Kristin Grender

Kristin Grender

Teacher of the Blind, Low Vision (TBLV) and Orientation & Mobility Instructor (O&M)

I am a Teacher for the Blind & Visually Impaired (TBVI) and Orientation & Mobility (O&M) instructor for CESA #2.  CESA #2 provides services to school districts in Southern Wisconsin.  In addition, I am an adjunct professor for Concordia University in the Special Education Department.

[email protected] (work) & [email protected] (personal)

Lessons Learned

• Training helps teachers enhance their awareness of the signs and indicators of maltreatment among children with disabilities. This includes recognizing both physical and emotional signs. Training fosters collaboration between teachers and support services and gives comprehensive support for students.
• Teachers need to be trained to be culturally sensitive, understanding that different cultural backgrounds may impact the perception and disclosure of maltreatment.
• Teachers should be educated on trauma-informed practices, which are essential when dealing with students who may have experienced maltreatment.

Resources Developed

• Recognizing Signs of Maltreatment in Students who are blind or have low vision
• The Role of O&M: Recognizing Signs of Maltreatment in Students who are blind or have low vision
• Understanding and Preventing Maltreatment with ARFID: A Guide for Teachers and Families
• A Teachers Role in Keeping DHH Students Safe

Suggested Resources

• Violence Prevention Home Page. (2019). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/index.html
• UNICEF. (2023). Children with Disabilities. Www.unicef.org. https://www.unicef.org/disabilities
• Child Abuse and Neglect. (1969, December 31). Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. https://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pupil-services/school-social-work/contents/chil…;

Collaborative Areas of Interest

• Cultural sensitivity
• Trauma-Informed Practices
• Recognizing physical and emotional signs of maltreatment