•    vision                                                      

  • VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS AND SERVICES

    Definition

    Students who are visually impaired include students who are blind, have no vision, or have little potential for using vision or students who have low vision. The term visual impairment does not include students who have learning problems that are primarily the result of visual perceptual and/or visual motor difficulties.

    The corresponding definition is found in State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03014, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).
     

    Frequently asked questions about visual impairments.

    1. What if my student fails a vision screening at school?

    The next step would be to have a medical doctor, ophthalmologist or optometrist give your student an exam to see what his visual condition is. If your student’s vison can be corrected by eyeglasses or contacts, then the doctor will recommend those.

    2. After my student gets glasses and/or contacts and still is having trouble seeing in the classroom what should I do?

    Ask the teacher to allow the student to move so that she can see what is going on in the classroom. Most students are moving throughout the day through lessons, centers, lunch and resources anyway. The front, back or a particular side of the room might afford better visibility. 

    3. What is needed to receive vision services?

    If your student’s vision is not corrected by glasses or contacts, then contact the school guidance counselor to receive a Physician’s Report of Eye Examination. When your ophthalmologist or optometrist performs an examination and completes this form that advises the District of the amount of acuity a student has and if there is a condition that will result in continued visual loss.

    4. Do the Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI) know and teach Braille?

    Yes, but most students can be print readers with some accommodations, such as enlarging. Those that need to learn Braille are taught it.
     
    5. What else can be done for students with low vision? 
     
    Many times accommodations provided in the classroom and during testing may be all a student with a visual impairment needs in order to access the material. In that case, your student might benefit from having a 504 plan. 

    6. What does Orientation & Mobility Training (O & M Training) mean?  

    O & M Training helps a blind or severely visually impaired child know where he is in space and where he wants to go. It also helps him be able to carry out a plan to get there.