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Eyes that don't move together when following an object

Crossed eyes, eyes that turn out or in, or flutter

Eyes that bulge, dance, or bounce in rapid movements

Repeated shutting or covering of one eye

Frequent squinting, blinking, eye rubbing, or face crunching, especially if no bright light present

Avoiding task that require good vision

Sitting to close to TV or holding items to close

Unusual degree of clumsiness

* If any of these symptoms are present, have your child's eyes examined by an eye professional. Early detection and treatment are very important.

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What is visual impairment and blindness 

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What is visual impairment and blindness 

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Visual impairment including blindness refers to an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance. It includes both partial sight and blindness. There are different types of blindness, including:

1. Partial blindness: You still have some vision

2. Complete blindness: You can't see or detect light

3. Congenital blindness: Poor vision that you are born with

4. Legal blindness: Central vision is 20/200 in your best-seeing eye even when corrected with glasses or contact lenses

5. Nutritional blindness: Vision loss from vitamin A deficiency

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Common acronyms related to visual impairment or blindness include:

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Common acronyms related to visual impairment or blindness include:

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1. VI - Visual Impairment

2. BL - Blindness

3. BVI - Blind or Visually Impaired

4. VIB - Visually Impaired Blind

5. CV - Color Vision (often used in contexts of color blindness)

6. O&M - Orientation and Mobility (a field of study and practice for individuals with visual impairments)

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How are students Identified ? In North Carolina, the identification of students with visual impairments (VI) involves several steps and assessments to ensure they receive appropriate support. Here’s an overview of the process:

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How are students Identified ? In North Carolina, the identification of students with visual impairments (VI) involves several steps and assessments to ensure they receive appropriate support. Here’s an overview of the process:

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Identification Process

1. Referral: Students may be referred for evaluation by teachers, parents, or school staff if they show signs of visual impairment.

2. Screening: Initial screenings are often conducted to assess whether there is a need for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Assessments Used

1. Vision Screening: Conducted by school nurses or vision specialists to determine if a more detailed assessment is needed.

2. Comprehensive Eye Exam: Performed by an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) to diagnose the type and extent of the visual impairment.

3. Functional Vision Assessment (FVA): Evaluates how the visual impairment affects the student’s ability to function in a classroom setting and in daily activities.

4. Learning Media Assessment (LMA): Assesses the student’s preferred learning media (e.g., print, braille, auditory) to determine the most effective means of instruction.

5. Orientation and Mobility Assessment: Evaluates the student’s ability to navigate their environment safely and independently.

6. Individualized Education Program (IEP) Evaluation: Part of the broader educational evaluation process that includes assessments of academic and functional performance, considering the impact of the visual impairment on learning.

Additional Requirements

1. Medical Documentation: Requires detailed reports from medical professionals to confirm the diagnosis and extent of the visual impairment.

2. Eligibility Determination: A team of professionals, including educators, specialists, and parents, review the assessments to determine if the student meets the criteria for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

3. Development of an IEP: If the student is found eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed to outline specific educational goals, accommodations, and services needed to support the student’s learning.

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Reevaluation: Regular reviews and assessments to monitor the student’s progress and adjust the IEP as needed.

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Students with visual impairments and blindness receive their education through a variety of specialized methods, materials, and supports to meet their individual needs. Here's how they do it:

Specialized Instruction

• Individualized Education Program (IEP): Tailored educational plans that outline specific goals, accommodations, and services based on the student’s needs.

• Specialized Teachers: Instruction from teachers trained in special education and visual impairment, including orientation and mobility specialists.

Adapted Materials

• Alternate Formats: Educational materials provided in Braille, large print, or audio formats.

• Assistive Devices: Access to tools like magnifiers, Braille writers, and computers with adaptive software.

Support Services

• Orientation and Mobility Training: Instruction to help students navigate their environment safely and independently functional skills and development.

Inclusive Education

• Accessibility Measures: Ensuring classroom environments are navigable and accessible, including modifying physical spaces and providing accessible technology.

Individualized Approaches

• Personalized Learning Strategies: Customized approaches based on the student’s unique learning style, preferences, and needs.

• Ongoing Assessments: Regular evaluations to monitor progress and adjust the educational plan as needed.

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Materials in Alternate Formats:

Braille: Textbooks, handouts, and other materials can be provided in Braille.

Large Print: Materials can be enlarged to accommodate students with low vision.

Audio Books: Texts can be provided in audio format to support auditory learning.

Assistive Technology:

Screen Readers: Software that reads text on a screen aloud.

Magnification Software: Programs that enlarge text and images on a computer screen.

Classroom Layout:

Clear Pathways: Ensure that the classroom is arranged to avoid obstacles and hazards.

Consistent Arrangement: Keep classroom furniture and materials in the same location to help with orientation.

Visual Aids:

High-Contrast Materials: Use high-contrast colors for text and backgrounds to make reading easier for students with low vision.

Tactile Maps and Diagrams: Create maps and diagrams with tactile features for students to explore through touch.

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Teachers who work with students with visual impairments and blindness can access a variety of resources to support their instructional efforts. Here are some specific resources available in North Carolina:

State and Local Agencies

North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind (DSB):

Provides services including consultations, educational resources, and training for teachers working with visually impaired students.

Website: ncdhhs.gov/divisions/dsb

Contact: (919) 527-6700 or Toll-Free: (866) 222-1546

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI):

Offers guidance, resources, and professional development for teachers of students with disabilities, including visual impairments.

Website: dpi.nc.gov

Contact: (919) 807-3300

Educational Resources and Support

Governor Morehead School for the Blind:

Provides specialized training and resources for educators, as well as direct services for students.

Website: gms.nc.gov

Contact: (919) 733-6382

Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC):

Offers resources, training, and support for educators and families of children with disabilities, including visual impairments.

Website: ecac-parentcenter.org

Contact: (800) 962-6817

Professional Development and Training

Perkins School for the Blind:

Provides online courses, workshops, and resources for teachers working with visually impaired students.

Website: perkinselearning.org

Assistive Technology and Tools

American Printing House for the Blind (APH):

Supplies educational materials, tools, and technologies for visually impaired students.

Website: aph.org

Support and Advocacy Groups

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of North Carolina:

Provides support, resources, and advocacy for teachers and students, including local chapters and special interest groups.

Website: nfbnc.org

Contact: info@nfbnc.org

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Parents who have children with visual impairments and blindness can access a range of resources to support their child's education and development. Here are some resources available in North Carolina:

State and Local Agencies

North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind (DSB):

Offers services including vocational rehabilitation, independent living support, and educational services.

Website: [ncdhhs.gov/divisions/dsb](https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/dsb)

Contact: (919) 527-6700 or Toll-Free: (866) 222-1546

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI):

Provides resources and support for special education, including services for students with visual impairments.

Website: [dpi.nc.gov](https://www.dpi.nc.gov)

Contact: (919) 807-3300

Educational Resources and Support

Governor Morehead School for the Blind:

A state-operated residential school providing specialized education for students with visual impairments.

Website: [gms.nc.gov](https://www.governormorehead.net)

Contact: (919) 733-6382

Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC):

Offers resources, training, and support for parents of children with disabilities, including visual impairments.

Website: [ecac-parentcenter.org](https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org)

Contact: (800) 962-6817

Support and Advocacy Groups

North Carolina Parents of Blind Children (NCPBC):

A division of the National Federation of the Blind of North Carolina, providing support, resources, and advocacy.

Website: [nfbnc.org/parents](https://www.nfbnc.org/parents)

Contact: info@nfbnc.org

Assistive Technology and Tools

North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP):

Provides assistive technology devices and services to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Website: [ncdhhs.gov/divisions/vocational-rehabilitation-services/north-carolina-assistive-technology-program](https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/vocational-rehabilitation-services/north-carolina-assistive-technology-program)

Contact: (919) 855-3500

Book share:

An online library providing accessible eBooks for individuals with visual impairments, available for free to students in the U.S.

Website: [bookshare.org](https://www.bookshare.org)

Community and Outreach Programs

Lions Clubs of North Carolina:

Provides support and services for individuals with visual impairments, including vision screenings and assistance with obtaining eyeglasses.

Website: [nclionsinc.org](https://www.nclionsinc.org)

Contact: (828) 478-2135

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About idea. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (2024, March 27). https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/

The American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). https://www.afb.org/

District offices. NC DHHS. (n.d.). https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/services-blind

National Federation of the Blind. (n.d.). https://nfb.org/

North Carolina Blind/Visual Impairment Resources. (n.d.). https://www.bie.edu/sites/default/files/documents/idc-008247.pdf

The Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness. (n.d.). Assessments for students who are blind or visually impaired. MedEd Connections Resource Guide: Blind and Visually Impaired (B/VI) | The Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness. https://deafandblindoutreach.org/meded-connections-bvi/meded-assessments-for-students-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired

Paolucci, S. (n.d.). Visual impairment support. Special Education Services. https://www.iu1.org/departments/special-education-services/visual-impairment-support

Perkins School for the Blind. (2024, June 28). 10 little-known facts about blindness. https://www.perkins.org/10-little-known-facts-about-blindness/

Services for the blind and visually impaired. North Carolina Lions Foundation. (2022, June 9). https://nclf.org/services-for-the-blind-and-visually-impaired/

Visual impairment and blindness fact sheet. Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC). (2024a, June 18). https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/resource-documents/visual-impairment-and-blindness-fact-sheet/

Visual impairment and blindness fact sheet. Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC). (2024b, June 18). https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/resource-documents/visual-impairment-and-blindness-fact-sheet/

Willings, C. (n.d.). Referral process for school based Visual Impairment Services. Teaching Students with Visual Impairments. https://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/referral-process.html

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Extended Time:

Assignments and Tests: Allow additional time for completing assignments and tests to accommodate the use of assistive technologies or adaptations.

Preferential Seating:

Seating Arrangements: Place the student in a position where they can best use their vision or assistive devices (e.g., close to the board).

Assistance with Navigation:

Orientation and Mobility Training: Provide training to help students navigate the school environment safely.

Verbal Descriptions:

Describing Visual Content: Provide verbal descriptions of visual content such as images, charts, and diagrams during lessons.

Test Formats:

Alternative Formats: Offer tests in formats such as oral or electronic versions to accommodate the student’s needs.