Laws & Rights
This statewide school provides specialized instruction and resources for students with visual impairments.
What is TSBVI (Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired)?
This tactile writing system is a foundational literacy method for many blind students.
What is Braille?
TEA requires that this curriculum be addressed for all students with visual impairments.
What is the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)?
This certified teacher provides direct instruction in ECC and adapted academic content.
Who is the TVI?
A student with vision worse than 20/70 but better than 20/200 may qualify for this in Texas.
What is low vision support?
This evaluation is required in Texas for all students eligible for VI services.
What is the O&M Evaluation?
This statewide system helps order adapted materials for VI students in Texas.
What is the APH Federal Quota system (via TSBVI)?
This ECC area focuses on orientation, cane use, and independent travel.
What is Orientation and Mobility?
This certified professional teaches students how to travel safely and independently.
Who is the COMS?
VI eligibility in Texas requires documentation of this from an eye care professional.
What is an eye medical report (EMR)?
This Texas education agency document outlines evaluation procedures for VI eligibility.
What is the VI Framework (from TEA)?
Texas VI teachers often borrow materials through this statewide lending library.
What is the TSBVI Short-Term Loan Program?
This TSBVI course helps students with social skills, confidence, and independence.
What is “Transition to Life” or “EXIT” program?
This team member evaluates and serves students with multiple disabilities, including vision loss.
Who is the Teacher of Students with Multiple Impairments (or a multidisciplinary team)?
These two assessments are required to determine VI eligibility in Texas.
What are the FVE and LMA?
The VI eligibility team in Texas must include this role, even if O&M is not currently being served.
Who is the COMS (Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist)?
This tool helps determine how students best access information, including auditory, tactile, or visual means.
What is the Learning Media Assessment (LMA)?
This ECC area covers money management, hygiene, cooking, and home skills.
What is Independent Living Skills?
In Texas, this person often supports assistive tech integration for VI students.
Who is the Assistive Technology Specialist (or AT Team)?
This Texas VI program serves infants and toddlers through Early Childhood Intervention.
What is the ECI program or VI/ECI collaborative services?
This Texas law requires that accessible instructional materials be provided in a timely manner.
What is the Texas Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) law?
Texas VI teachers must document the results of this dual assessment as part of eligibility.
What is the Functional Vision Evaluation and LMA?
The ECC is unique to VI students because it teaches skills not covered in this setting.
What is the General Education Curriculum?
This agency oversees special education services, including VI programming in Texas.
What is the Texas Education Agency (TEA)?
This collaborative group provides support and professional development for VI professionals across Texas.
What is the Texas Action Committee for the Education of Students with Visual Impairments (TACESVI)?