IDEA and Vision Impairmentsby Carmen Willings
Updated June 12, 2025 teachingvisuallyimpaired.com The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that guarantees a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible children with disabilities, including those with visual impairments. IDEA ensures the provision of special education and related services across the United States and defines how states and public agencies serve these students.
IDEA OverviewIDEA has two main parts related to age:
Definition of Visual Impairment under IDEAUnder Part B, a child may qualify for services under the eligibility category of "Visual Impairment, including Blindness", defined as:
“An impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness.” Important Clarification:
In a May 22, 2017, memorandum, the U.S. Department of Education clarified that the IDEA definition does not include a severity modifier—meaning any vision impairment, regardless of visual acuity or severity, must be considered under this eligibility category if it adversely impacts educational performance. Eligibility Determination ProcessBefore services are provided, a full and individual evaluation must be conducted to:
Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) and Educational NeedA key component of eligibility for students with visual impairments includes educational needs related to vision loss, particularly in the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). While many students benefit from ECC instruction (e.g., in independent living or social skills), students with visual impairments require ECC instruction delivered differently—often directly taught by a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI)—because their vision loss impacts how they access and learn these skills.
Key Takeaways
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History of Visual Impairments
Professional Practice
Vision Professionals
Professionalism
Teacher Resources
Professional Publications
VI Book Resources
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