What is an “on-site school consultation”?

What is an onsite?

An on-site consultation is a visit to your program. This is one of the ways that we may mutually agree TSBVI Outreach can best assist your district to serve an individual student. Visually impaired and deafblind students are unique. It is not possible for any one professional to know everything about all the many possible ways in which vision (or vision and hearing) loss can impact a particular child’s learning. It can also be reassuring to parents and staff to have an objective review of a student’s progress. At district request, and in collaboration with the regional Education Service Center (ESC) consultants, Outreach staff can come visit classrooms (ECI programs, job/community placements, and homes) to offer our assistance in developing appropriate programs for VI and DB students.

What do we do during the visit?

We ask for evaluation information and your questions in advance, and have modified our request process so that we can come prepared . An on-site visit typically includes an observation period of as much of a typical day as possible given travel restrictions. At some point, usually at the end of the day, a meeting is held. The family, principal, classroom teacher, teaching assistants, support staff, VI/O&M professionals and all other interested parties are invited to attend this informal exit meeting. This is a time for asking questions, sharing ideas, and developing plans.

Outreach Services Request Process

What is the result?

After our visit, and depending upon the request, you will receive a written report outlining our observations and making recommendations for program change. Ideas from the informal exit meeting are incorporated into this report. The report can offer a guideline for developing IEPs or suggest program modifications, alternate curricula or assessment, or respond to specific questions about this child’s unique needs.

What does it cost?

T he Outreach Program covers salary costs for TSBVI staff. We ask for district help with paying all OR ANY PART of our travel costs so the Outreach Program will be able to maintain its commitment to local programs statewide. In many regions, the Education Service Center consultants have been able to help support these costs.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Cyral Miller, Outreach Director. She can be reached by email at cyralmiller@tsbvi.edu or by phone at 512-206-9242.

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Last Revision: October 3, 2006