2026-27 Teacher-Blind/Visually Impaired

RCSD•Rochester, NY

About The Position

Provides comprehensive services addressing student needs for specialized intervention, medical management, and/or assistive technology to address deficits in the area of visual impairments. Additionally, provides orientation and mobility services when specified.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in education related field.
Masters degree in related field.
New York State Licensure in Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Orientation & Mobility Certification from ACVREP

Responsibilities

Has primary responsibility for specialized instruction and services required to meet the unique educational needs of visually impaired students.
Assists the student, parents, special and general education personnel, and the students sighted peers in understanding the unique educational needs and learning characteristics of visually impaired students.
Becoming aware of services and support available from local programs for visually impaired students. acquiring information regarding local, state, and national resources for the education of visually impaired students.
Interpreting the visually impaired students specific eye condition, the educational implications of the visual impairment, and the results of functional vision learning media and assistive technology assessments.
Consults regularly with the classroom teacher, regular and special education personnel, parents, and others to coordinate programs, services, and instructional needs for the visually impaired student.
Assists the site administrator and teachers in making environmental adjustments for the student in the school.
Assures that large-type or Braille texts, supplementary materials, educational aids, and equipment needed by the visually impaired student, and the classroom teacher, are provided in a timely manner to ensure the students maximum participation in all classroom activities (appropriate educational materials may be prepared or adapted by the TVI, or they may be obtained from educational, clerical, or transcriber services.)
Provides instruction in the development and maintenance of skills to meet the students unique educational needs in the following areas, as indicated in the IEP: low vision and visual efficiency skills, concept development & sensory motor skills, daily living skills, career and vocational education skills, academic skills (including Braille as appropriate), social and communication skills, appropriate assistive technology for blind and low vision students.
Prepares and implements sequential and meaningful instruction based on the students assessed needs.
Conducts initial and ongoing functional vision, learning media, and assistive technology assessments and produces written reports.
Provides support to the assessment team regarding the unique needs of the blind and visually impaired student.
Attends IEP meetings for students with visual impairments.
Maintains ongoing contact with parents to assist them in the development of a realistic of their child's abilities, progress, and future goals.
Provides in-service training programs for school personnel and students as well as education for parents regarding the needs of visually impaired students, adaptations, programs, and services.
Makes available pamphlets, films, and other materials that may be useful in developing realistic and unprejudiced attitudes toward visually impaired students.
Coordinates with other pertinent community resources, as needed, based on the individual students needs.
Acquires information and training about current research, development, and technology.