Visual Impairment
Our team of dedicated Teacher Consultants, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, VI Expert Substitute and Braille Technicians provide special education-related vision services and supports to students, staff, and families in our county's local schools and young adult programs in Washtenaw County, MI.
These services include:
- Braille assessment, instruction, translation, and material preparation
- Functional Vision Assessments and Learning Media Assessments
- Large print and accessible material preparation and instruction
- Assessment, instruction, consultation & specific material adaptations for students with cortical visual impairment
- Assistive technology assessment, instruction, consultation, and provision
- Orientation and mobility assessment and training to promote safe travel in all environments
- Assessment, collaboration, and family coaching for children birth-3 through the Early-On program
- Workshops, presentations, and general district and program support
We strive to provide excellent service to our constituents through equitable, inclusive, and self-reflective practice.
Referral Information
Ages Birth to 3
Please contact: 800-EARLY-ON (800-327-5966)
Ages 4 to 26:
If you need to refer a student to WISD for formal evaluation related to a possible visual impairment, please download the referral form and one of the release of information forms below. We need to obtain a report from an eye doctor as a first step to the evaluation process. Complete the forms and fax to: (734) 325-1091 attn: Janet Hassa (VI Materials Center in the TLC building).
- Referral form for visual impairment and Orientation and Mobility
- Release of information form for Kellogg Eye Center
- Release of information form for all other doctors / agencies
Student Referrals and Related Questions:
Janet Hassa
(734) 994-8100 ext. 1268
Your Dedicated Visual Impairment Team
Jill Burch
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Zoë Calderon
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Kathy Christensen
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Blake Collins
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Tara Cote
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Michele Danilowicz
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Gretchen Finkbeiner
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Jessicia Klenk
Early On
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Amy Shepherd
Expert Sub for Students of the Visually Impaired
Becky Starick
Media Specialist for Blind and Visually Impaired
Janet Hassa
Media Specialist for Blind and Visually Impaired
Team Contact Information:
Visually Impaired Team Email
(734) 994-8100
Supervisor
Melissa Paschall
Young Adult Community Classrooms
Local-based Classrooms
Visually Impaired Supervision
(734) 994-8100 ext. 1562