SFA visual impairment and orientation and mobility students attend regional event

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University students enrolled in the undergraduate visual impairment and orientation and mobility program recently volunteered at See Me Dance, an expanded core-curriculum event for children with visual impairments held in Pittsburg, Texas.

During the event, SFA students Jennifer Anderson, Gail Avey and Abby Blackwell helped serve lunch, socialized with attendees and learned dances alongside students with visual impairments.

"This was my first orientation and mobility event," Anderson said. "I had so much fun, and it confirmed that this is what I want to do. I'm on the right track for my career goals."

Blackwell agreed that attending the event helped her better realize the program's impact.

"As a person with visual impairments, being on the other side is really exciting, because I got to see how much of an impact I can make," Blackwell said.

Avey said working with the children was great because they were so confident and didn't let their visual impairments hold them back. Michael Munro, visual impairment and orientation and mobility program director, said the SFA students were enthusiastic and eager to interact with and support the children while they participated in group dance instruction and games at this event.

"Our students were able to work with children who are visually impaired to enhance their learning of critical skills related to orientation and mobility, recreation and leisure, social interaction, independent living and build new experiences in which to learn," Munro said. "These students did a wonderful job representing the university and the visual impairment and orientation and mobility program."

The Region 8 Education Service Center sponsored the event.