Vision/Orientation and Mobility

The Vision Teacher acts as a liaison between the educational team and the family, with responsibilities for:

• assessing the student's functional vision
• conducting print assessments
• training in the efficient use of residual vision
• training in the use of vision aids and adapted equipment
• instruction in learning and using Braille, as needed
• interpreting of visual information to classroom teachers and related personnel
• working in visual perception as it is related to the student’s visual impairment
• assisting the student to successfully transition to a work/training program or post
• secondary educational opportunity
• using activities to develop the student's remaining senses and vision stimulation

When appropriate the Vision/Orientation and Mobility Department will adapt curricular materials by:

• transcribing printed material into Braille
• enlarging print material for the low-vision student
• providing tactile graphics

The Mobility Teacher acts as a liaison between the educational team and the family, with responsibilities for:  

• assessing a child's needs as they relate to orientation and mobility on an on-going basis.
• teaching visually impaired students to travel with proficiency, safety, and confidence in familiar and unfamiliar environments
• preparing and using equipment and materials such as tactile maps, models, distance low vision devices, adaptive mobility devices, and long canes for the development of Orientation and Mobility skills

A student may be appropriate for an assessment if:

• visual acuity is 20/70—20/200+ with correction
• significant visual field restrictions (field of vision is the extent of space visible to an eye as it fixates straight ahead)
• significant etiology and prognosis (progressive eye condition) 

• training for the one-to one aide assigned to the student
• offering staff development activities