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The state of Wisconsin is committed to supporting new TVIs and O&Ms through a statewide mentor program managed by the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCBVI) Outreach Program. Launched in 2016, the program has supported 63 proteges with a 92% retention rate. The presenters will use a PowerPoint to illustrate aspects of the statewide mentoring program's development. They will engage participants through extensive and small-group discussions, as well as paired interactions. The presentation will show how the program was built from the ground up to meet Wisconsin's unique needs and how it has fostered a stronger community of TVIs and O&Ms. The presenters based the Wisconsin program on the framework of the established Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) program and will share how other states or organizations can implement their own mentoring programs. The presentation will: include the key components of an effective mentoring program for TVIs and O&M specialists. allow participants to recognize the benefits of mentoring for professional growth, retention, service quality and community building. allow participants to create a framework for implementing and evaluating a mentoring program within their own organization. Intended Audience: Experienced TVIs and O&Ms willing to mentor, program administrators and anyone interested in building sustainable professional support systems within vision services. |
