Getting Used to it Again

I used to be far more itinerant than I have been in the last couple of years. Now I have about six schools to visit and 20 children and their teachers to see. I like the change of scenery but it takes some getting used to again.

Last year I was headquartered at a high school and I was on consult at another for about three students with multiple disabilities in self-contained classrooms. Three of my girls at the HQ were diploma bound while one was not and the two boys were on a special tract. The high school girls were far more independent--although I was concerned with the one with Stargardt's because he would not admit to how much she could not see.

Last semester I took another teacher's class on the elementary Braille class while she was out having treatments for lung cancer. While I was doing that, I was taking chemo treatments for a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I enjoyed the kids and we had great fun exploring how much they could learn and do, however, having to leave them for a whole day and two half days each month was not easy.

Anyway, I am getting used to travelling again. I am too ADD to stick to a strict routine.

I'm also to look for and teach the other visual impairments teacher/specialists about technology particular to the visually impaired student. I've already had a disagreement with one teacher who does not think it is necessary to teach the computer keyboard to braille readers. I think she doesn't really want to be bothered because she feels she will have to learn something new. Meanwhile I have a folder of emails from former students who still contact me using the JAWS screen reader on what, boys and girls? The computer keyboard!
I started teaching the children last semester using Talking Typer and they enjoyed it. They need to get used to hearing that computer voice, for sure.

BUT, I am truly feeling blessed because, even though I'm getting used to this new schedule, I need no more chemo and my PET scan was absolutely clear. My energy is returning and my husband's nerves are better because he doesn't worry as much when I leave for work. He went to every treatment and every doctor's visit with me! I feel blessed because I was able to continue working, although it was tough some days, it was not impossible and the experience with the kids was priceless. I feel blessed to have 15 new faces to see and 5 former students that I get to see again! God is truly good!