Teacher of the Visually Impaired

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, provides itinerant support for students who qualify for vision services; direct instruction in the use of specialized materials (Braille, tactile representation, optical low vision aides, etc.) and by modification of the curriculum as necessary; utilizes support equipment appropriate for level of visual impairment.

EXAMPLES:

• Conducts functional vision assessments using formal and informal assessments to determine student’s educational needs including curricular, social, and equipment needs.
• Provides Braille instruction, transcription and training in other special learning media for the purpose of assisting students in accessing classroom curriculum.
• Provides consultation to classroom teachers and specialists for the purpose of identifying and facilitating the use of accommodations required to access core curriculum and participate in state standardized tests.
• Supervises order and inventory of special books and other instructional materials required for visually impaired students.
• Plans with teachers and other staff members for implementation of instructional strategies to meet the needs of n individual with a visual impairment.
• Refers an individual with visual impairment to available community agencies when their needs cannot be met by the services provided by the district.
• Consults with parents (or guardians) and member of related disciplines, including outside agencies regarding the needs of an individual with a visual impairment.
• Develops specialized in-service programs for school and community personnel.
• Develops parent education programs and individual or group counseling to assist parents in the prevention and/or remediation of vision disorders when appropriate.
• Participates in professional growth activities at the local, state and national levels.
• Participates as a member in the special education department for maintenance of standards and evaluation as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE:

Credential: Valid California Credential or license authorizing instruction and service in Special Education of the Visually Impaired.

Education: Bachelor's degree, including all courses to meet credential requirements.

Experience: Student teaching, internship, or full-time teaching experience.

Personal Qualities: Appearance, grooming and personality which establish a desirable example for students. Ability to meet District standard for physical and mental health. Above-average recommendations from student teaching supervisors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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