At present, the Visually Impaired Program provides needed services for blind and low vision individuals who attend school. Placement in the VI Program of LPS requires a current ophthalmologic report indicating a visual impairment. It also requires a staffing committee evaluation and recommendation. Members of the evaluation team must include a diagnostic teacher of the visually impaired and may include a combination of other specialists and educational staff as well as the child and his/her parent(s). Once a VI disability has been determined, a student must have a literacy assessment completed and maintain a Literacy Modality Plan as part of his/her IEP.

The VI Program serves Pre-K through Transition level students and is based out of Centennial Academy. Students in the VI Program receive services on a direct or on a consultative basis as needed. The VI personnel work cooperatively with each educational setting to develop and implement a student’s IEP. Skills such as Braille, training in low vision devices, daily living skills and other compensatory skills are among the “add-on” curriculum that a student in the VI Program might require.

Orientation & Mobility Services, a specific area of compensatory skills, are also provided through the Visually Impaired Program of LPS. This curriculum requires assessment and instruction from a School O&M Specialist. In LPS, both teachers of the visually impaired are also certified O&M instructors. The ability to travel safely, independently and efficiently through the environment is a skill vital to everyday living. O&M instruction is available to students on an individual (or small group) basis in specific skills to become safe and independent travelers. Sequential instruction utilizes a variety of indoor and outdoor settings to develop students’ skills and instill confidence needed to travel in familiar and unfamiliar environments. Instruction in the use of a white cane or various low vision aids is provided when appropriate.