NYSTCE Blind and Visually Impaired

The NYSTCE Blind and Visually Impaired test measures your knowledge according to the New York State Academic Standards. Success on this test indicates that you are qualified to teach individuals that are blind or visually impaired in the New York State public school system. The test content is drawn from these subareas: Understanding Blindness and Visual Impairments (18% of the exam); Assessing Students and Developing Individualized Education Programs (18%); Promoting Student Development and Learning (24%); Promoting Students' Communication and Literacy Skills (10%); Professional Practice (10%); and transcription assignments related to Promoting Students' Communication and Literacy Skills (20%). The test consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and four transcription assignments.

NYSTCE Blind and Visually Impaired Practice Questions

1. What was the primary objective of the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1992?

A: To stop the segregation of disabled students
B: To specify the requirements for special education
C: To mandate ramps and guardrails on federal buildings
D: To allocate funds for special education teacher training

2. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of macular degeneration?

A: Poor depth perception
B: Loss of some color perception
C: Trouble reading
D: Loss of central vision

3. In Braille, a dot 6 placed in front of a letter indicates that the letter is _____.

A: Spanish
B: underlined
C: capitalized
D: silent

4. The United States government guarantees a free education to disabled people until age ____.

A: 16
B: 18
C: 21
D: 25

5. What is the cause of glaucoma?

A: Exposure to bright lights
B: Increased pressure within the eye
C: Blunt trauma to the eye
D: Genetic defect

Answer Key

1. B. There were no clear guidelines for the education of disabled students before the passage of the IDEA.
2. A. Macular degeneration is an incurable condition in which the retina's cone cells gradually lose their function.
3. C. Braille does not have a unique alphabet for capital letters.
4. C. Disabled people in the United States are entitled to a free education from age 3 to age 21.
5. B. Glaucoma is a treatable condition, but it can result in a drastic reduction of the visual field.