Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
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    • V.I. Book Resources >
      • VI Resource Books
      • Braille Book Resources
      • Children's Books
      • Young Reader Books
      • Books about Dog Guides
      • Non-Fiction
      • Helen Keller Books
    • Parent Resources >
      • Online Parent Resources
      • Parent Resource Books
      • Grief & Suffering Books
      • Financial Assistance
      • Home Adaptations
      • Summer Reading (braille)
      • Summer Outdoor Activities
      • Rainy Days Activities
      • Camps for VI
    • History of Visual Impairments >
      • National Agenda
      • Legislation
      • Timeline of VI
      • Biblical Passages Concerning Blindness
      • Notable People
      • Helen Keller
      • History of Braillewriters
  • Service
    • Referrals >
      • Vision Concerns
      • Vision Classifications
      • Referral Process
      • Eligibility Guidelines
      • Vision Therapy Controversy
      • When Student Doesn't Qualify
    • Vision Exams >
      • Medical Professionals
      • Vision Tests & Tools
      • Visual Acuity
      • Lenses
      • Visual Fields
      • Structure & Function of the Eye
      • Common Vocabulary
      • Common Visual Impairments
      • Cortical Visual Impairments
      • Convergence Insufficiency (CI)
      • Deaf-Blind
    • FVE LMA >
      • What is the FVE
      • Interpret the Eye Report
      • FVE Observations
      • Interviews
      • Assessment Kit Materials
      • Oculomotor Skills
      • Near Visual Acuities
      • Print Comparisons
      • Distance Acuity
      • Test Visual Fields
      • Vision Skills
      • Learning Media Assessment
      • Reading Rates
      • Writing the FVE Report
    • Other Evaluations >
      • Clinical Low Vision Evaluation
      • Orientation & Mobility Evaluation
      • Impact on Development & Learning
      • Educational Assessments
      • Language Development
    • IEPs >
      • ECC Annual Needs
      • Writing SMART Goals
      • Blooms Taxonomy
      • Goal Bank >
        • Compensatory Goals
        • Sensory Efficiency Goals
        • Assistive Technology Goals
        • Social Skills Goals
        • Independent Living Goals
        • Recreation & Leisure Goals
        • Self Determination Goals
        • Career & Vocational Goals
      • Accommodations & Modifications
      • Service Delivery Models
      • Least Restrictive Environment
      • Student Led IEPs
    • Transition Plans
    • 504 Plans
  • Adaptations
    • Unique Visual Needs
    • Instructional Adaptations >
      • Movies & Assemblies
      • Lectures & Instruction
      • Board Work (Chalk, Interactive, White)
    • Material Adaptations >
      • Accessible Educational Materials
      • Photocopying
      • Font Legibility
      • Increase Contrast
      • Pictures and Worksheets
    • Environmental Adaptations >
      • School Campus Adaptations
      • Classroom Design Tips
      • Labeling System
      • Adjust Lighting
      • Playground Adaptations
    • Electives Adaptations >
      • Art
      • Art Materials
      • Music
      • Music & Movement
      • Dance
      • P.E. Adaptations
      • P.E. Resources
      • Home Economics
    • Early Intervention
    • Early Childhood >
      • Daily Schedule
      • Morning Meeting
      • Weather Check
      • Dramatic Play
      • Blocks
    • Math Adaptations >
      • Numbers & Counting
      • Algebra
      • Geometry & Spatial Sense
      • Measurement & Data
    • Literacy Adaptations >
      • Early Literacy Experiences
      • Reading Efficiency
    • Science Adaptations >
      • Science Materials
    • Social Studies Adaptations >
      • Social Studies Materials
  • ECC
    • Compensatory >
      • Guiding Principles of Concept Development
      • Community Based Experiences
      • Concepts to Teach
      • Organization & Study Skills
      • Tactile Graphics Guidelines
      • Tactile Graphics Instruction
      • Creating Tactile Graphics
      • Cranmer Abacus Instruction
    • Communication Modes >
      • Large Print
      • Braille Code
      • Braille Instruction
      • Braille Instruction Materials
      • Writing Braille
      • Create Tactual Books
      • Nemeth Braille Code
      • Signature & Handwriting Instruction
    • Students with MD >
      • Functional Skills
      • Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
      • Transition Between Activities
      • Lightbox Use
      • Encourage Use of Vision in Students with MD
      • Sensory Activities for Students with MD
      • Teacher Made Materials for Students with MD
      • Sensory Areas & Rooms
    • Sensory Efficiency >
      • Sensory Input
      • Sensory Table
      • Visual Efficiency Skills
      • Visual Attend and Scan Activities
      • Visual Tracking Activities
      • Visual Discrimination Activities
      • Visual Motor Activities
      • Optical Device Use
      • Tactual Readiness
      • Developing Skillful Hands
      • Auditory Readiness
      • Listening Skills Instruction
    • Independent Living >
      • Responsibility & Independence
      • Hygiene & Grooming
      • Dressing & Clothing Management
      • Mealtime Independence
      • Housekeeping
      • Money
      • Time Management
      • Food Preparation
    • O&M >
      • Proper Guide Techniques
      • Orienting Student to Environment
      • Mobility Skills
      • Travel
      • Dog Guides
    • Career Edu. >
      • Learn to Play
      • Classroom Jobs
      • Career & Vocational
      • Preparing for College
    • Social Skills >
      • Non-Verbal Communication
      • Social Interactions
      • Self Concept
      • Icebreakers & Mixers
    • Recreation & Leisure >
      • Recreation & Leisure Resources
    • Self Determination
    • Teaching in Thematic Units
  • Assistive Tech
    • Overview of Assistive Technology
    • Assistive Technology Assessment
    • Types of VI AT >
      • Non-Optical Low Vision Devices
      • Low/Medium Tech Devices for Tactual Learners
      • Optical Devices for Near
      • Optical Devices for Distance
      • Video Magnifiers
      • Screen Enlargement & Readers
      • Braille Technology
      • Tactile Graphics Technology
      • Auditory Access Devices
    • AT Instruction >
      • iPads as Instructional Tools
      • Making the iOS Device Accessible
      • Video Magnifier Instruction
      • Notetaker Instruction
      • Accessing Audio Books
      • Navigate Computer without a Mouse
      • Word Processing and Shortcuts
      • Keyboarding Instruction
    • Apps for VI >
      • Note Taking Apps
      • Apps for Accessing Books
      • Identification Apps
      • Navigation & Location Apps
      • Braille Apps
      • Magnifier Apps
      • Sound Making Apps
      • Cause & Effect Apps
      • Vision Skills Apps
      • Apps for Early Learning
      • Read to Me Story Apps
      • Apps for Communication
      • Android Apps for VI
    • Braillewriter Repair
    • AT Resources
    • Vendors

AUDITORY ACCESS DEVICES

Picture of a person cupping their hand to their ear.
By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com

Auditory devices are another means for a student who is blind or visually impaired to access print and information. These devices can help a student access information easily, but be aware that listening to books on tape is not the same as literacy. 
Keep in mind that auditory skills should be used in conjunction with print or braille instruction as listening is not a form of literacy. 

Every student deserves the opportunity to be as literate as they are capable and it should not be limited to the access of personnel who are able to properly instruct the student. Auditory devices should be used in tandem with print or braille as it is essential for a student be as literate as their cognitive skills allow.

​For younger students, or those with cognitive delays, they must be taught to move to sound sources to get what they want (ex. walk to the water fountain to get water, walk to the running water to wash their hands, or go to the lunch table when they enter the cafeteria).  Encourage the student to turn their head, turn their body, and point to isolated sounds. Talk about the positions of sounds: in front, behind, beside, left, right, above.

Recording Devices

Picture of an ipad
A recording device allows a student to record an instructional lesson for studying, write assignments and for notetaking purposes. Some of the same devices that students use to listen to recorded texts such as tape recorders, CD players, MP3 players, iPads and iPhones. It is important to gain permission from the school prior to implementing this as many schools have strict policies against recording classroom instruction.

Auditory Books

Picture of a bookport.
The Library of congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (talking Book program), Recording for the blind, and other organizations provide free library services to visually handicapped persons.  They offer a wide variety of texts and leisure-reading materials for download, on disk, or cassettes.

Some machines, specifically designed for use with audio books, include variable speed components because the speeds at which special disks and cassettes are played differ from the speeds of commercially manufactured recordings.  The National Library Service lends special Talking book and cassette-playback/record machines to eligible persons for this reason.  More portable playback/record cassette equipment can be purchased from the American Printing House for the blind and various other companies, such as Humanware, throughout the United States.

In recent years, downloads or pdf's are the most common means of accessing electronic text. Registering your student for a Bookshare.org or a Reading Ally account is an excellent way to access recorded books.

Electronic Dictionary w/ Speech

Picture of an electronic dictionary.
An electronic dictionary with speech may be used by a student who cannot access a print dictionary. This dictionary, which may also include a thesaurus, is hand-held and battery operated. It uses a standard (QWERTY) keyboard on which the words are entered. Information is produced in both a spoken and large print format.

Audible Gym Equipment

Picture of beep balls.
Beeper balls, balls with bells, goal locators with sound, and other adapted gym equipment can make gym time more accessible to students with visual impairments.

beeper box
This beeper box, emits a series of beeps and can be used to create your own beeper balls (or attach to any other object)! You can go hide the beeper somewhere, and have the student locate it - much like a game of Hide and Seek. And when kids get older and you're teaching them mobility skills, this beeper is very useful for audibly marking landmarks, street corners, etc. 


Screen Reading Software

Picture of Jaws
With this hardware and software, students who are blind are able to access print material on a computer screen. Students can use the internet, word processing programs, calculators and access other printed material without having to see the screen. The best option for students who are blind who will be required to take computer tests or complete other projects on the computer, is for the school to purchase a screen reading software program. Screen reading software, like JAWS, reads the information on the computer screen.

Speech Recognition Software

Dragon Naturally Speaking
Speech recognition software turns your talk into text and can make virtually any computer task easier and faster. It lets you interact with your PC and control your digital world with your voice. Create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, send email, and search the Web just by talking. 

Talking or Large Print Calculators

Picture of a graphic calculator.
Talking or large print calculators are essential for students with visual impairments, particularly those in academic classes. Talking hand-held calculators are available from several manufacturers. They perform the function of speaking each entry and result and are capable of performing all the computations of a non-adapted electronic calculator.  Earphones are available for many models.You will find a large selection in the Visual Impairment Store on this site.

Talking Watches

Picture of a watch.
Talking watches are important for students who are blind or visually impaired who are learning time management skills.

Post a Job 

Job Posting on Post-It Note
Due to the nationwide shortage of vision professionals, it can be challenging to locate personnel. Announce a job vacancy on the Job Exchange of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments, an online listing of jobs specific to the visual impairment field.

FREE VI Program Templates

Picture of VI program brochures.
Become a member for FREE to access the Printable VI Program Templates  to support your district's vision program. Includes VI Program resources, FVE/LMA templates and NEW Sample FVE Reports ebook. Simply click on Log In|Register in the navigation bar at the top of the page and follow the directions to register and create your password. ​

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VI Program

Professional Practice
Vision Professionals
​VI Program Resources

VI Book Resources
​Parent Resources
History of VI

Programming

Referrals 
Vision Exams
FVE/LMA
Other Evals
IEP's
Early Intervention
​504 Plan

Adaptations

Instructional Adapt.
Material Adapt.
Environmental Adapt.
Early Childhood
Literacy Adaptations
Math Adaptations
Science Adaptations
Soc. St. Adaptations
Electives Adapt.

ECC

Compensatory  
Li​teracy Instruction
Sensory Effic.
Independent Living
Social Skills
O&M ​
Career Edu.
Rec & Leisure
Self Determination

Assistive Tech.

AT Assessment
​Types of VI AT 
​AT Instruction
Apps for VI
Braillewriter Repair
AT Resources
Vendors
  • Home
    • Site Map
    • About
    • FAQs
    • Newsletter
    • Printables
    • Presentations >
      • Conducting a FVELMA
      • Selecting the Right AT
      • Classroom AT for VI
      • Get Out of ECC Rut
      • Itinerant Teaching Strategy and Tips
  • VI Jobs
    • Post a Job
    • New Orleans, Lighthouse Louisiana
    • Colorado Springs, CO
    • Equal Eyes throughout NC
    • Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind
    • TBVI/COMS in NC and MN
    • Vision Institute of SC
    • Washington DC Metro Area
  • Program
    • Professional Practice >
      • Professional Development
      • Teacher Standards
      • Professional Ethics
      • Itinerant Teaching Tips
      • VI Program Handbook
      • Year at a Glance
      • Federal Quota Funds
      • Deaf-Blind Child Count
      • Caseload Analysis
      • Role of the Classroom Teacher
      • Simulation Activities
      • Social Etiquette
    • Vision Professionals >
      • Become a Vision Professional
      • Professional Preparation Programs
      • Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
      • Orientation & Mobility Specialist
      • Low Vision Specialist
      • Rehabilitation Specialists
      • CATIS
      • Paraprofessionals & Braille Transcribers
    • Program Resources >
      • VI Organizations
      • Braille Resources
      • Deaf-Blind Resources
      • Support Networks
      • Journal Resources
      • State SpEd Agencies
      • Schools for the Blind
      • Georgia Vision Resources
    • V.I. Book Resources >
      • VI Resource Books
      • Braille Book Resources
      • Children's Books
      • Young Reader Books
      • Books about Dog Guides
      • Non-Fiction
      • Helen Keller Books
    • Parent Resources >
      • Online Parent Resources
      • Parent Resource Books
      • Grief & Suffering Books
      • Financial Assistance
      • Home Adaptations
      • Summer Reading (braille)
      • Summer Outdoor Activities
      • Rainy Days Activities
      • Camps for VI
    • History of Visual Impairments >
      • National Agenda
      • Legislation
      • Timeline of VI
      • Biblical Passages Concerning Blindness
      • Notable People
      • Helen Keller
      • History of Braillewriters
  • Service
    • Referrals >
      • Vision Concerns
      • Vision Classifications
      • Referral Process
      • Eligibility Guidelines
      • Vision Therapy Controversy
      • When Student Doesn't Qualify
    • Vision Exams >
      • Medical Professionals
      • Vision Tests & Tools
      • Visual Acuity
      • Lenses
      • Visual Fields
      • Structure & Function of the Eye
      • Common Vocabulary
      • Common Visual Impairments
      • Cortical Visual Impairments
      • Convergence Insufficiency (CI)
      • Deaf-Blind
    • FVE LMA >
      • What is the FVE
      • Interpret the Eye Report
      • FVE Observations
      • Interviews
      • Assessment Kit Materials
      • Oculomotor Skills
      • Near Visual Acuities
      • Print Comparisons
      • Distance Acuity
      • Test Visual Fields
      • Vision Skills
      • Learning Media Assessment
      • Reading Rates
      • Writing the FVE Report
    • Other Evaluations >
      • Clinical Low Vision Evaluation
      • Orientation & Mobility Evaluation
      • Impact on Development & Learning
      • Educational Assessments
      • Language Development
    • IEPs >
      • ECC Annual Needs
      • Writing SMART Goals
      • Blooms Taxonomy
      • Goal Bank >
        • Compensatory Goals
        • Sensory Efficiency Goals
        • Assistive Technology Goals
        • Social Skills Goals
        • Independent Living Goals
        • Recreation & Leisure Goals
        • Self Determination Goals
        • Career & Vocational Goals
      • Accommodations & Modifications
      • Service Delivery Models
      • Least Restrictive Environment
      • Student Led IEPs
    • Transition Plans
    • 504 Plans
  • Adaptations
    • Unique Visual Needs
    • Instructional Adaptations >
      • Movies & Assemblies
      • Lectures & Instruction
      • Board Work (Chalk, Interactive, White)
    • Material Adaptations >
      • Accessible Educational Materials
      • Photocopying
      • Font Legibility
      • Increase Contrast
      • Pictures and Worksheets
    • Environmental Adaptations >
      • School Campus Adaptations
      • Classroom Design Tips
      • Labeling System
      • Adjust Lighting
      • Playground Adaptations
    • Electives Adaptations >
      • Art
      • Art Materials
      • Music
      • Music & Movement
      • Dance
      • P.E. Adaptations
      • P.E. Resources
      • Home Economics
    • Early Intervention
    • Early Childhood >
      • Daily Schedule
      • Morning Meeting
      • Weather Check
      • Dramatic Play
      • Blocks
    • Math Adaptations >
      • Numbers & Counting
      • Algebra
      • Geometry & Spatial Sense
      • Measurement & Data
    • Literacy Adaptations >
      • Early Literacy Experiences
      • Reading Efficiency
    • Science Adaptations >
      • Science Materials
    • Social Studies Adaptations >
      • Social Studies Materials
  • ECC
    • Compensatory >
      • Guiding Principles of Concept Development
      • Community Based Experiences
      • Concepts to Teach
      • Organization & Study Skills
      • Tactile Graphics Guidelines
      • Tactile Graphics Instruction
      • Creating Tactile Graphics
      • Cranmer Abacus Instruction
    • Communication Modes >
      • Large Print
      • Braille Code
      • Braille Instruction
      • Braille Instruction Materials
      • Writing Braille
      • Create Tactual Books
      • Nemeth Braille Code
      • Signature & Handwriting Instruction
    • Students with MD >
      • Functional Skills
      • Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
      • Transition Between Activities
      • Lightbox Use
      • Encourage Use of Vision in Students with MD
      • Sensory Activities for Students with MD
      • Teacher Made Materials for Students with MD
      • Sensory Areas & Rooms
    • Sensory Efficiency >
      • Sensory Input
      • Sensory Table
      • Visual Efficiency Skills
      • Visual Attend and Scan Activities
      • Visual Tracking Activities
      • Visual Discrimination Activities
      • Visual Motor Activities
      • Optical Device Use
      • Tactual Readiness
      • Developing Skillful Hands
      • Auditory Readiness
      • Listening Skills Instruction
    • Independent Living >
      • Responsibility & Independence
      • Hygiene & Grooming
      • Dressing & Clothing Management
      • Mealtime Independence
      • Housekeeping
      • Money
      • Time Management
      • Food Preparation
    • O&M >
      • Proper Guide Techniques
      • Orienting Student to Environment
      • Mobility Skills
      • Travel
      • Dog Guides
    • Career Edu. >
      • Learn to Play
      • Classroom Jobs
      • Career & Vocational
      • Preparing for College
    • Social Skills >
      • Non-Verbal Communication
      • Social Interactions
      • Self Concept
      • Icebreakers & Mixers
    • Recreation & Leisure >
      • Recreation & Leisure Resources
    • Self Determination
    • Teaching in Thematic Units
  • Assistive Tech
    • Overview of Assistive Technology
    • Assistive Technology Assessment
    • Types of VI AT >
      • Non-Optical Low Vision Devices
      • Low/Medium Tech Devices for Tactual Learners
      • Optical Devices for Near
      • Optical Devices for Distance
      • Video Magnifiers
      • Screen Enlargement & Readers
      • Braille Technology
      • Tactile Graphics Technology
      • Auditory Access Devices
    • AT Instruction >
      • iPads as Instructional Tools
      • Making the iOS Device Accessible
      • Video Magnifier Instruction
      • Notetaker Instruction
      • Accessing Audio Books
      • Navigate Computer without a Mouse
      • Word Processing and Shortcuts
      • Keyboarding Instruction
    • Apps for VI >
      • Note Taking Apps
      • Apps for Accessing Books
      • Identification Apps
      • Navigation & Location Apps
      • Braille Apps
      • Magnifier Apps
      • Sound Making Apps
      • Cause & Effect Apps
      • Vision Skills Apps
      • Apps for Early Learning
      • Read to Me Story Apps
      • Apps for Communication
      • Android Apps for VI
    • Braillewriter Repair
    • AT Resources
    • Vendors
✕