Dedicated to Improving the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired People

Grant 5: Success Beyond Sight (SBS) National TSVI/TVI Recruitment Project

Highly qualified Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVIs) are critical to educational success for children who are blind or visually impaired. TSVIs, also known as TVIs (teachers of visually impaired), are “educators who specialize in providing support and instruction to students with blindness or visual impairments.” The need for TSVIs “is as great as the opportunity they have to make a difference in children’s lives.” Success Beyond Sight’s National TSVI/TVI Recruitment Project addresses the nationwide shortage of properly trained TSVIs. Its current focus supports the expansion of an initiative to increase the number of teachers trained to educate students who are visually impaired. To achieve this goal, Success Beyond Sight requested RDPFS  support for a three-year campaign to attract more students into TSVI university training programs on a national level. The campaign will develop strategies and implementation plans, including digital ads and other marketing materials targeting general and special education teachers, special education students, and career changers. SBS will institute and measure a plan of action to raise awareness of the profession among eligible applicants; demonstrate the demand for qualified TSVIs; and communicate the satisfaction that can be gained in making a difference in the life of a student with vision loss.