Closet Organization

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated May 22, 2024
Hanging clothes using hangers can be challenging. ​Encouraging independence in hanging up and retrieving coats and clothing is an important step in building independence for students who are blind or visually impaired. Discuss the following strategies with the student.

Expectation of Independence

Set the expectation that the student will hang up and retrieve their own coat on a hook. Encourage them to practice this task regularly to build confidence and proficiency.

Teaching Hanger Use

Demonstrate a method of hanging shirts and tops on a hanger by first being sure any fasteners are closed. Lay the shirt or top flat on a surface such as a bed with the neck opening away from you, the arms spread to either side and the bottom opening closest to you. Obtain a hanger and slide it into the bottom of the shirt and slide the hook of the hanger up and through the neck opening. ​​Adjust the sleeves to ensure the shoulder seams rest along the top of the hanger. ​Hang the item in a closet (if available) or on a garment rod. Discuss how this method will prevent the neck opening from being stretched out.Use verbal instructions and hands-on guidance to help the student understand the process.

High Contrast Hooks and Bars

Purchase or paint hooks and bars in high-contrast colors to make them more visible for students with low vision. This can help them locate and identify their designated hooks or bars more easily.

Tactile Cues and Labels

Use tactile cues such as plastic separators or tactile labels to help students identify their hooks or bars. Group similar clothing items together using labels to maintain organization and facilitate independent dressing.

Clothing Organizers

Take advantage of commercially available clothing organizers, such as hanging organizers or closet dividers, to help students keep their clothing neat and organized. Pair these organizers with tactile or braille labels for added accessibility.

Matching Skills with Shoe Storage

​​Incorporate matching skills by storing shoes in labeled shoe boxes or hanging shoe holders. Encourage the student to match shoes and place them in their designated storage spaces independently.

ECC Instruction

Teaching Strategies
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development
Alternative Communication
Emergent Literacy
​Access Print
​Access Environmental Print
Pre-Braille 
Braille Code
​​Braille Formatting
​Braillewriter​​Slate & Stylus​​Tactile Graphics​Nemeth Code​Access Classes​Abacus ​Organize​​Study Skills​Time Management​​​​Listening Skills
Assistive Technology
Social Skills
Self Determination
Self Determination Skills
Sensory Efficiency
Sensory Input
​​​Sensory Areas & Rooms​​​Auditory ReadinessVisual Efficiency Skills​Optical Device Instruction​Tactual Efficiency​Tactile Readiness ​
Independent Living
Personal Care
Hygiene & GroomingPersonal HealthHousehold Skills
Shopping & Consumerism
  • Shopping
  • Grocery Stores
  • Grocery Shopping
  • Expiration Dates
Eating & Table MannersClothing IdentificationTelephone
  • Telephone Use
Food PreparationMoney & Budget
  • ​Money & Budget
  • Money Management
  • Receipts​
  • Payment Methods
  • Buying or Packing Lunch
  • Personal Belongings
  • Paying with Checks
  • Interpret a Warranty
  • School Fundraisers
  • Housing Decisions
  • Paying Bills
  • Vending Machine Purchase
Service Agencies
  • Service Agencies
​Safety
  • General Home Safety
  • Emergencies
  • Evacuations
  • Seeking Shelter
  • Accidents & First Aid
  • Internet Safety
  • Safety
  • Using Locks
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
Career & Vocational
Job AwarenessMaintain Job
  • Address Employer Concerns
  • Maintain Employment
  • Following School Rules
  • Work Related Skills
  • Assuming Responsibilities