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Meet Ava Bullis as She Transitions to a New School

Ava

Ava, who is in fifth grade and loves reading, playing sports, and spending time with friends, has combined vision and hearing loss due to Usher syndrome type 1. In the summer of 2016, her family moved from Old Bridge, New Jersey to Manchester, about an hour away. Their new house was larger and more accessible, but Ava's parents were nervous about the transition to a new school.

Carly, Ava's mom, is the Family Engagement Coordinator for the New Jersey Consortium on Deafblindness. She contacted the new district, met with administrators, and provided training to the school staff on Usher syndrome. Everyone at Manchester Township Elementary School was excited to have Ava as a student and worked hard to make sure her needs were met. Watch the videos to learn about everything that was done to make the transition successful—you'll hear from Ava's family, administrators and teachers, peers, and Ava herself. Check out the box below each video for additional resources (including several from Ava's family).

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Meet Ava

Learn more . . .

Usher Syndrome
A factsheet from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

Usher Syndrome Coalition
An organization that works to raise awareness, accelerate research, and provide information and support to individuals and families.

Meet Ava

Learn more . . .

Usher Syndrome
A factsheet from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

Usher Syndrome Coalition
An organization that works to raise awareness, accelerate research, and provide information and support to individuals and families.

A Family Decision

Learn more . . .

Request for Services Letter
Carly sent this letter to the district during the summer to tell them about Ava and formally request services for her.

Moving to a New Location
Information, tips, and a checklist from the Center for Parent Information and Resources.

Ava's Perspective

Making It Work: Supportive Administrators

Learn more . . .

Carly's Presentation
Carly used this when training the MTES staff on Usher syndrome.

New to Deafblindness? Five Tips for Administrators
From the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Making It Work: Teachers Get Ready

Learn more . . .

When You Have a Visually Impaired Student in Your Classroom—Basic Tips
From the FamilyConnect website, American Foundation for the Blind.

The Cochlear Implant School Toolkit
Information for teachers, parents, and children on welcoming a child with a CI into a mainstream classroom.

Old Friends, New Friends

Learn more...

Telling Classmates About Your Child’s Disability May Foster Acceptance
An information sheet from the PACER Center.

Helping Your Child Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired Learn How to Make Friends
From the FamilyConnect website, American Foundation for the Blind.