Superintendent Ernest E. Garrett III
VISION
March, 2020 Issue 1
This newsletter is meant to provide updates on technologies, resources and strategies to support students with Visual Impairments.
“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision” 
Helen Keller
About Me
My name is Robin King and I am the Director of LA-AEM. My department provides technical assistance, equipment, and accessible materials to students who are Blind/Visually Impaired and their teachers. This bi-monthly newsletter will provide current information regarding technology, resources and strategies that support the education of students with Visual Impairments/Blindness. I hope you find the information and resources helpful.
Upcoming Events
Lunch and Learns Webinars

All webinars are being held between
11:30 - 12:30
While you are quarantined it doesn't mean you can't be exposed to new ideas.
April 16- Universal Design for Learning
Presenter: Theresa Robinson
April 21- Accessible Educational Materials Basics
Presenter: Patty Lagron
April 23- Alternative and Augmentative Communication
Presenter: Terri Belknap
April 28-  Early Childhood
Presenter: Katie Sample
Book Orders
(1) Order your ELA Guidebooks by grade

(2) For Eureka Math users, write "Eureka Math: All Modules & Grade with the copyright year

(3) You can also order any supplies you need to start next year
LA-AEM will start accepting book orders now
LA-AEM staff will be taking your orders now. Our goal is to process your order and have it ready for shipment as soon as schools open.

It is imperative that we get our orders turned in as soon as possible. APH will experience a back log of requests

I've include three options to order books. You can use the online request form or the traditional forms. That could effect dates of delivery to you.

My thoughts are with you and your family during this unprecedented event. Please don't hesitate to contact me. My email is [email protected]

We are producing materials for VI students' use in the home to support LEAs in making sure virtual instruction is accessible.  
SPOTLIGHT
Louisiana AEM was formed when LATI and LIMC combined. We have expanded our services but our goal remains the same to support students and teachers with accessible textbooks, materials and equipment for students with diverse learning needs . Our highly qualified staff is ready to support from any place in the state. I have provided a link to request support from Regional AT Support Specialist. Also, we are excited to announce our new website www.ssdla-aem.org We have ELA Guidebook in accessible formats available for download.
.
Click here to access accessible instructional materials.

Click here i f you want to make a service request for technology support, professional training,
FREE Software
JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion FREE of charge for personal computers at home, until June 30, 2020.
A braille transcription program developed by APH to help provide blind students with braille materials. This is a free tool for VI Teachers.
FREE Books
National Emergency Library
Millions of books have been opened so that students working from home will have access to content in digital formats till June 30, 2020.
Braille Challenge
The Braille Challenge was held on February 20, 2020 on LSVI’s campus. Participants from across the state and students at LSVI came together to compete in the 12th Annual Braille Challenge. Turner Industries provided lunch for all participants, families, and staff at LSVI .
    Technology Spotlight
Introducing the Q-Braille
Q-Braille is a unique blend of a Perkins keyboard and QWERTY Function Keys. It has a 40 cell braille display and replaces the need for special keystrokes.
For more information contact:
  Chip Farrington with
merald Coast Visions Aids, Inc 
Phone: 850-473-8081 
NFB News line
NFB NewsLine is a service of the National Federation of the Blind. It is an audio information service featuring over 400 national, international and state newspapers. It includes breaking news, magazines, weather and weather alerts, job and TV listings, & retail ads.
For applications or more information you can contact NFB NewsLine at 866-504-7300.
Louisiana Resources
Accessible Websites & Resources
Free Web-Based Presentations
Accessible Science Activities
Free Braille and Talking Books
Virtual Expanded Core Education Learning
LA-Accessible Educational Materials
225-757-3478| [email protected]