Dealing with Challenges

by Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 12, 2025
Every profession comes with its own set of challenges, and the field of visual impairments is no exception. Whether you are navigating isolation, technical issues, or difficult team dynamics, approaching each situation with flexibility, proactive planning, and professionalism is key.

General Stress and Overload

At times, you may feel overwhelmed, whether due to a heavy caseload, a student who is hard to connect with, or a challenging team dynamic. In these moments:
  • Be flexible – Adapt to changing circumstances with grace.
  • Plan ahead – Anticipate needs and set up systems that support efficiency.
  • Stay calm – A calm demeanor supports thoughtful, professional decision-making and effective advocacy.

Working in Isolation

Many vision professionals work alone in their districts or regions. This sense of isolation can be professionally and emotionally challenging. To stay connected and supported:
  • Position yourself as the local expert.
  • Seek ongoing professional growth by attending trainings and staying current on best practices.
  • Join professional listservs and online forums to exchange questions and ideas.
  • Network at conferences and maintain relationships beyond the event.
  • Create your own professional learning community of Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) you can trust and learn from.
Even if you are part of a team, you may rarely meet face-to-face. Build intentional connections that help you thrive.

Due Process & Litigation

Litigation and due process can impact an entire educational team, even if the issue at hand is not directly yours. Protect yourself and your students by:
  • Maintaining accurate, thorough records and data collection.
  • Using current assessments and evidence-based practices.
  • Communicating professionally at all times, in both spoken and written formats.
  • Following ethical guidelines and best practices as outlined by professional organizations.
  • Reflecting on mistakes—yours and others'—to grow professionally.
Being diligent, ethical, and detail-oriented helps ensure both student success and professional security.

Assistive Technology (AT) Troubleshooting

Technology often malfunctions at the worst times. Preparing in advance can save time and reduce stress:
  • Create a local vendor contact list for quick support.
  • Attend AT demos at conferences, even for tools you don’t currently use—needs change quickly.
  • Request vendor visits to schools or regional meetings for hands-on training.
  • Build relationships with vendors—some may offer device loans or trials.
  • Stay up-to-date with resources such as APH Hive, Paths to Technology, and webinars from AT professionals.
The more familiar you are with available tools, the faster you can resolve issues and adapt for your students.

​Dysfunctional or Toxic Teams

Unfortunately, some teams or environments may be negative or unproductive. While you can't always change the culture, you can control your own professionalism:
  • Stay focused on your students and responsibilities.
  • Avoid gossip or engaging in toxic dynamics.
  • Maintain high ethical standards and professionalism.
  • Keep records of important communications and decisions.
  • Seek professional development outside of the team if your local environment lacks support.
  • Be the example—your positivity and integrity may inspire change.
Don’t let negativity limit your growth. Instead, use it as motivation to become a stronger, more impactful professional.

Final Thoughts

​Every challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and integrity. By staying connected, continuing to learn, and advocating for what’s right, you will not only navigate these difficulties—you will thrive.
We don’t grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges.