Definition of Visual Impairment and the HCPSS Vision Program

December 22nd, 2016

The Howard County Public School System updated its eligibility procedures for identifying students under the disability category of Visual Impairment, Including Blindness. Please see below for details.

MEMORANDUM
To: HCPSS Parents and Community
From: Nancy FitzGerald, Executive Director for Special Education and Student Services
Subject: Definition of “Visual Impairment” and the HCPSS Vision Program

Summary

• Effective July 18, 2016 the HCPSS updated its eligibility procedures for identifying students under the disability category of Visual Impairment, Including Blindness.
• In accordance with COMAR 13A.05.01.03B(84), a Visual Impairment is defined as an impairment in vision, which, even with correction, adversely affects a student’s educational performance and includes both partial sight and blindness.
• Any impairment in vision, regardless of severity, is covered, provided that such impairment, even with correction, adversely affects a student’s educational performance. Convergence Insufficiency, and other binocular visual disorders, are not excluded from the definition of Visual Impairment.

Action

• If you suspect that your child may be eligible for special education and related services as a student with an educational disability of a Visual Impairment, Including Blindness, you may initiate a referral to the Individualized Education Program team at your child’s school by writing to his or her principal or the school’s special education instructional
  team leader.
• If you suspect that your child may be eligible for a 504 Plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 due to a visual condition, you may initiate a referral to the 504 Team at your child’s school by writing to his or her principal or the school’s 504 coordinator.

Questions

• Visit the HCPSS Special Education page
• Visit the HCPSS Section 504 page
• Contact the HCPSS Program Head for Vision Services at 410-313-7022

Click here for the memo in its original context.