In collaboration with Area Education Agencies (AEAs) and Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and using an itinerant model, the Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) provides appropriate support and/or instruction to students with visual impairments, in their local schools and home settings.
• Provides specialized direct instruction to students with visual impairments in the areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). Instructs students in reading and writing skills using magnification equipment, large print materials, and/or Braille, as needed. Introduces and teaches students in various assistive technology devices, equipment and software designed for blind/visually impaired students. Provides age-appropriate information related to career education and independent living to assist the student with the transition from school to the world of work.
• Provides consultative services to IEP and IFSP teams. Offers information on the correct interpretation of assessment information related to areas such as compensatory and functional academic skills, independent living skills, and career education. Assists the teams in crafting individualized, measurable goals that aligns with the student's unique needs and development level.
• Conducts Functional Vision Assessments, Learning Media Assessments, and Expanded Core Curriculum screenings and assessments. Evaluates the student's efficiency in gathering information using a variety of sensory channels in order to select tools that will best support reading and writing instruction. Uses information gathered to identify potential visual challenges, guide the selection of goals, and identify areas of future instruction.
• Attends IEP and IFSP meetings. Collaborates with other IEP and IFSP team members, including parents and other professionals, to review progress on the student's present level of educational performance, goals, and services to be provided. Provides recommendations for visual accommodations to IEP and IFSP teams. Addresses parent concerns regarding student progress and answers any questions as needed. Records all IEP / IFSP information electronically for future reference.
• Writes, amends, and progress monitors goals on IEPs and IFSPs. Documents information on the student's current level of performance on identified IEP or IFSP goals. Assesses the student's current level of progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to the instructional techniques.
• Participates in, and completes agency directed professional development activities. Integrates newly acquired skills and strategies to enhance the student's growth or refine professional techniques. Shares new information with colleagues to improve the performance of all professionals. Completes any required forms documenting attendance at the event.
• Communicates with parents, AEA staff, LEA staff, and other external agencies as required. Provides parents with information on IEP goals, current levels of proficiency, and progress on an "as needed" basis. Provides suggestions to parents on how they can support student growth and/or help the student overcome challenges which may interfere with learning.
• Completes professional expectations set by IESBVI, including but not limited to, maintaining a calendar, submitting mileage logs, and updating student records. Submits IEP and IFSP paperwork on time, as specified by the employee's supervisor. Provides additional information, documents, and reports as requested on an "as needed" basis.