visionteachersonja

Photography by www.atomsportraits.com

Children who have visual impairments and who have visual impairments with other disabilities hold a special place in Sonja’s heart. Her eldest son was born blind with Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). As a result, she became a Teacher of the Blind & Visually Impaired and a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist. Sonja was already an elementary teacher when she discovered her son was blind. Going through the gamut of emotions associated with having a child with a visual impairment provides her with special insight into the needs of children and parents. She holds a Masters degree in School Counseling and Guidance and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. through Capella University in Advanced K-12 Education.

Sonja has been married for 33 years to her wonderful husband, Atom, who is an R.N. (BSN) and professional photographer. Besides her 26-year-old son who is pursuing an M.S. in Inclusive Design at OCAD University in Toronto, CA. He has a B.A. in Music specifically for vocal performance in opera from CalState EastBay. Sonja has an incredible 22-year-old son gifted in graphic art and science who has a B.S. in Computer Science and Game Design with a minor in art from DigiPen Institute of Technology. Both boys bring incredible insight and joy into the world of parenting.

She received her certification for working with students with visual impairments from Stephen F. Austin University in Texas and holds a WA State Continuing Teacher certification with endorsements for Visually Impaired and Orientation & Mobility, Elementary Education, and 4-12 Psychology. She also holds a CA State Multiple Subject Credential and a CA Visually Impaired credential, as well as Rehabilitation Specialist for Orientation & Mobility. She is a member of AER, CAOMS, and CTEBVI. Sonja taught in WA State as a TVI/COMS for five years and is in her 6th year of teaching in CA. She was chair of the 2011 CAOMS Conferences held in Northern California called “The Road to Creativity” and also chaired the 2014 CAOMS Conference “Babies to Boomers” held in Northern California. Sonja is on the Northern CA board for NAER as a member at large.

On May 31, 2012, Sonja was honored as the 2012 Educator of the Year by the Northern California Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCAER). She also received a special recognition award on June 7, 2012, from the San Benito County Office of Education Board of Directors for her dedication and service to the students of San Benito County.

Sonja is the CEO of Sonja Biggs Educational Services, Inc. (SBES, Inc.) and partners with educational agencies to provide vision services. She also does Independent Evaluations throughout California. www.sbesinc.com