HEAB Qualifying Training Programs for TVIs and O&Ms
Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired (TVI)
The TVI is a professional who has expertise in how visual impairment affects child development and learning as well as the strategies and tools that can help children learn about the world, perform everyday activities, and participate in the general curriculum and other activities in school.
The role of the TVI is to provide direct and/or consultative special education services specific to vision loss by teaching the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). The TVI provides support to students, teachers, and parents and acts as a liaison with community services. The TVI works with the educational team by advising the team about ways to enhance the student’s learning by adapting activities and materials to meet the student’s visual needs and abilities.
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist
O&M Specialists teach individuals with visual impairments to travel safely, confidently and independently in their environment. They work with infants, children and adults, usually on a one-to-one basis, in a home, school, or community. O&M specialists provide instruction in the use of the white cane, public transportation, and community safety.
WCBVI Outreach Offers Support to Institutes of Higher Education (IHE)