What Do Teachers of The Blind and Vision Impaired Do?
Teachers of the Blind and Vision Impaired (TBVIs) provide diagnostic and instructional services for students with vision impairments and act as a liaison with community services. This is an instructional position, as opposed to a related service or vision therapy. The itinerant teacher for students with vision impairments travels to the students' assigned schools to provide direct and/or consultative special education services relating to vision loss. These services enable the students to learn in a variety of settings. The cognitive levels of the students range from severely impaired to gifted and talented.
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Our Core Services |
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| Adapted Daily Living Skills |
Functional Vision Assessments |
Nemeth Instruction |
| Braille Instruction |
Learning Media Assessment |
Tactile Graphics |
| Compensatory Skills |
Low Vision Services |
Technology Training (Blind/Low Vision) |
Definition
According to the Virginia Regulations Governing Special Education Program, “Visual impairment including blindness” means an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness. (34 CFR 300.8(c)(13))
Our Vision Staff
Allied Instructional Services’ team of certified specialists provides services to develop the independence of people who are:
- Blind or have vision loss
- Deaf-Blind
- Infants and Toddlers (birth to 3)
- Students (Pre-K to 12th grade) Families
We contract with the public and private organizations as well as individuals to provide instruction in the individual’s school, home, workplace, and/or community.
Role of TBVIs In Schools
TBVIs Follow School Divisions` Program of Studies (POS) and Standards of Learning (SOL) as curriculum guidelines, other classroom curriculum such as the Life Skills Program and the Core Curriculum for Blind and Vision Impaired.
- Provide instruction in compensatory skills such as concept development, spatial understanding, study and organizational skills,and speaking and listening skills.
- Provide instruction in Braille, large print, print with the use of optical devices, regular print, tactile symbols, and recorded materials.
- Provide individualized instruction and/or small self-contained classes as defined in the students Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Provide services ranging from monitor/consult level to direct instruction in the student s general educational setting.
- Provide resource room for students who require a more intensive level of service at the secondary level.
- Provide support to students who participate in general education classes through teacher consultations.
Expanded Core Curriculum
- Independent Living
- Recreation and Leisure
- Social Interaction
- Self-Determination
- Career Education
Other Services
- Camps and Special Events
- Parent Support Network
- Professional Trainings
Support Services
- Provide assistance to students with vision impairments in understanding their attitudes and those of others concerning their vision impairment
- Facilitate social integration and interaction with peers
- Provide training and support to parents of students with vision impairments to enhance their children's independence
- Provide the teachers, staff, and family of students with vision impairment with information regarding their individual needs, methodology, and strategies
- Participate with other school personnel and agencies to secure job-related experiences for students
- Participate in transition planning
