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 that 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 that 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.
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)

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 is an issue in planning because differences in school and adult services are very different. Some of these differences between schools and adult services are:
SCHOOL SERVICES:
Addresses the total child
Serves all students
ADULT SERVICES:
Eligibility requirements are disability-specific
Separate agencies may address employment, recreation, living and educational services
Parent driven
Free service
Individual driven
Funding is not guaranteed
WHEN?
Transition planning 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.
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, work experience coordinator, parenteducator coordinator, and such community agencies as the Iowa Department for the Blind.
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)

The Iowa Braille School / The Statewide System for Vision Services
WHAT?
The Iowa Braille School / Statewide System for Vision Services (IBS) 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 that are blind or visually impaired.
WHO?
All students with visual impairments. 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 IBS 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

Deafblind technical assistance team

Consultants

Math






Literacy
Early Childhood
Family Services
Assistive Technology
Additional Needs
Deafblind Services

Transition

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?
Statewide System for Vision Services
Iowa Braille School
1002 G Avenue
Vinton, Iowa 52349
Phone: 319-472-5221 or 800-645-4579
Fax: 319-472-4371 www.
iowa braille .k12.ia.us
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)

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 AEAs provide a wide variety of services to meet the needs of all children.
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.

Participates in the IEP meeting when appropriate

Provides information regarding community resources and services.
WHERE?
Your local Area Education Agency
AEA 267
3712 Cedar Heights Dr.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613-6390
319-273-8200
Grant Wood AEA
4401 Sixth St. S.W.
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-4499
319-399-6700
Great Prairie AEA
2814 N Court St.
Ottumwa, IA 52501-1163
641-682-8591 or
3601 West Ave. Road
PO Box 1065
Burlington, IA 52601-1065
319-753-6561
Green Valley AEA
1405 N. Lincoln St.
Creston, IA 50801-1199
641-782-8443
Heartland AEA
6500 Corporate Dr.
Johnston, IA 50131-1603
515-270-9030
Keystone AEA
1400 Second St. NW
Elkader, IA 52043-9564
563-245-1480
Loess Hills AEA
PO Box 1109
Council Bluffs, IA 51502-1109
712-366-0503
Mississippi Bend AEA
729 21st St.
Bettendorf, IA 52722-5096
563-359-1371
Northwest AEA
1520 Morningside Ave.
Sioux City, IA 51106-1780
712-222-6000
Prairie Lakes AEA
500 NE 6th St.
Pocahontas, IA 50574-2204
712-335-3588
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)

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. 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. Because the Department is funded primarily through state and federal tax dollars, most of the services it offers are provided to eligible Iowans at no cost to them.
WHO?
Students 14 years and up who have significant vision loss. This includes students who have vision loss in combination with other disabilities and individuals who are deaf-blind.
WHEN?
As soon as the student turns 14 years of age. 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

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 for Deaf-Blind Youths 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 Youths and Adults (HKNC) 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 deafblindness 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 post-educational 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)
CDD-Webmaster@uiowa.edu
(e-mail) http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/cdd/multiple/aboutus/contactus.asp
Portions of this document were gathered from The Transition Resource Guide developed by
The Polk County Transition Advisory Committee (TAC)