VI Program Handbook

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
October 31, 2017

When I was a TVI with the Wake County School System in North Carolina, a colleague, Tricia Noe, and I would work together over the summer creating a VI Program Handbook to provide to fellow TVI’s when they returned from summer break. I found it to be a great resource and I maintained and carried it with me at all times, modifying it to each new work environment, over the years. Of course, I use a variety of other methods to keep myself organized and on top of everything, but this has been my “go to” over the years. I thought I would share the framework of that handbook with you if you haven’t yet created a similar one of your own.

Printable handbook cover, spine, table of contents and tabs

I have revised the contents many times over the years, trying to consolidate the information and include only items I need to refer to regularly. As schools have transitioned to storing information online, I have taken advantage of those systems (as well as storing information on my flash drive) and only include the items that I need to refer to regularly in the handbook. I do make sure I have copies of important forms on hand for those inevitable times that the internet is down! I begin with a 1 ½" binder with a clear cover and at least two 8 tab dividers. As I stated, I used to carry around much more information, but for the sake of saving my back and shoulders, I’ve whittled my binder down to the following items that I find are “must haves”. You will want to include forms and information specific to your program, but many of the documents I use can be found on the Printable page and can be adapted to meet your needs.

Section 1: Employee Information.

Basic Employee Information: This includes how to access the internet on the work issued computer at home, purchasing guidelines, professional development and leave procedures, and other pertinent information specific to the program.
School district calendar that indicates work days.
School calendars if you work with students in different schools that are following year-round, modified or traditional calendars.
School bell schedules.
Map of schools in the district/county.
Mileage Chart. Some programs will provide a mileage chart while others don’t. For those that don’t, I find it helpful to create my chart for quick reference when I’m tallying up miles traveled in a day.

Section 2: Caseload

Caseload Overview. See the Printables page for a template you may download.
Service Intensity Scale. I prefer the TSBVI VISSIT tool but there are other tools available for determining service intensity.

Section 3: VI Program Forms

I keep a single copy of each form I regularly use in this section. By keeping a copy in my folder, I know I will always have access to it and can make a quick copy as needed.

Eye Report Form
Permission to Evaluate I have created a form on the Printables page for programs that do not have a form
Low Vision Evaluation forms
Orientation & Mobility referral forms
Exchange/Release of Information Form
Medical Release Form
Notarized Consent for state materials (Due to recent litigation, some states, if not all, now require a notarized consent to access instructional educational material from the state.)

Section 4: Print Comparisons

Near-print comparisons with font size examples
Typometer pdf printed on clear acetate. This was a genius idea I picked up from Carson Cochran, Georgia's Instructional Material Center Program Manager (Thank you, Carson!). Print a copy on clear acetate, hole punch it and keep it in your binder for quick reference! By printing it on clear acetate, you can place the typometer overprint to determine the font size. You can find a number of these available on Pinterest.

Section 5: Braille Reference

UEB Braille Reference Chart.
Braille Keyboard Reference.
Nemeth Code Reference.

Section 6: Technology Reference

Computer shortcut commands
iOS Guided Access instructions
Voice Over instructions
Picture Tutorial on making large copies

Section 7: Professional Contacts

VI Program Contacts
SpEd Department Directory
Other Professional Contacts

Section 8: Notes

Additional Sections

I have additional tabbed dividers for each student that I serve directly and a separate tab for students I serve on a consulting basis. Within each student tab, I include data collection, a copy of the student's unique needs and corresponding school map. I keep a copy of my weekly schedule in the back cover of the binder for quick reference (Use only first names or abbreviations for confidentiality!).

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The TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC Complete Set includes the following:

TVI’s Guide to Teaching the ECC: An Activities Based Curriculum for Teaching Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired (a 346 page pdf download)
Visual Efficiency & Near Magnifier Fluency Worksheets: TVI's Guide to the ECC Grab and Go Supplements (a 210 page pdf download)
Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency and Maintenance Worksheets: A TVI’s Guide to Teaching the ECC Grab & go Supplement (a 338 page pdf download)
Thematic Vocabulary Cards and Checklists: Grab & Go ECC Supplement (a 446 page pdf download)
NEW!Interactive Sensory Stories page access and booklet of activities!

BONUS!

Lotto Cards

The LOTTO Cards Grab and Go Supplement includes 37 theme related unit cards along with activity suggestions that support activities within the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC.

On My Way File Folder Cards

Print and use these cards to represent locations the student may visit that are related to the current thematic unit. Use these with the On My Way File Folder Game outlined in the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC p. 27.

NEW! Access to TVI's Guide Bonus Membership Pages

Bonus pages include tutorials, printables, interactive sensory story downloads, and interactive choice making, matching and visual discrimination computer games (PowerPoint based interactive games), and job task activities.

Note:

All products are digital pdf downloads. Once you make your purchase you will be directed to an order confirmation page where you will find the download link. This download will also be included on the receipt sent to the email address you provide. The pdf download can be found directly under the order number. If you encounter any difficulty, please let me know and I can assist you. Once you purchase the complete set you will have immediate access to the bonus pages!

*Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO.

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