Which professional acts as a liaison with community services and provides support to students, teachers, and parents?

• A. Orientation and Mobility Specialist
• B. Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
• C. Teacher of the Visually Impaired
• D. Occupational Therapist

Answer: (C)

The Teacher of the Visually Impaired is the professional who acts as a bridge between school and community resources, providing support to students, teachers, and parents. They collaborate with classroom staff, family members, and outside agencies to ensure access to the curriculum and to coordinate services such as assistive technology, Braille or large-print materials, and mobility supports. They interpret evaluations for families, explain options, and help align services with the student’s IEP goals, often guiding transitions and referrals to community programs or services. This liaison role is what makes them the best fit for connecting families with community resources while supporting both students and teachers in the educational setting. The other roles focus more on specific skills—mobility and travel, broader rehabilitation for daily living, or occupational therapy tasks—rather than serving as the primary school–community liaison.