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Team and Massachusetts IEP Information

The Massachusetts IEP Process Guide indicates that Special Education law expects school districts to bring together the Team of parents, students, general educators and special educator to make important educational decisions for students with disabilities.  If found eligible for Special Education services, the combined knowledge and resources of these individuals, students will be assured greater support and subsequent success.  The Team will work collaboratively to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

​The Guide further states that the IEP must address the unique needs of the student and, therefore, must be tailored to the individual student needs as determined through the evaluation process. IEPs will be responsive to parents concerns and the student’s vision and will assist the student as much as possible to move towards independence. The IEP is intended to be a useful document that helps educators and parents to understand the student and how best to work with that student. The IEP should describe how the student learns, how the student best demonstrates that learning and how the school staff and student will work together to help the student learn better. The IEP should provide a clear picture of the student’s current abilities and needs and should identify key goals and objectives that provide a direction and focus for the student’s learning over the next IEP period.

​Through the IEP process, the Team will determine services and supports necessary to help the student learn better.  For the student with vision loss (up to age 22) the Team may consider services from a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS), Teacher of the Vision Impaired (TVI) or Assistive Technology Specialist as appropriate to meet the educational needs of the student.   If you have questions about the IEP process, please contact the Special Education Administrator in your town.
For more information please contact: 
Lisa DiBonaventura,  M.A.,  COMS
Statewide Director Vision & Vision Loss Services
Department of Developmental Services  (DDS)
Email: Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov
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"Focus" on Vision and Vision Loss: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability
  • MCB/DDS
    • About >
      • Site Accessibility & Download Policy
      • Vision Loss Terminology
    • APH Federal Quota Account >
      • APH Activity Ideas
    • DDS Collaborative Eye Care Clinics
    • Orientation & Mobility/Low Vision Services >
      • Areas Served
      • COMS Log In
    • Let's Walk Together
    • Vision Loss Support Groups
    • EOHHS Resources
  • Eye Care
    • Find an Eye Care Provider >
      • By Town >
        • Athol
        • Ayer
        • Beverly
        • Boston
        • Burlington
        • Cambridge
        • Chelmsford
        • Chelsea
        • East Bridgewater
        • East Harwich
        • Fairhaven
        • Fall River
        • Falmouth
        • Fitchburg
        • Framingham
        • Franklin
        • Gardner
        • Greenfield
        • Groveland
        • Holyoke
        • Lexington
        • Lowell
        • Marlborough
        • Melrose
        • New Bedford
        • Newton
        • North Dartmouth
        • North Reading
        • Plymouth
        • Quincy
        • Revere
        • Sagamore
        • Salem
        • Sandwich
        • Shelburne Falls
        • South Dennis
        • Spencer
        • Springfield
        • Sturbridge
        • Sudbury
        • Taunton
        • Tewksbury
        • Waltham
        • Wareham
        • Watertown
        • Wellesley
        • West Springfield
        • Winthrop
        • Worcester
    • NECO SEMA >
      • NECO Student Access
    • MCPHS Eye and Vision Center
    • DDS Vision Care Guidelines
    • Eye Health & Safety
    • Eye Conditions & Simulations >
      • A
      • B
      • C
      • D
      • E
      • F
      • G
      • H
      • I
      • K
      • L
      • M
      • N
      • O
      • P
      • R
      • S
      • T
      • U
      • V
    • In the News
  • Everyday Life
    • Strategies
    • COVID Resources
    • Deafblind Resources
    • Orientation & Mobility >
      • Movement, Safety and Fun
    • Recreation >
      • Leisure and Learning at Home
    • Local & National Organizations
  • Tech and Access
    • Apps for Vision Loss
    • Technology Equipment
    • Technology Resources
    • Products for Accessibility
    • News and Information Access
  • Students
    • Birth - 22 >
      • Team and IEP
    • Transition
  • Connect
    • Inspiring Lives >
      • Dejan
    • Focus Blog
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Training
    • "Focus Talks"
    • Conferences & Workshops
    • Online Courses & Webinars
    • Downloadable Resources & Videos
    • Train the Trainer: Human Guide >
      • Trainer Log In (password needed)
    • Train the Leader: Support Groups >
      • Support Group Leader Log in (password required)