A Functional Vision Assessment (FVA) and a Learning Media Assessment (LMA) are both important tools for evaluating the needs of students with visual impairments.
A functional vision assessment is an evaluation that is conducted by a qualified TVI (Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments) to determine a student’s functional vision. This means that the TVI will be evaluating how the student uses their vision, both in educational settings (like the classroom) and in more everyday settings. This is because vision loss can affect all aspects of a person’s life – not just their ability to read and write, but also their ability to complete tasks for independent living, make and maintain friendships, and access technology.
A FVA will include an eye report and the discussion of findings within the eye report. It will also include visual behaviors, such as the student’s ability to fixate, track, and scan. The TVI will also determine how well the student can see at different distances, in different lighting conditions, and in different settings. The results of the assessment can be used to determine the appropriate accommodations and modifications needed to support the student’s learning and access to the curriculum. The results of the FVA will be used to determine whether or not the student is eligible for vision services.
A Learning Media Assessment (LMA) is an evaluation that is conducted to determine the most effective way for a student with visual impairments to access the curriculum. The assessment may include a variety of tests to determine whether the student will benefit from braille, large print, audio, or other forms of media. The TVI will determine which learning channel the student uses most effectively – usually this is mix of visual, auditory, and tactile learning channels. The results of the assessment can be used to determine the appropriate materials and technology needed to support the student’s learning and access to the curriculum.
Both the FVA and LMA are essential tools for ensuring that students with visual impairments have access to the appropriate support and resources needed to succeed in school.
Common questions about what is a functional vision assessment.
Does it include a CVI assessment?
It can. At SBES, we consider whether the CVI assessment would be appropriate for students based on three criteria – 1. The diagnosis of CVI, 2. The presence of conditions or diagnoses associated with CVI, and 3. Behaviors during assessment that suggest that CVI strategies would benefit the student. If any of these three criteria are met, we assess whether CVI strategies would be appropriate for that student.
Does it include AT assessment?
It should. At SBES, we consider what AT the student is using to access written curriculum (both digitally and in print), what the student is using to produce materials (both digitally and in print), and what the student is using in their environments to facilitate access (such as AAC devices).
Does it include ECC assessment?
It can. At SBES, we include an ECC assessment as part of the overall assessment so that our teams can understand if and how the visual impairment affects the student’s ability to access the world. This helps the educational team make well-informed decisions about eligibility, placement, and services.
Will it include a statement about whether my student needs braille?
It should, as part of the LMA.
Will it include an eligibility statement?
Yes. This is a critical piece of the FVA/LMA. It should include both an eligibility statement and a summary of the findings that led the TVI to recommend eligibility.
SBES is ready to help you solve some of the confusing questions like what is a functional vision assessment. We proudly stand with you and your child as you make sure they have the best they can receive from schools.
