Becoming a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI)

​If you enjoy collaboration, value one-on-one instruction, are organized, and are interested in learning specialized skills and technologies, a career as a TVI may be the right path for you. TVIs provide direct instruction and support to students who are blind or visually impaired, helping them gain the skills needed for academic success and independence. To become a TVI, you must:
  • Hold a valid teaching license (in general or special education).
  • Complete specialized coursework in visual impairments, typically around 6 courses.
  • Coursework usually includes:
    • Foundations of visual impairment education
    • Braille reading and writing
    • Anatomy and function of the eye
    • Educational implications of low vision
    • Instructional strategies
    • Basic O&M concepts
  • Complete a supervised internship or practicum experience.
Many programs offer distance learning, and some provide stipends or financial support due to the high demand. The program will typically assign you to, or encourage you to find, a local TVI mentor to support you during your training. Learn more about the role of a TVI on the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments page.

Becoming an Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialist

O&M Specialists teach individuals with visual impairments how to navigate their environments safely and confidently using skills such as white cane travel, spatial awareness, and orientation techniques. Unlike TVIs, a teaching certificate is not required, though a bachelor’s degree in any field is necessary. To become an O&M Specialist:
  • Complete approximately 8 graduate-level courses specific to O&M.
  • Participate in a supervised internship.
  • Obtain certification through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP).
  • Choose from programs that may offer a blend of distance and on-site learning options.
This field is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on instruction, problem-solving, and empowering students of all ages to become independent travelers. In addition to completing coursework and the internship, most states require O&M Specialists to become certified through the Academy of Certification in Vision Rehabilitation and Education ​(ACVREP). Learn more about the role of an O&M on the Orientation & Mobility Specialist page.

Becoming a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT)

​VRTs specialize in independent living skills for individuals with visual impairments. They work with teens transitioning to adulthood and with adults adjusting to vision loss, helping them master everyday tasks like cooking, home management, communication, and technology use.
To become a VRT:
  • Earn a bachelor’s degree in any field.
  • Pursue a master’s degree or graduate certificate in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy.
  • Complete internship or practicum requirements.
  • Consider programs that offer flexible, distance-based learning.
VRTs are trained professionals who provide life-changing support to individuals seeking to live confidently and independently with vision loss. Learn more about the role of a VRT on the Rehabilitation Specialists page.

Learn More

To explore university programs that prepare professionals in these fields, visit the Professional Preparation Program page. Each state has its own certification requirements, so be sure to verify that the program you choose aligns with your career goals and state licensure guidelines.
"I hope one day to see enough braille presses, libraries, schools, and training centers and teachers to assure all persons the opportunities they would have had, had they not been blind."  -Helen Keller

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Full Article List

Guide: Start Here
Tools (VI Basics)
Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
Other Evaluations
Plan: IEP Planning
Plan: Collaboration & Accessibility
​Collaboration Accessible Materials ​Classroom Access Instructional Access Technology Access ​Additional Supports Service Delivery Models  ​
Teach: Compensatory Skills
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development ​Alternative Communication ​Emergent Literacy ​Braille Code
​Beginning Braille ​ Braille Fluency & Comprehension  Writing Braille ​​​Nemeth Code Instruction 
​​​Tactile Graphics ​Print Concepts ​​Abacus  ​​Organization Skills​ ​​Study Skills ​​Time Management
Teach: Sensory Efficiency Skills
​Auditory & Listening Skills ​​Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use ​Tactile Readiness
Teach: Assistive Technology 
AT Overview ​AT Use & Maintenance Braille AT ​iOS Instruction Audio Access​ ​Video Magnifiers ​​​Basic Computer Use Computer Access ​Productivity
Teach: Social Skills
Social Skill Basics​
Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ Verbal Communication Skills Cooperative Skills Identity & Self-Awareness ​Interactions & Relationships Managing Challenges & Safety
Teach: Self Determination
Teach: Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene & Grooming ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation
Household Skills Clothing Management ​Money & Budget Shopping & Consumerism Phone Use ​Safety & Emergency Preparedness ​​Services & Community Resources
Teach: Orientation & Mobility
Teach: Recreation & Leisure
Teach: Career & Vocational
Printables
Free Resources​ Premium Resource Library 
Teaching Strategy Printables 
​Premium Program Printables
​Premium FVLMA Printables
​ECC PrintablesCompensatory Skills Printables
Sensory Efficiency Printables
Assistive Technology Printables
Social Skills Printables
Self Determination Printables
Independent Living Printables
Recreation & Leisure Printables
Career & Vocational Printables
Evelyn Jane Stories 
Learn: Teaching Strategies & Planning
Learn: ​ECC Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall UnitsWinter Units ​​Winter Units ​​Spring UnitsAnytime Units
Learn: ​Interactive Activities
Learn: Recorded Presentations
Learn: Complete Set Bonus ​