Navigating Challenges and Uncertainties in Special Education
In the bustling city of Arlington, Texas, the Yanaros-Wilde family faces a daunting challenge. Their 7-year-old daughter, Kennedy, was born without any light perception, leaving her almost totally blind. For the past four years, Kennedy has navigated the complexities of Arlington Independent School District’s (ISD) special education system, encountering a revolving door of visual impairment specialists tasked with ensuring she receives the support she needs.
The Struggle for Appropriate Placement and Accommodations
When Kennedy first started at Mary Moore Elementary two years ago, she was initially placed in a special education classroom for students with impaired cognitive functioning, despite her disability having no effect on her cognitive abilities. This, experts say, is a common experience for visually impaired students, who are often placed in settings ill-equipped to accommodate their needs.
“When a school gets a student who’s blind for the first time, it’s not uncommon for them to have to scramble to put together a program,” explains Emily Coleman, superintendent of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
After her parents’ intervention, Kennedy was moved to a general education classroom, and the school hired a staff member to help her navigate the campus. Now, as that staff member transitions to a district-wide position, the family is concerned that a replacement may not be found, leaving Kennedy without the dedicated support she requires.
High Turnover in Visual Impairment Education
Kennedy’s story is not unique. Arlington ISD is facing broader challenges with retaining visual impairment specialists, a problem that plagues districts across the state. In May, the district lost its two longtime braillists, who translate daily curricula into braille, as well as two visual impairment specialists.
“We just don’t have enough people coming into the field to meet the needs of our state,” says Coleman. “Our state is huge, we have one of the highest counts of blind children in the country in Texas, and we have to cover a lot of territory.”
The shortage of qualified professionals in this specialized field means that students like Kennedy often experience a revolving door of teachers, each time having to adapt to a new educator’s teaching style and approach.
The Impact on Students and Families
For Conner Erwin, a recent Arlington ISD graduate who experienced total blindness from a young age, the constant turnover of visual impairment teachers was a challenge he faced throughout his education. “Each time one quit was a surprise,” Erwin recalls, “as they often left in the middle of their education plan, just as I started to understand the material.”
This instability can be particularly detrimental for visually impaired students, who rely on developing deep relationships with their specialized educators. For Kennedy’s parents, Valerie Yanaros and Colin Weatherwax, the prospect of their daughter having to adapt to a new teacher every year is a source of significant concern.
“We don’t like seeing our daughter forced to switch between visual impairment teachers every year,” Yanaros explains. “The specialists each develop relationships with the family deeper than general education teachers typically do, so each time one leaves, we question how it will impact our daughter.”
Seeking Solutions and Advocating for Change
As Arlington ISD works to address the shortage of visual impairment specialists, the Yanaros-Wilde family remains hopeful that a solution can be found to ensure Kennedy’s educational needs are met. The district has received an “influx of applicants” for the vacant positions, and a recent 4% salary raise may help attract new hires.
However, the broader challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified professionals in this field remains. Erwin, the recent Arlington ISD graduate, encourages Kennedy’s family to persist in advocating for their daughter’s needs, drawing on his own experience navigating the system.
“You have people here that care, and things will get done, and things will be great,” Erwin says. “It’s not like comparing apples to oranges; we’re comparing apples to grenades.”
As the Yanaros-Wilde family continues their journey, they serve as a powerful reminder of the vital importance of specialized support and the need for systemic changes to address the challenges facing visually impaired students in public education.
The Crucial Role of Specialized Educators
The shortage of visual impairment specialists is not unique to Arlington ISD; it is a statewide issue that reflects the broader challenges facing special education in Texas. According to the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the state had an estimated 643 visual impairment specialists in 2022, with 148 of them working part-time. By 2025, the report forecasted that approximately 17% of these professionals will have retired or left the field, creating a significant deficit.
This shortage has profound implications for students like Kennedy, who rely on the expertise and continuity of their specialized educators. Visual impairment teachers play a crucial role in ensuring these students can navigate the educational system and develop the skills necessary for independent living.
Tailoring Instruction and Accommodations
Visual impairment specialists are trained to provide a range of specialized services, from braille instruction to mobility training and the use of assistive technologies. They work closely with students, families, and general education teachers to develop individualized education plans that address each student’s unique needs.
Conner Erwin, the recent Arlington ISD graduate, experienced firsthand the importance of these accommodations. “Traditional teaching methods for subjects like math and science have an unexpected degree of sight reliance that teachers needed to navigate around,” he explains.
One of his math teachers, for example, used a corkboard and push pins to help Erwin tactically plot numbers, a creative solution that enabled him to grasp algebraic graphing concepts. These types of tailored instructional strategies are crucial for visually impaired students to thrive academically.
Fostering Independence and Confidence
Beyond academics, visual impairment specialists play a vital role in preparing students for life after school. They work with students on essential life skills, such as using public transportation, navigating grocery stores, and managing personal finances.
“It’s not all about college prep anymore,” says Cindy Brown, Arlington ISD’s special education director. “It’s about how are you ready to navigate the world?”
For students like Erwin, these lessons in independence and self-advocacy were invaluable. “They were trying to teach me life, whether I liked it or not,” he reflects. “They were trying to do good, and it was good.”
Bridging the Gap Between School and Community
Visual impairment specialists also serve as a crucial bridge between the school and the broader community. They collaborate with local organizations, such as the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, to provide students with access to specialized resources and programs.
This level of community engagement is particularly important for families like the Yanaros-Wildes, who have experienced the benefits of these specialized services firsthand. During a recent summer camp hosted by the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the family was reminded of the transformative power of a truly supportive educational environment.
“It’s not like comparing apples to oranges; we’re comparing apples to grenades,” Weatherwax, Kennedy’s father, reflects.
Addressing the Shortage: Strategies for Recruitment and Retention
The shortage of visual impairment specialists is a multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive approach from policymakers, school districts, and the broader community. Addressing this issue is crucial not only for the well-being of visually impaired students but for the long-term success of the special education system as a whole.
Enhancing Teacher Training and Certification
One key strategy is to bolster the pipeline of qualified visual impairment specialists. This may involve strengthening teacher training programs, ensuring they provide the necessary skills and certifications required for this specialized field.
The State Board for Educator Certification plays a critical role in this process, overseeing the issuance of teaching certificates appropriate for bilingual education and English as a second language instruction. A similar approach could be applied to visual impairment education, establishing clear certification requirements and pathways for aspiring professionals.
Improving Compensation and Professional Development
Competitive compensation and ongoing professional development opportunities can also help attract and retain qualified visual impairment specialists. Arlington ISD’s recent 4% salary raise for teachers and staff is a step in the right direction, but more may need to be done to make these positions financially viable and provide a clear career path for educators.
Investing in comprehensive training programs, mentorship initiatives, and opportunities for continued learning can help visual impairment specialists feel valued, supported, and empowered in their roles.
Fostering Collaboration and Resource Sharing
Collaboration and resource-sharing between school districts, regional education service centers, and state-level agencies can also help address the shortage. By pooling expertise, sharing best practices, and leveraging existing infrastructure, districts can more efficiently and effectively support visually impaired students.
The Texas Education Agency, for example, could play a crucial coordinating role, facilitating the exchange of information and resources among districts, while also providing guidance and technical assistance to help strengthen local programs.
Engaging the Community and Raising Awareness
Finally, engaging the broader community and raising awareness about the importance of visual impairment education can help generate support and resources for this critical field. Partnerships with local businesses, advocacy groups, and philanthropic organizations can unlock new funding streams, volunteer opportunities, and mentorship programs to supplement the efforts of school districts.
By working collaboratively and holistically, stakeholders can ensure that visually impaired students like Kennedy receive the comprehensive support and specialized instruction they need to thrive, both in the classroom and beyond.
Conclusion: Empowering Visually Impaired Students for the Future
The challenges facing Arlington ISD’s visual impairment education program are emblematic of a larger systemic issue within Texas’ public education system. As the state grapples with a shortage of qualified specialists, students with visual impairments continue to face uncertainty and disruptions in their educational journeys.
However, the Yanaros-Wilde family’s story, as well as the experiences of graduates like Conner Erwin, serve as a powerful reminder of the vital importance of specialized support and the transformative impact it can have on the lives of visually impaired students.
By addressing the root causes of the shortage, investing in teacher recruitment and retention, and fostering collaborative solutions, stakeholders can work to ensure that every visually impaired student in Texas has access to the resources, accommodations, and specialized instruction they need to succeed.
As the Yanaros-Wilde family continues to advocate for Kennedy’s educational needs, they represent the broader struggle for equity and inclusion within the special education system. Their persistence and resilience inspire hope, underscoring the belief that with the right support, visually impaired students can unlock their full potential and confidently navigate the world around them.
The IT Fix blog is committed to providing practical tips and in-depth insights on technology, computer repair, and IT solutions. By highlighting the critical role of visual impairment specialists and the challenges faced by districts like Arlington ISD, we aim to raise awareness and spark meaningful dialogue around the importance of accessible and inclusive education for all students.
