The NCAER was pleased this year to present the Rachel Rawls award to a lady who has made a significant difference for students with visual impairments throughout the state of North Carolina.
Ms. Joan Baker is most often remembered as director of The Governor Morehead School Outreach Program, providing support to school systems, students, parents and teachers across the entire state. Ms. Baker also began the annual Outreach conference bringing vision teachers together and focusing on the latest research and materials in the field of vision. She recognized the need for training teachers of the visually impaired so she organized classes in collaboration with the NC Department of Public Instruction to provide this training while working to begin the North Carolina Central Visual Impairment Training Program. Ms. Baker began the Outreach Short-Term Program, in which public school students come to the campus of Governor Morehead School for 1-2 weeks of intensive instruction in vision specific skills. She was instrumental in initiating the Very Special Arts Program and in starting a photography club for Governor Morehead School students.
Her passion for the field of vision and her dedication to students throughout our state was unparalleled.
CONGRATULATIONS, JOAN BAKER!
By Donna Apple