Special Education / Services for the Visually Impaired

Services for the Visually Impaired

Students with visual impairments have unique learning needs that must be addressed if they are going to access the regular core curriculum and become independent adults. Certified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (CTVI) are critical to the academic and social success for students with visual impairments. The CTVIs employed by Alvin ISD are committed to the success of each student who is served within the cooperative. Provision of and training in the use of appropriate assistive technology, direct instruction, and teacher and staff consultation are key activities that our CTVI teachers engage in to ensure student progress.

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is a related service that collaborates as a team with the CTVI as well as parents, teachers and the rest of the ARD committee. The O&M program is designed to students with visual impairments how to access and navigate a variety of environments by utilizing safe, effective and independent travel methods. All students with visual impairments receive at least an initial O&M evaluation as a part of the Expanded Core Curriculum and the Full and Individual Evaluation process. The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) are committed to ensure independence in mobility for students with visual impairments at home, school and in the community setting.

For additional information on the provision of services to students with visual impairments, please contact:

Michael Anne Bryant

Teacher of the Visually Impaired

mbryant@alvinisd.net

(281)-245-2803

Darren Stilwell

Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired

dstilwell@alvinisd.net

(281) 245-2803

For additional information concerning Orientation and Mobility, please contact:

Danielle Murphy

Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist