In order to supplement classroom instruction and
to provide intensive intervention for addressing specific needs, the
Arkansas School for the Blind provides a variety of related support
services. Services provided include, speech and language development, physical and occupational therapy and psychological
testing. In addition, ASB maintains a low-vision clinic staffed
with an optometrist to insure that students are provided with
glasses and aids for maximizing their ability to get the most out of
their vision.
Speech and Language Development
The Arkansas School for the Blind employs a certified speech and
language pathologist to provide services prescribed in the IEP. The
Speech-Language Pathologist conducts speech and language evaluations
using (as necessary) observation, language sampling, and
standardized instruments to diagnose and determine treatment for a
variety of speech and/or language disorders. If the student requires
therapy, the SLP develops individualized goals and objectives as a
part of the student’s Individualized Education Program. The
Speech-Language Pathologist conducts therapy to correct speech
and/or language delays or disorders through individual and/or group
sessions.
Many of the hearing related services at ASB are coordinated by
the Speech-Language Pathologist. She conducts annual hearing
screenings on the students of ASB using the Arkansas Department of
Health’s School Hearing Screening Protocol. In the event a student
fails his/her hearing screening, the student is referred to an
audiologist for a full audiological evaluation. By attending the
evaluation and communicating with the audiologist who conducts the
evaluation, the speech/language pathologist is able to refine
programming strategies and communicate with the student's classroom
teacher to insure that adequate modifications are employed. She
also oversees the Daily Listening Check program for students who use
amplification (FM Systems or Hearing Aids) to insure that their
equipment is properly functioning. The Speech-Language Pathologist
provides training for the staff as necessary on the use of FM
Systems and Hearing Aids.
Contracted Services
It is more
economical to contract for a number of services in order to meet the
needs of all students. "ASB contracts with "OnSite" which provides
physical and occupational therapy for all students who require these
services. "OnSite" is a service provider which serves several local
school districts and is highly respected. Therapists work at
ASB, evaluating students, writing and monitoring goals and providing
direct intervention. In addition, "OnSite" provides
speech/language pathologists to assist the pathologist at ASB in
serving all students who require speech therapy. ASB contracts with
a pediatrician who sees students once a week in the infirmary and
who is always on call. Also, ASB contracts with an optometrist who
works in the low-vision clinic.
Students at ASB
are required to take all standardized tests which are mandated by
law. The counselor who is a permanent staff member administers
these tests. However, ASB contracts with a licensed psychological
examiner who administers psychological evaluations as needed. By
contracting with service providers, the number of individuals who
provide a specific service can be increased or decreased from year
to year based on the needs of the changing student enrollment.
Low
Vision Clinic
A low-vision
clinic located in the east wing of the administration building
serves ASB students and students with visual impairments attending
public schools. Activities of the clinic are coordinated by a staff
member who schedules appointments and determines the appropriate
steps to take based on the results of the examination. An
optometrist who is a specialist in the use of visual aids sees
students at the clinic each Tuesday, does a thorough examination,
monitors vision for stability and recommends visual aids when
appropriate. Depending on the doctor's recommendations, the
clinic coordinator may order visual aids for students, advise
parents on how to secure recommended aids, schedule training in the
use of a visual aid or discuss the doctor's recommendations with the student's
classroom teacher to insure that recommendations are implemented.
For more information concerning the low-vision clinic or to schedule
an appointment, you may contact Teresa Doan, (501) 293-1810; or you
may
email: Teresa
Doan.
Also, here are
a couple of links to help you understand eye conditions and other
eye related questions.
http://www.healthopedia.com/pictures/ophthalmology-images.html
http://www.healthopedia.com/eyes-vision.html
Health Services
Excellent
health facilities at ASB insure the delivery of quality health
services to all students. The infirmary is a licensed hospital
which provides 24-hour nurse's care, a pediatrician who makes weekly
visits to the school and who is always on call. An arrangement
with Arkansas Children's hospital allows the school to transport
students to that facility in event of an emergency. The medical
staff is supervised by the special education supervisor who reviews
hearing screenings, medical reports of nurses and recommendations of
the optometrist who works out of the low vision clinic. In so
doing, the special education supervisor insures that efforts of
nurses, the speech and language pathologist and the low-vision
specialist are coordinated. Up-to-date medical records and
coordinated efforts insure that students' health needs are met, that
students' vision is closely monitored and that community health
services are accessed when such services are needed.
