Vision Impaired

Who is Eligible?

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 degrees.  Either 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 EducationVision 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  

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