Curriculum Adaptations

Some students will need adaptations to the core curriculum in order to access instruction. This section provides suggestions on ways to adapt the standards. 

Numbers & Counting

Number sense refers to a students fluidity and flexibility with numbers as well as the concept that numbers mean and an ability to perform mental math and make comparisons to math in the environment. This page provides an overview of adaptations and materials for instructing students in numbers and counting.

Algebra, Patterns & Functions

Algebra is about finding the unknown or it is about putting real life problems into equations and then solving them. In teaching algebra, some adaptions will that will allow students who are blind or visually impaired to access the concepts and skills.  This page provides an overview of adaptations and materials for instructing students in patterns, functions, and algebra.

Geometry & Spatial Sense

Geometry and Spatial sense are best taught through concrete hands-on experiences when instructing students who are blind or visually impaired. This is beneficial not only for students with visual impairments but for students with normal vision as well. This page provides an overview of adaptations and materials for instructing students in geometry and spatial sense.

Measurement & Data Collection

There are many materials available to make measurement, probability and data collection activities accessible to students who are blind or visually impaired. Using real objects and materials can make experiences more concrete for the student. This page provides an overview of adaptations and materials for instructing students in graphing, probability, and data.

Early Literacy Experience

This page provides suggestions for selecting children's books, poems or songs that relate to the unit, to familiar experiences or books that suggest new experiences the class will be encountering.

Create Tactual Books

Students will not only need to learn to read braille, but to write braille as part of their literacy program. Encourage students to write about areas of interest and practice reading back what they wrote. This page provides strategies for developing braille writing skills.

Reading Instruction

Students who are blind or visually impaired will may need adaptations to access the language arts program. Literacy and reading skills are foundational skills that will allow the student to access all areas of the curriculum. This page discusses strategies for reading instruction.

Reading Efficiency

Students with visual impairments need special considerations to develop strong literacy skills. This page discusses ways to increase reading efficiency for print readers as well as for braille readers.

Science Adaptations

Students who are blind or visually impaired cannot casually observe experiments or videos of science experiments. This page provides suggestions and recommendations for adapting the science curriculum to make it accessible to all the students.

Science Materials

The student who is blind or visually impaired will typically need some accommodations to safely and fully access the science curriculum. This page provides suggestions for science materials that are adapted for the student who is blind or has low vision.

Social Studies Adaptations

Whether studying historical events or geographic locations, all students benefit from hands-on experiences with artifacts or items from different cultures to help in understanding. This page provides suggestions and recommendations for adapting the social studies curriculum to make it accessible. ​

Resources to Support You in Teaching Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired

ECC Instructional Resources

On Demand Presentations

Purchase VI Job Posting

Braille Jewelry

Live Presentations & Workshops

Free Membership

Sign up for free membership to access the FREE downloadable handbooks and handouts on the Free Printable pages (Program printables, FVLMA & Service printables, and VI AT printables) along with access to the Goal Bank pages. Simply click on the Log In | Register link in the navigation bar. If you haven't joined yet, you will be prompted to create a password. ​
    All individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, have the right to an opportunity to learn to read and write in order to increase and enhance their educational opportunities, vocational success, communicative competence, self-empowerment capabilities, and independence."
​- Center for Literacy and Disability Studies