About

Welcome to the CVI Book Nook!

I’m Amy Shepherd, Parent Liaison for the Michigan Department of Education Low Incidence Outreach, and Expert Substitute Teacher for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District Teachers for the Visually Impaired team.   

I’m a parent of a young man who is legally blind, a community advocate and a constant collaborator. I have spent the past five years adapting and creating books for students who have Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). It’s been my dream to find a way to share these books with others who are raising and working with students who have CVI.  

One of my fondest memories about learning to read was the book nook in my first-grade classroom. It was a big bathtub filled with pillows…and it made reading magical! My son, who was a dual print and braille reader, had a book nook that was in a little room under our basement stairs.  It was the perfect size for a small chair, some comfy pillows on the floor, and stackable book bins.  He spent hours in that little room and often fell asleep on the floor, literally covered in books.  It is these memories that have inspired me to create the CVI Book Nook!

The materials on this site were created for students with Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairments, but they can also be used with any student. They are intended to be downloaded and used by parents, caregivers and teachers. These materials can be used to teach, reinforce, and assess a variety of educational concepts. 

I have intentionally uploaded PowerPoints so they can be downloaded and edited for your own needs.  Change the background color...perhaps your student is fine with white, or maybe they like another color background. Change the font type, size or color.  Change the image to a photo of a familiar object. There is no one size fits all when it comes to creating books for students who have CVI.  Think of these books as a "starter kit," meant to be adapted and changed to meet your student's needs. 

Each book is the result of idea sharing and collaborative brainstorming among creative and expert Teachers for the Visually Impaired and material specialists at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District in Michigan. 

I hope to pass on this magical love of reading to all who visit this site!

Let the magic begin!