Instruction in the ECC

The Expanded Core Curriculum addresses the knowledge and skills needed by students with visual impairments due to their unique disability and specific needs. The various areas of the expanded core curriculum provide educators with a way of addressing the needs of students with visual impairments as well as those with additional disabilities. The educational requirements of this population are not always met since the lack of vision is considered "minor", especially when the child is severely impacted by cognitive and physical disabilities.

Online Instruction

This section provides suggestions and strategies for instructing students remotely during online extended learning. 

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. Within this section you can learn more about: ​​Teaching in Thematic Units
​iPads as Instructional Tools, The Art of Teaching the ECC, ECC Printables, Unit Preparation Tips 

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. Within this section you can learn more about: ​​Guiding Principles of Concept Development, Functional Skills, Community Based Experiences, Concepts to Teach, Organization & Study, ​Cranmer Abacus Instruction, Time Management

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. ​Within this section you can learn more about: ​​​Language Development​, Braille Instruction, Braille Instruction Materials, Writing Braille
Signature & Handwriting, Nemeth Braille Code, Tactile Graphics Instruction

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. Within this section you can learn more about: ​​
​​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. Within this section you can learn more about: ​​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. Within this section you can learn more about: ​​Responsibility & Independence, Mealtime Independence, Eating Adaptations, Food Preparation, Hygiene & Grooming, Dressing & Clothing, Money, Housekeeping​​​

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. Within this section you can learn more about: ​​Transition Between Activities, Proper Guide Techniques, 
Orienting Student to Environment, Mobility Skills, Travel, Dog Guides

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. Within this section you can learn more about: ​​Non-Verbal Communication, Social Interactions, Self ConceptIcebreakers & Mixers

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. Within this section you can learn more about: ​​Classroom Jobs, Career & Vocational, Preparing for College, Financial Assistance​​​

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. Within this section you can learn more about: ​​​Learn to Play

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.

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. ​
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