In this first ever bonus episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono interviews Laura Koler, a pre-k teacher at Patterson Park Public Charter School in Baltimore. Laura has had a blind student in her class for the first time this year. Melissa and Laura discuss what it’s really like to teach a blind student—from the initial fears and uncertainty to the pleasant surprises and advantages Laura has found along the way.

We at the Nation’s Blind Podcast want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of this episode by calling (410) 659-9314, extension 2444, or emailing [email protected].

Twitter: @NFB_Voice

Facebook: National Federation of the Blind

Website: www.nfb.org

These resources may be useful for teachers who are working with blind students:

The Blind Child in the Regular Pre School Program

The Blind Child in the Regular Elementary Classroom

Future Reflections: a magazine for parents and teachers of blind students

If you have a student who is learning both braille and print, Integrating Print and Braille: A Recipe for Literacy may be a useful book.

The NFB Independence Market sells products that can be used in the classroom and on the playground

Tools for making science accessible to blind students can be found at blindscience.org

Learn more about teaching blind students.

The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children can connect you with families of blind children and provide tons of additional resources.