Visually Impaired Programs

The philosophy of the instructional program for students with visual impairments is that they become contributing members of society, and fully integrated into the world around them.

The following provides a summary of information regarding the services, eligibility criteria, itinerant services and classroom based services and resources related to students with visual impairments.

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Visually Impaired Services:

Visual impairments are defined as disorders in the structure and function of the eye that, even with the best correction and treatment, interfere with learning. Services are provided to students that are blind, who after the best possible ocular correction have no vision or has little potential for using vision and relies on tactual or auditory senses for learning and to partially sighted students who after the best possible adjustments and ocular corrections uses remaining vision for learning.

Complete information may be obtained through the Policies and Procedures for the Provision of Specially Designed Instruction and Related Services for Exceptional Students, Part III, E, Programs for Students Who Are Identified as Visually Impaired, pages126 - 133. (Available in PDF format through dadeschools.net, under e-handbooks.)

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Visually Impaired Eligibility Criteria:

A student is eligible for a special program for students with visual impairments if the medical and educational criteria are met as specified in the Policies and Procedures for the Provision of Specially Designed Instruction and Related Services for Exceptional Students, effective dates: 2004-2005 through 2006-2007. Students are eligible for services from birth until they graduate with a standard diploma or until age 22.

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Itinerant Vision Services:

Teachers of students who are visually impaired provide itinerant services to students enrolled in the general curriculum or self-contained classes. They provide instruction through the teaching of basic and functional academics, content area, social and motor skills.

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Visually Impaired Classroom Based Services:

Each student with a disability is entitled to receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, which will enable the student to progress in the general curriculum to the maximum extent appropriate. Special education and related services are designed to meet the unique needs of the student and includes specially designed instruction, supportive services, and accommodations and modifications as needed by the student. A range of service delivery options is available to meet the student's special needs. Teachers are trained to provide the unique services identified for each students and are provided with administrative support to assure reasonable class size, adequate funds for materials , and inservice training.

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Visually Impaired Resources: