Pop-Up IEP

1. "It is not reasonable to expect the classroom teacher to describe everything to your child. She has 30 other students."

Why is this statement problematic?

This statement communicates that making certain accommodations for your child may be seen as beyond what the teacher can be reasonably expected to do. Overworked teachers, who are managing crowded classrooms, completing paperwork and attending meetings, may feel that doing any additional work would be beyond what they can handle. However, children who are blind or visually impaired have the right to access all of the information available to the other students in order to participate fully, meaningfully and successfully in the classroom. The level of effort required to include a student who is blind or visually impaired is frequently overestimated by educators unfamiliar with teaching students with visual impairments. Giving teachers specific examples of how to describe lessons they might think of as “visual” can help them feel more comfortable.

Possible Responses for Parents/Advocates

“We understand that what we are asking may seem challenging at first, but it really isn’t as involved as you might think. If you verbalize what you are writing on the board, Christina will be able to follow along independently. For example, if you were writing the names of the months on the board, you would simply say, “September, capital S, lower case e-p-t-e-m-b-e-r.” With a little practice, verbalizing information becomes a natural process that benefits all students in the class since everyone learns in different ways and at different rates. Plus, Christine will be included and able to move follow along with her peers instead having to wait for delayed, individual assistance. Christine’s TVI* will also be able to offer situation specific tips and strategies.”
*Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
“I know that it seems very involved at first. Last year, Sam had Mr.______ along with Mrs.______. Both teachers were unfamiliar with the process and had concerns similar to the ones you are expressing. After working with the TVI, however, both teachers quickly picked up a natural tendency to provide information both visually and audibly. They did an excellent job of creating a successful learning environment for Sam. At the end of the year, both teachers told us that they felt that their experience practice with providing information audibly improved their teaching and increased their understanding of the different learning needs of all their students. I’m sure both teachers would be happy to share their experiences with you. May I ask them to call you?”

Read the Law

Additional Information

Collabortive effort between the
National Center on Severe and Sensory Disabilities
and the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children