Teachers of Students with Visually Impaired provide a wide range of services to students and school districts in compliance with local, state, and federal legislation. The teachers participate with district evaluation teams in qualifying students under state guidelines, assist in developing program plans, provide direct and consultative services, and facilitate appropriate materials for individual students.
What does a Teacher of Students with Visually Impaired do?
Interpret eye reports and conduct functional vision evaluations to help teams determine student qualification and needs
Help school teams to better understand how vision impacts student learning and assist in developing effective program plans including ETRs and IEPs
Provide instruction in Braille
Provide instruction in how to use low vision aids
Coordinate/order braille or enlarged materials for the district, in most cost-effective manner
Conduct workshops/in-services for staff on effective strategies for students with visual impairments
Refer to appropriate agencies for assistive technology evaluation
Teach children with varying abilities who are blind or have low vision- deafblind, multiple disabilities, students fully included, vocational students, Pre-K through graduation
Teach students daily living skills under the umbrella of the Expanded Core Curriculum
Teach students about their visual impairments and how to advocate for their needs and accommodations
Collaborate with classroom teachers and other professionals to be sure students with visual impairments have access to all aspects of the curriculum
Communicate and work closely with parents of children with visual impairments so that they can become key players on their child’s educational team
The VI program at the ESC has received the Local Braille Production Center Grant that was fully funded providing the ESC TVIs with an embosser to be able to create and produce braille materials for students within the districts.