BRS Pediatric Visual Impairment Services 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for students with visual impairments includes which area NOT typically found in the general education curriculum?
- Reading and writing
- Compensatory skills and social interaction skills (Correct answer)
- Mathematics and science
- Physical education and health
Correct answer: Compensatory skills and social interaction skills
The ECC adds domains such as compensatory skills, sensory efficiency, O&M, social interaction, independent living, recreation, assistive technology, self-determination, and career education.
Question 2: A parent asks why their 3-year-old with congenital blindness does not engage in pretend play at the same level as sighted peers. The most accurate explanation is:
- Children who are blind lack the cognitive capacity for symbolic thought
- Pretend play depends heavily on incidental visual learning that is inaccessible without vision (Correct answer)
- Blindness causes a global developmental delay across all domains
- Children who are blind prefer solitary rather than interactive play
Correct answer: Pretend play depends heavily on incidental visual learning that is inaccessible without vision
Much of the symbolic content of pretend play (imitation, role modeling) is acquired through incidental visual observation, which children who are blind must learn through alternative means.
Question 3: Which literacy medium decision-making tool is widely used by TVIs to determine whether a student should learn braille, print, or a combination of both?
- Braille Bug Assessment
- Learning Media Assessment (LMA) (Correct answer)
- Visual Efficiency Scale
- Oregon Project Checklist
Correct answer: Learning Media Assessment (LMA)
The Learning Media Assessment (LMA) guides TVIs in selecting the most appropriate literacy medium based on functional vision, tactile skills, and learning needs.
Question 4: When a child with visual impairment receives O&M services under IDEA, these services must be provided by:
- Any special education teacher with appropriate training
- A certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS) (Correct answer)
- The classroom aide under TVI supervision
- A licensed occupational therapist
Correct answer: A certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS)
IDEA requires that O&M services be provided by a qualified professional, which is a certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS).
Question 5: A 6-year-old with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) grade IV has usable central vision but severely reduced peripheral fields. Which low vision device would MOST directly address difficulties during classroom transitions?
- A stand magnifier for near work
- A handheld monocular telescope for distance viewing
- A reverse telescope to expand the visual field (Correct answer)
- A CCTV for reading printed text
Correct answer: A reverse telescope to expand the visual field
A reverse (inverted) telescope minifies the image, effectively expanding the perceived visual field and aiding mobility in students with significant peripheral field loss.
Question 6: Which characteristic is MOST associated with Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) in infants?
- Gradual onset of vision loss beginning in adolescence
- Nystagmus and severely reduced visual acuity present at birth or within the first year (Correct answer)
- Unilateral vision loss with normal fellow eye
- Intermittent vision loss triggered by fever
Correct answer: Nystagmus and severely reduced visual acuity present at birth or within the first year
LCA is a severe retinal dystrophy presenting at birth or within the first few months of life, typically with nystagmus, roving eye movements, and profound visual impairment.
Question 7: During a home visit with a family whose 2-year-old has been recently diagnosed with visual impairment, the early interventionist should FIRST:
- Begin formal braille readiness activities
- Assess the child's visual functioning in the natural home environment (Correct answer)
- Prescribe low vision devices for trial
- Schedule O&M evaluations for long cane training
Correct answer: Assess the child's visual functioning in the natural home environment
Initial early intervention visits should prioritize understanding how the child uses available vision in their natural environment before planning specific interventions.
BRS Pediatric Visual Impairment Services 3
The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for students with visual impairments includes which area NOT typically found in the general education curriculum?