The Role of the Itinerant Teacher of the Visually Impaired includes:

  • Functional Vision Assessment and Evaluation
  • Obtain and interpret eye/medical reports as they relate to educational environments
  • Recommend appropriate service delivery plans, including support services, equipment, and time frames
  • Recommend appropriate specialized evaluations, as needed, such as low vision, Orientation and Mobility, and psychological testing.
  • The Teacher of the Visually Impaired utilizes the following inclusion strategies:
    • Assure that the student is trained in the use of and has available, all devices and technological apparatus useful to the process of academic learning
    • Assure that the classroom teacher fully understands the unique needs of the student with visual loss
    • Act as a catalyst in developing understanding of visual loss with sighted children
    • Interpret adjustments needed in assignments or standards in the regular classroom
    • Assure that the student has all educational materials in the appropriate medium
    • Consult with classroom teachers regarding methodology to be used as visual impaired student is included in classroom learning experiences
    • Instruct the student in academic subject and activities requiring adaptation and reinforcement as a direct result of visual loss.
  • In addition to inclusion strategies the Teacher of the Visually Impaired is responsible for the following educational & instructional strategies as determined by each student’s visual impairment:
    • Braille reading and writing, signature skills;
    • Keyboarding to eventually be used as a means of written communication,
    • Enlarged print and optical aids-help student learn to utilize reading aids to fully benefit in the classroom.
    • Material adaptation related to Visual needs
    • Instruction in the use of Low Vision devices
    • Assistive Technology (Ipad, Computers, Bookport, CCTV, Braillenote, etc)
  • Develop and facilitate a school age transition plan as part of student’s IEP.
  • Teach Expanded Core Curriculum