Household Skills

Carmen Willings | teachingvisuallyimpaired.com | February 22, 2026

Household skills help students who are blind or visually impaired maintain a clean, safe, and organized living environment. These skills support independence, responsibility, and participation in home and school routines. Because many household tasks are typically learned through visual observation, students benefit from direct instruction using tactile methods, structured routines, and adaptive strategies. Instruction focuses on helping students complete common household chores such as cleaning surfaces, washing dishes, managing trash, and maintaining personal living spaces. Students also learn to safely use cleaning tools and products, operate household systems, and develop routines for maintaining their environment. These skills support independence and prepare students for future living environments.

Cleaning Tables & Counters

Resources and activities that teach students effective techniques for cleaning tables, countertops, and other work surfaces independently.

Cleaning Tables & Counters

Washing Dishes

Resources and activities that help students learn safe and efficient methods for washing, rinsing, and drying dishes.

Washing Dishes

Loading Dishwasher

Resources and activities that teach students how to organize and load dishes, utensils, and cookware safely and effectively into a dishwasher.

Loading Dishwasher

Manage & Empty Trash

Resources and activities that help students develop skills for collecting, sorting, and disposing of trash while maintaining a clean environment.

Manage & Empty Trash

Clean Floors

Resources and activities that teach students techniques for sweeping, vacuuming, and maintaining clean floor surfaces.

Clean Floors

Dusting

Resources and activities that help students learn systematic methods for locating and removing dust from household surfaces.

Dusting

Home & School Chores

Resources and activities that teach students how to complete common household and school responsibilities independently and consistently.

Home & School Chores

Making a Bed

Resources and activities that help students develop the skills needed to make and straighten a bed independently.

Making a Bed

Changing Sheets

Resources and activities that teach students step-by-step techniques for removing, replacing, and organizing bed linens.

Changing Sheets

Tool Use

Resources and activities that introduce students to common household tools and teach safe, appropriate use for everyday tasks and basic maintenance.

Tool Use

Cleaning Products

Resources and activities that help students identify, organize, and safely use common cleaning supplies and products.

Cleaning Products

Operate Climate Control

Resources and activities that teach students how to use thermostats, fans, air conditioning, and heating systems to maintain a comfortable environment independently.

Operate Climate Control

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The mission of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments is to provide educators, families, and professionals with the resources needed to support students who are blind or visually impaired. The goal is to equip those in the visual impairment field with practical tools and instructional guidance that help students develop independence and become successful members of their communities.