By: Carmen Willings teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated April 7, 2024
The following is a list of specialized materials that I have used over the years when working with students with visual impairments who have multiple disabilities, many of which I have picked up from fellow TVI's or Occupational Therapists. My favorite by far is the PVC pipe toy bar as it is so versatile and easily customized to meet the student's unique needs. Also, there are a number of skills that can be incorporated into it.
PVC Pipe Toy Bar
A PVC pipe toy bar can be easily made and can be modified to accommodate a student’s changing visual, auditory and tactile interest.
The following is a list of possible materials to hang:
The “little box” can either be made out of a Clear-View plastic container (approx. 66qt.) or you can use a crate and line it with automotive roof upholstery headliner fabric craft foam backing in black. Drill holes on the top and attach plastic ties that baby rings can be hung from. Space the holes evenly and in such a way as to promote the parallel and non-parallel shift of gaze. You can also encourage the student to come to mid-line when materials are suspended in the middle of the box. Attach a large sheet of black Velcro material to the back and bottom. Attach a strap or bungee cord to allow the box to be fastened to the student’s tray. Qualities of materials to use:
Toys the student enjoys
Are heavy and light
Make interesting noises
Have moving parts
Are almost the same as another thing but just a little bit different
Fit together
Pull apart
Turn off and on
Light up
Are visually interesting
Are rough or smooth
Feel cold, wet or warm
Have moving parts
Vibrate
Are made with a variety of materials (such as wood, leather, metal, fabric, etc.)
Are graspable
Take into account the senses of smell and taste
Are changeable in shape
Place or suspend interesting toys/materials. Toys can be suspended using infant links or can be firmly secured with elastic. Both allow toys/materials to return to their position in space when they are not being handled. You could also attach toys with Velcro. Non-suspending toys/materials can be placed in the box including the portable APH lightbox and other items that may be switch activated.
Magnetic Board
Spray paint a cookie tray black. Attach magnetic tape to the back of objects that you would like to encourage the student to sort/obtain/make designs.
Sensory Bottles
Obtain a clear plastic bottle with a screw top lid. Fill the tube with water and glycerin. Add translucent bingo chips, bands, small LEGO pieces, glitter, beads, or sequins. Seal with contact cement and allow to dry 24 hours before using. Fill a clear plastic bottle with small objects that are visually interesting (colored rice, beads, bells, bright colored marbles, colored sand, feathers, paper shreds, etc.).
Pat Mats
Gain visual attention and encourage interaction
Purchase or create your own:
Fill a gallon size Ziploc bag with glitter, reflective materials, sponges, or theme-related materials.
Add water or hair gel and add food coloring.
Close the bag and seal it with sturdy strapping tape.
Place it into a second bag and seal again.
Place on white board or on lightbox
Push on the mat to make the objects move
Illuminated Slinky
Obtain a neon slinky and a puck light.
Attach the light to the slinky using a hot glue gun.
Cut an elastic hairband and glue it to the back side of the light.
Present the light against a black background.
Encourage the student to reach and interact with it.
Puffer Ball Puck Light
Slit a neon puffer ball.
Insert a puck cabinet light.
Present against a black background.
Turn off the puck light to gain the student’s attention.
Encourage the student to reach and touch it.
Finger Lights
Obtain finger lights
Place inside eggs
Encourage search & find
Place on aluminum pan with objects to encourage looking
Switch Access & Battery Interrupter
Obtain seasonal lights
Insert battery interrupter attached to a switch.
Present against a black background.
Encourage the student to activate the switch to turn on the light.
Bowl of Balls & Lights
Obtain a metallic bowl.
Place a puck light at the bottom.
Fill the bowl with yellow and/or orange practice golf balls (the ones with holes in them).
Present to the student in their visual field and encourage the student to interact with it.
Water Play with Lights
Obtain metallic bowl.
Place pool lights in the bowl.
Add warm water to the bowl.
Encourage the student to look and reach into bowl.