Teacher Of Students With Visual Impairments

Job Title Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments

Qualifications: Valid Arkansas Teaching License

Preferred: Completion of Unified English Braille (UEB) course or willing to obtain

Preferred: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Contract: 190 days

Evaluator: Special Education Supervisor

Job Description:

Visually impaired teacher provides instructional, braille, behavioral, communicative, and social/emotional services to identified students with visual impairments according to the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guidelines.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Transcribe braille assignments

• Teach braille skills to students with visual impairments

• Assist with Cortical Vision Impairment strategies and interventions

• Be knowledgeable about and effectively utilize low vision software (for example, desktop video magnification; Onyx, Acrobat, VisioBook; hand held digital magnifiers; Ruby, Pebble, Amigo, Sapphire)

• Be knowledgeable about and effectively utilize a variety of assistive technology and devices to assist students with visual impairments such as the following:

• Note takers (for example, Braille Sense, Braille Note)

• Refreshable braille displays (for example, Focus 40)

• IOS and Android Devices

• Screen Reading Software (for example, JAWS, Magic)

• Abacus

• Keyboarding programs

• Administer and assist with required standardized test administration

• Complete learning media and functional visual assessments

• Contribute to the development of the IEP with goals, modifications, accommodations, and recommendations for students with visual impairments

• Maintain knowledge and skills relevant to current technology appropriate for students with visual impairments and necessary for success in the classroom.

• Provide modified materials to the student and classroom teacher in an accessible and appropriate format. (braille, tactile graphics, enlarged print, audio, digital, etc)

• Provide regular consultation to classroom teachers on working with students with visual impairments

• Make recommendations as a member of the IEP team including the following:

• Interpret visual related reports from medical professionals

• Recommend classroom accommodations and adaptations

• Facilitate social integration and interaction with peers

• Provide strategies and supports for teachers, peers, and parents to foster student independence

• Address environmental needs and concerns

• Participate in transition planning which may include facilitating job related experiences and collaborating with Division of Services for the Blind

• Provide quarterly IEP progress reports as required by IDEA

• Provide assistance to students with visual impairments to facilitate positive attitudes and those of others concerning their visual impairment

• Facilitate social integration and interaction with peers

• Other duties as assigned

Organizational

• Complete required federal paperwork under IDEA provisions including the IEP and annual review

• Schedule and direct meetings with parents and staff regarding the student's learning and progress

• Maintain timeline requirements for all paperwork

Professional

• Work with educators, parents, support staff, administration, and teams to support and educate children with visual impairments

• Attend required professional development

• Work with colleagues to maintain and support instructional and behavioral plans