Resource

VISSIT: Visual Impairment Scale of Service Intensity of Texas

Visual Impairment Scale of Service Intensity of Texas (VISSIT) guides TVIs to determine type and amount of services for students who are blind or visually impaired.

The Visual Impairment Scale of Service Intensity of Texas (VISSIT) is new tool to guide teachers of students with visual impairments in determining the type and amount of itinerant TVI services to recommend for students on their caseload (direct and collaborative consultation).  It supports teachers of students with visual impairments in quantifying information for the IEP team and focuses on student need in the skill areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum.  This scale is designed to provide guidance so that all students get the benefit of an appropriate amount and type of service.

Purpose

  • The VISSIT can be used with all of the students on a TVI’s caseload, including infants, students with multiple impairments, and deafblindness.
  • The VISSIT is NOT a caseload analysis tool.

 

How to Use the VISSIT

  • It is a discipline-specific tool and must be completed by a TVI.
  • The VISSIT can be completed whenever a determination of type and amount of service is needed.
  • Current evaluation data is needed to adequately complete the VISSIT (FVE/LMA, ECC evalulations, observations, and stakeholder interviews)
  • It is expected that it should take about 30 minutes to complete the VISSIT.
  • The results from the tool should be included in the student’s educational records.
  • There are many factors already built into the VISSIT that are considered as you determine need for each student, including onset of the visual impairment, behavioral concerns, cognitive level, and the effect of additional disabilities.

 

The site includes:

  • Introduction
  • Overview
  • Instructions for Completing the Scale
  • VISSIT: Visual Impairment Scale of Service Intensity of Texas form (PDF, 134 kb)
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Sample VISSIT completed forms 
  • References
 

 

http://www.tsbvi.edu/vissit