Did you hear the news?!?!

So many changes are happening in this 2024 year!

I am super excited to share my new job adventure. I was hired in December 2023 to become the Specialist for DHH (Deaf or Hard of Hearing) & VI (Visually Impaired) in the Exceptional Student Education department for our school district. I am so honored to dive into supporting and advocating for these communities. ​

I spent my winter break resting and relaxing but..... also learning, researching and finding resources that will benefit DHH and VI students & families. It is thrilling to expand my knowledge to serve all types of disabled communities. 

I am loving the opportunity to learn how these diverse communities learn academics, and how to make learning accessible. I am exploring how all my knowledge of working with neurodiverse learners can be merged while learning new concepts. I am hoping to start building bridges to connect all the worlds. It is very important to remember that as an educator it is our job to make an educational impact for our students regardless of their disability label. There are so many new concepts that I have never explored or dive deeper into. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by amazing expert professionals that are sharing their knowledge. ​

I am even more excited because I have decided to start learning ASL (American Sign Language). There is always room growth and it's never too late to start learning! My 8 year old daughter is also learning ASL with me. I want her to learn a way to communicate with peers in school who may need it and to teach her another language. I am loving the opportunity to connect with people using a new language. The teachers and students have been welcoming as I learn my new role. 

When I was in the autism self contained classroom, my son was able to learn about students with different disabilities. This experience allowed him to become compassionate and support his disabled peers throughout his years in school (he is now in high school). 

VI is personal to me. I have a few family members and friends who are either totally blind, have severe blindness, or some type of visual impairment. There are so many tools that can help VI individuals to access the world. The world has come a long way with the resources out there.

Don't fear the change! I know I have always been highly involved in the autism world and intellectually disabled communities.  But now I am expanding my reach! I am thrilled for this amazing opportunity to impact and support more communities.

​I can't wait to share some of the new experiences and ways to support all types of special learners as I take on this leadership role!