The CAIU employs 5 Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI), two of whom are also dually certified as Orientation and Mobility Specialists. The staff serves 150 - 200 students each year with an annual average of 70 additional students assessed for service.
Referral Assessment
Assessment is available to determine eligibility for enrollment as a student with blindness or visual impairment.
- Assessments are conducted for students ages 3 - 21
- Acquisition of an eye specialist report
- Determination of the appropriate reading medium, including a learning media assessment (LMA)
- Consultation with current teaching staff
- Consultation with students and parents
- Written report including sources of information and recommendations
Screenings
- Kindergarten registration screening, conducted on-site according to the district’s schedule, using state health standards
- Assistance with mandated nurse's vision screenings for students who are difficult to test
- Reports provided to school nurses to be included in annual health records
- To determine need for additional assessment
Individual Instruction
- Braille reading and writing with integration of Braille into the curriculum using the appropriate Braille code, including literary, math, music, foreign language, and computer
- Adapted materials for tactile or visual learners
- Expanded Core Curriculum for Visually Impaired Students that includes any of the following: Independent Living, Recreation & Leisure, Self-determination, Transition to Adult Life, Social Interaction, Technology, Visual Efficiency, and use of Compensatory Skills due to limited vision
- High and low technology and/or adapted software
- Use of adapted materials for tactile or visual learners
- Ongoing Learning Media Assessment
- Provision of unique classroom supplies and equipment for short-term use
- Temporary loan of recommended equipment, technology, and/or software
Materials Preparation
- Advance material adaptations per needs of the student for participation in any curriculum; hardware and/or software modifications, and PSSA/PASA coordination and administration.
- Acquisition of all materials within a 5-day turn-around, including audio, large print, Braille, tests, quizzes, books, and/or worksheets, to meet the requirements of the law
Support to School Personnel/Consultation
- Consultation with IEP teams regarding special needs for visually impaired
- Advance planning and supports to maximize participation in appropriate curricula and transition planning
- Staff development
- Consultation regarding physical education adaptations and modifications
Orientation & Mobility
- Certified O&M Specialists available to assess and provide direct service to identified students of any age
- Assessment and service can address concept development related to travel skills in various environments, cane use, low vision devices, movement needs, transportation skills, and skills toward adult independence
Case Management
- Assist districts in managing services for students with visual impairments
American Printing House Annual Registration Report
- Facilitate the annual Federal census for persons who are legally blind
- Meet federal records requirements
Deaf Blind Census
- Census report compiled and submitted to the state as courtesy to districts that purchase services