“ LYNC”ing Distance Learning Math Classes to Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Robin Lowell & Sherry HahnHigh School Math Teacher & Digital Learning CoordinatorAlejandra Gamez, High School SeniorWashington State School for the BlindVancouver, WA

Serving Children Since 1886

Washington State School for the Blind

Green Box

Vision, Mission, PurposeIndependence for blind and visually impaired children. The mission of the Washington State School for the Blind is to provide specialized quality educational services to visually impaired and blind youth ages birth-21 within the state of Washington. To serve as a statewide demonstration and resource center and provide direct and indirect services to students both on campus and in the children’s local communities

• Residential program for middle and high school

• Statewide outreach program

Why Microsoft? Why Lync?• Keyboard Controlled• Video/Audio Conferencing• Desktop and File Sharing• Instant Messaging • Recording Features

Math has been hard for me, because in the past, I have not understood things as well as I have this year, because they were not with a teacher of the visually impaired. -Bryant, Wiezer, ID

I feel comfortable around technology so 'skyping' and 'IMing' my math teacher is pretty cool, I think.   I take it like any other math class, do homework and pay attention.  The only difference is that you, the teacher, isn't in the class physically - Freshman, Juan Van. WA

I love this class, the technology is spectacular and very interesting. I love learning new things. Thank you for all you do for me. I very much appreciate that, Mrs. Lowell. You inspire me to do my best.

-Ali, Wenatchee, WA

• Compatible with Assistive technology out of the box

• Students will use after high school/college

• Students and teachers have instant access to materials and each other

With this technology we can reach more kids in more areas. - WSSB Superintendent

Microsoft Lync has created opportunities for blind and visually impaired students. Bottom line is that this can be effective for any student any where.

MS Technology

. 

Assistive Technology• Lync 2013

• SkyDrive• Word• Excel• Outlook• PowerPoint*

• JAWS• Perky Duck• Refreshable

Braille Display

• BrailleNote• Document

Camera

Students are located:• Vancouver, WA• Bothell, WA• Leavenworth, WA• Great Falls, MT• Wiezer, ID• Prineville, OR

Distance Learning

Ali GamezSenior, Washington State School for the

Blind

Orange Box

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller