Mindy Ely
Mindy Ely is currently an Early Childhood Resource Specialist with the Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood through Western Illinois University. She began her career as a Teacher for the Visually Impaired (TVI) and then worked as a Developmental Therapist for Vision (DTV) in the Illinois Early Intervention System. Mindy spent 10 years with Hearing and Vision Connections where she planned and provided training and technical assistance to families and professionals. Mindy has served on the Illinois Vision Leadership Council since 2001 and has been part of the International Blind Preschool Summit Group since 2006. She served on the ISU Special Education Advisory Board in 1998, 2009, and 2010. Mindy was president of the Illinois chapter of the AER and currently serves on the National AER board. In 2008, Mindy was recognized as an Honored Alumni of ISU for her contributions to the field of Special Education. In 2012 Mindy received IAER’s Distinguished Service Award for the impact she has made to the field of education of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Mindy is the presenter of an AFB elearning webinar on Developing Friendships: A Preschool Priority, which offers a three-pronged, practical approach to helping children develop success in the area of social interactions.