Administrative Contact

Sheila Arad
Supervisor of NTDSE Programs
847-965-9040 x802

Service Description

The NTDSE Vision Program is an itinerant model service designed to meet the needs of students with diagnosed visual impairments. Their visual functioning ranges from low vision to total blindness.The goal of our program is to provide students with the tools and supports needed to develop confidence and functional independence to meet their potential. Goals reflect the assessed needs of each student in areas of core curricula impacted by vision loss. Instruction in expanded core curricula specific to the vision loss is also implemented. The Expanded Core Curriculum covers the following nine areas:

- independent living skills
- assistive technology for the blind and visually impaired
- recreation and leisure
- college/career education
- compensatory skills for accessing the core curriculum
- self determination
- social interaction skills
- orientation and mobility instruction and
- sensory efficiency skills

NTDSE Vision services are provided by Vision Itinerants and Orientation and Mobility Specialists. Vision Itinerants and Orientation and Mobility Specialists are certified by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP). Vision Itinerants are also certified by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).