Welcome to the Foothill SELPA Vision Services

Our Vision Services Program supports students from birth through 22 years of age who have a documented visual impairment that impacts their access to education. We are dedicated to providing equitable, inclusive, and individualized services to ensure that every student with a visual impairment can fully participate in the curriculum and broader school community.

Instructional & Access Approaches

We support a variety of instructional strategies and tools to meet each student’s unique visual needs. Services are individualized through the IEP process and may include: 

Instructional Approaches

 

  • Braille and tactile literacy instruction

  • Large print or adapted print materials

  • Visual efficiency training

  • Concept development and compensatory skills

  • Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instruction

  • Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)

Assistive Technology Includes:

  • Screen readers and magnification software

  • Braille note takers and embossers

  • Digital books and tactile graphics

  • CCTV and video magnifiers

  • Accessible devices and apps for navigation, reading, and writing

Family & Community Engagement

We believe family involvement is key to student success. Our supports include:

  • Parent education and training

  • Home-school collaboration and communication

  • Access to blind or low-vision mentors and community role models

  • Guidance on transition planning and post-secondary resources

We also participate in the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and offer annual family workshops.

Program Overview & Eligibility

Who We Serve:

  • Students with documented visual impairments (low vision, blindness, or cortical visual impairment).

  • Eligibility is determined through assessments and the IEP process, in accordance with IDEA.

Our Goals:

  • Support access to learning materials and environments.

  • Promote independence and self-advocacy.

  • Foster development of compensatory and functional skills.

  • Ensure equity in academic and social-emotional development.

Continuum of Services

We offer a full range of services based on student need:

Service Models:

  • Itinerant Services: Vision Specialists provide support in general education or special education settings.

  • Consultation Services: Indirect services to support staff and student access.

  • Orientation & Mobility Services: Direct instruction to promote safe and independent travel.

  • Specialized Instruction: For Braille, assistive tech, or other access needs based on IEP goals.

IEP Process & Referrals 

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs):

  • Include accommodations, modifications, goals specific to vision-related needs.

  • Developed in collaboration with families, Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs), Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and general education staff.

Referral Process:

  • Teachers or families may refer a student to the SELPA when vision concerns are present. The SELPA will determine whether an assessment is necessary.

  • Assessments may include functional vision assessments (FVA), learning media assessments (LMA), and classroom observations.

  • A current report from a medical eye specialist is required for eligibility determination.

Staff & Roles

Our Vision Services team includes:

  • Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs)

  • Orientation and Mobility Specialists (O&M)

  • Transcribers/Braillists (as needed)

Each team member is credentialed and trained to deliver specialized services that support students' access, independence, and success.

Programs & Services