University of Kentucky Visual Impairment Program

10/28/2026

Researchers at the University of Kentucky and Auburn University are conducting a study examining barriers, supports, and inclusive practices in educator preparation programs for individuals with disabilities.

We are seeking:
✅ Faculty and staff affiliated with educator preparation programs
✅ Current students enrolled in educator preparation programs
✅ Recent program completers (within the past 12 months)

Participation is voluntary and anonymous.

Additional information about the study, eligibility requirements, and participation details is available through the survey links in the comments below.

Please consider participating and sharing this information with eligible students and recent program completers.

10/22/2026

Today, KSB Outreach Consultant,
Dr. Kevin McCormack hosted our O&M cadre at the University of Kentucky for a great day of learning and hands-on practice!

Our group had the opportunity to explore and practice traveling with Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, No Jab canes, and other innovative canes and mobility tools currently on the market. It was a great opportunity to learn about new technology, try out different tools, and discuss how these innovations can support individuals who are blind or visually impaired in traveling more safely and independently.

We are thankful to Kevin and KSB Outreach for sharing their knowledge, expertise, and time with Orientation and Mobility Specialists across Kentucky today.

10/16/2026

We are incredibly proud of two members of our UK Visual Impairment family who took the opportunity to share about White Cane Safety Day with their school district! Brittany Clarkson is a graduate of our program, and Tori Christenson is a current student in our Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) program.
Observed each year on October 15, White Cane Safety Day recognizes the independence, confidence, and achievements of individuals who are blind, low vision, and DeafBlind. The white cane is an important tool that helps individuals navigate their environments safely and independently while also serving as a reminder of the importance of awareness, accessibility, and respect for the rights of people with low vision.
It is so exciting to see our graduate and current student using their voices to advocate for their students and educate their school communities. Their efforts help build understanding, promote inclusion, and create environments where students who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind can thrive.
This is what advocacy looks like! We are proud to see our students and graduates making a difference, raising awareness, and helping create a world where individuals with low vision are empowered to travel safely and independently. The future of our field is bright!

10/15/2026

Happy White Cane Day! Canetucky was a success! More pictures to come soon.

09/29/2026

Attention teens who are blind or have low! Join the UK faculty for our Fall 2026 PATH retreat November 6-8 in Frankfort for a weekend of fun and learning. For more information, please use the application link.

Thank you for your interest in the Fall 2026 PATH Program! The program will be held at the Fairfield Inn in Frankfort from Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, 2026. We welcome back previous PATH attendees, as with first time attendees. PATH is funded by the Kentucky Office of Vocational R...

09/23/2026

🎉 **Congratulations to UK TVI Graduate Kimmie Curtis!** 🎉

We are so incredibly proud to celebrate Kimberly Rena Curtis, a 2022 graduate of the University of Kentucky TVI Program, for being named one of three finalists for the 2026 Special Education Teacher of the Year!💙

Kimmie currently serves as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) at the Kentucky School for the Deaf, where she works with students who are DeafBlind. Her dedication, compassion, creativity, and commitment to her students make a difference every single day.

Kimmie is making an incredible impact—not only in the lives of her students and their families, but also in the field of visual impairment and DeafBlind education. We are so proud to call her a UK TVI graduate and even more proud of the light she shines wherever she goes.✨

Congratulations, Kimmie! We are cheering you on! 💙🎉

We are proud to celebrate KSD’s own Kimmie Curtis, one of three finalists for the 2026 Kentucky Special Education Teacher of the Year! 💚🤍

Kimmie brings passion, dedication, and care to her work with students. She believes in their potential, encourages them to grow, and works to help each one succeed. Her commitment to our students and the KSD community makes this recognition especially meaningful.

Please join us in congratulating Kimmie on this well-deserved honor! 🎉

09/22/2026

What a fun and hands-on weekend of learning in our Visual Impairment Program! 👁️💙
Our students spent the weekend diving into anatomy by creating eye models, dissecting cow and pig eyes, and practicing Functional Vision Assessments (FVAs) on one another.
A huge thank you to Connie Hill from the Kentucky School for the Blind for joining us and sharing her expertise during our eye dissections! 🐄🐖👁️
These in-person weekends are such a great opportunity for our students to connect what they learn in class to real-world practice—and there was definitely no shortage of learning, laughter, and a few “wow!” moments along the way! 😊
So proud of our TVI students and the hands-on experiences they are gaining to better serve students who are blind or low vision! 💙

09/18/2026

The University of Kentucky is hosting the 4th annual Canetucky, an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) competition for students with visual impairments to show off and demonstrate their skills. Prizes will be awarded.
Open to Kentucky students with visual impairments, ages 12 and up who have received instruction from an O&M specialist.

Student Registration Online Form
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/wH5nKDdqU8

Student Skill Inventory - to be completed with input from their TVI and O&M instructor
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/HTv0WEFbgW

Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington

When: October 15, 2026, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Lunch provided.

Registration deadline is October 6.

Contact me at justin..[email protected]

09/09/2026

🎿 **EXTREME MOBILITY (XMO) 2027 — KENTUCKY IS GOING!** 🏔️

We’re excited to announce that Kentucky will be heading to **Extreme Mobility (XMO) 2027** in Colorado!

📅 **Trip Dates:** February 21–27, 2027
✈️ Departing from and returning to Louisville (SDF)

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:
• Be **15–32 years old**
• Live in Kentucky
• Have a visual impairment and receive/have received services from a **TVI or COMS**
• No previous skiing or snowboarding experience is required!

**10 athlete spots are available.** First-time XMO participants will be prioritized, but everyone is encouraged to apply.

🏔️ What’s Covered?

For accepted athletes, the following are covered:
✈️ Round-trip airfare from Louisville
🚐 Ground transportation
🏨 Lodging
⛷️ Adaptive winter sports lessons & activities
🎿 Assistance with gear for first-time attendees

📝 Apply by October 23, 2026

Complete the **KAVI XMO 2027 Athlete Application**. (Application attached to this post). Early applications are encouraged!

Applicants will be notified of their status by **November 2, 2026**.

📧 **Questions?**
Amanda Lannan — [email protected]
Michele Brown — [email protected]

We can’t wait to **hit the slopes with you in 2027!** 🎿❄️

Please share this post with students, clients, families, and anyone who may be interested!

09/01/2026

This Wrestling camp is an introductory wrestling practice only for the visually impaired, for anyone wanting to test the waters of Wrestling. It is just an introduction, meaning anyone can wrestle for as little as they want to. They can just come and watch or can come and go through the entire introduction. The event will be coached by 5 coaches, one of the Trinity high school coaches. We are excited for September 3rd, and hope many people will show up! - Kendall, Sacred Heart Model Student