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Allegheny Intermediate Unit: Special Education Division, Blind and Visually Impaired Support Program

General Information

Allegheny Intermediate Unit: Special Education Division, Blind and Visually Impaired Support Program
475 East Waterfront Drive
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 394 4538
http://www.aiu3.net/vision

Brief Description

The AIU Blind/Visually Impaired Support Program provides specially designed instruction to students whose visual impairment adversely affects their educational performance. Teaching activities, including orientation and mobility instruction, and Braille instruction, focus on the acquisition of specific competencies from the Expanded Core Curriculum including: compensatory or functional academic skills, including communication modes, orientation and mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, career education, use of assistive technology, and visual efficiency skills. These skills aid the student in compensating for vision loss. Specialized materials, technical assistance, technology support, assessment, acquisition, and training in the use of assistive devices for the visually impaired are provided. These enhance the student's opportunities for academic success in an inclusive educational program.

The AIU Blind/Visually Impaired Support Program offers a variety of specialized services to school districts. These services include: Utilization of Low Vision; Keyboarding and Handwriting; Listening Skills; Braille Instruction; Assistive Technology; Vocational Planning; Orientation and Mobility; Procurement and preparation of textbooks and other instructional materials in the appropriate medium. Supervisors are also available for consultations and to provide specialized professional development. All Teachers/Consultants in the Blind/Visually Impaired Support Program are certificated by the State of Pennsylvania in the education of Students with Visual Impairments. Professional development opportunities are provided, as well as, student teaching opportunities.

Services Offered

  • Consultation/Technical Program Assistance
    • Consults and collaborates with regular classroom teachers, agencies, and parents.