Kari Behrends, Program Coordinator
kbehrends@tmcsea.org 

Kim Lauer, Teacher of the Visually Impaired
klauer@tmcsea.org 

Emily Shuman, Teacher of the Visually Impaired​
​eshuman@tmcsea.org

A certified teacher of children with visual impairments (TCVI) provides both direct and consultative services relating to the education of students who have visual impairments within TMCSEA's twenty-one member districts. A TCVI can provide for the needs of a student in a variety of ways. Services can be offered through direct instruction or consultation with the educators involved in a student's education as well as the student themselves. Teachers of children with visual impairments also provide:

  • Information & instruction in the use of vision related assistive technology & adapted materials
  • Braille & Nemeth Code instruction
  • Instruction in & collaboration to incorportate of the expanded core curriculum into the educatinal/home setting (technology, social skills, independent living skills, sensory efficiency skills, O/M, career education, recreation & leisure, compensatory academic skills, & self-determination)
  • Learning materials in the appropriate media, whether it be Braille, large print, recorded material, or tactual symbols
  • Any necessary assessments related to vision including a Functional Vision Assessment & Learning Media Assessment
  • Assistance in determining & obtaining necessary equipment, aids/materials the students may require to aid them in performing in the classroom/home environment. This includes low vision devices, AT, computer use, or a Brailler.
  • A low vision clinic for students. This annual event allows the TCVI, parents & the student to interact with an eye care profession who specializes in meeting the needs of patients who have low vision. Students are fitted for glasses & other optical aids that may contribute to his/her success in the classroom

Who typically qualifies for services from a TCVI??
  • Students who have a vision loss primarily due to pathology rather than a visual perception problem.
  • Students who have an acuity loss of 20/70 or higher.
  • Students who have a significant field loss.
  • Students who have a cortical visual impairment.
  • Students who have a degenerative eye condition.

What do these services include? 

Common Accommodations for Students who have Low Vision 
  • Use preferential seating that favors a student's "better"eye. If a student has more off a vision loss in the right eye, they should be seated so that the left eye has more access to the classroom. 


Assistive Technology Organizations Parent Resources Braille Information/Books