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VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

Definition of Blind and Visual Impairment according to the Ohio’s Revised Operating Standards effective July 1, 2014:

“Visual impairment” including blindness means an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance.

  • A visual impairment, not primarily perceptual in nature, resulting in a measured acuity of 20/70 or worse in the better eye with correction; or
  • A restricted visual field of less than 20°; or
  • A physical eye condition that affects visual functioning to the extent that special education placement, materials and/or services are required in an educational setting 
  •  “Visual impairment” including blindness means an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s
  • educational performance.
  •  The term “visual impairment” includes both partial sight and blindness.
  •  The term “visual impairment” does not include a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes, such as
  • perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.

TEACHER OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED   

A licensed Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) is a licensed teacher who has received specialized training in meeting the educational needs of students with visual impairments. The role of the TVI is to provide direct and/or consultative special education services specific to vision loss. The TVI’s role is to work with the student with visual impairments through direct and or consultation with the classroom teacher on areas to provide access to the  curriculum as needed per student. Teacher of the Visually Impaired can provide for students with visual impairments by developing, selecting and modifying instructional plans and materials to meet the needs of students utilizing braille, large print and technological devices. They will consult with educational team members (administration, teachers, parents and students) regarding instruction, materials and environmental adaptations needed; The VI teacher actively participates in team meetings and provides input regarding the planning of instructional goals, objectives and methods of students and their IEP’s.