National Agenda Goal Statements

In June 2003, the National Agenda Steering Committee approved revisions to the original eight goals and added two new goals. The complete list of revised and additional goals is as follows:

National Agenda Goal Statements

All the following goal statements apply to infants, toddlers, children, and youths who are visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities:

Goal 1—Students and their families will be referred to an appropriate education program within 30 days of identification of a suspected visual impairment. Teachers of students with visual impairments and orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors will provide appropriate quality services.

Goal 2—Policies and procedures will be implemented to ensure the right of all parents to full participation and equal partnership in the education process.

Goal 3—Universities with a minimum of one full-time faculty member in the area of visual impairment will prepare a sufficient number of teachers and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists for students with visual impairments to meet personnel needs throughout the country.

Goal 4—Caseloads will be determined based on the assessed needs of students.

Goal 5—Local education programs will ensure that all students have access to a full array of service delivery options.

Goal 6—All assessments and evaluations of students will be conducted by or in partnership with personnel having expertise in the education of students with visual impairments and their parents.

Goal 7—Access to developmental and educational services will include an assurance that textbooks and instructional materials are available to students in the appropriate media and at the same time as their sighted peers.

Goal 8—All educational goals and instruction will address the academic and expanded core curricula based on the assessed needs of each student with visual impairments.

Goal 9—Transition services will address developmental and educational needs (birth through high school) to assist students and their families in setting goals and implementing strategies through the life continuum commensurate with the students' aptitudes, interests, and abilities.

Goal 10—To improve students' learning, service providers will engage in ongoing local, state, and national professional development.