Many parents are told their child receives TVI services, but few are told what quality services should actually include. A TVI does more than enlarge materials or help with braille. Quality services should help students access information, develop concepts, use technology, build independence, and participate meaningfully.
Questions parents can ask
- Has my child received a Functional Vision Assessment or Learning Media Assessment?
- Are services individualized rather than based on a standard amount of time?
- Is my child receiving instruction beyond academics, including ECC areas?
- Are accommodations implemented consistently?
- Is my child learning to use assistive technology independently?
- Is my child becoming more independent each year?
The goal is not simply access to schoolwork. The goal is access to the experiences, concepts, and opportunities that lead to independence.