Visual Impairment Referral for Services

Purpose/Function

Teacher consultants for the visually impaired serve students with visual impairments enrolled in school programs other than those designated specifically for students with visual impairments. This would include regular education classrooms, Learning Disability Programs, ECDD Classrooms, etc.

Orientation and mobility instructors serve all students with visual impairment in programs mentioned above as well as students enrolled in visual impairment center programs.

Orientation and mobility training is also available, as needed, for qualified special education students as indicated by the student’s IEPT.

Frequency

The IEPT will determine the frequency of service or consultation as requested by the form 2.

Referral Procedures

1. A completed Form 2 referral is sent to MISD, Support and Related
   Services indicating either:

• Consultation requested

• Evaluation requested.

• In-service requested

2. Medical documentation of the student’s visual impairment (determined by Rule: 340.1708) must be included in the referral packet.

Referral Response

1. Supervisor sends the completed referral to the appropriate vision specialists.
2. The referral packet is reviewed by the appropriate vision specialists (teacher consultant and/or mobility and orientation instructor).
3. A form 2A report of recommended disposition is sent to the district.
4. IEPT is convened by LEA to determine services. The vision specialist must be present at the IEPT.

Outcomes

1. A variety of direct services are provided to students which may include:

• Concept development and academic needs

• Braille communication skills

• Social/emotional support

• Sensory/motor skills

• Daily living skills

• Career and vocational awareness

• Evaluation and testing

• Community-based instruction

• Vision awareness

• Orientation and mobility-sighted guide techniques; cane techniques; community travel, and environmental awareness

2. Vision specialists may also provide:

• Technical assistance to teachers and professionals in using equipment and appropriate adaptations.

• In-services for professionals and parents.

Deadlines

Referrals received after May 1st will be processed in the fall.

Forms

MISD eye report for children with visual impairments.