Department for the Blind

We are committed to excellence in education of all children and youth with vision loss throughout Virginia. The VSDB staff work collaboratively with families, school divisions, the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, communities and others that will enable our students with vision loss to become independent and self-sustaining, now and in the future. Literacy, independence, and the use of technology are critical to the academic and vocational success of blind and partially sighted persons. The establishment of a primary reading medium is the foremost consideration prior to the development of an instructional program for the student.

The VSDB teachers provide direct instruction in the use of technology to maximize each student’s limited vision through the use of specialized techniques and devices including access to print and internet information through computers, electronic note takers, screen readers and low vision devices, reading machines, and Braille translation software. The instructional program focuses on continuous academic and compensatory skill development for each student and provides opportunities in the following areas:

keyboarding proficiency
organizational and study skills
reading and writing Braille
instruction in and practice using assistive technology devices
efficient use of a recording device
use of recorded text and voice output
low vision aids
tactual materials to support course content, such as tactual graphics, charts, and maps
communication
life skills
social interaction skills
self-advocacy
orientation and mobility both on and off campus

Individual and group instruction is also provided for students in the areas of body image, organizing personal space, sensory awareness, and independent travel for indoor and outdoor environments which includes sighted guide techniques, pre-cane skills, cane instruction and the use of public transportation.

Students are taught by staff who are specifically trained and licensed by the Virginia Department of Education or other licensing agency appropriate to the service delivery area. Intensive and highly specialized teaching methods focus on the unique needs of students with visual impairments, including those students who may have additional disabilities. Each child's strengths and weaknesses are carefully assessed in order to develop programs, instructional strategies and to identify the most appropriate materials and equipment needed. The provision of varied school and community experiences assist in the development of recreation and leisure skills that carry into adult lives.

A team approach ensures the appropriate development of each child’s academic skills, use of technology and mobility skills. Students receive daily instruction in language arts, reading, science, math, social studies, health and physical education. Art, music, and vocational courses are taught as appropriate for the child’s age level and placement in school. All students participate in the state assessment program. Students receive transition services to post-secondary education, technical training, or employment through team planning with appropriate adult service agencies, students, parents, VSDB faculty and the representatives from the student’s placing school division. Students in the Blind Department also have the opportunity to take courses at local public schools, the Valley Vocational Technical School, and to experience work-related activities through an on-the-job training program.

Outreach services include The Extra Mile Program (TEMP), an educational program designed to assist all public and private schools of Virginia by providing experiences in core areas needed by children with vision loss (i.e. Orientation and Mobility, Daily Living Skills, Braille and Assistive Technology). Students across the state who are blind or visually impaired are invited to apply for a two-week intensive study in three individual areas of need. Classes are individualized with a low ratio of students per teacher. The program is taught by teachers with a special education teaching endorsement in the area of “Visual Impairment”. Students gain valuable experiences and knowledge needed to support and enhance their school-based programs and learn skills for independent, safe and efficient adult living.

The Summer Enrichment Program is another outreach service. This program is a 5-day history theme-based program where students with vision loss from across the state participate in four basic course offerings: 1) Reading/Study Skills, 2) Math/Money Management, 3) Independent Living Skills, and 4) Everyday Technology/Signature. Students also receive individual instruction in orientation and mobility, Braille, assistive technology, and music if needed or desired. In the afternoons, students take part in fun activities such as field trips, arts and crafts, swimming, music, movement and leisure activities, etc. Through the course offerings and special afternoon activities, teachers try to reinforce selected English, math, and history SOLs and to help students have fun learning about America’s past. They also cover independent living skills and other skills specifically related to visual impairment. The Summer Enrichment Program is a wonderful networking experience because itinerant vision teachers statewide are invited to join the VSDB staff to teach in this program!

For more information please contact Carolyn Carver in the Blind Department.