Digital Organisation Hacks with Kristen Sharpless

As an O&M (Orientation and Mobility) instructor, you may have faced the challenge of teaching students with visual impairments in a world that is often built for those without them. Every learner comes with unique needs and requires individualized attention, which can make planning and organization a bit tricky. But one thing is clear: being organized and prepared is key to success in this field.

While traditional paper methods have worked in the past, there are some amazing digital tools out there that can help make your teaching life easier, and ensure you're not burning out in the process. Digital tools can simplify everything from lesson planning to communication with students and parents, and even organizing your own schedule. Let’s dive into how embracing the digital age can boost your productivity and help you better serve your students.

The Benefits of Going Digital

The reality is that our students don’t live in a paper-based world, and neither do we anymore. Digital tools allow for greater flexibility and adaptability in planning, communication, and tracking progress. It also provides more opportunities to connect with other professionals in the field, share resources, and find inspiration from others.

Here are a few ways digital tools can improve your practice:

1. Staying Organized with Digital Calendars and Apps

   Many O&M instructors find themselves juggling multiple tasks every day. Between coordinating with parents, scheduling lessons, and tracking student progress, it can be overwhelming to keep everything straight. This is where digital tools like Google Calendar can help. By syncing your calendar across devices, you can easily organize your appointments, set reminders, and even color-code events to make things more visual.

   Another tool many instructors rely on is the Notes app. It's a simple way to jot down ideas, keep track of important reminders, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. If you prefer more structured lists, apps like Swipe (which lets you check off tasks with a simple swipe) or Asana (which allows you to organize tasks with deadlines) can be game-changers for efficiency.

2. Gathering Inspiration and Resources from the Digital Community

   If you feel isolated or stuck in your O&M practice, there are countless online communities that offer advice and inspiration. For instance, Reddit has vibrant subreddits where you can ask questions about working with students with visual impairments and get responses from other professionals, including those who are visually impaired themselves.

   Pinterest is another great source of creative ideas. Whether you’re looking for lesson plan inspiration or crafty activities to engage students, Pinterest offers a world of possibilities. Similarly, TikTok has a growing number of blind influencers who share tips and hacks for navigating life with vision loss. These resources not only provide great ideas but also help you understand your students' perspectives better.

3. Streamlining Your Paperwork and Invoices

   As a businessperson working in O&M, you likely have a significant amount of administrative work. From managing client schedules to invoicing, these tasks can quickly pile up. Thankfully, there are digital tools for that too. Programs like Google Docs and Sheets, or specific invoicing tools, can help you stay on top of your business operations.

   One tip shared by an expert in the field is to embrace templates for recurring tasks. For instance, having a set template for invoices means you don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time you need to send one. This is especially useful if you're managing multiple clients or working as a contractor.

Avoiding Burnout and Maintaining Balance

A key message that comes through in discussions about using digital tools is the importance of maintaining work-life balance. Many educators, especially those working in specialized fields, tend to go above and beyond, often staying late in the office or working long hours. However, this can quickly lead to burnout.

Using digital tools for scheduling, invoicing, and resource gathering can help you work smarter, not harder. The goal is to reduce the time spent on tedious administrative tasks so you can focus more on teaching and less on paperwork. Remember, as Kassy puts it: "You don’t have to be the last car in the parking lot to be a good teacher." With the right tools, you can go home at a reasonable hour, rest, and come back refreshed for the next day.

Moving Forward with Digital Tools

So, if you're ready to take the plunge into the digital world, start small. Pick one tool that could improve your efficiency—whether it’s a digital calendar or a new way to organize your lesson plans—and explore how it works for you.

The key is to experiment and find what suits your style. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so feel free to play around with different tools until you find the best fit. Remember, technology is there to support you and your students, not overwhelm you.

Stay tuned for upcoming webinars or courses that dive deeper into how you can bring your organization into the digital age. You’ll walk away with practical tips, resources, and templates that will help you be more organized, efficient, and better equipped to teach your students.

Conclusion

Digital tools are transforming how O&M instructors work, making their lives more manageable while improving their ability to serve students with vision impairments. By embracing these tools, you can streamline your administrative tasks, get more creative in your lesson planning, and maintain a healthier work-life balance. Don’t let the digital age overwhelm you—use it to your advantage and take one step toward a more organized and fulfilling career in O&M.

Useful Resources:

• Explore the IOMOS Priority List to stay ahead in your O&M practice.
• Join the Clarity Workshop for in-depth training and actionable strategies.
• Register for the TVI Symposium  to connect with fellow educators and learn from experts in the field.