Visual Impairments & Blindness

The program serves students who:

• Are blind or have low vision.
• Have been identified with a visual impairment that affects their ability to learn in a traditional educational environment.
• Are eligible under IDEA as having a visual impairment.
• Eligible students from preschool through high school, and sometimes through age 21
• Students with multiple disabilities, where vision is a contributing factor
• Range from infants through high school-age students, depending on the district or region.

These students may have a variety of visual conditions, including:

• Congenital blindness
• Progressive vision loss
• Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)
• Partial sight due to injury or illness

Vision Services Programs provide support in several key ways:

Specialized Instruction

• Taught by Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs).
• Includes skills such as Braille, orientation and mobility, assistive technology, and independent living skills.

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

• Customized goals and accommodations are created to meet the student’s specific visual needs.
• May include classroom modifications and specialized materials.

Assistive Technology

• Tools such as screen readers, magnification devices, Braille notetakers, and adaptive software help students access curriculum.

Consultation and Support

• Advising classroom teachers and staff on how to adapt materials.
• Modifying curriculum to be accessible.
• Helping with IEP (Individualized Education Program) planning.

Orientation and Mobility Training

• Teaching safe and independent travel skills.
• Navigating the school environment and community.

Family and Community Support

• Training and resources are often provided to families to help support learning at home.

• Some programs also offer community outreach and referrals to other services.