InterviewsBy: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated June 14, 2025 Interviews are a critical component of the Functional Vision Evaluation (FVE). Speaking with individuals who are familiar with the student provides valuable insight into how the student uses vision across settings and times of day. Interviews help identify concerns, clarify the functional impact of a visual impairment, and guide the evaluation process.
Parent/Caregiver InterviewParents and caregivers offer essential insight into the student’s visual functioning at home and in community environments. They can provide background information on the onset and progression of the visual impairment, daily living skills, and how the student interacts with family and peers.
Key areas to explore during the interview include:
Classroom Teacher InterviewGeneral education teachers or academic instructors play a key role in describing how the student functions in a learning environment. Their input is valuable for understanding how vision impacts access to the curriculum and peer interactions.
Topics to address include:
Pre-K or Self-Contained Classroom Teacher InterviewFor students in preschool programs or moderate to intensive support classrooms, teachers often spend the entire day with the student and can provide extensive information on the child’s use of vision across routines and settings.
When interviewing early childhood or special education teachers, consider:
Student InterviewWhen appropriate, interviewing the student can be one of the most informative parts of the FVE. If the student is verbal or uses alternative communication methods, ask them directly about their visual experiences, preferences, and concerns.
Student interviews can reveal:
Each interview should be documented clearly in the FVE report. Quotes or descriptions from caregivers, teachers, and the student can help the educational team better understand how the student’s visual needs impact their learning and development. Interviews help ensure that the FVE reflects the student's experience across multiple environments, not just during assessment sessions.
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Parent InterviewThe following is available as a pdf on the Premium Printables page.
History of Visual Impairments
Professional Practice
Vision Professionals
Professionalism
Teacher Resources
Professional Publications
VI Book Resources
Family Resources
VI Referrals
Medical vision exams
visual diagnosis
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