Blind and Visually Impaired Support Program (BVISP)

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) BVISP provides specially designed instruction to students whose visual impairment adversely affects their educational performance. Teaching activities, including orientation and mobility instruction, and Braille instruction, focus on the acquisition of specific competencies from the Expanded Core Curriculum including: compensatory or functional academic skills, including communication modes, orientation and mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, career education, use of assistive technology and visual efficiency skills. These skills aid the student in compensating for vision loss. Specialized materials, technical assistance, technology support, assessment, acquisition and training in the use of assistive devices for the visually impaired are provided. These enhance the student's opportunities for academic success in an inclusive educational program.

FAQs  

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the BVISP operated by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) Operations and Educational Services Division. 

Specialized Services  

The AIU BVISP offers a variety of specialized services to school districts.  These services include: Utilization of Low Vision; Keyboarding and Handwriting; Listening Skills; Braille Instruction; Assistive Technology; Vocational Planning; Orientation and Mobility; Procurement and preparation of textbooks and other instructional materials in the appropriate medium. Supervisors are also available for consultations and to provide specialized professional development. All Teachers of the Visually Impaired in the BVISP are certifiicated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the education of Students with Visual Impairments. Professional development opportunities are provided, as well as student teaching opportunities.  Please see our Specialized Services page for a more in-depth look at these services.

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Please contact Sandy Finkel at 412-394-5714 or sandy.finkel@aiu3.net for additional information.