Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments

Siloam Springs School District•Siloam Springs, AR

13h

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Valid Arkansas Teaching License

Nice To Haves

Completion of Unified English Braille (UEB) course or willing to obtain
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

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
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
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