Instructional Strategies

This section provides tips and strategies for putting together instruction in all areas of the ECC. Some of the pages within this section contain advance copies of information available in publications. They are available to those who have purchased the Complete Set as a way of saying thank you. 

• Teaching in Thematic Units
• ​iPads as Instructional Tools
• The Art of Teaching the ECC *bonus for individuals who purchased TVI's Guide complete set
• ECC Printables *bonus for individuals who purchased TVI's Guide complete set
• Unit Preparation Tips *bonus for individuals who purchased TVI's Guide complete set
• ECC Song Playlist

Compensatory Access ​

Compensatory skills are those skills needed by students who are blind or visually impaired to access all areas of the core curriculum. All students need to be taught the skills necessary to access information within the standard core curriculum in order to be successful in mastering state and national education standards. Individualized instruction in compensatory skills will help the student who is blind learn about the world, communicate, and develop literacy. Compensatory skills include concept development, spatial understanding, study, and organizational skills, speaking and listening skills and the adaptations required to fully access all areas of the general curriculum. This section provides information or skills and unique instruction to allow the student to access the core curriculum.

• Guiding Principles of Concept Development
• Community Based Experiences
• Concepts to Teach
• Organization & Study
• ​Tactile Graphics instruction
• Creating Tactile Graphics
• Cranmer Abacus Instruction

Communication Modes

Communication modes fall under compensatory skills and incorporate the skills needed by students who are blind or visually impaired. Some students will need instruction in the braille code in order to access print as well as handwriting and signature instruction. Additionally, students may require large print, use of optical devices, recorded materials, picture symbols, and more to support access to communication. This section provides information, suggestions, and strategies in instructing persons in these areas. ​

• Large Print
• Braille Code
• Braille Instruction
• Braille Instruction Materials
• Writing Braille
• Creating Tactual Books
• Nemeth Braille Code
• Signature & Handwriting

Early Intervention

It is essential for students that are blind or visually impaired to receive early intervention services to lay a solid foundation and encourage the child to use any remaining vision. This page provides suggestions and recommendations for meeting infant and toddlers unique needs through Early Intervention.

• Learn to Play
• Impact on Development
• Language Development

Students with Multiple Disabilities

Many students who are blind or visually impaired have multiple disabilities and require a modified curriculum. These students frequently have complex visual and learning needs. This section provides resources and strategies for working with students with multiple disabilities. 

• Functional Skills
• Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
• Transition Between Activities
• Lightbox Use
• Encourage Use of Vision
• Sensory Activities
• Teacher Made Materials
• Sensory Areas & Rooms

Assistive Technology

Students who are blind or have low vision need to acquire a range of technology skills that will give them options for gathering and conveying information. Instruction in the use and maintenance of Assistive Technology is needed in the curriculum for students with visual impairments. This section provides information on a variety of AT devices as well as strategies for instruction.

• Overview of Assistive Technology
• Braillewriter Repair 
• AT Resources
• Vendors
• AT Instruction
• iPads as Instructional Tools
• Making the iOS Device Accessible
• Video Magnifier Instruction
• Notetaker Instruction
• Accessing Audio Books
• Navigate Computer w/o a Mouse
• Word Processing & Shortcuts
• Keyboard Instruction

Sensory Efficiency ​

Sensory efficiency skills include instruction in the use of residual vision, hearing and other senses including use of tactual, gustatory, and olfactory input to identify one's personal possessions or use hearing and other senses to identify people. This section provides information on ways to develop sensory efficiency.

• Sensory Input
• Sensory Table
• Visual Efficiency Skills
• Visual Attend & Scan Activities 
• Visual Tracking Activities
• Visual Discrimination Activities 
• Visual Motor Activities
• Optical Device Use
• Tactual Readiness
• Developing Skillful Hands
• Auditory Readiness
• Listening Skills Instruction

Independent Living

It is important for the student to develop responsibility and independence in order to become the most independent and contributing member of their homes and communities that will promote social acceptance. This section provides information on ways to develop these critical skills.

• Responsibility & Independence
• Hygiene & Grooming
• Dressing & Clothing
• Mealtime Independence
• Housekeeping
• Money
• Time Management
• Food Preparation

Orientation & Mobility

Orientation pertains to the students’ ability to get about in their immediate environment.  This section provides information on orientation and mobility skills and techniques that are taught in order to help the student safely and efficiently move throughout their environment.

• Proper Guide Techniques
• Orienting Student to Environment
• Mobility Skills
• Travel 
• Dog Guides

Career Education

Career education is an essential area of the Expanded Core Curriculum as it provides the student with visual impairment access to an understanding of careers they may not be aware. It also addresses the vocational skills students need to perform jobs and keep employment.

• Learn to Play
• Classroom Jobs
• Career & Vocational
• Preparing for College

Social Skills

Social interaction skills must be taught to students with visual impairments because they are unable to casually observe how people interact and socialize with one another.  This section provides information on ways to help students develop positive social skills.

• Non-Verbal Communication
• Social Interactions
• Self Concept
• Icebreakers & Mixers

Recreational & Leisure Skills

Recreation and leisure skills may include traditional as well as adapted physical education activities. This section will provide information on how to provide students with support in this area.

• Recreation & Leisure Resources

Self Determination

Self-Determination highlights the importance of believing in oneself while understanding one's abilities and limitations. This section provides information on how to help students develop self-determination skills.

Free Membership

Sign up for free membership to access the FREE downloadable handbooks and handouts on the Free Printables page 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. ​

ECC Complete Set Bonus

Purchase the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC Complete Set and immediately unlock the pages within the ECC Complete Set Bonus including bonus printables, interactive sensory stories, interactive matching activities, interactive choice making activities, job task box activities and MORE! This is my way of continuing to support you and say "Thank you!" for choosing to purchase the Complete Set. 

TVI's Guide Complete Set Bundle + BONUS Resources

$200.00 $100.00

Buy together and get BONUS resources!

The TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC Complete Set includes the following:

• TVI’s Guide to Teaching the ECC: An Activities Based Curriculum for Teaching Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired (a 346 page pdf download)
• Visual Efficiency & Near Magnifier Fluency Worksheets: TVI's Guide to the ECC Grab and Go Supplements (a 210 page pdf download)
• Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency and Maintenance Worksheets: A TVI’s Guide to Teaching the ECC Grab & go Supplement (a 338 page pdf download)
• Thematic Vocabulary Cards and Checklists: Grab & Go ECC Supplement (a 446 page pdf download)
• NEW!Interactive Sensory Stories page access and booklet of activities!

BONUS!

Lotto Cards

The LOTTO Cards Grab and Go Supplement includes 37 theme related unit cards along with activity suggestions that support activities within the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC.

On My Way File Folder Cards

Print and use these cards to represent locations the student may visit that are related to the current thematic unit. Use these with the On My Way File Folder Game outlined in the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC p. 27.

NEW! Access to TVI's Guide Bonus Membership Pages

Bonus pages include tutorials, printables, interactive sensory story downloads, and interactive choice making, matching and visual discrimination computer games (PowerPoint based interactive games), and job task activities.

Note:

All products are digital pdf downloads. Once you make your purchase you will be directed to an order confirmation page where you will find the download link. This download will also be included on the receipt sent to the email address you provide. The pdf download can be found directly under the order number. If you encounter any difficulty, please let me know and I can assist you. Once you purchase the complete set you will have immediate access to the bonus pages!

*Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO.

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     The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) is the body of knowledge and skills that are needed by students with visual impairments due to their unique disability-specific needs. Students with visual impairments need the expanded core curriculum in addition to the core academic curriculum of general education. The ECC should be used as a framework for assessing students, planning individual goals and providing instruction."
- American Foundation for the Blind