Creating an accessible classroom includes thoughtful environmental design, appropriate lighting, clear organization systems, and adaptations to visual materials presented on boards, screens, and during group activities. These supports help students efficiently gather information, participate in instruction, and function independently within the classroom and school environment.​ ​Vision professionals collaborate with classroom teachers and educational teams to implement strategies that improve access and promote independence. These adaptations benefit not only students with visual impairments but also often improve clarity and organization for all students.

Classroom Design Tips

This section provides strategies for organizing the classroom to support safe movement and efficient visual access. Guidance includes seating placement, reducing clutter, and creating an environment that promotes independence and accessibility. Access: Classroom Design Tips

Adjust Lighting

This section explains how lighting conditions affect visual access and comfort. Resources provide strategies for reducing glare, increasing illumination when needed, and adjusting lighting to support optimal visual functioning. Access: ​​Adjust Lighting  ​

Label Classroom

This section provides guidance on labeling classroom materials, areas, and supplies using large print, braille, tactile markers, or high-contrast labels. Effective labeling supports organization, independence, and efficient navigation. Access: ​​​Label Classroom

School Campus Adaptations

This section includes strategies for improving accessibility throughout the school campus, including hallways, entrances, cafeterias, and common areas. Adaptations help promote safe navigation and independent access. Access: School Campus Adaptations​

Playground Adaptations

This section provides suggestions for making playground environments more accessible and inclusive. Resources address safety, orientation, and strategies to support active participation during recess and outdoor activities. Access: ​Playground Adaptations ​​

Sensory Areas & Rooms

This section explains how sensory spaces can support students with visual impairments by providing opportunities for sensory exploration, regulation, and skill development. Guidance includes design considerations and appropriate materials. Access: ​​​Sensory Areas & Rooms​

Videos and Media

This section provides strategies to ensure videos and digital media are accessible, including audio description, verbal explanation of visual content, and appropriate positioning for optimal viewing. ​Access: Videos and Media​

Movies & Assemblies

This section offers guidance on supporting access during school-wide events such as movies, performances, and assemblies. Resources include seating considerations, preparation strategies, and methods to ensure meaningful participation. Access: Movies & Assemblies​

Accessible Board Work

This section provides strategies for presenting information on whiteboards, smartboards, and chalkboards in accessible ways. Guidance includes contrast, spacing, verbal description, and positioning to support visual access. Access: Accessible Board Work ​
​Accessible classroom environments allow students who are blind or visually impaired to navigate independently, access instructional information, and participate confidently in classroom activities alongside their peers.

Resource Access

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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 ​