Diane Adams

Teacher for the Visually Impaired or TVI

I am a highly motivated teacher, with a passion for teaching and learning. My desire to teach blind children was sparked by my relationship with a blind infant and his family when I was a high school sophomore. I started out as his babysitter, but once he was a preschooler, I became his Saturday “program” teacher. I planned lessons and projects for us to do every Saturday morning.

Later when I was attending a junior college, his mom and I took a Braille class together.I have been reading, writing and teaching braille for nearly 40 years!

I graduated from SFSU in 1986 with both a Multiple Subjects and VI Specialty Credential. I have taught babies and families, self-contained preschool, as well as ages 3- 22 as an itinerant TVI.

I strive to get my students excited about learning and believe a strong relationship with school staff and parents is crucial to assisting children in reaching their goals and becoming successful, independent learners.

Treatment Approach

I always meet the child where they are both academically and emotionally. I prefer to observe and meet a new student prior to reading reports and IEPs because I want to keep an open mind about every low vision/blind students’ potential. I am very hands on with students and believe that best practices include offering VI.

Specialties

Teaching birth – age 3
Teaching Braille
Teaching Computer and AT skills (use of magnifiers and other assistive technology
Active Learning (Dr. Lilli Nielson’s educational approach)