at Derby Public Schools in Derby, Kansas, United States
Job Description
Qualifications:
1. Minimum Bachelor of Arts or Science in (elementary or secondary) education with an emphasis in Special Education (professional training in mediating for the vision impaired).
2. Certified by Kansas State Teaching Certificate in Visually Impaired on file in the central office.
3. Some translation skills in Braille code preferred
Essential Functions:
1. Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
a. Perform functional vision and learning media assessments on new referrals and three-�year re-�evaluations.
b. Interpret eye medical reports as they relate to educational environments.
c. Contribute to the development of the IEP/IFSP with goals, modifications, learning styles.
d. Recommend appropriate specialized evaluations, including low vision, orientation and mobility, psychosocial, and adaptive physical education.
e. Consult with diagnosticians, classroom teachers, students, and parents concerning appropriate evaluations, modification, and test administration.
f. Obtain modified standardized testing materials and administer or assist in the administration of the test as needed.
g. Work as liaison with other agencies in the vocational assessment process.
h. Participate in team assessments for students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities and/or deaf-�blindness.
i. Provide screening and referral procedures to appropriate personnel.
j. Prepare physical condition of the learning environments to facilitate student learning; keep daily records and make reports on student attendance, learning and social needs, assignments, assessments and discipline; supervise paras assigned.
k. Comply with all district policies, rules and regulations.
2. Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:
a. Occasionally requires the ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods.
b. Occasionally requires the ability to move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials.
c. Occasionally requires the ability to stoop, bend and reach.
d. Requires the ability to travel.
e. Must be able to work in noisy and crowded environments.
f. Requires extensive use of hands as a translator of Braille code.
g. Requires regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.
3. General Responsibilities:
a. Monitoring the students' progress in academic subjects and provide instruction in compensatory skills as needed in the areas the students may have difficulty with as a result of the visual impairment (This does not include tutoring in subject areas once materials and methods have been modified to accommodate the vision loss).
b. Assist in determining and procuring classroom equipment and materials necessary for the student with visual impairments to learn (i.e. brailler, low vision devices, assistive technology, computer) including ensuring necessary room modifications and lighting changes.
c. Provide the classroom teacher with information regarding the specialized strategies needed to teach a student with VI and with modified materials Braille, recorded/enlarged materials, and tactual symbols as appropriate.
d. Consult with other instructional staff to provide information to incorporate the expanded core curriculum into the entire instructional setting.
e. Provide assistance to students with VI in understanding their attitudes and those of others concerning their visual impairment.
f. Facilitate social integration and interaction with peers.
g. Provide training and support to parents of students with visual impairments to enhance their children's independence.
h. Provide training to para educators working with students with visual impairments.
i. Provide support and direction to transcriber working on materials for students with visual impairments.
j. Provide the teachers, staff, and family of students with visual impairment with information regarding their individual needs, methodology, and strategies.
k. Participate with other school personnel and agencies to secure job-�related experiences and other transition planning for students.
l. Provide input into students' schedules, planning for all special services, such as direct instruction and orientation and mobility.
m. Maintain adequate record of all assessments, IEPs, papers, progress reports and signed parental release forms for building/district events including annual photographs, graduation ceremonies, and registration with various agencies.
n. Provide 9-�week progress reports as indicated by school policy on students with visual impairment in general education classes and follow up with teacher and/or parent conferences as appropriate.
o. Facilitate the registration of students with VI with appropriate services/agencies (i.e. Learning Ally, Kansas State Library, and Bookshare, VI registration, deaf/blind census, textbook projections).
p. Prepare paperwork as appropriate and attend IEP/IFSP meetings on students with VI.
q. Communicate with low-�vision specialists, ophthalmologists, and optometrists concerning exams, and attend exams when appropriate.
r. Provide information concerning recreational and summer programs to parents and students and assist with application forms and procedures (i.e. Kansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired summer school or Envision's summer program, Heather's Camp).
s. Assist with public awareness activities that lead to a better understanding of the needs of exceptional children.
t. Manage the inventory of the VI equipment and report any malfunctions immediately.
u. Adhere to the district guidelines pertaining to confidential records.
v. Keep abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques in the area of Braille and all other technology.
w. See that school district policies are observed during all activities.
x. Obtain advance approval for all special activities and expenditures.
y. Adhere to all district health and safety policies.
z. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Services and building principal, which are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications of the position.
