By: Carmen Willings teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated January 21, 2020
The following is a list of specialized materials that I have used over the years when working with students with visual impairments with complex needs, many of which I have picked up from fellow TVI's or Occupational Therapists.
Sound Shakers
These can be made using a variety of objects that can be filled (film containers, small jars, plastic eggs, etc.) Fill with sound making objects (marbles, rice, corn, coin, paper clips, beads, sand, etc.)
Wrist & Ankle Bracelets
The idea is to give the student something to look at on his wrists and ankles to encourage him to notice his extremities. Use a patterned and/or bright ponytail holder and attach a bell or other noisemaker if desired.
Tactile Board
It is useful in encouraging students to open their clenched hand, to help them achieve midline organization of hands, to facilitate their learning to utilize their tactile receptors in their fingertips, to perform tactile orientation, and to begin to compare materials.
Object Book
The purpose is to help a student with poor motor development who is a tactile learner, a book like aid with pages that are easy to turn and with something on each page that may encourage the student to be more actively engaged. Materials can be added to correlate with a student’s book and/or theme.
Tactile Vests
The vests are for a student who is sitting in a wheelchair or car so that the student can get stimulation and play. The vest motivates the individual to perform midline organization of hands. Make it out of a Velcro foam material (material that a Velcro hook material can be attached to). Pieces of the Velcro hook material can be attached to objects such as a ping-pong ball so that it will adhere to the vest. Two rings can be attached to the front of the vest so that objects can be tied to it.
Fidget Boards
The purpose is to encourage the student to reach out and explore materials. Spray a board black. Drill holes evenly spaced throughout the board. Attach tactually interesting materials that student would be interested in exploring tactually and visually.