GVRA Expands Agency Participation at GVEST 2026

This year, GVRA had its largest presence to date at the Georgia Vision Educators Statewide Training (GVEST), held October 14–15 in Macon, Georgia.  This annual training brings together educators and professionals who serve individuals who are blind or have low vision (BLV), including Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), rehabilitation professionals, and vendors offering specialized BLV services.

Shirley Robinson, GVRA’s Coordinator of Blind Services and a member of the conference committee, helped plan sessions focused on supporting individuals who are Deaf/Blind, Blind, or have low vision.  Attendees explored current practices for integrating orientation and mobility, and vision rehabilitation therapy into job-readiness and other VR services; learned how to interpret vision and eye exam reports; and explored the latest technology available to support individuals served by the agency.  The training included a special screening of "Brailled It", a groundbreaking documentary filmed by blind and low-vision students competing at the national Braille Challenge.

GVRA Transition Manager, Rebecca Williamson, led a roundtable discussion on transition barriers to BLV students and presented a session for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments on collaborating with GVRA during a secondary student's transition to postschool services. Specialty Transition Liaison, Mark Tappin, hosted an exhibitor booth informing attendees about the array of the agency’s programs and services. 

Keynote speaker Joe Strechay, a Blind film and television producer whose credits include a variety of major productions for Apple TV+ and Netflix, also led sessions on disclosing a disability during the interview process, preparing students for postsecondary education and training, and using practical tools for success.

The following GVRA staff attended the conference:

District 11 Specialty Team members - DM Alfred Wheeler, BLV Supervisor Wytincia Swindle, BLV Coordinator Shirley Robinson, BLV C3 Moses Little, BLV Counselor Jennifer Evans-Rice, BLV Counselor Ann Wood

Transition Specialty Team members - Manager Rebecca Williamson, Supervisor Jessica Freeman, and Transition Liaison Mark Tappin

VR Staff from across the state- Bailey Pate (VRC D9), Rosalyn Carter (Supervisor D8), Tiffany Madison (VRC D6), Natalie Oldaker (TL D6), Denise Fox (TL D5), Sarina Forest (TL D3), SuRodney Cannida (TL D3), Milly-Ann Clerville, VRC D3), Ashleigh Abrams (VRC D3), Huda Hassan (VRC D2), Janelle Grey (VRC D2). 

GVRA’s participation in GVEST 2026 reinforced the agency’s commitment to collaboration, professional development, and outreach for improving outcomes for Georgians who are blind or have low vision.