Visual Impairment Disability in Schools

Disability Information
• Definition of the disability under IDEA in the USA
• What state of Massachusetts disability category would it come under?
• Causes of Visual Impairment (Physiological Causes, Environmental, Psychological Causes)
• Characteristics of Visual Impairment (cognitive, academic, and social/emotional)
• How is it diagnosed?
• Statistics
• How common is it?
• Age typically diagnosed
• Life expectancy
• Other interesting statistics
• Identify data sources used for information

Early Intervention/ Preschool Interventions
Age 0-5
• Early Intervention
• Family perspective

School: K-12
Age: 5-18
• Classroom supports
• Type of classrooms setting(s) most commonly placed – in the Least Restrictive Environment
• Accommodations/ Modifications in PLEP A&B on IEP (Individualized Education Program)
• Common Service Delivery on IEP
• Common Goal Focus Areas on IEP
• Trends
• Social issues
• Family perspective

Post-Secondary
Age: 19+
• What are some options after high school? (college, training programs, life skills, programs/ groups, job)
• Family perspective
• Independent living