Visual Impairment Including Blindness
Visual Impairment Including Blindness
Visual Impairment Including Blindness
(Including Blindness)
I. DEFINITION
Students with visual impairments are identified as those with a corrected visual
acuity of 20/70 or less in the better eye or field restriction of less that 20 degrees at
its widest point or identified as cortically visually impaired and functioning at the
definition of legal blindness.
B. Achievement
C. Behavioral
D. Communicative Abilities
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E. Physical
1. Behavior
2. Appearance
a. Crossed eyes
c. Recurring styes
3. Complaints
A. Required
1. Hearing
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B. Recommended
2. Informal
a. Observation
b. Checklists
A. Social History
F. Other
1. Medical
a. Physical examination
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D. Vocational Assessment
To appropriately plan for the student with a visual impairment the evaluation team
must analyze educational and medical data, as well as the recent determination of
visual acuity which addresses the actual functional vision of the student. Effects
of visual impairment may vary dependent upon the severity of the impairment,
age of onset of the visual condition, the opportunities which have been available
for appropriate training and the type and severity of any other disabilities.
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Orientation and mobility instruction may be crucial to the student's independent
functioning in the school setting. Such related skills as basic concepts, body
image and spatial awareness instruction make it possible to develop cane travel
skills. Independent travel with a cane may begin in the early elementary grades.
The need for instruction in orientation and mobility skills shall be determined by a
nationally certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).
At least once a year a certified teacher of the visually impaired, or a person who is
qualified in braille instruction as determined by the ADE, will conduct an
assessment of the educational progress of each student with a visual impairment,
in accordance with established standards. [Refer to § 2.54 ("Qualified Examiner"
in "Definitions" Section) of the document Special Education and Related
Services: Procedural Requirements and Program Standards (ADE, 2008).] The
results of the assessment shall be used, if appropriate, in the development of the
student's IEP.
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