Visual Impairment and Blindness

A student with a visual impairment is one whose vision interferes with functioning in a regular school program or, for preschool-age children, in learning tasks. Examples are students whose visual impairments may result from congenital defects, eye diseases, or injuries to the eye. Visual impairment is determined on the basis of a current examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Staff Contact

Zel Murray
Coordinator
Suite 1566B Twin Towers East
205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
Tel: (478) 751-6083 Ext. 3634
Fax: (866) 237-5968
E-mail: zmurray@doe.k12.ga.us

Downloads:

• Visual Impairment & Blindness Rules & Regulations
• Definition of Related Services for Orientation and Mobility
• November 7, 1995 Memorandum regarding Braille Legislation

Unified English Braille Resources:

• GaDOE Unified English Braille (UEB) Implementation Plan
• Transitioning to UEB - Hadley School Course (free in 2015, $99 in 2016 and beyond)
• UEB ONLINE Course – Renwick Centre, Australia (earn 2 PLUs)
•  Information for this course:
• Georgia DOE Course Description
• Course Mastery Verification Form
• Course Preapproval Form

Online Resources:

• American Foundation for the Blind
• American Printing House for the Blind
• Center for the Visually Impaired - Atlanta, GA
• Georgia Academy for the Blind
• Georgia Instructional Materials Center
• Georgia National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program 
• Georgia Parent Infant Network for Educational Services
• Georgia Sensory Assistance Project 
• GLASS: Georgia Libraries for Accessible Statewide Services 
• Hadley School for the Blind
• Higher Education Resources for Students with Visual Impairments
• National Federation of the Blind
• Texas School for the Blind
• Ways to Step Back - Developing Independence