Williamson County Schools has four full-time vision teachers.  We serve students in any of our public schools, from preschool to high school.  To qualify for vision services, the student must be certified as visually impaired and show a need for adapted materials in the classroom.  Certification begins with a current eye report from the student’s eye care professional.  Students’ abilities  range from Braille readers to those using optical devices and/or large print. WCS also employs a Braille Transcriptionist who is responsible for transcribing any  classroom materials that are in print into Braille as well as the creation of tactile aids ( maps, graphs, charts, etc.) for students who use Braille as their primary reading medium. Vision services do not include students having dyslexia or other perceptual difficulties. 

     The vision department of WCS works closely with the Assistive Technology department to provide current technology supports for students, such as the use of scanners and various computer programs.  We also participate with Project PAVE, of Vanderbilt University, in order to have students evaluated in a low vision clinic and provided with optical devices, if necessary.  PAVE offers prescribed magnifiers for near reading, and monoculars for distance viewing at no cost to the student.

Orientation and Mobility is a vision related service provided through the Visual Impairments Program. Orientation and Mobility instruction  provides blind or visually impaired individuals with the skills and knowledge to travel independently, safely and efficiently to the best of their ability in their surrounding environment.  Students are referred to an Orientation and Mobility Specialist by their teachers, staff, or his/her parents for a consultation or screening to determine if a full evaluation of the student's orientation and mobility skills is appropriate.

     Below are a few links to websites which you might find helpful in finding out more about low vision and blindness as well as family support networks:

• TSBVI.edu  – Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired website, an excellent source of information

• AFB.org  - American Foundation for the Blind – another great source of information

• NAPVI.org – National Association of Parents of children with Visual Impairments – great support organization

Special Education Services

Student Support Services