Danene Fast, Blindness/Visual Impairment - The Ohio State University

Danene Fast began her journey in the field of education with a dual undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Special Education for Children with Visual Impairments from Kutztown University in Kutztown, PA.  After teaching for three years, she attended Western Michigan University to earn her Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility.

Originally from New Jersey, Danene has worked in several capacities throughout the past twenty years, including positions as a TVI, COMS, Graduate Assistant and Outreach Consultant, in the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan, Alabama and Ohio.  She currently resides in Worthington, Ohio, with her husband and two sons, where she is employed as a manager for the Programs in Sensory Impairments (VI, HI and O&M), as well as the lead instructor for the OSU Program in Orientation and Mobility, at The Ohio State University.

Danene is active with the Ohio Chapter of AER, where she currently serves as Treasurer of the organization, Division Nine of AER International, where she serves as the Blasch Scholarship Committee Chairperson, the Council for Exceptional Children and several local committees with a focus on services for children with visual impairments.  Beginning in the Autumn Semester of 2015, she will be attending The Ohio State University where she will pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree within the Department of Teaching and Learning.  Professional objectives include impacting the field of sensory impairments through focus on advocacy, research, and commitment to preparation programs for prospective educators.