Ohio Guidelines for Working with Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
According to the Ohio Department of Education’s strategic plan, Each Child Means Each Child: Ohio’s Plan to Improve Learning Experiences and Outcomes for Students with Disabilities, Ohio must confront the stark inequity that its education system has allowed. All Ohio citizens must be dedicated to making substantial improvements for students with disabilities and fulfilling the promise of equal access, equal opportunity and comparable outcomes by providing an educational experience that challenges, prepares, and empowers each child in Ohio.
Creating learning environments where students feel safe and protected allows them to grow and learn each day. Supporting the needs of the whole child and reducing the achievement gap for students with visual impairment starts with having a team of qualified educators who are able to understand each student’s unique needs. The key component to doing that is through the services provided by vision professionals in the areas of assessment and instruction for learners of all ages. Vision professionals help prepare teams to meet the needs of each student and team to ensure that students are safe, supported, engaged, and challenged in their learning as stated in Each Child, Our Future: Ohio’s Strategic Plan for Education. To do this effectively they must be well-trained to address the ever changing needs of the diverse group of students who are visually impaired and active members in the assessment and planning process when developing supports and monitoring progress.