Diagnostic & Educational Services Center (DESC)
Gillet Educational Center
201 South Evanston, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-6899
Shelle Hamer, Educational Services Coordinator 847.463.8291
shamer@nsseo.org
Program Staff:
Programs for the Visually Impaired
Programs for the Visually Impaired (VI) are supported by NSSEO for students aged 3-21 with mild to severe vision impairments, including multiple disabilities and blindness. Services are provided by the local school districts and special education cooperative. These services include:
Teachers of the Visually Impaired
Provide direct or consultative services and
-
Teach efficient use of vision
-
Provide vision stimulation
-
Provide Braille instruction
-
Provide Braille, recorded/enlarged materials and tactual symbols as appropriate for each child
-
Assist in determining and procuring equipment and materials necessary for the student with VI to learn (Braille Writer, low vision devices, assistive technology, computers)
-
Teach use of technology and adapted materials
-
Consult with instructional staff to provide information to incorporate the expanded curriculum into the instructional setting
-
Facilitate social integration and interaction
with peers
-
Share current resources and information with team and parents
-
Provide functional vision evaluations & screenings
-
Administer standardized testing materials
Orientation and Mobility Specialists
Provide direct or consultative services and
-
Instruction in safe, effective travel and mobility skills
-
Instruction in schools, neighborhoods and communities
-
Confidence and independence in travel
Activities of Daily Living Specialists
Provide direct or consultative services and
-
Instruction in adaptive techniques to promote independence in the areas of personal management, home management, recreation, leisure
-
Instruction in schools, neighborhoods and communities
Vision Supervision
-
Technical assistance supervision for programs and teachers
-
Program and curriculum development
-
Current information on eye conditions
-
Links to specialized resources
-
Current research, policy and procedural information
-
Participation with other school personnel and agencies to secure job related experiences
-
Loan of specialized equipment
-
Compilation of annual Blind Census
-
Community activities organized for students and their families
Low Vision Clinics
One of the unique opportunities available to assist students, parents, and local school districts through the Vision Department are the Low Vision Clinics held throughout the year. Low vision refers to severe vision impairing disorders which cannot be corrected with medical treatment, surgery, conventional glasses or lenses.
These statewide clinics are sponsored by the Lions of Illinois Foundation through their Seeing is Believing Program. An optometrist from the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind who has specialized training in the area of low vision provides a comprehensive visual evaluation. Upon completion of the evaluation, specifically crafted optical devices are prescribed, including glasses, telescopes, magnifiers, and sun wear to maximize sight. Students with low vision in kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible to participate in the program.
Difficult To Test Clinics
NSSEO sponsors a limited number of Difficult-to-Test Vision Clinics each year. The clinics are designed to provide one-time-only optometric examinations for students who are considered "difficult to test". Doctor Vito Racanelli has provided NSSEO with his vast expertise for over 25 years. Many of the students served have multiple disabilities, are deaf or hard of hearing, use alternative communication, or have difficult behaviors. The clinics serve children age 3-21. The clinics should not be considered a source of yearly exams. The clinic does not fund glasses or other equipment.
These clinics are provided at no cost to parents. NSSEO Member districts are not billed for this service. The clinics are provided in Miner School, Arlington Heights. The classroom teacher, vision teacher, classroom paraprofessional, and parents are encouraged to attend the exam. Possible recommendations may include optimal visual positioning, a prescription for glasses, referral to the teacher of the visually impaired, or further testing.
