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VIDBE-Q Volume 63 Issue 4
Recommendations for Policy Makers
Currently the Guidelines for Programs Serving Students With Visual Impairments
2014 (California Department of Education, 2014) and the California Education Code do
not address the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals who work with students
with visual impairments in public schools (within the itinerant O&M service delivery
model). Training and supervision needs of paraprofessionals presently remain
unaddressed as well. It is recommended that policy makers give attention to these
specific areas of need through recommendations of surveyed expert practitioners in the
field. Furthermore, if statewide policy and program is not an immediate plausible
remediation, then each individual SELPA within California should give thought and
attention to addressing the highlighted needs at a local regional level.
References
Bailey, B., & Head, D. (1993). Providing O&M services to children and youth with severe
multiple disabilities, RE:view, 24, 57-66.
California Department of Education. (2014). Guidelines for programs serving students
with visual impairments 2014 (Rev. ed.). Retrieved from http://www.csb-
cde.ca.gov/Documents/VI%20Guidelines/VI_Guidelines_110314.pdf
Cmar, J. L., Griffin-Shirley, N., Kelley, P., & Lawrence, B. (2015). The role of the
orientation and mobility specialist in public schools. Position paper of the Division
on Visual Impairments and Deafblindness. Arlington, VA: Council for Exceptional
Children.
Griffin-Shirley, N., Kelley, P., & Lawrence, B. (2006). The role of the orientation and
