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Cindy is blind.
She loves to read, so she reads with her fingers instead of her eyes.
Her books are written in a language called Braille.
What it is
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Students with visual impairments
can’t use print as their main way to learn. Many think all
kids with visual impairments live in a totally dark world.
But even though many are legally blind (they have a
corrected vision or less than 20/200 in the better eye, or
their visual field is less than 20 degrees), they often have
some remaining vision.
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They may be able to see some light or recognize shapes of familiar
objects. With special help called orientation and mobility training,
they’re often able to move about by themselves.
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Partially sighted children, or those who have a corrected vision of
less than 20/70, are usually able to read print. Sometimes, however,
their visual impairments still interfere with learning.
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Children who fail to use their remaining vision efficiently, ones
whose vision varies widely from day to day, and ones who have a
progressive eye disease, may also need alternative ways of learning.
Student Eligibility
Students who are between the ages of 0 and 25 and have visual
impairment that interferes with learning, are eligible for these
programs. They must have corrected central visual acuity of 20/70 or
less in the better eye and/or a peripheral field of vision no greater
than 20 degrees. Evaluation by an ophthalmologist is required.
Services Available
The MISD and the local districts offer services for all students with
visual impairments from birth to age 26. Each student works in as close
to normal a school setting as possible.
The Macomb Infant Preschool Program (MIPPS) program provides training
and stimulation for babies with visual impairments in the child’s home
and at the MISD.
There are two academic programs for visually impaired students, ages
3 to 25, who need a lot of help and a protective environment to learn
basic education and living skills.
Partially sighted students are supplied with large print books,
Braille books and materials, manipulative devices and low vision aids.
Mobility training is available for students who need it and can benefit
from it. Also, prevocational and vocational training is available for
interested students.
Program Location
The Macomb Infant-Preschool Program for children 0 to 3 is located at
the MISD Educational Service Center in Clinton Township. The two center
programs for students ages 3 to 25 are located in the Warren
Consolidated School District. Teacher consultants for visually impaired
work with teachers in all 21 local school districts.
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