ILOTA Live Virtual Event: "CVI Strategies for the OT Practitioner in the School Setting"

Sponsored by the School-Based Practice and Developmental Disabilities Special Interest Sections

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

(Not a member? Join here!)

Register here!

Do you serve students with Cortical Visual Impairment? Do you suspect that some of your students may have CVI . . . but you’re not sure, or not sure what to do? This workshop is designed for the Occupational Therapy Practitioner who serves students in the school setting. The course will cover an updated structure for understanding Cortical Visual Impairment and an overview of the current research, prevalence, and associated conditions. Participants will learn about observable behaviors of students with CVI and how that information can be used in the development of IEP services, environmental adaptations, and accommodations. We will also discuss ideas for collaboration in the school setting, particularly with the Teacher of the Visually Impaired. 

1. Define Cortical Visual Impairment and understand both prevalence and associated conditions
2. Identify the16 visual behaviors associated with CVI as they present in a school setting, and
3. Identify basic environmental interventions and strategies for the school setting, including using a collaborative approach with the Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Jean Deptolla, M.S. Ed.

Jean Deptolla has worked in the field of Visual Impairment and Blindness for 39 years. She spent her first four years as an itinerant Teacher of the Visually Impaired in the East Aurora School district, and after completing her Masters Degree in 1990 Orientation and Mobility and obtaining an endorsement in Special Education Supervision, she moved to the Northwestern Illinois Association. There she supervised Vision Teachers and Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and began her tenure as a DeafBlind Specialist with the Illinois DeafBlind Project.

Since 1990, Jean has served on state committees and presented at local, regional, Illinois, and out-of-state conferences. She has taught classes at Northern Illinois University for the Vision teacher training program, served as Chair of the Illinois Vision Leadership Council, and served on the ISVI Advisory Council. Over the years Jean has worked with children from early intervention through transition age, trained and coached teachers, and supported families. Since retiring in 2025, she has continued to work part-time coaching teachers and leaders, supporting services for students with DeafBlindness, and training professionals in a variety of topics.

Jean’s passion is advocating for the underserved and underrepresented and improving services to children with disabilities through educating professionals, empowering families, and effecting systems change. Not a day goes by that she does not learn something new.

(Not a member? Join here!)

(Zoom meeting link will be emailed to all registrants prior to the meeting.)

If you require any reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact us before the event.

Register here!