Physical - Blind & Low Vision

Ministry Criteria

A condition of partial or total impairment of sight or vision that even with correction affects educational performance adversely.

 

Board Criteria

A condition of partial or total impairment of sight or vision that even with correction affects educational performance adversely.

Blind

  • Visual acuity of 20/200 or worse
  • Requires Braille
  • Requires tactile or alternative media as prime educational mode

Low Vision

  • Visual acuity of 20/70 or worse after best correction in the best eye
  • Peripheral loss that leaves 20 degrees or less of vision

Documentation which provides evidence that additional vision conditions such as nystagmus, depth perception, central vision loss, eye fatigue, etc. are adversely impacting his/her ability to access the curriculum.

 

Requirements

  • A written report from an eye care specialist (Ophthalmologist or Optometrist).
  • A Functional Vision Assessment from a Resource Teacher - Blind and Low Vision or a Vision Specialist/Consultant documenting that the student’s educational performance is adversely affected by the vision condition.

 

Our Resources

Our Services Team Consists of:

  • Specialist Teacher of the Blind
  • Educational Assistant
  • Orientation and Mobility Instructor
  • Occupational Therapist OT (School Health Support Group)

 

External Resources

Ministry of Education
Blind/Low Vision Resource Services and Outreach Programs
350 Brant Avenue
Brantford, ON N3T 3J9
Telephone: 1-866-618-9092

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Ontario
565 Sanatorium Road, Suite 207
Hamilton, ON
L9C 7N4
Telephone: 905-528-8555

Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program
Hamilton
https://www.ontario.ca/page/blind-low-vision-early-intervention-program
Telephone: 905-385-7927
Toll-free: 1-866-826-4327

Assistive Device Program ADP
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/adp/adp_fm.aspx

Earlywords
Hamilton, Niagara, Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk
1160 Upper Paradise Rd., Unit 6
Hamilton, ON L9V 0A5
905-385-7927 ext. 221
Or 1-866-826-4327 ext. 221
www.earlywords.ca

For more information, contact:

ServiceOntario
1-866-821-7770
TTY 1-800-387-5559
www.children.gov.on.ca

 

Contact Information

Sarah Colby
Blind, Deaf and Deafblind Specialist
Telephone: 905-525-2930, ext. 2839