Support for Students with Visual Impairments from CSB Assessment Center
Adrian Amandi
The California School for the Blind (CSB) Assessment Center is now accepting referrals for the 2025–2026 school year.
The multidisciplinary Assessment Team is comprised of teachers of students with visual impairments, orientation and mobility specialists, a speech-language pathologist, and a school psychologist. Working in collaboration with families and educational teams, we provide student-focused assessments guided by IEP team questions in areas such as the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), academic achievement, and communication.
Referral questions are addressed through file review, direct and/or observational assessment, and IEP team interviews. Results and recommendations are shared during a collaborative conference with parents and district professionals, followed by a comprehensive written report.
Any student currently receiving services from a teacher of students with visual impairments or an orientation and mobility specialist is eligible for an assessment. CSB assessments do not replace triennial testing, so district evaluations must be current and not approaching the triennial cycle. IEP teams often submit applications for assessment when questions remain after district evaluations have been completed, such as determining the presence of other disabilities or the need for additional supports. Please note that CSB assessments are not part of the IEP process, and Assessment Team staff do not attend IEP meetings. All services are provided free of charge.
In addition to student assessments, the CSB Assessment Team also offers:
- Consultation with IEP teams preparing for triennial assessments
- Resources (e.g., recorded webinars, handouts, classes, and focused listservs)
- Workshops by request
Additional information is available on the CSB Assessment Center Website. For more information and to request an application packet, please contact Stephanie Herlich at sher...@csb-cde.ca.gov.
Stephanie Herlich
California School for the Blind Assessment Center Coordinator;
Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments/Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Office: 510-936-5524
Cell: 510-320-2995
pronouns: she/her (why)