Keynote Speaker
Kevin Hollinger
Kevin Hollinger is a dedicated leader in the field of visual impairment and special education, with over 25 years of experience, advanced education, and multiple certifications that enhance his practice. Kevin holds a Master of Arts in Orientation & Mobility from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Truman State University, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairment from Missouri State University and a B.S. in Communication Disorders from Truman State. As a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) with an Exceptional Needs Specialist designation in Visual Impairment in Missouri, Kevin has built a diverse and impactful career.
The Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) recognizes Kevin as both a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) and a Certified Assistive Technology Information Specialist (CATIS). He holds licensure from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and brings extensive experience working with students with visual impairments, learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, and behavioral disorders. Since 1999, he has served as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Special Education Teacher for the Francis Howell School District.
In 2005, Kevin founded Hollinger Consulting, LLC, where he specializes in the Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairments. Since 2006, he has directed the Summer Orientation & Mobility Adapted Living Resource (S.O.A.R.) program for the Lighthouse for the Blind in St. Louis, where he promotes adaptive living and independent travel skills. Kevin also contracts with the Missouri Department of Mental Health and brings his expertise to legal cases as an expert witness and project consultant. He has taught as an adjunct professor at Lindenwood University and currently teaches for the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Kevin is a frequent presenter at major conferences, including the Getting in Touch with Literacy Conference, the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference, AERBVI International Conferences, and the Missouri Assistive Technology Power-Up Conference. His speaking engagements extend internationally to the O&M Conferences in Montreal, Canada, and Dublin, Ireland, and domestically at events like the American Council for the Blind Convention, the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, and the Missouri Chapter of the National Federation for the Blind Convention. Kevin actively serves on the Missouri Blind Task Force and the Americans with Disabilities Act Committee, with prior involvement on the Academic Advisory Committee and as a Bookshare Master Trainer.
Kevin is a consultant on the National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator Inclusio project and serves on the Leader Dogs for the Blind Assistive Technology, Accessibility & Advocacy Task Force. Kevin’s advocacy work includes serving as a board member for Success Beyond Sight, as a peer reviewer for the British Journal of Visual Impairment, the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, and The New RE:view journal. His leadership has spanned roles on the Missouri Chapter of AERBVI, on the ACVREP International Board, including as Chair of the Orientation & Mobility Subject Matter Expert Committee, Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee, and on the AERBVI Board of Directors including Chair of the Orientation & Mobility Division.
As an accomplished author, Kevin contributed a chapter to the Foundations of Orientation & Mobility – 4th Edition textbook and numerous published, peer-reviewed journal articles. He also played a key role in developing the Blind Students’ Rights to Independence, Training, and Education Act (BRITE) Act for Missouri. His unwavering commitment to advancing accessibility and supporting individuals with visual impairments has made a significant impact, earning him respect and recognition in his field.
