Visually Impaired Program

Services for students with visual impairments are mandated by state and federal guidelines. To be eligible for Special Education under the Visually Impaired (VI) Program, a student must have a visual impairment that adversely affects their educational performance, even with correction (California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 3030(d)).

The term visually impaired (VI) for educational purposes includes:

• Functionally Blind: Students who rely primarily on senses other than vision for learning due to the severity of their visual impairment.
• Low Vision: Students who use vision as a major channel for learning, with or without assistive devices.

Students determined to be visually impaired through assessment may receive services within the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Possible services and placements include:

• Itinerant Designated Instructional Services (DIS) for students with VI at elementary, middle, and high school levels.
• Itinerant DIS for Orientation and Mobility (O&M) services.
• Preschool Specialized Health/Visually Impaired (SH/VI) SDC (Specialized Designated Classroom).
• Preschool itinerant DIS services for younger students.

These services aim to ensure that students with visual impairments can access and benefit from the educational curriculum in a supportive, individualized environment.