SCSC > Special Education > Blind/Visual Impairments

Contacts:
Cathy Rieber, Ph. 507.389.5083, catbrl@juno.com
Kristi Portugue, Ph. 507.389.5086, kportugue@mnscsc.org
Kelly Kauss, Ph. 507.389.1889, kkauss@mnscsc.org

Blind/Visual Impairments

Our philosophy is based on the premise that visually impaired children are first of all children with the same basic needs as all other children. One of the primary concerns of a vision consultant is to assure proper placement and program adaptation for visually impaired blind students.

The Vision Consultant will participate as part of the team throughout the screening, assessment, educational planning and programming for any students with a visual impairment. The consultant will serve as a resource to all team members including parents, administrators, classroom and resource teachers, and support staff.

Who is eligible?

• Students ages 0–21 who have medically diagnosed as having a visual impairment and show an educational need.
• An acuity of 20/60 or less in the child’s best eye with corrections.
• A visual field of less than 20 degrees.
• A degenerative condition which will cause a significant vision loss.
• A serious temporary loss due to patching, accident, injury, etc.
  

What behaviors could signify a problem?

• Shows sensitivity to light
• Squints to see things close or far away
• Turns or tilts head to one side to see better
• Rubs eyes a lot
• Blinks often when reading or watching TV
• Closes or covers one eye to see things close or far away
• Stares at lights for long periods of time
• Has trouble locating or picking up small objects
• Has crusty eye lids, red and water eyes, or frequent styes
• Eyes do not move together
• Eyes are crossed
  

What services may be provided?

• Instruction in the reading and writing of Braille and/or state and stylus
• Training in assistive technology for the visually impaired, including note taking devices and computer screen reading program
• Daily living, socialization, supplementary educational and communication skills
• Development and use of residual vision
• Orientation and mobility (travel skills)
  

What materials and resources may be available?

• Educational materials in Braille, large print, or on tape
• Specialized instructional materials and adaptive equipment
• Training in the proper use and care of equipment
• Provide resources, information, and materials to teachers and parents
• Assist in the coordination of interaction between agencies
• Serve as an IEP member to help develop appropriate and realistic goals and objectives
  
  

Who are the Region 9 teachers of blind/visually impaired?

Cathy Rieber South Central Service Cooperative 2075 Lookout Drive N. Mankato, MN 56003 507.389.5083 Fax: 507.389.1772

Kristi Portugue South Central Service Cooperative 2075 Lookout Drive N. Mankato, MN 56003 507.389.5086 Fax: 507.389.1772

Kelly Kauss South Central Service Cooperative 2075 Lookout Drive N. Mankato, MN 56003 507.389.1889 Fax: 507.389.1772

What are some other resources?

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Page modified: 5/15/08