Frequently Asked Questions

​I'm interested in becoming a vision professional. Where can I learn more?

That’s wonderful to hear—there is currently a nationwide shortage of vision professionals! Careers in this field include Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), Orientation & Mobility Specialists, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists, Low Vision Therapists, and Braille Transcribers or paraprofessionals supporting students with visual impairments.
You can learn more about these roles and find a list of university training programs here. Many programs offer online, in-person, or hybrid options. Because coursework and admissions requirements vary, please contact each university directly for the most current information.

My child is blind or visually impaired. Where can I find support?

I hope the pages on this site provide helpful guidance for you and your child’s educational team. For additional support, I recommend the following:
  • American Printing House for the Blind (APH) – Offers a comprehensive state-by-state listing of services and manages the Connect Center, which provides support for families and professionals.
  • State Departments of Education – You may wish to contact the vision specialist within your state’s Department of Education for guidelines and services.
  • FamilyConnect – A supportive online community for families of children who are blind or visually impaired.
  • American Council of the Blind (ACB) – May assist in locating advocates or connecting you with local support networks.
  • Diagnosis-specific support groups can also provide valuable connections with families going through similar experiences.

My adult family member or friend is visually impaired. Where can I find help

Although my expertise is in educating children and young adults (birth through age 22), I recommend the following resources for adult support:
  • VisionAware – A site specifically designed for adults experiencing vision loss, offering practical advice and emotional support.
  • APH’s State Resource Directory – A useful tool for identifying services available in your state.
You may also find some helpful strategies throughout this site that can be adapted to support adults, especially in the areas of assistive technology, independent living, and sensory efficiency.

Our program has a vacancy for a vision professional. How can I post our job

​You can post vacancies directly on your program’s website, but for better visibility within the VI community, I recommend:
  • Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) – Offers a job board known to vision professionals.
  • Teaching Students with Visual Impairments Job Board – I offer job postings here at a rate of $50 for the first month and $25 for subsequent months. This fee helps ensure listings are current and supports the maintenance of this website.

How can I become a member and access Members-Only pages

To join, simply click on the "Log In | Register" tab at the top of the page. You’ll be prompted to create a password and will gain access to free members-only content, including: printable resources, goal bank pages, and presentationsYour email address is required to sign up. Please refer to the Privacy Policy to learn how your information is used—I value your privacy as much as my own. Additional member-only pages are available to individuals who have purchased the TVI’s Guide to Teaching the ECC Complete Set. These pages include expanded resources and companion printables aligned with the guide. Finally, I now offer over 300 new ECC resource pages in the Basic Subscription as well as an All Access Subscription that includes all resources on this website.

Is TSVI an organization?

​Teaching Students with Visual Impairments is a web-based resource created and maintained by me, Carmen Willings, a full-time Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments. While it is a registered LLC, it is not a nonprofit organization or agency. The site is funded through job postings, affiliate links, and sales of digital downloads and memberships. My goal is to connect you with reputable organizations, programs, and services that support individuals with visual impairments. If you know of a resource that should be included, please submit it via the forms available throughout the site. I welcome your input!
History of vi
Visual Impairments
Vi organizations & Agencies
VI book resources
VI Professionals
Professionalism
Instructional Planning
Professional Publications
Educational Programming
Individual Learning Differences
referrals
Medical vision exams
fvlma
additional evaluations
service planning
writing goals
compensatory skills
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
sensory efficiency
independent living
orientation & Mobility
career education
social skills
recreation & Leisure
self determination