Visual Impairment Program (VI)
The goal of the Yuba County Office of Education Visually Impaired Program is to provide quality school experience that addresses the unique educational needs of children, aged birth to 22, with *visual impairments. To prepare students for success in school and the community, we provide a variety of services and supports across multiple environments.
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.Helen Keller
Definition
Visually Impaired Definition: Vision deviates from the norm to such an extent that the student can benefit from special education services, materials and/or equipment.
A. Blind
- Visual acuity in the better eye after correction is 20/200 or less, supported by medical documentation, or
- Vision cannot be used as a major channel of learning.
B. Partially Sighted
- Visual acuity is 20/70 or less in the better eye after correction, or
- Student requires special services in order to use vision as a major channel of learning.
C. A and B above do not include visual perceptual or visual motor dysfunction resulting solely from a learning disability.
A visual impairment can affect:
- Academic performance.
- Social awareness.
- Independent travel.
- Self-care skills, daily living skills.
- Recreation and leisure opportunities and skills.
- Vocational skills.
Vision services may include
Instruction in specialized skills such as:
- Braille
- Independent daily living skills
- Functional vision skills
- Self-advocacy skills
- Social and recreational skills
Adaptive equipment and materials such as:
- Magnifiers
- Telescopic aids
- Computers
- Large print
- Brailled text
Other services include:
- Consultation to address needs of students with family, school staff, peers and medical personnel.
- Functional Vision Assessment or other assessment/analysis of student needs.
- Staff development and training for school staff and students.
Referral Process
Students with a suspected visual impairment may be referred to the Yuba County Office of Education Special Education Department. A referral can be made by school or medical personnel, parents or community agencies. A teacher of the visually impaired will conduct a screening and/or assessment to determine eligibility and an Individualized Education Planning Meeting will be convened to review the results and develop a support plan as needed.
To receive a referral packet or for further information contact:
YCOE VI Program
1010 I Street
Marysville CA 95901
530.749.4940
Carolyn Sasaki
Teacher
530.749.4916
Samantha Chan
Program Coordinator
530.749.4911
Kathy Annin
Assistant
530.749.4916
* “A pupil has a visual impairment which, even with correction, adversely affects a pupil’s educational performance.” California Administrative Code, Title 5 Education Section 3030(d).