Visually Impaired-VI

 

The role of the teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) is to teach and support the expanded core curriculum for students with visual impairment and instruct students in the development of compensatory or functional skills including communication modes, orientation and mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, career education, technology, sensory efficiency skills, and self-determination. TVIs will also support students who have visual impairment in the general and/or special education curriculum by

• conducting functional vision evaluations;

• consulting with regular education and special education teachers;

• making recommendations regarding accessibility of the educational environment;

• adapting and/or modifying instructional materials and visual presentations;

• providing instruction and assessment materials in an accessible format;

• providing educational supplies and equipment to accommodate for visual impairment;

• sharing in the development and implementation of the individualized education program (IEP);

• consulting with classroom teachers, other service providers, and parents regarding educational information

Paraprofessional Support

The district VI paraprofessionals are knowledgeable in the braille code and skilled at adapting the curriculum to provide access to students who require alternative formats of text. The VI paraprofessionals will support student learning of the braille code when needed and follow-through with need-based adaptations so students can be successful alongside their peers.

The role of the Orientation & Mobility specialist (O&M) focuses on teaching a student non-visual and low vision travel techniques, which may include initial concept development including spatial and positional concepts, campus and community-based travel, instruction in the use of white canes and other mobility devices, distance magnification as a travel tool and other technology resources that support safe and effective travel. 

While supporting learning in the areas of the expanded core curriculum for student with visual impairments, O&M specialists support students by

• sharing in the development and implementation of the individualized education program (IEP);

• consulting with classroom teachers, other service providers, and parents regarding educational information; 

• providing the tools and instruction necessary to travel as safely and independently as possible in the school, community, and home environments.