Visually Impaired

Vision Impairment / Orientation and Mobility

The Teacher Consultant for Visual Impairment (VITC) and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) provides direct instruction to students and consultative services to local district and MAISD educators to support students who qualify for special education services as having a visual impairment.  Visual impairment includes both partial sightedness and blindness. A student whose vision, even with correction, interferes with their development or which adversely affects educational performance may qualify for services.

Intended Outcomes of Service: 

1. Students who are able to access the general curriculum and learn the skills needed to become independently functioning, productive members of society.
2. General and special educators who are knowledgeable about and skillful in increasing the achievement of students who qualify for special education services as having a visual impairment

Examples of Service 

• Direct service to eligible students to support achievement of IEP goals and progress in the general curriculum
• Consultative assistance to school district personnel, including special and general education teachers, paraprofessionals and other support staff
• Functional vision and learning media assessment
• Participation in the planning and implementation of students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Provision of specialized equipment and materials, including support for Braille transcription services
• Direct instruction in the nine areas of the Expanded Common Core Curriculum for students who have a significant impairment to their vision
• For students who are eligible for orientation and mobility services, a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) conducts an evaluation.  The COMS uses the results of this evaluation in teaching spatial awareness, body concepts, orientation, and safe travel skills on campus, at home, and in the community

Intended Audiences: 

• Special Education Administration, District/Building Level Administration and local district and MAISD special education support staff
• Teams within Muskegon County schools supporting students who qualify for special education services as having a visual impairment

Delivery Methods: 

• Consultation for supporting local district and MAISD staff
• Direct service to local district students and students enrolled in MAISD programs

Referral Request Form Link

Contact Information

John Metz
Teacher Consultant for Students with Vision Impairments
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
684 Harvey St. 
Muskegon, MI. 49442
Phone: 231-767-4359
FAX: 231.773.3498
Email John Metz

April Shunk
Teacher Consultant for Students with Vision Impairments
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
684 Harvey St. 
Muskegon, MI. 49442
Phone: 231-767-4342
FAX: 231.773.3498
Email April Shunk