Jonathan Hooper
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Passing the Torch: A New Chapter for Paths to Technology

Meet Jonathan Hooper, the new moderator of the Paths to Technology microsite!

​​By Jonathan Hooper

I’m honored to introduce myself as the new moderator for Paths to Technology, a blog with a rich history and passionate community. Founded in 2015 by Diane Brauner, Paths to Technology has become an invaluable resource for educators, families, and professionals supporting students with visual impairments. Diane led this blog with incredible passion for nearly a decade before stepping down at the end of December to care for her elderly parents and transition into semi-retirement. While her role has shifted, Diane remains a vital part of this community, contributing to the TEAM Initiative (Tech Equity and Access in Math) and providing insightful digital math content. It’s a privilege to carry forward her inspiring work.

But who am I?! Great question!

I’m Jonathan Hooper, a teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) in New York City, where I’ve worked for over a decade supporting learners of all ages — from toddlers to young adults — and with diverse needs, including Braille readers, students with low vision, learners with CVI, and learners with complex needs including those with dual sensory loss. Technology has always been a cornerstone of my teaching, and I cannot wait to start this journey with you.

Jonathan working with a young braille student
Jonathan working with a young Braille student

I’m an itinerant TVI. I bike around town from school to school with a backpack that’s somehow always bursting with teaching materials. Because of this, technology is truly a lifesaver for me. Technology helps me make my backpack lighter! As many of you already know, paper Braille books on a bike could be a recipe for disaster! Technology helps me lighten the load in more ways than one. I use technology in various ways to help my students access learning and the world around them. Over the years, I’ve worked with learners of all ages, from tiny toddlers to young adults, and I’ve seen the magic of technology in so many ways, such as opening doors in accessing academics, creating opportunities for communication, and increasing my students’ independence when I am not in the building with them. I believe technology can empower students to access information, build independence, and thrive in both academic and real-world settings.

Jonathan carrying many bags on a city street
As an itinerant TVI, Jonathan carries many bags (and wears many hats!).

My Life as a Teacher

My journey in education has been shaped by a range of experiences, both in and out of the classroom. Before becoming a TVI, I was a general education classroom teacher, specializing in math and literacy. That background has had a lasting impact on my work as a TVI, allowing me to adapt strategies to enhance engagement and learning for diverse learners. I hold a Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University, where my graduate research focused on innovative strategies for teaching Braille literacy and communication.

Contributing to our field and being an active member of our community of practice is important to me. I’ve published articles in the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness (JVIB) focused on teaching Braille using constant time delay and using tangible symbols with students who have dual sensory impairments. I’ve also had some amazing adventures with Perkins, from teaching an online course with Perkins eLearn called Multimedia Accessibility in the Digital Classroom to hosting webinars on fun topics like creating CVI-friendly books. I also helped launch the NYC Braille Challenge in 2014 and have since turned my attention to creating NYC Camp Abilities.
Along the way, I’ve been honored to receive various awards, such as the Braille Teacher of the Year by the Braille Institute in 2020 and the Ann Range Award in 2018.

If you’d like to learn more about me and my work, feel free to visit my website, Journey with Jonathan.

Capital letter "j" in braille
Capital letter “j” in Braille

My Life Outside of the Classroom

That being said, my life isn’t all about work! When I’m not working with students or geeking out about assistive technology, I’m staying active or finding ways to bring excitement into life. You’ll often catch me at a Broadway show (first row of the balcony, please), swimming laps, or on a long urban walk around my neighborhood. I also have a soft spot for the arts and collect stained glass to brighten my living room… because who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle? On weekends, I often trade the bustling city life for the fresh air in the Pennsylvania mountains. My husband, Daryl, and I love to have country adventures as often as possible. We love to hang out at home in Brooklyn with our French bulldogs: Sophie (the cuddle bug) and Louie (our chaotic but lovable baby). Whether I’m learning to throw pottery, figuring out how to snowboard in the Poconos mountains, or tackling a tricky recipe in the kitchen, I’m all about having fun, making mistakes, and celebrating progress along the way.

Jonathan and Daryl holding bulldogs
The author and his husband with their French bulldogs

What’s in Store for the Next Chapter

In the coming months, I’m excited to share some of the innovative and fun ways technology is shaping my work. I’ll be posting about teaching young students keyboarding as a gateway to using JAWS, exploring the Monarch tactile display, and working with Apple Pencils to engage students with CVI. I also plan to share how I’m using switches to power bubble machines for students with multiple disabilities. We will also most definitely discuss my journey in teaching a third grader to use Fusion in the classroom. There’s so much to discuss, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, ideas, and stories too!

A young girl with CVI using an Apple Pencil on an iPad
A young girl with CVI using an Apple Pencil on an iPad

This blog is more than just a space for sharing tips and tools. It’s a community. I’m so excited to connect with all of you as we explore new ways to empower students with visual impairments. I know so many of you are doing incredible things with technology, and I want to celebrate those successes alongside the stories I see in my own practice. If you’ve tried an innovative strategy or found a tech solution that’s made a difference for your students, I’d love to hear about it—and maybe even share it here to inspire others!

Here’s to lots of learning, laughter, and maybe even a few tech mishaps along the way… because, let’s be honest, technology has a sense of humor too! 🤣😜🤭 

Let’s make this next chapter of Paths to Technology amazing together!

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