Teacher-Visually Impaired/Orientation&Mobility Spec (26-27)

NORTHWEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Title: Teacher of the Visually Impaired/Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Pay Grade: A17

Reports To: Special Education Director

FLSA: Exempt

Dept./Campus: Special Education

Minimum Duty Days: 187 days

Revised: 04/2026

Primary Purpose:

Provide direct and consultative services to and for students (birth through 21 years) with visual impairments, to help them fulfill their potential. This dual-certified professional provides instruction in compensatory skills, such as braille and assistive technology, while simultaneously training students to travel safely and independently in their home, school and community environments. This role ensures comprehensive coverage of the Expanded Core Curriculum. (ECC)

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate as a teacher of the visually impaired

Professional certification from ACVREP as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)

At least one year of student teaching or approved internship

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

Proficient in ARD Committee process and IEP goal implementation

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Knowledge of federal, state, and district regulations, processes and policies for Special Education

Ability to demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Expertise in specialist media (Braille) and O&M tools (long canes, electronic travel aides, etc)

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Assessment:

1. Conduct Functional Vision Assessments (FVA) and Learning Media Assessments (LMA)

2. Provie consultation to the evaluation team on effective assessment techniques.

3. Perform Orientation and Mobility evaluations focusing on long and short term travel needs, utilizing severity rating scales to determine service frequency.

4. Evaluate student progress on an ongoing basis through formal and information testing, keeping detailed progress notes and data collection for IEP compliance.

5. Communicate with medical specialist (ophthalmologists, optometrists) regarding eye exams and clinical findings.

Instructional Strategies and Expanded Core Curriculum:

6. Collaborate with students, parents, and other staff members to develop appropriate IEPs through the ARD Committee process for each student to include specific instruction in skills needed to

compensate for the visual impairment

7. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis

8. Instruct students in Braille (UEB/Nemeth), typing, visual efficiency and the use of optical devices.

9. Provide specialized O&M training: cane skills, adaptive mobility devices, GPS technology, map skills and public transportation navigation.

10. Supplement the work of the regular classroom teachers who have students with visual impairments in their classes

11. Teach daily living skills, self-advocacy, social integration and vocational planning to prepare students for post-secondary success.

Student Growth and Development:

12. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.

13. Assume responsibility for ensuring appropriate accommodations are in place for extracurricular activities

14. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district and department.

Classroom Management and Organization:

15. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social,

and emotional development of students.

16. Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct, the Texas State Behavior Initiative, and the student’s IEP/BIP, including appropriate physical restraint in crisis situations

17. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities

18. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials

Environment and Safety:

19. Create learning environments conducive to the physical, social and emotional development of students with visual impairments.

20. Orient students to new buildings, class schedules, and community settings.

21. Ensure student safety during O&M lessons while fostering maximum independent.

22. Manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and Texas State Behavior Initiative, using district-approved physical safety techniques and restraint when necessary.

Collaboration and Administration:

23. Provide regular consultative assistance and in-service training to parents, classroom teachers and paraprofessionals regarding visual needs and interaction methods.

24. Maintain accurate records, including ARD paperwork, progress reports, report cards and Medicaid billing

(SHARS/MAC/RMTS).

25. Initiate orders, inventory and distribute specialized books, equipment, and assistive technology.

26. Serve as a liaison between the school, community resources, and vocational rehabilitation agencies.

27. Perform other duties as assigned

SHARS/ MAC / RMTS:

Northwest ISD participates in the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) and MAC programs which allows our district to request Medicaid reimbursement for certain health-related services. The Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee determines SHARS services.

As a special education staff member, you will be required to train and bill for SHARS reimbursements for students on your caseload when appropriate. Trainings will be provided for SHARS, for RMTS (Random Moment in Time Studies), where staff are chosen randomly to answer a few questions, and for MAC

(Diagnosticians and non-Personal Care Providers only). Training will be provided at the beginning of each school year as well as on an “as needed” basis for new hires.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Working Conditions:

Maintain emotional control under stress; Work with frequent interruptions; Moderate lifting and carrying (books, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment); May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; and assist non-ambulatory students; Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; Exposure to biological hazards; District/State wide travel; Working prolonged or irregular hours. Position requires frequent bending, stooping, twisting, pulling, overhead reaching, sitting, and keyboarding. Position requires the ability to lift 25 pounds to waist high.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned, alternative methods of performing your duties, or skills that may be required.

Salary : $63,976 - $85,450