08/23/2026
PARENTS, STAY INFORMED! 💙
Important information for Louisiana families regarding CVI screening during special education evaluations. Knowledge is power when advocating for your child!
Please read, save, and share. 💙🧩
Did you know that when a student with a neurological or genetic medical history is referred for a special education evaluation, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) now requires the school district to screen them for Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)?
Under Louisiana Bulletin 1508, districts must take the following steps:
1️⃣ Full Review of Medical History: The team reviews past and present medical records.
2️⃣ CVI Screening: If there is evidence of a neurological or genetic history, the student must be screened for visual behaviors associated with CVI.
3️⃣ Follow-Up Assessment: If the screener is positive, the district must refer the student for a Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessment (FVLMA) as part of the full evaluation process!
Medical histories that require a CVI screening include:
🔹 Seizures (even if currently controlled)
🔹 Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), Asphyxia & Neonatal Encephalopathy
🔹 Cerebral Palsy
🔹 Prematurity, PVL, or Intraventricular Hemorrhage
🔹 Structural brain abnormalities or Hydrocephalus
🔹 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), including Non-Accidental Trauma (NAT)
🔹 Genetic/chromosomal disorders or Autism
🔹 Congenital CMV, CNS infections, Stroke, or Low blood sugar at birth
💡 Parent & Educator Tip: Knowing these requirements ensures children get the early identification and visual access adaptations they need to succeed in school!
💬 Is your child going through a special education evaluation? Save this post to refer back to during your IEP or evaluation meetings! 👇
