Description
As a child, I was fortunate to have attended a blind school where I received support in various aspects of life with low vision such as assistive technology, braille courses and adaptive sports, however, I always lacked the comfort of having people I could talk to, who had the lived experience of a blind or low vision individual. And that is why as a support coach for the vision impaired, I not only offer personalised braille and screen reader training, tailored advice on pathways for the future, and strategies for a more independent daily life, I also offer mentorship. A space of understanding. A place where each and every one of my clients feels heard and validated. Because while blindness might mean lack of sight, it does not mean lack of vision.
Online platform Zoom will be used for all appointments and programs, all of which are designed to cater to blind and low vision individuals, as well as parents and allies.
Programs
6 week introduction to navigating a computer using Jaws
This one-on-one online program provides weekly 45 minute sessions and costs a total of aud$300 due before the beginning of the second session. The program involves navigating file explorer and word documents, creating and saving files, connecting to internet and Bluetooth devices, configuring settings, accessing the internet via Google Chrome, various Jaws specific shortcuts, as well as anything the client would like to learn.
6 week introduction to using iPad and iPhone with voice over
This one-on-one online program provides weekly 45 minute sessions for a total cost of aud$300 due before the beginning of the third session. The program explores sending and replying to emails and messages, making calls, configuring settings, navigating websites and well-known apps, navigating documents, as well as anything the client would like to learn.
8 week Exploring Pathways
This one-on-one online program provides weekly 45 minute sessions for a cost of aud$300 due by the beginning of the third session. The program involves daily living skills, goal setting, peer mentoring and emotional support. The first session will explore your current, short term and long term goals as an individual with blindness or low vision, and every appointment will begin with a check-in of what you feel you need for the session.
4 week introduction to Basic Braille
This one-on-one online program provides weekly 45 minute sessions for a cost of aud$230 due before the beginning of the second session. It explores the braille alphabet, basic Maths symbols, and anything else the client would like to learn. Braille paper and a braille machine are required for this program. Additional learning resources will be sent via post.
6 Week Introduction To Braille Music
This one-on-one online program provides weekly 45 minute sessions for a cost of aud$350 due before the beginning of the second session. The program explores basic notation and rhythm, writing scales in braille, composing simple melodies as well as anything the client would like to learn. Braille paper and a braille machine are required for this program. Additional learning resources will be sent via post.
6 Week Intermediate iPad and iPhone Navigation Using Voice Over
This one-on-one online program costs aud$330 due before the beginning of the second session. The program explores various Voice Over shortcuts, downloading attachments within emails and messages, sending emails and messages with attachments, installing and using third party apps Be My Eyes and Seeing AI, using braille screen input mode (a mode which allows users to type on screen using braille entry), as well as anything the client would like to learn.
6 Week Intermediate Braille Music
This one-on-one online program provides weekly 1 hour sessions for a total cost of aud$390 due before the beginning of the third session. The program explores writing chords in braille, composing piano music for left and right hands, key and time signatures and syncopated rhythms, how to set out a piano score, various symbols such as repeats and dynamic markings as well as anything the client would like to learn. Braille paper and a braille machine are required for this program. Additional learning resources will be sent via post.
6 Week Intermediate Braille
This one-on-one online program provides weekly 1 hour sessions for a cost of aud$320 due before the beginning of the second session. The program explores single combinations of dots that can be used to write entire words, known as contractions, punctuation markings, intermediate Maths symbols, a brief history of braille as well as anything the client would like to learn. A braille machine and braille paper are required for this program. Additional learning resources will be sent via post.
Every program can be modified to meet the needs of the client.
If you have any other topics you may wish to discuss when it comes to adapting to life with low vision such as sports for the blind, orientation and mobility, services that can assist with daily independence etc. you can also book individual sessions seperate to any of these programs.
If You Book an Individual Session
Note: The information in this heading only applies if you are booking an individual session, seperate from the programs listed above.
Each appointment will vary from between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your preference. Online communication platform Zoom will be used, and parents are more than welcome to be a part of these sessions.
Individual sessions typically cost AUD $30 for 30 minutes, AUD $45 for 45 minutes and AUD $60 for 1 hour, however costing is flexible. Invoices will be written and sent after each session.
Availability and Hours
Monday: Available from 4 PM–8 PM
Tuesday: Unavailable.
Wednesday: Available from 4 PM–7 PM.
Thursday: Available from 4 PM–8:30 PM.
Friday: Available from 4 PM–6:30 PM.
Saturday: Available from 4 PM–8 PM.
Sunday: Available from 10 AM–5 PM.
All times listed above are relevant to Australian Central Standard time.
Registration
Fill out the form below to register for a session or program. Your response will be forwarded to me via email and I will contact you within 7 business days regarding your registration!
Get in Contact
If you have any feedback or inquiries please don't hesitate to email shianne.blvcoach@gmail.com