Teacher of the Visually Impaired

• Assessment and Evaluation: obtain and interpret for the TEAM, all eye related information, conduct and interpret functional vision and learning media assessments, recommend and collaborate in additional assessments as needed (low vision, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological, speech and language, etc).
• Participate in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans as a member of the trans-disciplinary TEAM.
• Provide direct, specialized instruction of developmental and compensatory skills as they relate to vision and visual impairment. These may include: Braille reading and writing (pre-Braille, Grade 1 and 2, Nemeth, etc.), concept development, visual efficiency, print adaptations and learning devices, handwriting, typewriting, listening skills, study skills, tactual skills, communication development, motor development, activities of daily living, physical education, leisure and recreation, career education, and transition skills.
• Provide training and consultation to teachers, therapists, and support staff on the impact of vision loss as well as educational accommodations, modifications, and strategies necessary for full access to the general core curriculum and the expanded core curriculum.
• Prepare, obtain, and disseminate specialized materials and books – with an emphasis on developing and communicating timelines with appropriate personnel to ensure that materials are available when needed.
• Be knowledgeable of state regulations and procedures for referrals, assessments, IEP development, and progress reports.
• Consult with students, parents, teachers, counselors, and other school personnel regarding private and public agencies, schools, and resources within the community for students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Participate in developing, coordinating, and/or providing the continuum of related services needed by students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Collaborate with school technology personnel as well as agencies and vendors to assist in the assessment and use of assistive technology.
• Maintain records of student assessments, IEPs, reviews, release forms, etc. following policies regarding confidentiality.
• Maintain records of material and equipment requests, census information, etc.
• Participate in professional development activities.

• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of best practices for children who are blind or visually impaired.
• Must be proficient in Grade II Braille and Nemeth Code.
• Ability to conduct functional vision and learning media assessments of children who are blind or visually impaired.
• Ability to develop, support, and monitor appropriate learning environments for students who are blind or visually impaired. This may include in-service training of school personnel, assisting with the training and monitoring of instructional assistants, and/or directly assisting the student in academic subjects and activities.
• Knowledge of core general curriculum and expanded core curriculum.
• Possession of technical skills in the use of assistive technology, computers, specialized devices, and effective instructional techniques.
• Strong organizational, communication, and report writing skills as necessary in an itinerant model.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education of children who are blind or visually impaired.

Certifications:

• Eligible for Rhode Island Teacher Certification as a Teacher of Children who are blind and visually impaired.

Experience:

• Experience with children who are blind or visually impaired.

• Master’s Degree