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FIMC-VI

Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

                                                                                                                                                                                  

Which students should be registered with FIMC-VI?

All Florida students that meet eligibility standards of the Florida State Board of Education, Rule 6A-6.03014 FAC for students with visual impairment; or 6A-6.03022 FAC for students with dual sensory impairment (deaf-blind).  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

How do I register students with FIMC-VI?

Step 1:  Ensure that the teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) has been authorized and has an FIMC-VI issued username and password to access the FIMC-VI Online System.  If needed, the ESE Director or other district-level administrator must complete the Staff Authorization or Removal form to authorize a TVI. 

Step 2: Gather the following materials to register the student: 

  • Signed parental/guardian consent to share student identifiable information with FIMC-VI and the American Printing House for the Blind;   

  • Copy of an eye medical exam with the following basic information – etiology (including progressive eye disease or dual sensory impaired), near/distance acuity, corrected/uncorrected acuity measures for left eye, right eye and both eyes, and measure of field of vision.  For students who are otherwise unable to be assessed, a medical assessment describing visual functioning shall be documented when standard visual acuities and measure of field of vision are unattainable; and

  • Copy of the educational plan including the comprehensive assessments of functional vision, learning media, expanded core competencies and a screening for orientation and mobility (O&M) services.  

Step 3:  Once you have all the documents, select Online System from the top menu of this webpage.  Log in with your FIMC-VI username and password and select VI Student > New Student. 

Step 4: With your documentation from Step 2, answer all the questions for the student to be added.  Once you certify that the information is correct, click I agree. Watch your email for an FIMC-VI issued student number. Please keep this number secure and in a location where you can find it.   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Which students qualify for federally funded materials from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH)?

Teachers of students with visual impairments may order APH products for any of their students with visual impairments, as long as the request is educationally relevant. 

However, only the following students generate federal quota funding (approximately $450 per student) to be spent with APH:

Students who: 

1. Meet the definition of blindness (MDB)—a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less (using a Snellen chart or an acuity determined in Snellen equivalents) in the better eye with the best correction or a peripheral field of vision no greater than 20 degrees,

-or-

Function at the definition of blindness (FDB)—when visual function meets the definition of blindness as determined by an eye care specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist) or other medical doctor such as a neurologist. Students in this category manifest unique visual characteristics often found in conditions referred to as neurological, cortical, or cerebral visual impairment (e.g. brain injury or dysfunction). AND 2. Are enrolled in a public or private, nonprofit educational program of less than college level -or- Are enrolled in a home school program that meets the guidelines and procedures in effect in Florida. AND 3. Have a written education plan (IFSP, IEP, 504 Plan, service plan) and parent permission. School-aged students including infants, toddlers and preschool students must be enrolled with the registering school or agency on the first Monday in January. For homeschool program requirements and additional information, visit the Eligibility page. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

How do I order textbooks for students?

This video addresses the specific tools within the Online System for ordering textbooks, renewing/reassigning items, and reporting lost, damaged or consumed items. You may view this video that includes general guidelines for ordering textbooks.