Our Vision
All blind children in Texas will have a quality life, rich with opportunities that will maximize their potential.
Our Mission
To be a resource for the optimal physical, mental, emotional, and social development of children and youth in Texas, who are blind or have visual impairments.
Who We Are
All Blind Children of Texas was created in the spring of 2004 to assist with the provision of experiences and support to promote the personal and educational growth of students with vision loss. The Board of Trustees of the 501(c)3 organization is comprised of experts in the field of special education, including several who are blind themselves or parents of visually impaired children.
The Board works with the network of Teachers of Visually Impaired students, Orientation and Mobility instructors, Education Service Center specialists, and the administrative staff of Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, to address needs within this student population, which includes approximately 11,000 children and youth throughout the state.
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Our Board of Directors
Nancy Hefner
As a youngster, Nancy attended both the Texas School for the Blind and local public school. She earned a bachelor’s degree, as well as certifications in Special Education and Teacher of the Visually Impaired from The University of Texas at Austin. For 22 years, she instructed middle and high school students on a variety of subject areas, including braille, assistive technology and social studies courses at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI). She co-authored a self determination curriculum, published by the TSBVI Curriculum Department. Now retired, Nancy loves spending time with her grandchildren, serving on her church’s Missions Committee and the ABCTX Board. She is passionate about working with ABCTX because it gives her the chance to help provide educational opportunities that are vital to students with visual impairments.
Valerie Alvarez
After receiving her degree from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Valerie relocated to Austin and started her career at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI). In 2013, Valerie began working at The Texas Work Force Commission (TWC)/ Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center (CCRC) as a Career Guidance instructor and in 2016 she accepted her current position of Blindness Training Coordinator. In 2017 Valerie was selected to record a TED Talk at Texas State University. Her talk is called Learning to say the B word.
Valerie also leads a busy personal life. She is married and has four beautiful children and one Granddaughter.
Paula Margeson
As a totally blind woman and the mother and grandmother of women, who are blind,and a disability activist, Paula works to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. She is experienced as a service provider, grant writer, and executive director. Paula has a bachelor's degree from California State University, Fullerton. She has participated in documentaries and instructional videos and was interviewed for the“Texas Disability History Collection” compiled by the University of Texas, Arlington. Throughout her career, she has been a gubernatorial appointee on several state councils and in 2014, Paula was added to the “Wall of Honor” at Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center. While she has served on numerous boards of directors and even received the “2019 Community Board Member of the Year” award from Retirement Housing Foundation, Paula views her membership on the ABCTX governing board as one of her most important and rewarding volunteer efforts.
Lee Sonnenberg
Lee Sonnenberg is the Executive Director for the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER). Lee is the parent of an adult child with a visual impairment and has been involved in advocacy efforts in Texas for the last 15 years. He currently serves as the President of the Board of Trustees for the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Lee lives in Lubbock,Texas.
Beth Pierce
Beth Pierce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, retired in 2021. She began her career as a rehabilitation teacherat Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center where she taught daily living skills. In 1987 she completed a master’s program in social work and worked for twelve years at Austin Child Guidance Center where she provided individual, family and group therapy services to children and their families. In 2001 she returned to the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services-Division for Blind Services where she served as an administrative specialist for the Blind Children’s Program. From 2010 to 2012, she served as the Field Specialist Manager, providing support for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Transition Counselors, Independent Living Workers, and Blind Children’s Specialists. After retiring from the state in 2012, she provided individual therapy to clients referred to her by the Austin Regional Office of the Division for Blind Services.
Debra Sewell
Debra Sewell has been a teacher of students with visual
impairments for over 35 years. After graduating from the
University of Texas at Austin with a degree in elementary
education and certifications in Early Childhood Education
and Visual Impairment, she began her career in an early
childhood classroom in Austin Independent School
District. Debra worked at Texas School for the Blind and
Visually Impaired (TSBVI) for 32 years. She taught
elementary and middle school students in all subject areas
as well as braille and abacus, as well as serving as a
consultant for the Outreach Program. Debra was also the
Curriculum Director at TSBVI for 22 years, co-authoring
multiple publications to support professionals and parents.
In that role, she also conducted trainings on TSBVI
publications and various topics pertaining to the education
of students with visual impairment and blindness. Debra is
a member of TAER and has received several awards from
that organization.
Now semi-retired, Debra loves spending time with her
family, and attending sporting events and theatre
performances in which her grandchildren participate. She
tries to travel as often as possible and is thrilled to be
serving on the ABCTX Board.
Kevin Ratliff
Andrew Bernet
Joe Campbell
With over 18 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, Joe Campbell currently serves as a VR Teacher with Texas Workforce Solutions. Before this role, Joe held positions as a Transition VR Counselor, Blind Children Specialist, and Director of the Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program for Fort Bend County.
Joe is an active member of Houston's White Cane Safety Day and Texas Library Association. He volunteers as a youth sports coach for Houston's YMCA. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a master's degree from Seton Hill University, and a Vision Specialist certificate from Mississippi State University. He is currently completing a master’s degree in counseling at the University of Alabama. In addition to his extensive experience, Joe has a deep passion for his work. He collaborates with community leaders to create job opportunities for people with disabilities. Joe is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and advocates for inclusivity and equity in the workforce.