Meet Jacob: An Inspiring Force of Positivity and Change

Get ready to be inspired by Jacob, one of our phenomenal Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI). Jacob is a beacon of hope and empowerment for his students, radiating passion and dedication in everything he does.

More than just a teacher, Jacob is a mentor, guide, and relentless advocate for his students. Managing a caseload of 25 visually impaired students ages 3 to 22 in the Newport-Mesa Unified and Irvine Unified school districts, Jacob skillfully balances his schedule to ensure each student receives the personalized attention they need.

Jacob provides a variety of services, including consultations with teachers to help students access the curriculum. He adapts materials, provides typing apps and training, and ensures accommodations for an inclusive learning environment.

Jacob also excels in transcribing services, producing classroom materials in braille, and ensuring all students have the resources they need to succeed.

He is a strong advocate for the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), which encompasses essential skills that are crucial for the independence and success of visually impaired students. These skills include assistive technology, career education, independent living, social interaction, orientation and mobility, among others.

But Jacob’s work doesn’t stop there! Every Wednesday, Jacob brings his boundless energy to Social Society, a free weekly group for youth ages 10-18 with visual impairments and their friends. Here, they receive mentorship, build social connections, develop independent living skills, and engage in community-based learning through exciting excursions. Jacob not only guides these teens in exploring the ECC curriculum but also supervises an intern who participates in Social Society for five hours each week.

Jacob’s enthusiasm extends to our Inclusive Summer Camp, a two-week adventure filled with adaptive sports and fun field trips for children ages 3-12 with blindness, visual impairments, and other disabilities. This camp is more than just a summer activity; it’s a transformative experience where kids learn goal setting, persistence, resiliency, and other essential life skills.

Balancing his workload and caseload might be challenging, but for Jacob, the joy of seeing his students grow and succeed is beyond rewarding. He works closely with our Family Support coordinators and associates to ensure every student gets the holistic support they need.

What Jacob loves most about his job is working with the kids. Their resilience, curiosity, and determination fuel his passion and drive every single day.

Thank you, Jacob, for being the incredible force of positivity and change that you are. You inspire us all!