Instructional Assistant Visually Impaired

Instructional Assistant for the Visually Impaired

Amherst County School District – Amelon Elementary School, Madison Heights, Virginia (Open in Google Maps)

Starting Date: Aug 3, 2026

The Primary role of the Instructional Assistant for the Visually Impaired is to support Blind or Visually Impaired students in the general education classroom and/or special education classroom as outlined in their Individual Education Program (IEP). The individual will work closely with the Teacher of the Visually Impaired and consult with the General Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Resource Teachers, and the Orientation & Mobility Specialist (if applicable).

The individual should have an understanding of the unique educational needs and learning characteristics of students who are blind or Visually Impaired. A basic knowledge of (or willingness to learn) Unified English Braille (UEB) is recommended.

• Prepare adaptive tactile materials as directed by the teacher.
• Give oral descriptions of videos, words written on the board, or illustrations as needed for understanding within the classroom setting.
• Collect data as requested for IEP goals, such as oral prompts, Talking Typer data, braid reading/writing errors.
• Orally explain what sighted peers are doing (e.g., the students are raising their hands) or who is present as needed for understanding.
• Assist as needed in gym class: running as a human guide, using adaptive equipment, and providing options for student engagement.
• Assist and monitor for safety during recess.
• Facilitate computer use, like listening to read‑aloud stories/materials in textbooks and/or workbooks, Epic, and logging in to Talking Typer.
• Adapt directions as needed for the student’s full participation in the classroom setting.
• Promote safe and independent movement of the student inside and outside the classroom environment by supporting orientation and mobility goals and techniques, as instructed by the orientation and mobility specialist. This requires an understanding of property mobility techniques as described by the specialist.
• Communicate with classroom or resource teachers when assignments need to be changed due to visual bias (such as word searches) or adapted to facilitate the student’s ability to participate or complete the assignments.
• Advocate for the student’s needs in the classroom.
• Communicate with administration for the student’s inclusion in special events and notify of mobility hazards in school and on car‑rider routes.
• Assist students with navigating screen magnifiers, talking software, tablets, and specialized software for the Visually Impaired.

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires sitting and occasionally requires standing and walking; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels;

work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to blood borne pathogens and bodily fluids and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic).

General knowledge of the practices, methods and techniques used in classroom teaching; ability to maintain confidential files and information and to compile reports; skill in the use of classroom and instructional equipment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, parents, students and the general public.

Bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree, 60 hours of college credit, or successful completion of the Paraprofessional test is required.

Contract Period: 10 months

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Position Type:
Full‑Time

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Amherst County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer