Blind and Low Vision

How do you qualify for Blind or Low Vision Services?

An Ophthalmologist or Optometrist must verify all eye conditions for service to be considered.

The type of service a student receives is based on several factors including:

• Visual acuities
• Diagnosis
• Professional assessments
• Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) Needs Assessment

The ECC is used to define concepts and skills that often require specialized instruction for students who are blind or visually impaired. These skills compensate for a student's decreased opportunities to learn incidentally by observing others.

Vision Itinerant teachers

Vision itinerant teachers may provide resources and/or withdrawal assistance to those students identified as Blind or Visually Impaired and provide the following:

• Provide direct instruction of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) to students identified as Blind or Visually Impaired for whom it has been determined through assessments
• Participate in school level team meetings as directed by the Principal
• Support the development and implementation of programs in consultation with Special Education Resource teachers, classroom teachers, support staff and Administration
• Develop and report on the Individual Education Plan (IEP) vision goals for a student receiving direct instruction based on the Expanded Core Curriculum
• Explain educational implications/impacts of the visual impairment and provide in-services to staff
• Work with Special Education Resource teachers and classroom teachers to assess student's needs
• coordinate the purchase, maintenance and repair of equipment and other personalized equipment through SEA funding
• Liaise with medical practitioners and outside agencies to support appropriate visual accommodations.