Special Education

Students with Visual Impairments

ASK THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS - SAMPLE QUESTIONS

As with all good working relations, the first time you meet is often the most important. Lasting impressions are made so it is useful to prepare for this meeting and arrange the most comfortable space and time possible for all concerned. A warm welcome and invitation to work together will quickly establish a rapport between you and the parent. A few sample questions have been provided to help you with your planning.

  • Would you tell me about your child's vision loss and what you think it might mean in my classroom?
  • Could we talk about how independent your child is at home/at school/in the community? Are there any particular difficulties I need to be aware of? How much assistance do you feel I need to provide?
  • What reports and other information about your child do you feel are important for me to have? (E.g., visual acuity, assessments of visual fields, functional vision, recommendations.)
  • Is your child using any special equipment? Does she or he know how to use and maintain it? What if it's not working?
  • Does your child require any specialized equipment we need to obtain?
  • What are some strategies you have found useful that would help me and your child communicate and work together effectively?
  • There likely will be questions about your child's vision loss from other students. Have you suggestions for me about what might be said and how it should be presented when we introduce ourselves in class? - Are there any other people working with your child now whom I should know about?
  • What educational and social goals do you have for your child?
  • Are there any other questions you would like to ask me? (Such as my classroom expectations, assignments, materials, activities, assessments of progress, projects, portfolios, or tests.)

NOTES FROM FIRST MEETING WITH PARENTS OR GUARDIANS

NAME OF STUDENT DATE
HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER BUSINESS TELEPHONE NUMBER

Important People: (family, friends, others on educational team):




Description of Vision Loss:




Student's Interests, Hobbies, Strengths:




Questions and Concerns:




Initial Short-term Goals:




Long-term Goals:




Other Information/Suggestions: