Just Learn to Say The “B” Word: BLIND | Valerie Alvarez | TEDxTexasStateUniversity

This talk is a call to action of not only teaching the audience to say the “B” word, but it also calls for the blind and sighted communities to come together. Both communities have a responsibility to build a world of inclusion. This talk provides advice for and challenges both communities so that we all can find a way to truly judge each other by the content of our character. After Valerie received her degree from UTEP she relocated to Austin and started her career at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She spent almost 9 years at TSBVI working in many different capacities, including teaching assistant, technology support TA, head track coach, and vocational rehabilitation instructor. Valerie has experience working with a variety of students ranging from the ages of 8 to 22 years old with varying academic abilities. In 2013, she began working at DARS/TWC as a Career Guidance Instructor. She has since obtained the Blindness Trainer Coordinator position at CCRC. While working for the agency she has written curriculum for the CG department, taught the College Prep program and presented at several conferences around the state. Most recently Valerie has obtained her Supportive Employment and Job Placement Specialist certification from UNT. Valerie loves waking up knowing that she may have a profound effect on a student’s life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx