[Blindmath] how did your TVIs assist you?

Mon Nov 30 17:53:14 UTC 2015

Hello,

I'd like all professionals in the business of helping students ask their former students what things they actively did that left them unprepared for university. This is not really covered by the questions posed in Maureen's message.

All too often I am observing 18-20 year old blind people lack independence and confidence and therefore struggle at university. The support mechanisms they had on hand during high school are no longer there; the disability support systems are not ready to help them; and the educators they must work with have even less idea. The issues are even further compounded in the STEM fields where so many additional skills are needed.

In particular, I'd like to have seen more of the students I've come across gain experience preparing their own homework during high school so that they have experience before they get to university where there are so many other new things to have to deal with. 

University ought to be enjoyable and not be like standing on a beach watching a tidal wave coming, especially for those that can't see it.

Jonathan

-----Original Message-----
From: Blindmath [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of derek riemer via Blindmath
Sent: Tuesday, 1 December 2015 5:41 a.m.
To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
Cc: derek riemer
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] how did your TVIs assist you?

Hi,
If your student is planning to pursue a stem degree, then introduce them to la tex a bit. They should learn it asap as a college student because many stem materials may be more accessible in la tex format. Also, ensure that they know nemeth braille. It is insane how many people I know don't know nemeth braille, and it is essential to have tactile feedback of the math. Also, having them transcribe math to you as well as having them use a tool like nemetex will help them ensure they are prepared for the process of converting math in college. I don't know anyone in a college setting who can have a tvi or someone interline their homework. It is essential to learn how to verbally transcribe homework, especially in more complex courses. You can mostly survive calc 1 and 2 with a tool like nemetex, but in upper level courses such as linear algebra, I found it necessary to use paper with braille to even understand the material. Some of it is spacial enough that the tech isn't quite ready to present the math correctly. Also, without a transcriber to transcribe (verbally I read them what I wanted them to
write) math in linear algebra, it meant at least 3 hours of typing out the matrices in la tex. This is compared to half an hour reading it to someone who was skilled at writing that level of math.
Hth.

On 11/30/2015 8:07 AM, Lewicki, Maureen via Blindmath wrote:
> Good morning!  I am a TVI of some great and capable students. Would you do me a favor? Could you reflect back on your high school years and let me know:
>
> Did you have a TVI supporting you?
> What did he/she do to prepare you for college and career?
> What do you regret the TVI did not do to prepare you?
>
> Thanks for your input! My career is not long enough to make all my own mistakes! I would rather learn from others' mistakes and strengths!!
>
> Maureen Murphy Lewicki
> Teacher of the Visually Impaired
> Bethlehem Central School District
> Bethlehem High School
> 700 Delaware Ave
> Delmar, NY 12054
> http://www.bethlehemschools.org<http://www.bethlehemschools.org/>
> Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through 
> experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, 
> ambition inspired, and success 
> achieved.<http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/30186.html> Helen Keller
>
>
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--
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Derek Riemer

  * Department of computer science, third year undergraduate student.
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<http://derekriemer.pythonanywhere.com/weather>

email me at derek.riemer at colorado.edu <mailto:derek.riemer at colorado.edu>
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