Visually Impaired (VI)
Definition of Visual Impairment Including Blindness:
Federal Regulation: 34 CFR 300.7 (c) (13)
Visual Impairment including Blindness.
Visual Impairment including Blindness means an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance.
The term includes both partial sight and blindness.
Each child shall exhibit:
- A visual impairment, not primarily perceptual in nature, resulting in a measured visual acuity of 20/70 or poorer in the better eye with correction; or
- A physical eye condition that affects visual functioning to the extent that special education placement, materials, and/or services are required in an educational setting.
Mission Statement
The role and mission of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and the Division of Special Education Program for the Visually Impaired / Blind is to provide district-wide services to meet the educational needs of the sensory impaired student from pre-kindergarten through age twenty-two.
Vision Statement
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We, the educational staff of the Visually Impaired/ Blind Program commit ourselves to promote high academic standards for all of our students.
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We support and provide meaningful learning opportunities for each of our students. As role models, we guide each child to acquire the necessary life skills of self-confidence, self-reliance, independence of functioning, and the capability to, on the basis of equality, participate productively within their community.
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We dedicate ourselves to educate successfully children and youth who are blind or visually impaired to be productive, independent, confident citizens and life-long learners.
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We believe that students who are visually impaired or blind achieve because of their abilities and not in spite of their disabilities.
Program Description
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District Visually Impaired / Blind Program offers a full continuum of services for children from preschool through high school.
A variety of specialized services are available to meet each student’s needs.
These services include:
- Adaptive Technology
- Assistive Technology
- Braille Services
- Instructional Books & Materials
- Large Print Accommodations
- Learning Media
- Low Vision Aids
- Transition Services
- Vocational Services
Contact Us:
Marina Coveney
Manager, Visually Impaired Program
216.592.7750
marina.coveney@cmsdnet.net