Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
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      • Lenses
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      • Convergence Insufficiency (CI)
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      • What is the FVE
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      • Clinical Low Vision Evaluation
      • Orientation & Mobility Evaluation
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      • ECC Annual Needs
      • Writing SMART Goals
      • Blooms Taxonomy
      • Goal Bank >
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      • Accommodations & Modifications
      • Service Delivery Models
      • Least Restrictive Environment
      • Student Led IEPs
    • Transition Plans
    • 504 Plans
  • Adaptations
    • Unique Visual Needs
    • Instructional Adaptations >
      • Movies & Assemblies
      • Lectures & Instruction
      • Board Work (Chalk, Interactive, White)
    • Material Adaptations >
      • Accessible Educational Materials
      • Photocopying
      • Font Legibility
      • Increase Contrast
      • Pictures and Worksheets
    • Environmental Adaptations >
      • School Campus Adaptations
      • Classroom Design Tips
      • Labeling System
      • Adjust Lighting
      • Playground Adaptations
    • Electives Adaptations >
      • Art
      • Art Materials
      • Music
      • Music & Movement
      • Dance
      • P.E. Adaptations
      • P.E. Resources
      • Home Economics
    • Early Intervention
    • Early Childhood >
      • Daily Schedule
      • Morning Meeting
      • Weather Check
      • Dramatic Play
      • Blocks
    • Math Adaptations >
      • Numbers & Counting
      • Algebra
      • Geometry & Spatial Sense
      • Measurement & Data
    • Literacy Adaptations >
      • Early Literacy Experiences
      • Reading Efficiency
    • Science Adaptations >
      • Science Materials
    • Social Studies Adaptations >
      • Social Studies Materials
  • ECC
    • Compensatory >
      • Guiding Principles of Concept Development
      • Community Based Experiences
      • Concepts to Teach
      • Organization & Study Skills
      • Tactile Graphics Guidelines
      • Tactile Graphics Instruction
      • Creating Tactile Graphics
      • Cranmer Abacus Instruction
    • Communication Modes >
      • Large Print
      • Braille Code
      • Braille Instruction
      • Braille Instruction Materials
      • Writing Braille
      • Create Tactual Books
      • Nemeth Braille Code
      • Signature & Handwriting Instruction
    • Students with MD >
      • Functional Skills
      • Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
      • Transition Between Activities
      • Lightbox Use
      • Encourage Use of Vision in Students with MD
      • Sensory Activities for Students with MD
      • Teacher Made Materials for Students with MD
      • Sensory Areas & Rooms
    • Sensory Efficiency >
      • Sensory Input
      • Sensory Table
      • Visual Efficiency Skills
      • Visual Attend and 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 >
      • Responsibility & Independence
      • Hygiene & Grooming
      • Dressing & Clothing Management
      • Mealtime Independence
      • Housekeeping
      • Money
      • Time Management
      • Food Preparation
    • O&M >
      • Proper Guide Techniques
      • Orienting Student to Environment
      • Mobility Skills
      • Travel
      • Dog Guides
    • Career Edu. >
      • Learn to Play
      • Classroom Jobs
      • Career & Vocational
      • Preparing for College
    • Social Skills >
      • Non-Verbal Communication
      • Social Interactions
      • Self Concept
      • Icebreakers & Mixers
    • Recreation & Leisure >
      • Recreation & Leisure Resources
    • Self Determination
    • Teaching in Thematic Units
  • Assistive Tech
    • Overview of Assistive Technology
    • Assistive Technology Assessment
    • Types of VI AT >
      • Non-Optical Low Vision Devices
      • Low/Medium Tech Devices for Tactual Learners
      • Optical Devices for Near
      • Optical Devices for Distance
      • Video Magnifiers
      • Screen Enlargement & Readers
      • Braille Technology
      • Tactile Graphics Technology
      • Auditory Access Devices
    • AT Instruction >
      • iPads as Instructional Tools
      • Making the iOS Device Accessible
      • Video Magnifier Instruction
      • Notetaker Instruction
      • Accessing Audio Books
      • Navigate Computer without a Mouse
      • Word Processing and Shortcuts
      • Keyboarding Instruction
    • Apps for VI >
      • Note Taking Apps
      • Apps for Accessing Books
      • Identification Apps
      • Navigation & Location Apps
      • Braille Apps
      • Magnifier Apps
      • Sound Making Apps
      • Cause & Effect Apps
      • Vision Skills Apps
      • Apps for Early Learning
      • Read to Me Story Apps
      • Apps for Communication
      • Android Apps for VI
    • Braillewriter Repair
    • AT Resources
    • Vendors

MEALTIME INDEPENDENCE

​By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated October 30, 2017


Mealtime can be a struggle for many students, but can provide unique challenges to students with visual impairments. Although it may be easier and possibly neater to feed the student or to provide extra assistance, it is not appropriate when the student has the ability to feed themselves. It is essential to promote mealtime independence not only to build independence, but to promote social acceptance as well. To help the student develop the skill of feeding themselves, place the food on a table or tray in front of them.  At first, assist the student by using verbal cues and hand-under-hand assistance to help them locate and pick up the food. Provide finger foods: pieces of cracker, ice cream cone, spaghetti to promote finger sensitivity. Peel eggs, fruit, and wrapping on some containers to develop skillful hands.
There are a number of adaptations that can be made to make mealtimes easier. Use high contrast utensils and dishes for students with low vision. Bowls and plates with suction cups can help them stay in place. Similarly, Dycem or other non-skid materials can be used as mats to prevent sliding.

Exposing children to a variety of foods with a variety of textures and flavors can help develop tactual discrimination skills. When assisting students in eating, guide the student by sitting behind them and provide hand under hand support. Younger children can be taught to spear with a fork by using their opposite hand to assist in touching food that needs to be speared and aid in the placement of the fork. As students get older and more adept, they can be shown how to use a piece of bread or the edge of a knife or spoon as a “pusher”. A common strategy to teach students to locate food on their plate is to have the student imagine the plate is the face of a clock. Foods can be described as being located at specific hours (e.g., the green beans are located at 2 o’clock). Students will need to understand clocks for this method to be effective. Many school trays are now rectangular and divided. When a student is using this type of a tray, using “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, and “center” are easy points of reference so long as the student knows those spatial concepts.

Dependent Eaters

Picture of child waiting to be fed
For the student that is not yet eating independently, talk to the student with every interaction.  Even when the student is not able to understand your words, they will learn to recognize your voice.  Tell them what is happening before placing food in their mouth. Be sure and tell them what you’re offering them:  “here’s a graham cracker.  It’s on the table in front of you.  Can you find it?” Do not simply put food in the student’s mouth. At the very minimum, provide the student with a verbal prompt that you are going to give him another bite. Preferably, have the student be a part of the process. Either provide hand under hand assistance the student can anticipate the spoon, or have the student hold onto your wrist as you bring the food toward their mouth. You may find that some students are less resistive when they are given elbow support.

Participate in Serving

Picture of a bowl of icecream.
As much as possible, encourage the student to be actively involved in preparing, selecting or setting out the food.  Avoid having food just “appear”.  Remember the students will learn best through hands on experiences. As the student grows, continue to give him verbal information about the location of his food and utensils.  Incorporate instruction in basic spreading skills, using a knife safely, stirring skills, pouring a drink, getting a bowl of cereal.

Consider providing the opportunity for the students to pour their own drinks.  Begin by letting the student pour from another cup into his own.  As he becomes more proficient, let him begin to pour from a small pitcher. When it is possible, foster independence by teaching students how to serve food from a bowl or platter and a variety of other serving dishes. The student may also need instruction in using a knife for spreading foods, cutting foods, and how to use a knife (or piece of bread) as a “pusher” to push items onto the spoon. Encourage the student to eat neatly in order to promote social acceptance.

Presentation of Food

Picture of a suction bowl.
When presenting food to a student with low vision use a high-contrast patterned cover, reflective material, or visually interesting ponytail holder on the cup may help a student with low vision to visually attend to the cup. Use a patterned sock around a cup to encourage visual attention in younger students. Use high contrast materials to call his attention to finger foods; for example, place a banana slice on a dark place mat or a pea on a white mat. Avoid busy patterns in tablecloths or place mats. For students with Cortical Visual Impairment, use the students preferred color or use reflective materials to draw their attention to the cup.

When presenting food to a student who is blind or has minimal functional vision, consider the following suggestions. When the student first starts eating at the table, put the food on a plate with an edge or rim that curves up.  This will help to keep the food within the center area of the plate, scoop the food, and make it easier to avoid scattering it on the table. Encourage the student to hold his own cup. It may be helpful to use a cup with handles. Try to give the student opportunities to learn to use the spoon, as it will assist in developing his independence and coordination. Place dishes on a tray with raised edges so the student can push the food around without knocking it off the table. Show the student how to use one hand to hold his plate while scooping the food with the other hand.

Embedded Language Opportunities

There are many opportunities for socialization and language during meals. Conversations should be encouraged including explanations of the mealtime activities. The student needs to know that they aren’t the only ones who spill or drop things!

FREE VI Program Templates

Picture of VI program brochures.
Become a member for FREE to access the Printable VI Program Templates  to support your district's vision program. Includes VI Program resources, FVE/LMA templates and NEW Sample FVE Reports ebook. Simply click on Log In|Register in the navigation bar at the top of the page and follow the directions to register and create your password. ​

Post a Job 

Job Posting on Post-It Note
Due to the nationwide shortage of vision professionals, it can be challenging to locate personnel. Announce a job vacancy on the Job Exchange of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments, an online listing of jobs specific to the visual impairment field.

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Adaptations

Instructional Adapt.
Material Adapt.
Environmental Adapt.
Early Childhood
Literacy Adaptations
Math Adaptations
Science Adaptations
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Electives Adapt.

ECC

Compensatory  
Li​teracy Instruction
Sensory Effic.
Independent Living
Social Skills
O&M ​
Career Edu.
Rec & Leisure
Self Determination

Assistive Tech.

AT Assessment
​Types of VI AT 
​AT Instruction
Apps for VI
Braillewriter Repair
AT Resources
Vendors
Photos used under Creative Commons from didbygraham, Ben Husmann
  • Home
    • Site Map
    • About
    • FAQs
    • Newsletter
    • Printables
    • Presentations >
      • Conducting a FVELMA
      • Selecting the Right AT
      • Classroom AT for VI
      • Get Out of ECC Rut
      • Itinerant Teaching Strategy and Tips
  • VI Jobs
    • Post a Job
    • New Orleans, Lighthouse Louisiana
    • Colorado Springs, CO
    • Equal Eyes throughout NC
    • Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind
    • TBVI/COMS in NC and MN
    • Vision Institute of SC
    • Washington DC Metro Area
  • Program
    • Professional Practice >
      • Professional Development
      • Teacher Standards
      • Professional Ethics
      • Itinerant Teaching Tips
      • VI Program Handbook
      • Year at a Glance
      • Federal Quota Funds
      • Deaf-Blind Child Count
      • Caseload Analysis
      • Role of the Classroom Teacher
      • Simulation Activities
      • Social Etiquette
    • Vision Professionals >
      • Become a Vision Professional
      • Professional Preparation Programs
      • Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
      • Orientation & Mobility Specialist
      • Low Vision Specialist
      • Rehabilitation Specialists
      • CATIS
      • Paraprofessionals & Braille Transcribers
    • Program Resources >
      • VI Organizations
      • Braille Resources
      • Deaf-Blind Resources
      • Support Networks
      • Journal Resources
      • State SpEd Agencies
      • Schools for the Blind
      • Georgia Vision Resources
    • V.I. Book Resources >
      • VI Resource Books
      • Braille Book Resources
      • Children's Books
      • Young Reader Books
      • Books about Dog Guides
      • Non-Fiction
      • Helen Keller Books
    • Parent Resources >
      • Online Parent Resources
      • Parent Resource Books
      • Grief & Suffering Books
      • Financial Assistance
      • Home Adaptations
      • Summer Reading (braille)
      • Summer Outdoor Activities
      • Rainy Days Activities
      • Camps for VI
    • History of Visual Impairments >
      • National Agenda
      • Legislation
      • Timeline of VI
      • Biblical Passages Concerning Blindness
      • Notable People
      • Helen Keller
      • History of Braillewriters
  • Service
    • Referrals >
      • Vision Concerns
      • Vision Classifications
      • Referral Process
      • Eligibility Guidelines
      • Vision Therapy Controversy
      • When Student Doesn't Qualify
    • Vision Exams >
      • Medical Professionals
      • Vision Tests & Tools
      • Visual Acuity
      • Lenses
      • Visual Fields
      • Structure & Function of the Eye
      • Common Vocabulary
      • Common Visual Impairments
      • Cortical Visual Impairments
      • Convergence Insufficiency (CI)
      • Deaf-Blind
    • FVE LMA >
      • What is the FVE
      • Interpret the Eye Report
      • FVE Observations
      • Interviews
      • Assessment Kit Materials
      • Oculomotor Skills
      • Near Visual Acuities
      • Print Comparisons
      • Distance Acuity
      • Test Visual Fields
      • Vision Skills
      • Learning Media Assessment
      • Reading Rates
      • Writing the FVE Report
    • Other Evaluations >
      • Clinical Low Vision Evaluation
      • Orientation & Mobility Evaluation
      • Impact on Development & Learning
      • Educational Assessments
      • Language Development
    • IEPs >
      • ECC Annual Needs
      • Writing SMART Goals
      • Blooms Taxonomy
      • Goal Bank >
        • Compensatory Goals
        • Sensory Efficiency Goals
        • Assistive Technology Goals
        • Social Skills Goals
        • Independent Living Goals
        • Recreation & Leisure Goals
        • Self Determination Goals
        • Career & Vocational Goals
      • Accommodations & Modifications
      • Service Delivery Models
      • Least Restrictive Environment
      • Student Led IEPs
    • Transition Plans
    • 504 Plans
  • Adaptations
    • Unique Visual Needs
    • Instructional Adaptations >
      • Movies & Assemblies
      • Lectures & Instruction
      • Board Work (Chalk, Interactive, White)
    • Material Adaptations >
      • Accessible Educational Materials
      • Photocopying
      • Font Legibility
      • Increase Contrast
      • Pictures and Worksheets
    • Environmental Adaptations >
      • School Campus Adaptations
      • Classroom Design Tips
      • Labeling System
      • Adjust Lighting
      • Playground Adaptations
    • Electives Adaptations >
      • Art
      • Art Materials
      • Music
      • Music & Movement
      • Dance
      • P.E. Adaptations
      • P.E. Resources
      • Home Economics
    • Early Intervention
    • Early Childhood >
      • Daily Schedule
      • Morning Meeting
      • Weather Check
      • Dramatic Play
      • Blocks
    • Math Adaptations >
      • Numbers & Counting
      • Algebra
      • Geometry & Spatial Sense
      • Measurement & Data
    • Literacy Adaptations >
      • Early Literacy Experiences
      • Reading Efficiency
    • Science Adaptations >
      • Science Materials
    • Social Studies Adaptations >
      • Social Studies Materials
  • ECC
    • Compensatory >
      • Guiding Principles of Concept Development
      • Community Based Experiences
      • Concepts to Teach
      • Organization & Study Skills
      • Tactile Graphics Guidelines
      • Tactile Graphics Instruction
      • Creating Tactile Graphics
      • Cranmer Abacus Instruction
    • Communication Modes >
      • Large Print
      • Braille Code
      • Braille Instruction
      • Braille Instruction Materials
      • Writing Braille
      • Create Tactual Books
      • Nemeth Braille Code
      • Signature & Handwriting Instruction
    • Students with MD >
      • Functional Skills
      • Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
      • Transition Between Activities
      • Lightbox Use
      • Encourage Use of Vision in Students with MD
      • Sensory Activities for Students with MD
      • Teacher Made Materials for Students with MD
      • Sensory Areas & Rooms
    • Sensory Efficiency >
      • Sensory Input
      • Sensory Table
      • Visual Efficiency Skills
      • Visual Attend and 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 >
      • Responsibility & Independence
      • Hygiene & Grooming
      • Dressing & Clothing Management
      • Mealtime Independence
      • Housekeeping
      • Money
      • Time Management
      • Food Preparation
    • O&M >
      • Proper Guide Techniques
      • Orienting Student to Environment
      • Mobility Skills
      • Travel
      • Dog Guides
    • Career Edu. >
      • Learn to Play
      • Classroom Jobs
      • Career & Vocational
      • Preparing for College
    • Social Skills >
      • Non-Verbal Communication
      • Social Interactions
      • Self Concept
      • Icebreakers & Mixers
    • Recreation & Leisure >
      • Recreation & Leisure Resources
    • Self Determination
    • Teaching in Thematic Units
  • Assistive Tech
    • Overview of Assistive Technology
    • Assistive Technology Assessment
    • Types of VI AT >
      • Non-Optical Low Vision Devices
      • Low/Medium Tech Devices for Tactual Learners
      • Optical Devices for Near
      • Optical Devices for Distance
      • Video Magnifiers
      • Screen Enlargement & Readers
      • Braille Technology
      • Tactile Graphics Technology
      • Auditory Access Devices
    • AT Instruction >
      • iPads as Instructional Tools
      • Making the iOS Device Accessible
      • Video Magnifier Instruction
      • Notetaker Instruction
      • Accessing Audio Books
      • Navigate Computer without a Mouse
      • Word Processing and Shortcuts
      • Keyboarding Instruction
    • Apps for VI >
      • Note Taking Apps
      • Apps for Accessing Books
      • Identification Apps
      • Navigation & Location Apps
      • Braille Apps
      • Magnifier Apps
      • Sound Making Apps
      • Cause & Effect Apps
      • Vision Skills Apps
      • Apps for Early Learning
      • Read to Me Story Apps
      • Apps for Communication
      • Android Apps for VI
    • Braillewriter Repair
    • AT Resources
    • Vendors
✕