Hadley instructors shared their confidence in such a way as to remove a lot of the fear of being blind for me.
— Dannie, WA
Courses: Algebra, Part 1, Algebra, Part 2, Pre-Algebra 1 and Pre-Algebra 2.
Throughout my career, I have served as an assistive technology specialist and consultant, providing technology evaluations and training to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. In recent years, I was a teacher of the visually impaired at one of Chicago's premier high schools. I joined Hadley in 2008 as a curriculum designer and part-time instructor. Currently, I am Hadley's Dean of Educational Programs and Instruction.
Courses: Forms of Ownership, Market Research, Networking Skills, Self-Employment with a Minimal Investment and Taxes for Small Business.
I joined Hadley in October 2010. I am responsible for developing the Center for Entrepreneurship and teaching related courses. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, languages, and collecting coins.
Courses: Braille Literacy 1: Tactile Readiness for Braille, Braille Literacy 2: Learning the Braille Alphabet, Braille Literacy 3: Uncontracted Braille, Braille Literacy 4, Braille Literacy 4: Contracted Braille, Braille Reading 1, Braille Reading 2, Braille Writing, English Composition, English Literature 1 and Literature: Fiction.
My hobbies include: reading; playing the piano, organ, guitar and English handbells; and singing in my church choir. I'm also a licensed amateur radio operator.
Courses: Abacus 1, Abacus 2, Braille Literacy 3: Uncontracted Braille, Braille Literacy 4: Contracted Braille, Braille Placement Assessment, Contracted Braille and Introduction to Braille.
I joined the Hadley team in 1981 and teach both braille and abacus. I've been in the field since 1976 and have taught visually impaired students at all levels, both resource and itinerant. In addition, for eight years, I taught literary braille at Northern Illinois University to future teachers of the blind. I enjoy exercising, reading, attending movies and plays and spending time with my growing family. My two latest adventures have been learning to play tennis and delivering Meals on Wheels.
Courses: Basic Conversational French, Basic Conversational Spanish, Conversational Spanish 1, Health 1: A Guide to Wellness and Health 2: A Guide to Wellness.
A Hadley instructor since 1993, I have taught foreign languages at the high school and college levels for more than 30 years. My cross-cultural experiences include living and studying in France and Mexico. I love singing in foreign languages and playing piano.
Courses: Basic English Skills 1, Basic English Skills 2, Business Writing and Typing and Keyboarding.
Before coming to Hadley, I taught visually impaired children and young adults in the Chicago School system for thirty-five years. My focus was reading and language arts in a resource setting. When I am not working, I love gardening, cooking, exercising at the gym, and socializing with my friends.
Courses: Container Gardening, Personal Safety: Self-Defense Strategies, Safety in the Home and Stress Relief and Meditative Gardening.
I have worked for a state agency providing rehabilitation services to visually impaired people for many years. I'm very excited to be part of Hadley's educational program. It's wonderful to be part of an organization that reaches out to so many people. When I have spare time, I love to spend it hiking in the woods with my family. I'm a student of martial arts and an avid listener of jazz.
Courses: Contracted Braille, Human Eye 1, Human Eye 2, Introduction to Braille and The Human Eye.
I also teach The Human Eye and Visual System course offered through the Hadley-USU partnership program.
For more than 32 years, I taught visually impaired students in a resource program for the Illinois public school system. In 2003, I became a Hadley instructor. My personal interests include my family (husband, son, several cats and dogs), cross-stitching, needlepointing, knitting, golf and directing the children's choir at my church.
Courses: Braille Literacy 1: Tactile Readiness for Braille, Braille Literacy 2: Learning the Braille Alphabet, Parenting: Early Years, Parenting: Infancy and Parenting: Preparation.
Prior to joining Hadley in 2002, I worked for 25 years as a rehabilitation counselor for the blind and visually impaired with the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services. When an early retirement program was offered in combination with the position at Hadley, I could not resist the opportunity for such a dramatic career change. Aside from family (two adult sons) and friends, my primary interests are music (I sing with our parish choir and study voice privately) and do anything I can for Guiding Eyes for the Blind where my guide dog and I trained in August, 2003.
Courses: Early Independence, Finding Your Way, Going Places and Parenting Children with Multiple Disabilities.
I started in the field as a Physical Education Instructor in the Multi-Handicapped/Deaf-Blind Dept. at the Missouri School for the Blind. Later I was the Residential Director. I have been involved in coaching blind sports for over 25 years, having been one of the United State Coaches at the 1988 Paralympics in Soule, Korea and in 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona, Spain. Currently, I work full time as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist for a Special Education Co-op in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I have been a part-time instructor for Hadley since 1995, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my students.
Courses: Foods: A Social Perspective, Foods: Eggs and Dairy Products, Foods: Fruits and Vegetables, Foods: Grains and Sweets, Foods: Meat, Poultry, and Fish, Guide Dogs, Independent Living, Independent Living for Parent/ Family Students and Using Raised Markers.
I enjoy cooking, homemaking and going for long walks. I am very active in my church and enjoy participating in community Bible studies.
Courses: American Government, Art of Ancient Egypt, Business Communications, Glaucoma, High School Entrance Assignment, Literature: Drama, U. S. History: Discovery to the Jacksonian Era, U. S. History: Post-World War Years, U. S. History: The Nineteenth Century, U. S. History: World Wars and World History.
I taught for six years at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. I also worked for 10 years at the Texas Commission for the Blind, where I started the Transition Program. At Hadley, I've served as director of the Family Education Department, associate dean and dean of educational operations. I was a contributing author of Skills for Success, published by the American Foundation for the Blind, which focuses on career awareness for middle school blind children. I like to spend time with my family, and I enjoy traveling.
Courses: Braille Teaching Methods for Adolescents and Adults, Contracted Braille and Introduction to Braille.
I have taught in state school settings and as an itinerant for private and public agencies. I've had the pleasure of living and teaching in four states. My personal hobbies include skiing, ice skating, horseback riding and, when I can get away to the Florida Keys and SCUBA diving and dolphin research and training.
Courses: Elements of Poetry.
Literature enables us to see and hear. We can view the people, scenes and events presently around us by reading current periodicals, and we can see the lives of those who lived in the past, giving us more understanding. In my college years, I studied drama to present literature to others from the stage. Working for the Hadley School has given me the opportunity to expand my vision.
Courses: Braille Teaching Methods for Children, Contracted Braille, Introduction to Braille and Low Vision and School-Age Children.
Before coming to Hadley, I was an itinerant special education teacher, a rehabilitation teacher, a university instructor, and then the executive director of a non-profit organization. I enjoy teaching Hadley students and helping to develop new courses. In my spare time, I volunteer as a grant writer for a local non-profit organization, read mysteries, and cook.
Courses: Contracted Braille, Early Independence, Internet: Beyond the Basics and Introduction to Braille.
I have been a preschool teacher at the Stanford lab school, a rehabilitation counselor for the blind through the Cooperative Schools Program at the Comission for the Blind in Texas, and an evaluator of accessible technologies for the Veterans Administration. I have been taking Hadley courses since I was a teenagers. I initially began working in the Computer Department at Hadley, but have truly enjoyed returning to instruction, allowing me to work directly with Hadley students.
Courses: Blindness Basics, Business Fundamentals, Finding Employment, Self-Help Groups: Advanced Topics and Self-Help Groups: An Introduction.
I retired after 30 years of service working in field of blindness for the State of Florida, Department of Education's Division of Blind Services. I was employed in a variety of positions, including Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Supervisor, and District Administrator. Regardless of the position I occupied, my primary focus has always been the successful independence and employment of individuals who are visually impaired or blind.
Courses: Braille Literacy 3: Uncontracted Braille, Braille Literacy 4, Contracted Braille and Introduction to Braille.
I have worked as a certified vision rehabilitation therapist (CVRT) at Vision Forward Association in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I taught braille and other communication skills as well as activities of daily living to adults who are blind or visually impaired. I am actively involved with the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) and the Mid-America Conference of Rehabilitation Teachers (MACRT)
Courses: General Science, Life Science, Mathematics 1, General, Mathematics 2, Pre-Algebra, Mathematics Diagnostic Test, Practical Math 1 and Practical Math 2.
Before joining Hadley, I worked as a vision itinerant teacher and an Orientation and Mobility Specialist in Illinois for eight years. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and watching movies with my family.
Courses: Braille Literacy 3: Uncontracted Braille, Braille Literacy 4, Braille Literacy 4: Contracted Braille, Braille Reading 1, Braille Reading 2, Experience Braille Reading and Spelling: Word Study.
I have been a Hadley student a few times, starting in 1973, when I brushed up on typing. I've taken the computer courses and "Basic Conversational Spanish." I have taken computer courses, "Conversational Spanish" and "The Human Eye." I enjoy reading, good conversation, drama, science fiction and participating in church activities. I like to speak to groups about Hadley.
Courses: Basic English Skills 1, Basic English Skills 2, Business Law 1, Business Law 2, English Diagnostic Assessment, English Skills and English Skills 1.
I enjoy reading, travel, working outdoors and learning about people and places. Hadley students give me an opportunity to meet many people from all over the world!
Courses: Chess for Beginners, Chess: Principles and Strategies, New Testament Survey, Old Testament Law and History, Old Testament Poetry and Prophecy and Your Bible.
I am also a pastor at a small Baptist church in Lowell, Massachusetts. I teach, counsel, preach and hold services at the nursing home in the area.
Courses: Customer Service Basics, Leadership and Management 1 and Leadership and Management 2.
As a management consultant, I have helped numerous small businesses develop business plans, establish work flows, document standard operating procedures, and solve various automation and human resource issues. My experience includes 10 years as an automation trainer and manager with two IBM dealers, and 12 years as a corporate trainer and manager with Kemper Insurance. Currently, I am Dean of Curricular Affairs at Hadley. Throughout my career, I have also taught evening and weekend courses as an adjunct English professor at Loyola University Chicago.
Courses: Accounting for Small Business, Federal Government Benefits, Market Research, Networking With LinkedIn, Obtaining Financing, Screen Readers: Formatting Word Documents, Screen Readers: Listening Skills, Screen Readers: Web Browsing, Self-Employment with a Minimal Investment, Selling on eBay, The Basics of Sales, The Business Plan, The Financial Plan, The Marketing Plan, Using Excel, Using PowerPoint 2010, Veterans Benefits and Word Processing.
After working for over a decade in public relations and advertising, I began working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired in 1997. I spent the next several years developing and teaching courses on the use of computers and access technology for individuals who are blind or visually impaired for the AFB, Veteran's Affairs Department and as a private consultant. As a member of the Hadley team, I get to combine my two passions teaching and technology every day. I enjoy reading, swimming and tandem bicycle riding. I also have two children who keep me busy and young at heart.
Courses: ACE Entrance Assignment, Braille Literacy 3: Uncontracted Braille, Braille Literacy 4, Braille Literacy 4: Contracted Braille and Economics.
Prior to joining Hadley, I was teaching History and Social Sciences at Harold Washington College in Chicago. Teaching at Hadley opened up a whole new world for me. I enjoy reading science fiction, articles of general interest and listening to radio. Traveling is also my love.
Courses: Abacus 1, Abacus 2, Contracted Braille Diagnostic Test, Introduction to Braille, Literature: Nonfiction and Macular Degeneration.
I have been an instructor at Hadley since 1987. I'm pleased to instruct students in all four program areas as well as at USU-Hadley. I also enjoy coordinating the Spring into Braille Reading program. In my spare time I enjoy reading, baking and knitting.
Courses: Braille Literacy 1: Tactile Readiness for Braille and Braille Literacy 2: Learning the Braille Alphabet.
I've been at Hadley since 1965 in many capacities...most recently teaching the Braille Literacy Series. When I find some leisure, I like to garden, read, watch movies with my family and most of all to travel.
Courses: Braille Music Basics, Braille Music Basics Diagnostic, Braille Music Reading, Developing Your Technology Tool Kit, Social Skills: Elementary Years and Social Skills: Preschool Years.
I worked for 20 years at Northern Illinois University and now have returned to teaching one-on-one at a distance education school. I hope to help students learn and to grow.
Courses: A Birdsong Tutor, Basic English, Basic English Skills 1, Basic English Skills 2, Business Writing, Doing It the Metric Way, English Skills and Punctuation.
Before coming to Hadley, I was an itinerant teacher for a few years in northern Illinois. I taught students who are visually impaired in the public schools. That experience gave me an appreciation for variety in life. At Hadley, I am able to enjoy teaching a variety of courses. In my free time, I love to run, especially in marathons, and watch old movies.
Courses: Diabetes: Toward Self-Management, Reinforcing Independence: The Role of the Family, Self-Esteem and Adjusting with Blindness and The Human Eye.
I have been a Hadley instructor since 1991, with prior experience as a staff nurse, braille transcriber and librarian. I have co-authored several chapters on the topic of blindness and designed a couple of Hadley courses. I was born in Africa, and my husband and I have three sons and five grandchildren.
Courses: Internet Basics, Internet Skills Diagnostic Test, Screen Readers: Formatting Word Documents, Screen Readers: Listening Skills, Screen Readers: Web Browsing, Using Excel, Using PowerPoint 2010 and Word Processing.
I have enjoyed teaching students with blindness or visual impairments since 1993. I have worked to develop and provide workshops and trainings on a variety of access technology for parents and educators. In addition, I teach assistive technology as an adjunct professor. In my spare time, I enjoy boating, songwriting, and spending time with my family.
Courses: Basic Nemeth Code and The Essentials of the Nemeth Code.
I have worked in the field of blindness and visual impairment since 1983. In addition to my position with Hadley, I teach full-time in an elementary resource room students with visual impairments. In my free time, I enjoy making scrapbooks, crocheting, and collecting Disney memorabilia. I also have two sons in their 20s who keep me very busy whenever they are home.
Courses: Basic English Skills 1, Basic English Skills 2, Beginning the Special Education Journey, Effective Listening, English Skills, How to Be Your Child's Advocate, Learning Through Play, Personality Psychology, Punctuation and You, Your Child and Your Community.
I have been a Hadley faculty member since 1988. I enjoy teaching in all four Hadley program areas as well as providing information and referral services. Outside of my Hadley job I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have worked with senior citizens, foster care families and teen mothers in the past. During my spare time you might find me shopping at resale and thrift stores, reading, or writing my mystery novel.
