The Statewide System for Vision Services
The Statewide System for Vision Services provides a full continuum of services for students who are blind or visually
impaired with the focus of these services on serving the needs of students in general education and in the least
restrictive environment. Services are provided directly to students as well as technical assistance, consultation and
collaboration with other educators serving students who are blind or visually impaired.
The Goals of the Statewide System for Vision Services are:
o
Provide equitable access to a continuum of high quality services for all students in Iowa who are blind and visually
impaired, including those with multiple disabilities;
o
Assure an adequate supply of highly trained teachers and orientation and mobility specialists;
o
Assure adequate and professional supervision, ongoing professional development and equitable job assignments for
professionals working with blind and visually impaired students;
o
Eliminate duplication in service delivery by creating a seamless coordinated system of services to blind and visually
impaired students across multiple funding sources and agencies responsible for this population;
o
Maintain a center of excellence in Iowa for discipline specific expertise at Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School
(IBSSS).
The Iowa Department of Education requires transition planning for students who have an IEP begin at age 14. In an
effort to ensure that transition planning is successful, all students who are blind or visually impaired must be referred to
the Statewide System for Vision Services (SSVS) no later than age 14. By referring students to the SSVS, educational
information can be shared with adult service agencies to ensure a seamless coordinated system of services students
need for a successful transition. The following documents further explain services and agencies that are specific to
students who are visually impaired as they transition into adult life.
Transition Overview
Transition Referral Information
WHAT?
Transition is about preparing young adults who are blind or visually impaired for high school and then moving into adult
life. This move brings about many changes in the lives of the young person and the family. Planning is essential to make
the transition easier and successful.
WHO?
All students with visual impairments. This includes students who have vision loss in combination with other disabilities
and students who are deaf-blind.
WHY?
Transition planning gives the child, parents and educators a road map by which young people with disabilities, including
those who are blind or visually impaired, can prepare for the responsibilities of adulthood. During the student’s high
school years, the student needs to learn the skills necessary to live and work in the community as independently as
possible. Transition planning is necessary because school and adult services are very different.
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)
Some differences between Schools and Adult Services are:
School Services:
Addresses the total child
Serves all students
Parent driven
Free service
Adult Services:
Eligibility requirements are disabilityspecific
Separate agencies may address
employment, recreation, living and
educational services
Individual driven
Funding is not guaranteed
WHEN?
Transition planning is federally mandated by age 14, at the child’s IEP meeting. It is never too early to start transition
planning, best practice suggests beginning the transition process as your child moves from middle to high school.
HOW?
Transition is about preparing students to:
• Make choices
• Plan for the future
• Set goals
• Develop career skills
• Learn to perform needed daily living skills
• Participate in the community
WHERE?
Transitions take place at school, at home and in the community. Information about transition planning is available from:
your child’s teacher, transition consultant, Area Education Agency, Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually
Impaired, parent educator coordinator, and community agencies such as the Iowa Department for the Blind.
Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired/Iowa Braille School (IESBVI/IBS)
The Statewide System for Vision Services
WHAT?
The Statewide System for Vision Services (IESBVI) provides a full continuum of services for students who are blind or
visually impaired with the focus of these services on serving the needs of students in general education and in the least
restrictive environment. Educational services are provided directly to students as well as technical assistance,
consultation and collaboration with other educators serving students that are blind or visually impaired.
WHO?
All students with visual impairments and blindness birth-21years of age are eligible for services. This includes students
who have vision loss in combination with other disabilities and individuals who are deaf-blind.
WHEN?
Students with visual impairments may be referred to the system, for service between the ages of birth – 21.
WHY?
The primary services offered through the Statewide System for Vision Services include:
 Teachers of the Visually Impaired - itinerant services
 Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist – itinerant services
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)
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Consultants
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Assistive Technology
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Early Childhood
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Family Services
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Literacy
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Math
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Transition
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Deafblind Services
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Additional Needs
Enriching athletic and activity programs
Expanded Learning Opportunities
Assistive Devices Center
Low Vision Clinics
Educational services on the campus at the Iowa Braille School
WHERE?
Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired/ Iowa Braille School
1002 G Avenue
Vinton, Iowa 52349
Phone: 319-472-5221 or 800-645-4579
Fax: 319-472-5174
www.iowa-braille.k12.ia.us
Area Education Agency
WHAT?
Iowa Area Education Agencies (AEAs) are regional service agencies that work as educational partners with public and
accredited nonpublic schools. They provide a variety of school improvement and support services for students, families,
teachers, administrators and their communities. Agency staff members, school staff and families work together to help
all children reach their potential.
WHO?
The AEA staff provides a wide variety of services to meet the needs of all children.
Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility Specialists are located in each AEA.
WHEN?
Transition planning for post secondary outcomes will begin by age 14 at the child’s IEP meeting. It is never too early to
start transition planning, but best practice suggests beginning the transition process as your child moves from middle to
high school.
WHY?
AEAs provide special education support services, media and technology services, a variety of instructional services,
professional development and leadership to help improve student achievement.
Transition related services include:
 Collaborate on transition of youth from educational programs to post-educational services
 Provide resources to the IEP team regarding transition options.
 Participate in the IEP meeting when appropriate
 Provide information regarding community resources and services.
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)
WHERE?
Area Education Agency (AEA), geographically located throughout the state
Keystone AEA 1
1400 Second St. NW
Elkader, IA 52043-9564
563-245-1480
AEA 267
Cedar Falls office
3712 Cedar Heights Dr.
Cedar Falls, 50613-6390
800-542-8375
Clear Lake office
99184 265th St., Suite B
Clear Lake 50428
800-392-6640
Marshalltown office
909 S. 12th Street
Marshalltown 50158
800-735-1539
Grant Wood AEA 10
4401 Sixth St. S.W.
Cedar Rapids 52404
800-332-8488
DMPS Vision Dept.
1421 Walker St.
Des Moines 50316
Great Prairie AEA
2814 N Court St.
Ottumwa 52501-1163
800-622-0027
Burlington office
3601 West Ave. Road
PO Box 1065
Burlington 52601-1065
800-382-8970
Green Hills AEA
Manawa Regional office
Box 1109
Council Bluffs 51502
800-432-5804
Green Hills AEA
Creston office
257 Swan St.
Creston 50801
800-432-5804
Heartland AEA
6500 Corporate Dr.
Johnston 50131-1603
800-362-2720
Mississippi Bend AEA
729 21st St.
Bettendorf 52722-5096
800-947-2329
Northwest AEA
1382 4th Ave NE
Sioux Center 51250-2131
800-572-5073
Sioux City office
1520 Morningside Avenue
Sioux City 51106
800-352-9040
Prairie Lakes AEA 8
500 NE 6th St.
Pocahontas 50574-2204
712-335-3588
Fort Dodge office
1235 5th Avenue South
Fort Dodge 50501
800-669-2325
Iowa Department for the Blind
WHAT?
The Iowa Department for the Blind is the state agency responsible for providing most of the
services Iowans who are blind or visually impaired need to live independently and work
competitively as adults. Its mission is to be the means for persons who are blind or visually
impaired to obtain for themselves universal access and full participation as citizens in whatever
roles they may choose. The Department is funded primarily through state and federal tax
dollars, so most services it offers are provided to eligible Iowans at no cost to them.
WHO?
Students 14 years and older who have significant vision loss. This includes students who have
vision loss in combination with other disabilities and individuals who are deaf-blind.
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)
WHEN?
After the student turns 14 years of age, a counselor from the Iowa Department for the Blind
may meet with students and their families and attend IEP meetings when invited, to assist in the
transition planning process. The IDB provides a variety of services to individuals who are blind or
visually impaired, such as library and vocational rehabilitation. However, a student must be
determined eligible to access vocational rehabilitation services, including transition programs.
WHY?
Students with vision loss may need assistance with choosing, finding, or keeping a job in the
community. They may also need to learn how to deal with their vision loss efficiently. IDB
provides this assistance and training through the following services:
 Library Services
 Vocational Rehabilitation
o Counseling and Guidance
o Post-secondary Planning
 Transition Planning
 Work Experience
o Expanded Learning Opportunities, including weekend retreats and summer
programs
 Assistance in Choosing a College
 Assistance with planning for College Funding
 Rehabilitation Technology
 Blindness Skills Training
o Orientation and Adjustment Center
o Career Services
 Job Searching, Job Coaching, and Job Placement Assistance
 Resume Development and Interviewing Skills
 On the Job Training
 Supported Employment Services
 Post-employment Follow-up
WHERE?
Iowa Department for the Blind
524 4th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
(515) 281-1333
1-800-362-2587
www.idbonline.org
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)
IOWA VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES
WHAT?
IVRS is a state agency which provides time limited services to Iowans with disabilities which
create problems for them preparing for, getting, or keeping employment. IVRS services are
offered at no cost to the individual.
WHO?
Students with disabilities who can benefit from assistance to determine career goals and find
employment may qualify. IVRS serves a broad range of disabilities. Examples include: learning
disabilities, ADHD, depression, substance abuse, orthopedic disorders, diabetes, arthritis,
hearing impairments, and many others. The majority of students on an IEP will qualify. Students
do not need to be on an IEP to qualify. Students who are on a 504 plan or those who have had
an IEP as well as general education students with a disability or a health play may also qualify.
WHEN?
Anyone is able to refer a student for services. This includes but is not limited to teachers,
counselors, parents, and transition coordinators. It’s common practice to begin working with
students during their sophomore year. The earlier the referral is made, the more thorough
planning can take place prior to the student’s graduation.
WHY?
Students may need assistance with the following services:
 Post-secondary Planning

Transition Planning

Assistance in Choosing a College

College Tuition Assistance
 Career Services

Career Assessment and Exploration

Job Searching, Job Coaching, and Job Placement Assistance

Resume Development and Interviewing Skills

On the Job Training

Supported Employment Services
 Counseling and Guidance
 Financial Assistance for Adaptive Equipment and Devices
WHERE?
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
510 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-4211
www.ivrs.iowa.gov
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)
Helen Keller National Center
WHAT?
The mission of the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults is to
enable each person who is deaf-blind to live and work in his or her community of choice.
Authorized by an Act of Congress in 1967, the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth
and Adults is a national rehabilitation program serving youth and adults who are deaf-blind.
WHO?
The Center provides services to youth and adults who are deaf-blind according to the definition
of deaf-blindness in the Helen Keller Act.
WHEN?
Individuals who are deaf-blind may be referred to HKNC at any time.
WHY?
HKNC’s regional representatives are advocates for people with vision and hearing loss and are a
lifelong point of contact to existing services and resources. They are also consultants to
individuals and agencies supporting individuals who are deaf-blind.
Services include:
 Information on local services
 On-site Assessment, Consultation and In-Service Training
 Transition Services

Collaborate on transition of youth from educational programs to posteducational services
 Follow-Along and Advocacy Support
 National Registry of Youth and Adults with Vision and Hearing Loss
 Assistance with the Application Process to HKNC for evaluation and/or training
 Link consumers to other consumers and families to other families
 Provide educational materials and presentations about the needs and capabilities of
people with vision and hearing loss.
WHERE?
Beth Jordan, Regional Representative
HKNC Great Plains Region (IA, KS, MO, NE)
4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 108
Shawnee Mission, KS 66205-2522
913-677-4562 (Voice/TTY)
Beth.Jordan@hknc.org (e-mail)
www.HKNC.org
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)
CENTER FOR DISABILITES AND DEVELOPMENT
WHAT?
The Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) works to improve the health and
independence of people with disabilities and to advance the community systems on which they
rely.
WHO?
Students who have complex and usually multiple issues which might include visual and/or
hearing disabilities as well as behavioral and/or medical issues
WHEN?
Individuals may be referred to the CDD at any time.
WHY?
The CDD has specialists who, alone or in combination with other specialists, can provide
information and/or assessments that can facilitate transition planning.
Specialties include:
 Audiology
 Education
 Medicine
 Nursing
 Nutrition
 Occupational Therapy
 Physical Therapy
 Psychology
 Social Work
 Speech-Language Pathology
 Transition Services
WHERE?
Center for Disabilities and Development
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
100 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1011
877-686-0031 (toll-free, voice)
319-353-6900 (local)
http://www.uichildrens.org/cdd/
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)