DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped

THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities

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Subject: Transition Services for Students who are Legally Blind

As schools are implementing requirements related to transitioning students from school to adult opportunities, they may need to rely on the experience and knowledge base of others.

Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) staff have experience in working with individual who are blind and are available to consult with schools as soon as the transition planning process begins.

When transition planning begins, schools should contact CBVH as the participating agency for students who are legally blind. In many cases, students who are blind 'II already be known to CBVH through their relationship with CBVH Children's Consultants. Children'-s Consultants work with legally blind children -and their families from birth until the students are ready to enter the adult service system (vocational rehabilitation). They assist children to build basic skills and access special programs before the children enter school. Once the child is school-age, the Consultant helps them to access opportunities not readily available in the educational setting. The services funded by CBVH may include low vision examinations and optical devices, rehabilitation teaching, orientation and mobility instruction and social casework, where these do not duplicate school responsibilities. As a general rule, the children's program does not provide direct services during school hours and on school grounds; services are usually provided -on the week-ends, after school, on vacations and during the summer months. Children's services are designed to promote independence and to prepare the child for eventual full integration into society. This perspective is broader than the academic concerns of the school districts for students. The Children's Consultants may provide counseling and guidance to the family, advocacy services, case management, educational consultation, vocational coordination and arrange for assessments.

Either a Children's Consultant who has been working with the student from and early age, or a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will be available to provide consultation to the -CSE (or school-based support team in NYC). Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors at CBVH will be available to provide technical consultation to schools during the transition planning process including identifying community resources with experience working with individuals who are blind. CBVH counseling staff can also provide consultation/referral regarding appropriate assistive technology, specialized pre-college assessments, work experience accommodations, and occupational tools as a prerequisite to employment. Consultation may occur through phone or personal contacts before the IEP meeting, or through actual participation in transition planning or development of the IEP.