CATT Cast
Podcast Description
Welcome to the CATT Cast, where we highlight key takeaways and insights from conferences and events that are hosted by our CATT community partners. Whether you made it to the conference or hope to attend next year, we want to celebrate the accomplishments of our partners and spark discussion around education and technology for blind and low vision accessibility. We hope that this podcast may help you connect with a community of practice and of course, get excited about tech - enjoy!
About the Center for Assistive Technology Training (CATT): CATT provides assistive technology from APH and related training using a “train the trainer” model. We promote community-building with teachers of blind/low vision students, professionals who can support access to information, and parents/caregivers of children who are blind or have low vision, including those with additional disabilities.
The contents of this video were developed through a partnership with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). The CATT Cast is produced by the CATT-NW team, which is based at the WA State School for the Blind (WSSB).
The contents of this video were developed under a contract authorized by the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers on themes of education technology and accessibility for blind and low vision individuals, featuring episodes that highlight major conferences like CTEBVI, discussions on assistive technologies, and community stories that promote engagement and shared learning experiences.
Welcome to the CATT Cast, where we highlight key takeaways and insights from conferences and events that are hosted by our CATT community partners. Whether you made it to the conference or hope to attend next year, we want to celebrate the accomplishments of our partners and spark discussion around education and technology for blind and low vision accessibility. We hope that this podcast may help you connect with a community of practice and of course, get excited about tech – enjoy!
About the Center for Assistive Technology Training (CATT): CATT provides assistive technology from APH and related training using a “train the trainer” model. We promote community-building with teachers of blind/low vision students, professionals who can support access to information, and parents/caregivers of children who are blind or have low vision, including those with additional disabilities.
The contents of this video were developed through a partnership with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). The CATT Cast is produced by the CATT-NW team, which is based at the WA State School for the Blind (WSSB).
The contents of this video were developed under a contract authorized by the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
What Is AER (PNW) & Why TVIs Need It: Family Engagement, Collaboration, and Access Arcade.
In episode four of the CATT Cast, host Heather from CATT Northwest spotlights two voices from the 2026 Pacific Northwest AER spring conference, themed “Kaleidoscope of Collaboration,” and explains AER as the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Guest Janet George (DSB) describes AER as a professional space for connection, networking, and sharing information, and shares key takeaways from her session on strengthening family engagement through the Expanded Core Curriculum: TVIs aren’t alone, agencies and schools can collaborate, and families must be active partners. She also summarizes her closing keynote about teachers’ powerful impact, high expectations, and serving as a bridge between students and parents. Guest Garrett Whitmyre, PNW AER president, explains how conferences break down TVI “silos,” reduce isolation, and recharge educators, and he discusses his Access Arcade presentation—an inclusive gaming platform for students using adaptive switches—created to increase meaningful participation and agency for students with multiple disabilities.
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