Meet APH Scholar Andrea Montano

Andrea Montana works as a Developmental Vision Specialist/Instructional Lead at the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NMSBVI), which serves as the sole provider of vision services from birth to 3 years old throughout the state of New Mexico. She began working there as an occupational therapist in 2006 while taking graduate courses in visual impairments. 

Andrea has used her position to provide vision services for babies, toddlers, and their families, both in homes and hospitals and has been a leader in NMSBVI’s efforts to understand students with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) partnering with the authors of the CVI Companion Guide to truly understand its implications of practice for teachers and families.  

“I’ve been extremely fortunate in my career to get these opportunities for the past 26 years. My guess is that these opportunities play no small part in why I say (and believe) I have the best job in the world,” said Andrea. 

“Andrea is the embodiment of NMSBVI’s mission. She has taught all of us so many things about vision impairments, the importance of the family in the education of the children, that passion is what drives our field and our success, and so much more. Andrea also reflects the passion and the purpose of APH, who promotes collaboration, innovative thinking, and lifelong learning,” Patricia Beecher, Superintendent at NMSBVI.  

Using APH Products 

Throughout her time at NMSBVI, Andrea has seen students enjoy countless APH products as they learn how to interact with the world around them.  

“Over the years, I have enjoyed watching children use the Mini Lightboxes and the (translucent) Pegs and Pegboards. Light is a go-to modality with the little ones, to spark intrigue and curiosity as foundational for sustained interest and attention and learning. I sometimes shine a penlight through a peg held right next to my face, and if I act a little silly, the combination usually conjures some social reciprocity with a child who might otherwise struggle with social engagement,” said Andrea.  

Other student favorites include the Rib-It Balls and The Joy Player. However, Andrea’s work with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) students means her greatest tool, is the CVI Guidebook.  

“By far, of all the APH products, I have the most experience with The CVI Companion Guide. I have learned directly from the authors and enjoyed ongoing collaborative efforts with them. We have offered many trainings together to national audiences and, as it goes, you learn something more by teaching it. It has become a tool and a guidebook on which I readily and regularly rely.” 

Looking Toward the Future 

Andrea is a regular speaker on the topics of Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) and the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). She is excited to spend time at APH’s annual meeting to gather plenty of helpful information to share with her audiences.  

“When I am booked to give trainings… I am often asked to share intervention strategies, including ways to adapt materials. Of course, the take-home message I always suggest is to remember that no matter what, we are always trying to create access for a blind or low vision child – not only access to toys, books, and the internet, but also access to fun, relationships, hobbies, and independence,” said Andrea. “An opportunity to better familiarize myself with APH ‘s products and services will directly impact what I can share with my audiences.”  

More about the Program 

Each year, EOTs are asked to nominate someone they feel provides outstanding service in their region. Through a scholarship, awardees attend the APH Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY as a guest of APH. APH pays for all expenses in attending the conference, including transportation to the meeting, conference registration, and hotel accommodations. 

APH invites these scholars to share their experiences with the rest of the users of APH products and services via webinars and course reviews. During the spring Trustee Advisory Committee Meeting, scholars will be asked to participate in a panel discussion about their service to individuals who are blind or have a visual impairment as well as participate in the review of APH products and services with the committee. 

We look forward to meeting all our APH Scholars 2024-2025 Scholars at this year’s Annual Meeting.