​​​A student is eligible for vision services if the impairment of vision interferes in access to a regular school program regardless of the acuity measurements.  Students with a visual impairment are those whose vision interferes with functioning in or, for preschool-age children, in learning tasks. Visual impairments may result from congenital defects, eye diseases, or injuries to the eye. Visual impairment is determined based on a current examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. 

Downloads:

• Visual Impairment & Blindness Rules & Regulations
• Definition of Related Services for Orientation and Mobility
• Orientation and Mobility Services
• OSEP Letter VI Eligibility 5-22-17 
• November 7, 1995 Memorandum regarding Braille Legislation

​​Smokey Powell Center

“The Georgia Academy for the Blind is pleased to offer outreach services through the Smokey Powell Center. The center is housed on the Academy's campus and provides services for students currently being served under a VI Eligibility or students in the VI Eligibility process throughout the state of Georgia. Services are provided at no cost to the student or district.  These services include:

1. Low Vision Evaluations
2. Assistive Technology Evaluations/Consultations
3. Professional Learning Opportunities
   
4. Instructional Support"
   

Unified English Braille Resources:​

• GaDOE Unified English Braille (UEB) Implementation Plan
• ​UEB Online Accessible Braille Training (Australian Braille Authority (ABA))
  
• Course Completion Timeline Sample (Coming Soon)
  
• UEB Math Tutorial​ (American Printing House (APH))
  
• UEB Technical (CNIB Foundation) 
  
• Comments (Coming Soon)​
  

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