Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQs
    • Site Map
    • User Agreement
    • Privacy Policy
  • FREE Printables
    • Free Program Printables
    • Free FVLMA & Service Printables
    • Free VI AT Printables
  • VI Store
    • Product Support
    • ECC Instructional Resources >
      • TVI's Guide Complete Set Bundle
      • TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC
      • Visual Efficiency & Magnifier Grab & Go
      • Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency
      • Vocabulary Cards & Checklists
      • Interactive Sensory Stories Product
      • Interactive Matching Activities
      • Interactive Visual Discrimination Product
    • Purchase Recorded Presentations >
      • Presentation Complete Set of 16
      • Webinar Complete Set
      • Accessible Content for BLVI
      • Foundations of Teaching the ECC
      • Strategies & Activities for SIDPID
      • Strategies & Activities for MIMO
      • Job Tasks for Job, Career, & Life
      • Itinerant Teaching Strategies & Tips
      • Accommodations for VI
      • Strategies & Activities for Standard Course of Study
      • Tips for Being a "Physically Fit" TVI
      • Conducting a FVLMA
      • Developing SMARTER Goals
      • Determining Service Intensity Using the VISSIT
      • Strategies for Selecting the Right AT
      • The Art of Teaching the ECC
      • Activities to Teach the ECC
      • Using Themes to Teach the ECC
    • Job Postings >
      • 1 Month Job Posting
      • 3 Month Job Posting
      • 6 Month Job Posting
      • 1 Year Job Posting
    • Braille Jewely
  • Jobs
    • Post a Job
    • TVI, Twin Rivers USD, CA
    • TBVI/COMS Minnesota
    • TVI North Carolina
    • TVI/COMS South Burlington, VT
    • TVI Brunswick, ME
    • TVI Portland, ME
  • ECC Bonus
    • ECC Bonus Printables
    • Unit Preparation Tips
    • ECC Song Playlists
    • Interactive Sensory Stories
    • Interactive Matching Activities
    • Interactive Visual Discrimination Activities
    • Interactive Choice Making Activities
    • Job Task Boxes
  • Presentations
    • Schedule a Presentation
    • Workshops >
      • Abilene, TX
      • Lubbock, TX
    • Foundations of Teaching the ECC in the Age of Virtual Instruction
    • Strategies & Activities for SIDPID
    • Strategies & Activities for MIMO
    • Job Tasks for Job, Career & Life
    • Itinerant Teaching Strategies & Tips
    • Accommodations for VI
    • Strategies & Activities for Standard Course of Study
    • Using Themes to Teach the ECC
    • Accessible Content for BLVI
    • Conducting a FVLMA
    • Developing SMARTER Goals
    • Selecting the Right AT
    • Tips for Being a "Physically Fit" TVI
    • The Art of Teaching the ECC
    • Activities to Teach the ECC
    • Determining Service Intensity Using the VISSIT
  • Professional Practice
    • Vision Professionals >
      • Become a Vision Professional
      • Professional Preparation Programs
      • Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
      • Orientation & Mobility Specialist
      • Low Vision Specialist
      • Rehabilitation Specialists
      • CATIS
      • Parapros & Braille Transcribers
    • Professionalism >
      • Professional Ethics
      • Professional Development
      • Teacher Standards
      • Professional Organizations
      • Certification Organizations
      • Awards & Recognition
      • APH Scholar Program
    • Instructional Planning >
      • VI Program Handbook
      • Caseload Analysis
      • Itinerant Teaching Tips
      • Year at a Glance
      • Role of the Classroom Teacher
      • Simulation Activities
    • Professional Publications >
      • General VI Resource Books
      • CVI & MD Resource Books
      • Braille Resource Books
      • O&M Resource Books
      • Early Intervention Resource Books
      • Journal Resources
  • Foundations of VI
    • History of Visual Impairments >
      • Timeline of VI
      • Biblical Passages Concerning Blindness
      • Notable People
      • Helen Keller
      • APH Museum
      • Leaders & Legends
      • History of Braillewriters
      • Legislation
    • Visual Impairments >
      • Structure & Function of the Eye
      • Vision Classifications
      • Common Vocabulary
      • Common Visual Impairments
      • Cortical Visual Impairments
      • Convergence Insufficiency (CI)
      • Deaf-Blind
    • VI Resources >
      • VI Organizations
      • US Government Agencies
      • Support Networks
      • Deaf-Blind Resources
      • Georgia Vision Resources
      • Online Parent Resources
    • V.I. Book Resources >
      • Children's Books
      • Young Reader Books
      • Books about Dog Guides
      • Teen & Young Adult Books
      • Non-Fiction Books
      • Helen Keller Books
      • Parent Resource Books
      • Grief & Suffering Books
    • Impact on Development & Learning
    • Psychological Impact
    • Social Etiquette
    • Financial Assistance
  • VI Service
    • Educational Programming >
      • National Agenda
      • The Expanded Core Curriculum
      • IDEA and Vision
      • Federal Quota Funds
      • Deaf-Blind Child Count
      • State SpEd Agencies
      • Schools for the Blind
    • Referrals >
      • Vision Concerns
      • Referral Process
      • Eligibility Guidelines
      • Vision Therapy Controversy
      • When Student Doesn't Qualify
    • Medical Vision Exams >
      • Medical Professionals
      • Vision Tests & Tools
      • Visual Acuity
      • Lenses
      • Visual Fields
    • FVLMA >
      • What is the FVE
      • Interpret the Eye Report
      • Environmental Observations
      • FVLMA 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
    • Service Planning >
      • ECC Annual Needs
      • Service Delivery Models
      • Least Restrictive Environment
      • Early Intervention Services
      • Students with Multiple Disabilities
      • Student Led IEPs
      • 504 Plans
      • Transition Plans
    • Writing Goals >
      • Writing SMART Goals
      • Blooms Taxonomy
      • Independent Living Goals
      • Compensatory Goals
      • Sensory Efficiency Goals
      • Assistive Technology Goals
      • Social Skills Goals
      • Recreation & Leisure Goals
      • Self Determination Goals
      • Career & Vocational Goals
    • Low Vision Eval
    • O&M Evaluation
    • Educational Assessments
  • Adaptations
    • Unique Visual Needs
    • Accommodations & Modifications
    • Home Adaptations >
      • General Home Safety
      • Kitchen Adaptations
      • Bathroom Adaptations
      • Medication Adaptations
      • Clothing Management Adaptations
    • Curriculum Adaptations >
      • Numbers & Counting
      • Algebra
      • Geometry & Spatial Sense
      • Measurement & Data
      • Early Literacy Experiences
      • Create Tactile Books
      • Reading Instruction
      • Reading Efficiency
      • Science Adaptations
      • Social Studies Adaptations
    • Material Adaptations >
      • Accessible Educational Materials
      • Large Print
      • Braille Code
      • Photocopying
      • Font Legibility
      • Increase Contrast
      • Pictures and Worksheets
      • Tactile Graphics Guidelines
      • Creating Tactile Graphics
      • Teacher Made Materials for Students with MD
    • Instructional Adaptations >
      • Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
      • Movies & Assemblies
      • Lectures & Instruction
      • Board Work (Chalk, Interactive, White)
    • Environmental Adaptations >
      • School Campus Adaptations
      • Classroom Design Tips
      • Labeling System
      • Adjust Lighting
      • Playground Adaptations
      • Sensory Areas & Rooms
    • Early Childhood Adaptations >
      • Daily Schedule
      • Morning Meeting
      • Weather Check
      • Dramatic Play
      • Blocks
    • Adaptations to the Arts >
      • Art Adaptations
      • Art Materials
      • Music
      • Music & Movement
      • Dance
    • Recreation & Leisure Adaptations >
      • Recreation Adaptations
      • VI Sports Associations
      • Recreation Resources
      • Camps for VI
      • Card and Board Game Adaptations
      • Transcribe Playing Cards
  • VI AT
    • Overview of Assistive Technology
    • VI Assistive Technology >
      • Non-Optical Low Vision Devices
      • Low/Medium Tech Devices for Tactual Learners
      • Optical Devices for Near
      • Optical Devices for Distance
      • Video Magnifiers
      • Screen Magnification & Readers
      • Braille Technology
      • Tactile Graphics Technology
      • Auditory Access Devices
      • Braillewriter Repair
    • 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
    • AT Instruction >
      • Video Magnifier Instruction
      • Notetaker Instruction
      • Accessing Audio Books
      • Navigate Computer without a Mouse
      • Word Processing and Shortcuts
      • Keyboarding Instruction
    • iOS for VI >
      • iPads as Instructional Tools
      • Making the iOS Device Accessible
      • iOS Accessibility Resources
      • VoiceOver
    • Assistive Technology Assessment
    • VI AT Resources
    • Vendors
  • Instruction
    • Virtual Instruction
    • Instructional Strategies >
      • Development of ECC Resources
      • Teaching in Thematic Units
      • Teaching the ECC
      • Summer Reading (braille)
      • Summer Outdoor Activities
      • Rainy Day Activities
    • Compensatory >
      • Guiding Principles of Concept Development
      • Functional Skills
      • Community Based Experiences
      • Concepts to Teach
      • Organization & Study Skills
      • Cranmer Abacus Instruction
      • Time Management
    • Communication Modes >
      • Language Development
      • Braille Instruction
      • Braille Instruction Materials
      • Writing Braille
      • Signature & Handwriting Instruction
      • Nemeth Braille Code
      • Tactile Graphics Instruction
    • Sensory Efficiency >
      • Sensory Input
      • Encourage Use of Vision in Students with MD
      • Lightbox Use
      • Sensory Activities for Students with MD
      • 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
      • Mealtime Independence
      • Eating Adaptations
      • Food Preparation
      • Recipe Activities
      • Hygiene & Grooming
      • Dressing & Clothing Management
      • Money
      • Housekeeping Instruction
    • Orientation & Mobility >
      • Transition Between Activities
      • Proper Guide Techniques
      • Orienting Student to Environment
      • Mobility Skills
      • Travel
      • Dog Guides
    • Social Skills >
      • Non-Verbal Communication
      • Social Interactions
      • Self Concept
      • Icebreakers & Mixers
    • Career Education >
      • Classroom Jobs
      • Career & Vocational
      • Prepare for College & Career
    • Recreation & Leisure >
      • Learn to Play
    • Self Determination

Mealtime Independence for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Teaching Students with Visual Impairments LLC logo
Shop Now
Book a Training

Mealtime Independence

​By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 9, 2019


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

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

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

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 placemat or a pea on a white mat. Avoid busy patterns in tablecloths or placemats. 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 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. 

ECC Instructional Resources

TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC book resources
Shop Instructional Resources

On-Demand Webinars

Collage of cover pages of available webinars
Shop On-Demand Webinars

VI Job Posting Service

The words
Shop Job Posting Service

Braille Jewelry

Close Up of
Shop Braille Jewelry
Thank you for visiting!
The mission of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments is to provide all persons involved in education students who are blind or visually impaired with the necessary resources to help each student become successful members of their communities and to equip those in the visual impairment field with resources to meet the wide range of needs of the students they serve. ​
About
Contact
FAQ's
Privacy Policy
Product Support

Site Map
User Agreement
VI Sore
Purchase a Job Posting
Shop for Instructional Resources
Shop for Braille Jewelry
​Shop for a Recorded Presentation
Schedule a Training or Workshop
Teaching Students with Visual Impairments LLC
​All Rights Reserved
Home Page of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQs
    • Site Map
    • User Agreement
    • Privacy Policy
  • FREE Printables
    • Free Program Printables
    • Free FVLMA & Service Printables
    • Free VI AT Printables
  • VI Store
    • Product Support
    • ECC Instructional Resources >
      • TVI's Guide Complete Set Bundle
      • TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC
      • Visual Efficiency & Magnifier Grab & Go
      • Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency
      • Vocabulary Cards & Checklists
      • Interactive Sensory Stories Product
      • Interactive Matching Activities
      • Interactive Visual Discrimination Product
    • Purchase Recorded Presentations >
      • Presentation Complete Set of 16
      • Webinar Complete Set
      • Accessible Content for BLVI
      • Foundations of Teaching the ECC
      • Strategies & Activities for SIDPID
      • Strategies & Activities for MIMO
      • Job Tasks for Job, Career, & Life
      • Itinerant Teaching Strategies & Tips
      • Accommodations for VI
      • Strategies & Activities for Standard Course of Study
      • Tips for Being a "Physically Fit" TVI
      • Conducting a FVLMA
      • Developing SMARTER Goals
      • Determining Service Intensity Using the VISSIT
      • Strategies for Selecting the Right AT
      • The Art of Teaching the ECC
      • Activities to Teach the ECC
      • Using Themes to Teach the ECC
    • Job Postings >
      • 1 Month Job Posting
      • 3 Month Job Posting
      • 6 Month Job Posting
      • 1 Year Job Posting
    • Braille Jewely
  • Jobs
    • Post a Job
    • TVI, Twin Rivers USD, CA
    • TBVI/COMS Minnesota
    • TVI North Carolina
    • TVI/COMS South Burlington, VT
    • TVI Brunswick, ME
    • TVI Portland, ME
  • ECC Bonus
    • ECC Bonus Printables
    • Unit Preparation Tips
    • ECC Song Playlists
    • Interactive Sensory Stories
    • Interactive Matching Activities
    • Interactive Visual Discrimination Activities
    • Interactive Choice Making Activities
    • Job Task Boxes
  • Presentations
    • Schedule a Presentation
    • Workshops >
      • Abilene, TX
      • Lubbock, TX
    • Foundations of Teaching the ECC in the Age of Virtual Instruction
    • Strategies & Activities for SIDPID
    • Strategies & Activities for MIMO
    • Job Tasks for Job, Career & Life
    • Itinerant Teaching Strategies & Tips
    • Accommodations for VI
    • Strategies & Activities for Standard Course of Study
    • Using Themes to Teach the ECC
    • Accessible Content for BLVI
    • Conducting a FVLMA
    • Developing SMARTER Goals
    • Selecting the Right AT
    • Tips for Being a "Physically Fit" TVI
    • The Art of Teaching the ECC
    • Activities to Teach the ECC
    • Determining Service Intensity Using the VISSIT
  • Professional Practice
    • Vision Professionals >
      • Become a Vision Professional
      • Professional Preparation Programs
      • Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
      • Orientation & Mobility Specialist
      • Low Vision Specialist
      • Rehabilitation Specialists
      • CATIS
      • Parapros & Braille Transcribers
    • Professionalism >
      • Professional Ethics
      • Professional Development
      • Teacher Standards
      • Professional Organizations
      • Certification Organizations
      • Awards & Recognition
      • APH Scholar Program
    • Instructional Planning >
      • VI Program Handbook
      • Caseload Analysis
      • Itinerant Teaching Tips
      • Year at a Glance
      • Role of the Classroom Teacher
      • Simulation Activities
    • Professional Publications >
      • General VI Resource Books
      • CVI & MD Resource Books
      • Braille Resource Books
      • O&M Resource Books
      • Early Intervention Resource Books
      • Journal Resources
  • Foundations of VI
    • History of Visual Impairments >
      • Timeline of VI
      • Biblical Passages Concerning Blindness
      • Notable People
      • Helen Keller
      • APH Museum
      • Leaders & Legends
      • History of Braillewriters
      • Legislation
    • Visual Impairments >
      • Structure & Function of the Eye
      • Vision Classifications
      • Common Vocabulary
      • Common Visual Impairments
      • Cortical Visual Impairments
      • Convergence Insufficiency (CI)
      • Deaf-Blind
    • VI Resources >
      • VI Organizations
      • US Government Agencies
      • Support Networks
      • Deaf-Blind Resources
      • Georgia Vision Resources
      • Online Parent Resources
    • V.I. Book Resources >
      • Children's Books
      • Young Reader Books
      • Books about Dog Guides
      • Teen & Young Adult Books
      • Non-Fiction Books
      • Helen Keller Books
      • Parent Resource Books
      • Grief & Suffering Books
    • Impact on Development & Learning
    • Psychological Impact
    • Social Etiquette
    • Financial Assistance
  • VI Service
    • Educational Programming >
      • National Agenda
      • The Expanded Core Curriculum
      • IDEA and Vision
      • Federal Quota Funds
      • Deaf-Blind Child Count
      • State SpEd Agencies
      • Schools for the Blind
    • Referrals >
      • Vision Concerns
      • Referral Process
      • Eligibility Guidelines
      • Vision Therapy Controversy
      • When Student Doesn't Qualify
    • Medical Vision Exams >
      • Medical Professionals
      • Vision Tests & Tools
      • Visual Acuity
      • Lenses
      • Visual Fields
    • FVLMA >
      • What is the FVE
      • Interpret the Eye Report
      • Environmental Observations
      • FVLMA 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
    • Service Planning >
      • ECC Annual Needs
      • Service Delivery Models
      • Least Restrictive Environment
      • Early Intervention Services
      • Students with Multiple Disabilities
      • Student Led IEPs
      • 504 Plans
      • Transition Plans
    • Writing Goals >
      • Writing SMART Goals
      • Blooms Taxonomy
      • Independent Living Goals
      • Compensatory Goals
      • Sensory Efficiency Goals
      • Assistive Technology Goals
      • Social Skills Goals
      • Recreation & Leisure Goals
      • Self Determination Goals
      • Career & Vocational Goals
    • Low Vision Eval
    • O&M Evaluation
    • Educational Assessments
  • Adaptations
    • Unique Visual Needs
    • Accommodations & Modifications
    • Home Adaptations >
      • General Home Safety
      • Kitchen Adaptations
      • Bathroom Adaptations
      • Medication Adaptations
      • Clothing Management Adaptations
    • Curriculum Adaptations >
      • Numbers & Counting
      • Algebra
      • Geometry & Spatial Sense
      • Measurement & Data
      • Early Literacy Experiences
      • Create Tactile Books
      • Reading Instruction
      • Reading Efficiency
      • Science Adaptations
      • Social Studies Adaptations
    • Material Adaptations >
      • Accessible Educational Materials
      • Large Print
      • Braille Code
      • Photocopying
      • Font Legibility
      • Increase Contrast
      • Pictures and Worksheets
      • Tactile Graphics Guidelines
      • Creating Tactile Graphics
      • Teacher Made Materials for Students with MD
    • Instructional Adaptations >
      • Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
      • Movies & Assemblies
      • Lectures & Instruction
      • Board Work (Chalk, Interactive, White)
    • Environmental Adaptations >
      • School Campus Adaptations
      • Classroom Design Tips
      • Labeling System
      • Adjust Lighting
      • Playground Adaptations
      • Sensory Areas & Rooms
    • Early Childhood Adaptations >
      • Daily Schedule
      • Morning Meeting
      • Weather Check
      • Dramatic Play
      • Blocks
    • Adaptations to the Arts >
      • Art Adaptations
      • Art Materials
      • Music
      • Music & Movement
      • Dance
    • Recreation & Leisure Adaptations >
      • Recreation Adaptations
      • VI Sports Associations
      • Recreation Resources
      • Camps for VI
      • Card and Board Game Adaptations
      • Transcribe Playing Cards
  • VI AT
    • Overview of Assistive Technology
    • VI Assistive Technology >
      • Non-Optical Low Vision Devices
      • Low/Medium Tech Devices for Tactual Learners
      • Optical Devices for Near
      • Optical Devices for Distance
      • Video Magnifiers
      • Screen Magnification & Readers
      • Braille Technology
      • Tactile Graphics Technology
      • Auditory Access Devices
      • Braillewriter Repair
    • 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
    • AT Instruction >
      • Video Magnifier Instruction
      • Notetaker Instruction
      • Accessing Audio Books
      • Navigate Computer without a Mouse
      • Word Processing and Shortcuts
      • Keyboarding Instruction
    • iOS for VI >
      • iPads as Instructional Tools
      • Making the iOS Device Accessible
      • iOS Accessibility Resources
      • VoiceOver
    • Assistive Technology Assessment
    • VI AT Resources
    • Vendors
  • Instruction
    • Virtual Instruction
    • Instructional Strategies >
      • Development of ECC Resources
      • Teaching in Thematic Units
      • Teaching the ECC
      • Summer Reading (braille)
      • Summer Outdoor Activities
      • Rainy Day Activities
    • Compensatory >
      • Guiding Principles of Concept Development
      • Functional Skills
      • Community Based Experiences
      • Concepts to Teach
      • Organization & Study Skills
      • Cranmer Abacus Instruction
      • Time Management
    • Communication Modes >
      • Language Development
      • Braille Instruction
      • Braille Instruction Materials
      • Writing Braille
      • Signature & Handwriting Instruction
      • Nemeth Braille Code
      • Tactile Graphics Instruction
    • Sensory Efficiency >
      • Sensory Input
      • Encourage Use of Vision in Students with MD
      • Lightbox Use
      • Sensory Activities for Students with MD
      • 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
      • Mealtime Independence
      • Eating Adaptations
      • Food Preparation
      • Recipe Activities
      • Hygiene & Grooming
      • Dressing & Clothing Management
      • Money
      • Housekeeping Instruction
    • Orientation & Mobility >
      • Transition Between Activities
      • Proper Guide Techniques
      • Orienting Student to Environment
      • Mobility Skills
      • Travel
      • Dog Guides
    • Social Skills >
      • Non-Verbal Communication
      • Social Interactions
      • Self Concept
      • Icebreakers & Mixers
    • Career Education >
      • Classroom Jobs
      • Career & Vocational
      • Prepare for College & Career
    • Recreation & Leisure >
      • Learn to Play
    • Self Determination