VIDBE-Q
Volume 62 Issue 2
through (1) changes to the visual environment, (2) direct instruction in visual attending skills, and (3) visually
dependent task instruction (Lueck & Dutton, 2015, p. 508-510).
However, despite the fact that we know that intervention is critical and can make a significant difference
in a child's ability to use his/her vision, there remains a significant shortage of professionals who are trained
sufficiently to meet the intervention needs. The skills needed by teachers in order to provide effective
interventions for students with CVI are quite different from the skills needed when teaching students with
ocular visual impairment. Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Teachers of the Deafblind typically have not
had extensive training in their preservice programs in this regard.
Some teachers have been lucky enough to work in a district that has recognized the need for training
and has provided it for their staff. Others have been fortunate to be able to access training because their
geographic and/or financial situation (live near training sites, have the funds to pay for the training themselves)
allows them to. Therefore, amongst the teachers there is a wide range of ability in terms of working with
children with CVI – from those who are quite skilled (few) and those who have had little to no training (most).
Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsement
As a means of identifying teachers who have achieved a level of expertise sufficient to conduct The
CVI Range©, we have developed a program to help teachers achieve the Perkins-Roman CVI Range
Endorsement. Individuals who achieve the Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsement have demonstrated
competency in conducting The CVI Range©. Perkins recommends that all students with CVI have at least
one member of their team who has received the endorsement. We also believe that the student must have a
TVI on the team (in many cases this may be the same person).
Attaining the endorsement involves:
1. Submitting an application that demonstrates your experience in working with students with
CVI
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