Collaboration Strategiesby Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com June 16, 2025 Instructing students in the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) requires a collaborative, team-based approach. Effective collaboration ensures consistency, maximizes student progress, and leverages the expertise of all team members.
The ECC is a Team EffortEach professional on a student’s educational team contributes to their development:
Co-treatment—where two or more professionals deliver instruction together—can be especially effective. For instance, a TVI and OT might co-teach a cooking activity where the OT focuses on fine motor tasks while the TVI embeds ECC goals related to sensory access or assistive tool use. Important Note: Only certified Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments should provide direct instruction in braille literacy or other specialized visual impairment instruction. Coach Your TeamsOne of your key responsibilities as a TVI is to coach and guide team members:
Contribute to Positive Team InteractionsSupportive teams are built on mutual respect and shared responsibility. As a TVI, you can foster positivity by:
Tips for Working with New TeamsWhen starting a new school year—or when new team members join:
Be Dependable and FlexibleWhen creating your service schedule:
Customize ConsultationConsultation needs will vary by team:
Develop Positive RelationshipsTrust is the foundation of strong collaboration. You can build positive relationships by:
Make Communication CountGood communication is intentional. To build understanding:
Keep the Focus on the StudentConflict and disagreement may arise within any team. When it does:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” |
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Guiding Principles Functional Skills Community Based Experiences Concepts to Teach Organization & Study Skills Time Management Virtual Instruction Movies & Assemblies Lectures & Instruction Board Work (Chalk, White, etc.) Daily Schedule Morning Meeting Weather Check Dramatic Play Blocks Numbers & Counting Cranmer Abacus Instruction Algebra Geometry & Spatial Sense Measurement & Data Early Literacy Experiences Create Tactual Books Reading Instruction Reading Efficiency Science Adaptations Social Studies Adaptations Accessible Educational Materials Individual Schedules & Communication Cards Adjust Lighting Large Print Optical Devices for Near Optical Devices for Distance Optical Device Use Photocopying Font Legibility Increase Contrast Pictures & Worksheets Keyboarding Instruction Word Processing and Shortcuts Navigate Computer w/o a Mouse Braille Code Braille Instruction Braille Instruction Materials Writing Braille Summer Reading (braille) Signature & Handwriting Nemeth Braille Code Tactile Graphics Guidelines Creating Tactile Graphics Tactile Graphics Instruction Teacher Made Materials Labeling System assistive technology
Overview of Assistive Technology VI AT Resources Non-Optical Low Vision Devices Video Magnifiers Video Magnifier Instruction Screen Enlargement & Readers Low/Med. Tech Tactual Devices Notetaker Instruction Braillewriter Repair Tactile Graphics Technology Braille Technology Auditory Access Devices Accessing Audio Books iPads as Instructional Tools Making iOS Device Accessible iOS Accessibility Resources VoiceOver 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 sensory efficiency
Sensory Input Encourage Use of Vision Sensory Area & Rooms Lightbox Use Sensory Activities for Students with Multiple Disabilities Sensory Tables Visual Efficiency Skills Visual Attend and Scan Activities Visual Tracking Activities Visual Discrimination Activities Visual Motor Activities Tactual Readiness Developing Skillful Hands Auditory Readiness Listening Skill Instruction independent living
orientation & Mobility
career education
recreation & Leisure
self determination
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