Student Speaker Emily Coleman EMILY COLEMAN is graduating with a Master of Science in special education through the visually impaired learners program. She is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Prior to attending Portland State University, she received a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2001, and a secondary education certification from the same college in 2002. Ms. Coleman is currently a teacher of the visually impaired at the Washington State School for the Blind. She serves students in rural areas surrounding Spokane, Washington. Outside of school and work, Ms. Coleman is involved with national organizations in the field of blindness. She participates in the “Teacher of Tomorrow” program with the National Federation of the Blind, which has provided her multiple travel opportunities. Ms. Coleman also is actively writing a blog for www.familyconnect.org, a parenting website developed and supported by the American Foundation for the Blind. In the past, Ms. Coleman was a founding member of an organization for parents of children with visual impairments, and she hopes to start a new chapter in Eastern Washington someday soon. Ms. Coleman has been married to James Coleman for the past 10 years; his support has allowed her to become a strong advocate for children with visual impairments. Together they have three children, Molly (8), Eddie (7), and Cindy (3). Their son Eddie was born blind, and is also diagnosed with autism. His daily struggles and achievements have encouraged her to continue striving to become a better parent and a stronger teacher. 7
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