Programs for the Visually Impaired

Eligibility

The current eligibility criteria for a visual impairment under state law is found at PI 11.36 (3), Wis. Admin. Code. The federal definition of "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." 34 CFR 300.7 (c)(13). If a student is found to have an impairment, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team must also determine whether the student has a need for special education.

• VI Criteria Evaluation Guide (12/02)
• DPI Form PI-2015, Ocular Report for Children with a Known or Suspected Visual Impairment (7/09)
• The eligibility criteria checklist is on page 39 of the guide. Word-Fillable Version - Spanish Fillable Version
• Comparison Chart for Wisconsin Eligibility Criteria for VI

Programming

 

The department provides supervisory and consultation services to local educational agencies and private schools serving approximately 1,500 children with visual and dual sensory impairments.

Through coordinated services with Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCBVI) in Janesville and American Printing House for the Blind, the department provides braille, large-print books, tapes, and specialized equipment for preschool through high school age students as well as training on computer aids and devices. Consultation, assessment and evaluation are available at no cost to local school districts through WCBVI Outreach with a rural office located in CESA #9. In addition, the department, through the Reference & Loan Library, has access to the Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC) and Accessibility Standard (NIMAS)

Information Update Bulletin 07.03, Guidance for the Implementation of NIMAS

http://nimas.cast.org
http://nimac.us
Wisconsin Accessible Media Productions (WAMP)

Training

Silver Lake College

In a collaborative project with the Department of Public Instruction, Silver Lake College announced a licensure program, beginning in June of 2000, for training new teachers of the Blind & Visually Impaired. For more information visit the Silver Lake College website at: http.//www.sl.edu/specialedu/Visualimpairment.htm. Brochure: A New Cycle of Courses Beginning Summer of 2008

Braille Refresher Course and Wisconsin Braille Competency Exam

• Policy Guidelines for Administering Braille Refresher Course and Wisconsin Braille Competency Exam
• February 26, 2010 Exam Information
• Registration Form

Resources

• Information Update Bulletin 02.06
• Information Update Bulletin 01.01
• Information Update Bulletin 98.04

Other

Annual APH Census - Federal Quota Program

Each January a census is conducted of blind students enrolled in Wisconsin public and private schools or agencies to determine their eligibility for the Federal Quota Program. Through this program schools and agencies can obtain specialized educational materials and equipment for qualifying students without charge. Beginning January, 2010 the census will originate from Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCBVI) in Janesville.

Department of Public Instruction Form PI-2015, Ocular Report for Children with a Known or Suspected Visual Impairment, is used to verify eligibility for the Federal Quota Program.

• 2009 APH Census - Instructions
• 2009 APH Census - Registration Form

For questions about this information, contact Jeremiah Holiday (608) 266-3522

Last updated on 1/13/2010 10:58:01 AM