Summer Refresh: Braille, Growth, and New Beginnings for an Educational Assistant

The school year has wrapped up, and what a journey it’s been! While the 2.5-month education support worker strike certainly added a unique challenge, this past year has been one of significant growth and new experiences for me as an educational assistant specializing in visual impairments.

Embracing Braille: Sharpening Skills for Enhanced Support

As an educational assistant working with visually impaired students, proficiency in assistive technology and braille is paramount. This year highlighted a crucial need for me to refresh my skills in the Unified English Braille (UEB) code, encompassing both literary and math braille. It’s incredible how much has evolved since I initially learned Grade 2 English Braille and Nemeth Math Braille!

This summer, my focus will be on intensive braille study and practice. I’m genuinely excited about this undertaking. Not only will it enhance my employment opportunities within the school division, but it will also be invaluable for a new side venture my partner and I are exploring. Stay tuned for more details on that exciting project!

Beyond Braille: Future Educational Endeavors

My braille refresh has naturally led me to consider other educational advancements. Should I pursue a new diploma program, leveraging my prior academic experiences, or focus solely on acquiring specialized certifications? This is a question I’ll be thoroughly researching and reflecting on as I map out my professional development.

A Summer of Creativity, Connection, and Consistent Content

It’s only the beginning of my summer break, and my mind is already buzzing with creativity, energy, and a desire for new experiences. This summer promises to be incredibly productive. Expect more engaging posts about the real world of education, my guide dog adventures, and much more.

I’m committed to increasing my posting frequency beyond just a few times a month. My goal is to publish a post every day throughout July and maintain a weekly schedule thereafter. Believe me, I have a wealth of ideas to share, enough to keep content flowing for months!