Teresa O'Brien Email & Phone Number

Vero Beach, Fl, Us

Port Saint Lucie, Fl

I have the pleasure of working as an Itinerant Teacher of the Visually Impaired/Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist providing vision services and orientation and mobility instruction to students in St. Lucie County, Florida. Develop individualized braille reading and writing programs for students based on their learning needs and other exceptionalities. During the 2020-2021 school year, provided instruction in reading and writing braille within a virtual platform. While using Microsoft TEAMS, services were provided on a daily basis and included the use of the Building on Patterns Primary Braille Literacy Program to organize and support the student’s acquisition of The UEB Code. Provide instruction in the use of low vision aids and tools to support students’ independence in accessing materials. Produce braille and other adapted materials to support students who are blind. Create functional and motivating materials that support The Mangold Basic Braille Program and Building on Patterns Braille Literacy Programs. Provide orientation and mobility instruction that supports students’ independence on and off campus. Create and use tactile and large print materials to introduce map concepts and specific routes. Focus on daily independence within the school environment and provide training to paraprofessionals to reinforce braille literacy, mobility, and independent living skills.

Loveland, Co

Served students who are blind and students who have low vision providing specialized instruction to support academic, standards-based goals in alignment with each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Expanded Core Curriculum. Provided training to paraprofessionals to reinforce skills and independence. Supervised teachers completing student internships.Selected Achievements:• Completed Functional Vision Evaluations for students who have a Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). Created books and other literacy materials specifically addressing students' vision needs. Students' interest and engagement in literacy activities have improved.• Built confidence and skills in a team of paraprofessionals who support students who are blind in school district. Observed needs of students and shared strategies and created materials for paraprofessionals to use. Provided training to paraprofessionals so that braille reading and writing skills and cane travel skills could be reinforced on a daily basis.• Hosted quarterly meetings for northern region of TVIs including new teachers in the field. These meetings encouraged positive teacher relationships, allowed teachers to share ideas and strategies, and as a group we created literacy materials for students who have a Cortical Visual Impairment.

Boulder, Co & Longmont, Co

Provided orientation and mobility instruction to students with low vision, and specialized instruction in the use of low vision aids and technology. Selected Achievements:• Provided orientation and mobility instruction to students who have low vision within and outside of the school. Students became independent travelers within their schools and in their communities using safe cane travel skills and utilizing bus systems.• Provided specialized instruction in the use of low vision aids including prescribed monoculars, magnifiers, and other assistive technology. Students became independent in using these tools instead of being dependent on adults to provide large print materials

Glenwood Springs, Co

Served as itinerant O&M Specialist/TSVI (on a Temporary Educator Eligibility License) as part of cooperative educational services agency serving students within a 10-Central Rocky Mountain School District Region. Provided assessment and development of goals for IEP programs, directed instruction in orientation and mobility, braille, low vision aids, and technology. Consulted with and trained educational teams.

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Psychology, Summa Cum Laude

Master Of Arts (M.A.), Severe Needs: Vision

Master Of Science In Education (M.S.Ed.), Blind Rehabilitation