Communication Strategies

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
October 12, 2025
Itinerant Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) play a vital role in ensuring students with visual impairments receive equitable access to instruction across multiple schools and learning environments. Because itinerant positions require collaboration with a wide range of professionals, such as teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, administrators, and families, clear and strategic communication is essential. Effective communication not only supports student success but also builds strong professional relationships and fosters a team-based approach to inclusion.

Establish Consistent & Predictable Communication Systems

Working across multiple schools can make communication challenging, so creating consistent systems helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that all stakeholders are informed and supported.
Strategies:
  • Set communication preferences early. During the first few weeks of school, clarify with each team how they prefer to communicate (email, phone, text, or shared documents).
  • Develop a predictable contact schedule. Provide each team with an overview of when you’ll be at their school and when you’re available for consultation.
  • Use shared digital tools. Consider using platforms such as Google Drive, OneNote, or SharePoint to maintain updated information about student accommodations, lesson plans, and accessibility tools.

Communicate About Student Needs & Accommodations

A core responsibility of the TVI is to ensure that every team member understands the unique access needs of the student. Clarity and practicality are key. Communication should not just describe what the student can’t do, but rather explain how the student learns best and what strategies support success.
Strategies:
  • Provide student’s unique visual needs. Share one-page summaries outlining the student’s vision diagnosis, functional implications, preferred learning media, assistive technology, and key classroom strategies.
  • Model accommodations. When possible, demonstrate how a student uses tools such as magnifiers, screen readers, or tactile graphics. Seeing these in action helps staff understand their purpose and importance.
  • Emphasize strengths and independence. Frame communication around what the student can do and how accommodations promote participation and self-sufficiency.
  • Offer quick reference guides. Create handouts or digital quick sheets for teachers and paraprofessionals listing common accommodations and technology references.
This clarity ensures that all team members can confidently support the student throughout the school day.

Advocate for Accessible Apps, Materials, and Resources

Timely access to accessible materials and technology is critical for student success. The TVI plays a proactive role in ensuring that digital tools and classroom resources are compatible with the student’s assistive technology.
Strategies:
  • Request early access to materials. Communicate with general education teachers and technology departments before the start of a new unit or school year to review materials for accessibility.
  • Test apps and platforms in advance. Confirm whether apps and digital programs work with screen readers, magnification, or Braille displays. Provide alternatives when needed. Note that apps are dependent on the user using the built in accessibility features.
  • Document requests in writing. Follow up verbal requests with a concise email that restates the need, the reason for accessibility, and the potential impact if not addressed.
  • Collaborate with IT and administrators. Build positive relationships with technology teams and district leadership to streamline requests for new software or device permissions.
Proactive communication prevents delays and ensures that the student has equal access to learning from day one.

Foster Positive, Professional Relationships

Strong relationships are built on respect, reliability, and collaboration. As itinerant teachers often spend limited time in each building, intentional relationship-building helps maintain connection and trust across sites.
Strategies:
  • Be visible and approachable. Take time to greet staff and check in informally when visiting schools. A short conversation in the hallway can strengthen rapport.
  • Show appreciation. Acknowledge the efforts of teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff who implement accommodations and support the student’s independence.
  • Be a problem-solver, not just a reporter. When sharing concerns, pair them with suggestions or collaborative ideas for solutions.
  • Respect each professional’s expertise. Approach discussions as a partnership, valuing the insights of classroom teachers, therapists, and families.
  • Communicate success stories. Share progress updates and celebrate student achievements with the team—it reinforces that everyone’s contributions make a difference.
Professional relationships thrive when communication is positive, purposeful, and focused on shared goals for the student.

Maintain Strong Communication with Families

Families are essential partners in the educational process. They often bridge the gap between school environments and home life, so keeping them informed and involved supports consistency and confidence.
Strategies:
  • Establish an early connection. Reach out at the start of the school year to introduce yourself, explain your role, and invite open communication.
  • Provide regular updates. Send periodic progress notes or short summaries of what the student is learning, focusing on both successes and upcoming areas of growth.
  • Encourage two-way communication. Ask families to share feedback about how the student uses technology and accommodations at home or in the community.
  • Offer resources. Share information about agencies, adaptive recreation, and transition opportunities relevant to the student’s age and goals.
When families feel informed and supported, they become empowered advocates for their child’s ongoing success.

Communicate Professionally Across Platforms

The itinerant role requires frequent communication through email, phone, text, and in-person meetings. Each mode has its own etiquette and best practices.
Strategies:
  • Email: Keep messages concise, structured, and easy to scan. Use bullet points for action items and include the student’s school number (or other reference approved by your district) rather than full names to maintain confidentiality.
  • Phone or video calls: Use these for complex conversations or collaborative planning. Follow up with an email summary to document next steps.
  • Text messages: Reserve texting for time-sensitive or logistical communication. Maintain a professional tone and limit the use of abbreviations.
  • In-person communication: Be present, attentive, and solution-oriented during meetings and classroom visits. Bring visual or tactile examples when possible to make information tangible.
Adapting your communication style to each situation ensures professionalism and clarity.
For itinerant teachers, effective communication is the foundation of delivering quality service. By establishing consistent systems, clearly conveying student needs, advocating for accessibility, and fostering strong professional relationships, TVIs can ensure that every team member is equipped to support the student’s success. 
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