Visual Impairment

Our team of dedicated Teacher Consultants, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, VI Expert Substitute and Braille Technicians provide special education-related vision services and supports to students, staff, and families in our county's local schools and young adult programs in Washtenaw County, MI.

These services include:

  • Braille assessment, instruction, translation, and material preparation
  • Functional Vision Assessments and Learning Media Assessments
  • Large print and accessible material preparation and instruction
  • Assessment, instruction, consultation & specific material adaptations for students with cortical visual impairment
  • Assistive technology assessment, instruction, consultation, and provision
  • Orientation and mobility assessment and training to promote safe travel in all environments
  • Assessment, collaboration, and family coaching for children birth-3 through the Early-On program
  • Workshops, presentations, and general district and program support

We strive to provide excellent service to our constituents through equitable, inclusive, and self-reflective practice.

Ages Birth to 3

Please contact: 800-EARLY-ON (800-327-5966)

Ages 4 to 26:

If you need to refer a student to WISD for formal evaluation related to a possible visual impairment, please download the referral form and one of the release of information forms below. We need to obtain a report from an eye doctor as a first step to the evaluation process. Complete the forms and fax to:  (734) 325-1091 attn: Janet Hassa (VI Materials Center in the TLC building).

Student Referrals and Related Questions:

Janet Hassa
(734) 994-8100 ext. 1268

Megan Bachus
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired 
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Jill Burch
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired

Zoë Calderon
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Blake Collins
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Tara Cote
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Michele Danilowicz
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Diane Dingman
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired

Gretchen Finkbeiner
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Jessicia Klenk
Early On
Teacher Consultant of the Visually Impaired
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Amy Shepherd
Expert Sub for Students of the Visually Impaired 

Becky Starick
Media Specialist for Blind and Visually Impaired

Janet Hassa
Media Specialist for Blind and Visually Impaired

Team Contact Information: 

Visually Impaired Team Email
(734) 994-8100

Supervisor

Lyn Arons
Supervisor Special Education Services
(734) 994-8100 ext. 1562

ADA & Accessibility

Our School Strives To Ensure Our Website Is Accessible To All Our Visitors 

Washtenaw ISD is committed to providing a website that is fully accessible and we are currently in the process of developing a new website to better meet the needs of our customers. Our new website will include improvements to ADA compliance and accessibility, and during this transition, we remain committed to maintaining our existing website's accessibility and usability. 

ADA Compliance

Non Discrimination

It is the policy and commitment of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any legally protected characteristic, in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment policies in accordance with Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, executive order 11246 as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and all other pertinent state and Federal regulations.

Non Discrimination Information

ADA and Title IX CoordinatorADA and Title IX Coordinator
Brian Marcel
Associate Superintendent
1819 S. Wagner Road 
Ann Arbor, MI  48103
(734) 994-8100 ext. 1402		Cassandra Harmon-Higgins
Executive Director, HR & Legal Services
1819 S. Wagner Road 
Ann Arbor, MI  48103
(734) 994-8100 ext. 1311