Services for Students who are Blind and Visually Impaired

Services for students who are blind or visually impaired are provided for students with a visual impairment that significantly affects their academic functioning. This impairment may be significantly decreased visual acuity or decreased visual fields or blindness. Services are provided through an Individualized Educational Program implemented by a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and other special education personnel as needed. The TVI performs Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessments to determine eligibility and instructional needs. Instruction may include the expanded core curriculum:

  • Compensatory or functional academic skills, including communication modes, Braille

  • Orientation and mobility,

  • Social interaction skills,

  • Independent living skills,

  • Recreation and leisure skills,

  • Career education,

  • Use of assistive technology,

  • Sensory efficiency skills, and

  • Self-determination

The Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) also consults with parents, students, administration, and teachers to ensure that students are progressing well and have all tools necessary to access the curriculum (large print, magnifiers, special lighting, assistive technology, etc.). The TVI also works with the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to serve students who have combined vision and hearing losses and are Deaf-blind.

The TVI works in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Blind and Vision Impaired to access materials and services for students.

Orientation and Mobility (O& M) assessments and services are offered to students needing instruction and guidance for safe and independent travel around the school and community.

Virginia Department of the Blind and Vision Impaired:

The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) is committed to providing quality services to assist Virginia’s citizens who are blind, deaf-blind, or vision impaired in achieving their maximum level of employment, education, and personal independence. The department provides an array of specialized services to blind Virginians of all ages to assist them in attaining the skills, confidence, and positive outlook that are critical to independence.

Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind

The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind is a residential K-12 educational program for students in the state of Virginia with blindness, visual impairments, and students with multiple disabilities. Our program is designed to work collaboratively with families, local school divisions and the Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired to provide students with the best opportunity to reach their greatest potential.