Visual Impairments Department

Jelissa Martinez O&M/TVI

Introduction

• About us
• My name is Jelissa Martinez, I am an Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Teacher of the Visually Impaired
• This will be my 10th year with Pasadena Unified
• Studied at CSULA and SFSU
• My colleague is Christina Samonte, she is the braille transcriber for the district.
• She has worked in the field for over 25 years and provides transcription services for students in preschool through adult programs
• She is fluent in all braille codes and can provide braille transcription in foreign languages
• The district also contracts with outside agencies to provide TVI and O&M services when necessary

What is an O&M and TVI

Orientation and Mobility Specialist

An orientation and mobility specialist teaches individuals with Visual Impairments how to safely and independently travel their environment. They provide individualized skill development in spatial awareness, physical movement, and training in the use of the long cane.

Teacher of the Visually Impaired

A teacher of the Visually Impaired provides specialized instruction and services to students who are blind or visually impaired to ensure they have access to the curriculum. They assess functional vision and can provide instruction in braille, assistive technology, adapt classroom materials, and Expanded Core Curriculum.

Services

• Who Qualifies
• Students with a diagnosed visual impairment that, even with correction, adversely affect their educational performance. Students with a visual diagnosis or have a suspected visual impairment will be referred to be assessed for VI services
• Assessment
• The Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessment (FVLMA) helps determine the level of need the student requires, which include: Services, Accommodations, Modifications, and equipment.
• Types of Services: Direct/Consult
• Direct Services refer to services delivered directly to the student. Meaning the teacher works one-on-one with the student to provide instruction on their goals.
• Consult Services refer to services delivered to the students IEP team and can include: checking in with the team, making sure the students materials are accessible and adapted to the students needs and goals, and providing instruction to student and team with VI equipment etc.

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Modifications and Accommodations

Accomodations

In short, an accommodation to curriculum provides access without altering the curriculum. They support access to the general education curriculum.

Examples:

Large print, audio recordings, high contrast materials, tactile materials or braille materials.

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Modifications

Modifications, require changes to the curriculum and are put in place when accommodations alone do not provide equal access.

Examples:

Assignment reductions, less rigorous assignments, reduced number of standards

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No-Tech Equipment

• Reading Guides
• Bold line paper
• Tactile paper
• Large print rulers
• Slant board
• Abacus
• Slate and Stylus

Hi-Tech Equipment

• Large Screen Computers
• Screen reader software
• Refreshable braille display devices
• Video Magnifier
• Smart Brailler

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8.5-10%

Approximately 8.5-10% of visually impaired students in the United States use braille as their primary reading medium.

Braille Transcription

The district has an in-house braillist/transcriber that ensures our braille learners have access to all materials needed.

The ultimate goal of a TVI is to empower their students and provide them with the tools to be independent and advocate for themselves.

“We must be treated as equals - and communication is the way we can bring this about.”

-Louis Braille

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Thank you!

Contact us:

For any questions or concerns you can reach me at:

martinez.jelissa@pusd.us

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Jelissa Martinez O&M/TVI

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