Willamette ESD Special Programs

To qualify for vision program services, a child or student must have a vision loss determined by an ophthalmologist or optometrist and a teacher of the visually impaired. The state eligibility requirements for vision impairment include

Documented visual acuity of 20/70 or less in the better eye, with correction
A visual field restricted to 20 degreesEither eye pathology or a progressive eye disease, which is anticipated to reduce either acuity or field to the criteria described in the first two statements
The assessment results of a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist are inconclusive, or the child demonstrates inadequate use of residual vision.

The vision impairment must have an adverse impact on the child's educational performance or child's developmental progress; and the child or student must need special education services as a result of the disability.

How are Children/Students Served?

Willamette ESD Special Programs Vision Services are provided to children and students from birth through age 21 who reside in Marion, Polk, or Yamhill counties and meet state eligibility requirements. Services are provided in a variety of settings including regular classrooms, specialized classrooms, and preschools. For children who are birth through age 2, services are provided in the home with a family focused approach.

Vision Specialists serve as a member of a team to identify the needs of a child and provide the appropriate educational services.

Also provided are orientation and mobility services in the students' schools, community, and home neighborhoods. Daily living skills services are provided in the schools and/or in the students' homes.

Who Provides Vision Services?

Licensed Teachers of the Visually Impaired
Orientation and Mobility Specialists
Clerical Specialists for Braille, tactile graphics, and low vision material production

What Services are Provided to Districts, Agencies, Students, and their Families?

Evaluation
Teacher consultation and training
Functional vision evaluation
Social skills
Braille instruction
Daily living skills
Low vision instruction
Self-advocacy skills
Orientation and mobility
Equipment loan library
Curriculum adaptation
Resource library
Adaptive technology/materials
Deaf/blind services
Braille and large print production
Parent education

Upcoming Events

Goal Ball
Dates TBA

Goal Ball is a sport developed for individuals who are blind and vision impaired. For more information about WESD Vision Program activities contact

Athletic Club

Conctact Information

1-503-588-5330 (Voice and TTY)

For further information about Regional Vision Services contact Marilyn Gense, Coordinator at 503.588.5330.