Lisa McConachie serves as a program administrator for the Columbia Regional Program in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in Vision Services, which teaches students compensatory skills that allow them to access information that other students receive visually. Staff members travel to the home or school to provide the services: school-age children are helped in their district placements. The IFSP team determines whether preschool children are served at home and/or in a school. Vision services also assists classroom teachers.
Her program supports students is several ways, including efficient use of residual vision, use of prescribed optical devices, orientation and mobility, concept development, organization and personal management skills,, social competence and self-advocacy skills, use of literary Braille and Nemeth (math), plus adapted materials and equipment, reading and interpreting tactile graphics, specialized computer technology, keyboarding/handwriting, effective listening skills and accessing reader service, and transition to classrooms, higher education or work.
She also helps provide staff support including interpreting eye report information and monitoring changes in visual functioning, assisting with the adaptation of classroom materials, producing Braille, large print, auditory materials, and tactile graphics, loaning specialized materials and equipment, consulting with specialists regarding skills related to vision/sensory loss, assisting with development, cognitive and academic assessment, referring students for low vision clinics, coordinating the transition of students to the Summer Work Experience Program with Oregon Commission for the Blind, and providing extended curriculum instruction in daily living skills.
Lisa may be reached at (503) 916-5570, ext. 78302.
