Foundations of Visual Impairments

History of Visual Impairments

Learn more about the history of visual impairments. People who were blind were not always treated well. These pages provide a historical perspective on how people who are blind and visually impaired have been viewed by society and the chronological events in the education of those who are blind and visually impaired. Within these pages, learn more about: Timeline of VI, Biblical Passages Concerning Blindness, Notable People Who Were Blind, Helen Keller
History of Braillewriters, APH Museum, Leaders & Legends

VI Resources

Visual Impairment Programs can vary greatly from district to district. Whether the program in your area is small or large, this page contains a collection of resources that can be of help support a districts visual impairment program. Within these pages, learn more about: VI Organizations, US Government Agencies Support Networks, Deaf-Blind Resources, Georgia Vision Resources, ​Online Parent Resources​​

Visual Impairments

These pages provide information on the structure and function of the eye and common visual impairments to help you understand an individuals visual impairment better.​ ​Within these pages, learn more about: Structure & Function of the Eye, Vision Classifications, Common Vocabulary, Common Visual Impairments, Cortical Visual Impairment, Convergence Insufficiency, ​Deaf-Blind​​

V.I. Book Resources

Whether you're a professional in the field of visual impairments or a parent searching for resources to learn more about your child's visual impairment, this page will provide you with resource books as well as books with characters who are blind or visually impaired. ​​Within these pages, learn more about: ​Children's Books, Young Reader Books, Books about Dog Guides, Teen & Young Adult Books, Non-Fiction Books, Helen Keller Books, Parent Resources, Grief & Suffering Books

Impact on Development & Learning

Loss of vision can affect all areas of development. Learn more about the impact on development and learning including Lowenfeld Losses and Maslow's Hierarchy on this page.

Psychological Impact of Vision Loss

​When a person who has previously had normal vision loses their vision, it is a major life event. The individual may go through stages of grief and acceptance. Each person adjust to vision loss differently. This page overviews the psychological impact.

Social Etiquette

People who are sighted can often feel apprehensive when encountering, conversing with or teaching a student who is blind or visually impaired. This page provides suggestions on what to do when you interact with or talk about a person who is blind or visually impaired.

Financial Assistance

If you are a resident of the United States, there are some financial assistance programs available to persons with disabilities including those with visual impairments and their families.  This page lists financial resources available in the United States.

Free Matter for the Blind

If the student is legally blind, remember that he is entitled to send and receive certain materials through the US Postal Service for free. Materials such as textbooks, educational materials, Braille letters, and books on tape from The Library for the Blind may be mailed without postage. The package/envelope must have the words "free matter for the blind" stamped or handwritten on them. It is important to remember that these materials must be for the use of someone who is legally blind so be cautious.

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. ​