Hearing loss and vision problems may impact an individual’s intellectual, emotional, social, speech, and/or language skills. The Code of Virginia Section 22.1-273 “Vision and Hearing of Student to be Tested” stipulates that student hearing and vision screenings are performed with the aim to:
- Promote an optimal level of learning for all students
- Prevent the development of hearing and vision problems that may affect a student’s health and potential for learning
- Identify students with potential hearing and vision problems
- Provide appropriate educational accommodations for students with hearing and vision impairments
Per the code of Virginia, hearing and vision screenings are performed in APS annually and as required by the code.
When are hearing and vision screenings performed?
- Newly enrolled APS students grade K through 12 are screened within 60 days of school entry, if the screening was not performed by a medical provider within one year of school entry
- All students in grades K, 3, 7, and 10 are scheduled for screening the first 60 administrative working days of the school year unless screened by a medical provider within the past year. Initial screening typically takes place in the fall for grades K, 3, 7, and 10
- Upon request by a parent/guardian, teacher, special educational staff, or healthcare provider, any student grade K through 12 can have their hearing and vision screened
Who conducts the hearing and vision screenings?
- School clinic staff
- Healthcare providers
- Specialists, such as an audiologist or ophthalmologist
- Trained APS staff and volunteers
Does my child have to be screened for hearing and vision?
Parents/guardians may opt their child out of the screenings with written notification to the school clinic staff.
Will I be notified of my student’s hearing and vision screening results?
Parents/guardians are notified of results if further evaluation is indicated. If further evaluation is recommended and helped is needed identifying a specialist or if your student does not have health insurance, the clinic staff can provide additional assistance.
Please inform the school clinic staff if your student sees a specialty provider for a known:
- hearing loss or serious impairment in one or both ears
- visual impairment beyond needing corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses
Feel free to contact your student’s school clinic staff(PDF, 67KB) with any additional questions about the hearing and vision screening process.