The Exceptional Student Leadership Unit

Blindness/Low Vision

Children and youth who are blind or have low vision in Colorado have access to a range of services for their education and social support. The majority of students who are blind or low vision attend a public school in Colorado. Close to 60 students are served at the Colorado School for the Blind, which is located on the campus of the Colorado school for the Deaf and the Blind in Colorado Springs.  Almost every Colorado administrative unit has employed or has contract access to a teacher certified in the area of blindness/visual impairment (TVI) and a certified Orientation and mobility Specialist. These individuals work with other educational team members to ensure that the students who are blind or have low vision have access to the general education curriculum and the related services that are identified on their Individualized Education Programs.

 

Professional Development

 

Type of Training, Registration Link, Dates and Locations	Flyer

 

Additional Blind/Low Vision Links

• Scholarship Information and Resources

• Education Careers Working With Students Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired

• Information for Families of Children and Youth with Blindness/Low Vision

• CDE Sponsored or Co-Sponsored Activities Related to Blindness/Low Vision

• Regional Low Vision Clinics

• What's Happening Out There Newsletter

State Eligibility and Demographic Information in Colorado

• State Eligibility Information on Visual Disability (PDF)

• Putting a Face on Blindness/Visual Impairment in Colorado (PDF)

• BVI State Infrastructures and Programs (NASDSE Survey of Colorado Services) (PDF)

 

CDE Guidelines/Support Documents, ECEA Regulations, and National-Level Documents Related to Blindness/Low Vision

 

Colorado Braille Mastery Test Documents

• Colorado Braille Competency Testing Guidelines (PDF)

• Colorado Braille Mastery Test Accommodation Procedures (PDF)

• Colorado Braille Competency Test Preparation Materials (PDF)

• Colorado Braille Competency Renewal Testing Guidelines (PDF)

• CDE-Funded Braille Mentors (PDF)

Guidance and Support Documents Specific to Blindness/Visual Impairment

• Assistive Technology Guidelines (PDF)

• Braille and Visually Impaired Students - What Does the Law Require? (PDF)

• ECEA Regulations on Learning Media Plans (PDF)

• Educating Blind and Visually Impaired Students:  Policy Guidance from OSERS/US Department of Education

• Guidelines for Caseload Formula for Teachers Certified in the Area of Visual Impairment (PDF)
   

Other Documents

• Literacy Fact Sheets for the Learner who is Blind/Visually Impaired: These information sheets were developed for individual team members who work together to draft Individual Education Program literacy goals and objectives for school-age 03 - 21 years) learners with visual impairment, including children with additional disabilities.

  • Literacy Role of the TVI (PDF)

  • Literacy Role of the Classroom Teacher and Reading Specialist (PDF)

  • Literacy Role of the Classroom Teacher and School Psychologist (PDF)

  • Literacy Role of the Speech Language Pathologist/Teacher of DHH (PDF)

  • Literacy Role of the Occupational Therapist (PDF)

  • Literacy Role of the Physical Therapist (PDF)

• Natural Environments Monograph (PDF)

• Sample Individual Education Program (IEP) Goals and Objectives

  • Braille-Related Goals and Objectives (PDF)

  • Low Vision-Related Goals and Objectives (PDF)

  • Math-Related Goals and Objectives (PDF)

  • Orientation and Mobility Goals and Objectives (PDF)

  • Technology-Related Goals and Objectives (PDF)

• Vision Screening Guidelines for Children Ages Birth through Five Years (manual and supporting protocol and handouts)

• Guidelines for School Vision Screen Programs:  Kindergarten through Grade 12 (manual and supporting protocol)

For more information about services for students who are blind or have low vision in Colorado, please contact:

Tanni Anthony
Phone: (303) 866-6681

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