CVI Activities

by Carmen Willings
​teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 26, 2025
​For students with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), carefully selected and adapted activities can promote visual attention, visual-motor skills, and consistent use of vision. The following strategies are designed for students—especially those in Phase I of the CVI Range—to create visually accessible environments and experiences tailored to their unique visual processing needs.

​Positioning for Interaction

  • Present materials in the student's preferred visual field and within a functional distance.
  • Use prescribed adaptive seating to ensure postural support.
  • Arrange objects around the student’s body, so movement leads to incidental contact, increasing awareness.
  • Keep the play environment consistent by using the same objects in the same positions to build predictability. 
  • Stabilize toys using Velcro, Dycem, rubber shelf liner, or other non-slip materials—especially important for students using wheelchairs or standers

CVI Den (Controlled Visual Environment)

A CVI Den is a high-contrast, distraction-reduced space to promote visual attention. It is especially effective for students who are not yet consistently using their vision.
  • Set-up Options: Use a black pop-up tent or place blackout curtains around a tall table.
  • Select a single visual target (e.g., illuminated slinky, toy with movement) that is interactive rather than static.
  • Adjust the position and height of the item to align with the student’s visual preferences.
  • Always monitor the student’s engagement and comfort while in the den.
​CVI Sensory Tent ​
Black pop up tent as CVI den
Black pop up tent as CVI den

Activity Ideas to Support Visual Engagement

Illuminated Slinky
  • Wrap a neon slinky around a puck light using hot glue.
  • Suspend against a black background by gluing an elastic hair band to the puck.
  • Encourage the student to reach and interact.
Materials: Original POOF Neon Slinky, Under cabinet puck lights, elastic hair band, black backdrop
light up slinky
Light up Slinky
​Mardi Gras Bead Curtain
Create your own sensory bead chain mirror:
  • Attach cut Mardi Gras beads to a shatterproof mirror using hot glue.
  • Set the mirror at an angle using a wedge.
  • Combines visual, tactile, and auditory stimulation to motivate interaction.
Variations: Glue beads to a paint stick or attach to comb rings and drape over the mirror.
Mardi gras beads in curtain over mirror
Mardi Gras Bead Curtain
Illuminated Bowl of Balls
  • Place under cabinet puck lights inside a metal mixing bowl.  (If you don't have an old used one, Walmart sells metal mixing bowls for under $10)
  • Fill with bright yellow and/or orange wiffle-style golf balls.
  • Present in the student’s visual field to encourage looking and reaching. 
Illuminated Bowl of Balls
Illuminated Bowl of Balls
Vibrating Light-Up Massager
  • Present the massager against a black background.
  • When the student visually fixates, use it for massage (e.g., on shoulders or knees).
  • Pause and repeat to promote visual-motor engagement.
Light-Up Vibrating Massager
Light-Up Vibrating Massager
Puffer Ball Light
Pink Puffer Ball Light
Pink Puffer Ball Light
Looking Tubes (Sensory Bottles)
  • Fill clear bottles with visual materials, then seal securely with contact cement.
Liquid Fill Ideas:
  • Clear soap + BINGO chips, glitter, water beads, LEGO bricks, buttons
Dry Fill Ideas:
  • Sequins, sparkling pom-poms, bells, feathers, colored sand, paper shreds
Looking Tubes with water beads and bingo chips
Looking Tubes
Light-Up Glasses
  • In a dark room, wear solid (non-flashing) light-up glasses.
  • Bring your face within 18 inches of the student and say, “It’s time to do some looking.”
  • When the student makes visual contact, affirm: “You found [your name]!”
Red light up glasses
Red light up glasses
Pat Mats (DIY Sensory Bags)
  • Fill a Ziploc bag with glitter, sponges, or themed materials.
  • Add water or hair gel and food coloring for extra visual effect.
  • Seal the bag with strapping tape and double-bag for safety.
  • Use on a lightbox or white background to increase contrast.
Pro Tip: You can adapt these for different themes (seasons, holidays, favorite colors).
APH Pat Mat
APH Pat Mat

Switch Access Activities

Battery-Operated Lights with Interrupter
  • Use a battery interrupter to make light-up items switch-accessible.
  • Present against a black background.
  • Encourage the student to activate the switch independently.
Switch Access with Battery Interrupter
Switch Access with Battery Interrupter
​Switch Access Fans
  • Suspend reflective streamers in preferred colors.
  • Use a fan (plug-in or battery-powered) to make materials move.
  • Pair with light and switch access for multimodal stimulation.
Switch Access Fans
Switch Access Fans
These activities should always be adapted to the student's current CVI Phase, visual preferences, and overall sensory profile. When introducing any new activity:
  • Ensure the student is alert and receptive.
  • Limit competing sensory input.
  • Be patient, offering repetition and wait time for processing.

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