacy and access for blind and low vision students across California and beyond.

By exploring new partnerships, learning innovative strategies, and sparking ideas for future student opportunities, the experience reaffirmed CSB's role as a leader in education for students who are blind or have low vision, and as a school always ready to launch the next great idea.