IEP Consult Vision Services
What Are IEP Consult Vision Services?
IEP Consult Vision Services, also called Indirect Services, are support services provided by a certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) to guide the student’s educational team in meeting the needs of a student with blindness or low vision. Rather than working directly with the student, the TVI works collaboratively with teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and families to ensure the student has full access to learning, communication, materials, and school routines.
These services are outlined in the student’s IEP and are especially valuable when a student does not need specialized direct instruction from a TVI but still requires specialized support to be successful. Consult services are also essential for students with multiple disabilities, limited communication, or complex medical needs, where consistent adaptation and team coordination are key.
At Virtual TVI, our certified teachers provide consult services remotely through secure, scheduled Zoom sessions and ongoing collaboration with the school team. We also offer occasional in-person observations, if needed and depending on location.
What Does a Teacher of the Visually Impaired Do in a Consult Role?
In a consult model, the TVI serves as a vision specialist and coach, helping staff understand the unique impact of visual impairment and how to support the student throughout the day. The TVI’s role includes:
- Reviewing and analyzing all IEP goals, accommodations, and service plans to ensure they address the student’s visual needs
- Observing the student in classroom settings via video or recorded clips to identify barriers and recommend strategies
- Providing written and verbal suggestions for adapting classroom materials, routines, and teaching methods
- Coaching staff on how to embed vision-related supports into regular activities such as circle time, transitions, small group lessons, or sensory exploration
- Helping teams select, set up, and support assistive technology, including screen readers, magnification tools, braille devices, or AAC systems with visual or tactile access
- Modeling how to use tactile symbols, object schedules, or real materials to increase understanding and participation
- Training staff in visual access strategies, including contrast, lighting, positioning, and pacing
- Communicating regularly with the IEP team to troubleshoot challenges and celebrate progress
The TVI uses an ECC-based lens to guide all recommendations, helping the student develop real-world skills like orientation to space, organization, communication, and self-advocacy, even when they are nonverbal or have multiple disabilities.
How Are Consult Services Delivered Virtually?
At Virtual TVI, consult services are flexible, responsive, and easy for teams to access. Here is how we support school staff and families virtually:
- Live Video Consultations: The TVI meets with teachers, therapists, aides, or families over Zoom to discuss the student’s vision needs, IEP implementation, and current challenges
- Virtual Classroom Observations: With the camera placed discreetly, the TVI observes the student during typical class routines to provide detailed recommendations for support and inclusion
- Reports and Adaptation Plans: After each consultation, the TVI provides notes with specific, actionable guidance
- Material Reviews and Planning: The TVI helps adapt existing classroom tasks, such as turning a worksheet into a hands-on activity using real objects or recommending visual cues for AAC use
- Ongoing Support: The TVI checks in regularly to answer questions, review progress, and adjust strategies as the student grows
- Staff Training and Coaching: The TVI offers individual or group training on topics like tactile learning systems, CVI, supporting eye gaze, positioning materials, or helping a student access literacy at their level
Consult services are especially effective for teams that need support integrating vision strategies into daily routines. A student can have just direct services, just consult services, or both, depending on their needs and the support needs of their team.
Partner with Virtual TVI for Consult Services
At Virtual TVI, we understand how powerful consult services can be in helping school teams confidently support students with visual impairments. Our certified Teachers of the Visually Impaired work alongside your team to provide insight, solve challenges, and ensure the student is set up for success.
If your student receives consult vision services and your team needs guidance, collaboration, and expert recommendations, Virtual TVI is ready to help.