Rationale
Each state has individual guidelines for determining eligibility for students with a visual impairment. To be eligible for special education services, students must have a certified visual impairment (eye health report) and documentation of how the visual impairment impacts the educational program (essential assessments). 34 CFR 300.301 and 34 CFR 300.304
Initial evaluations: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2008/julqtr/34cfr300.301.htm
Evaluation procedures: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2008/julqtr/34cfr300.304.htm
Birth - 3 Years
Criteria for certification statement includes etiology, visual acuity, and needed accommodations to satisfy Part C's requirement of an established disability
3-5 Years
Criteria for certification statement includes etiology, visual acuity, and needed accommodations to satisfy IDEA's two prong requirement to document a disability and an impact on educational programming
5-22 Years
Criteria for certification statement includes etiology, visual acuity, and needed accommodations to satisfy IDEA's two prong requirement to document a disability and an impact on educational programming
Multiple Disabilities/Deafblind
Criteria for certification statement includes etiology, visual acuity, and needed accommodations to satisfy IDEA's two prong requirement to document a disability and an impact on educational programming
Tips
Check on state guidelines on how to word this information on the IFSP and IEP.
Public Domain Resources:
- Effective Assessment to Instruction Continuum Checklist
- Educating Students with VI in Texas Guidelines and Standards
- National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) www.nasdse.org
- Expanded Core Curriculum Resource Guides (2007).
Des Moines: Iowa Department of Education. - References 8, 27
Resources for Purchase:
- References 30