Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
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Shop for Visual Impairment Instructional Resources and Gifts

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by Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​
When parents first learn their child is blind or has a visual impairment, they face an emotional impact and may have a difficult time trying to cope with the diagnosis. 
Families will typically search for support and resources to learn more about the specific diagnosis and also seek to learn how to help their child learn and provide the best support and resources for their child. ​I have included resources for parents specific on parenting children with visual impairments as well as books about parenting children with special needs. Please let me know if there are additional resource books you would like to see added to this page.

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Teaching Students with Visual Impairments is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. While I appreciate your support, please compare prices from other retailers that sell these products. Thank you in advance for your support! 

First Steps

Cover of First Steps book
Anthony, Chen, Fazzi, et al. First Steps. The Blind Children's Center, 1993. This handbook for teaching young children who are visually impaired provides a foundation and an overview of issues and concerns to families. Topics include early childhood development, professionals, the eye, the family, behavior management, speech/language, sensorimotor development, O&M skills, self-help skills, IEPs and materials and devices for children with visual impairments.

Just Enough to Know Better: A Braille Primer

Cover of Just Enough to Know Better
Curran, Eileen. Just Enough to Know Better: A Braille Primer. Natl Braille Pr; Braille edition, 1988. This book is designed to teach parents and caregivers the basics of braille. Through sight, you will learn to identify braille alphabet, numbers, contractions, and even a few exceptions to braille rules.  It includes exercises in braille, flashcards and a cheat-sheet.

Orientation and Mobility Primer for Families and Young Children

Cover of Orientation and Mobility Primer
Dobson-Burk, Bonnie. Orientation and Mobility Primer for Families and Young Children. American Foundation for the Blind, 1989. This book describes the skills children with visual impairments need to move safely and efficiently. Includes sensory training, concept development, motor development, and orientation skills. It also includes suggestions for encouraging a child to move, to identify the sources of sounds, to keep track of objects, and to play successfully with others.

Brothers & Sisters

Cover of Brothers & Siblings
Dwight, Laura. Brothers & Sisters. This book features siblings with a range of disabilities including visual impairment. The siblings play, squabble, and work together to solve differences.

Reach Out and Teach

Cover of Reach Out and Teach
Ferrell, Kay. Reach Out and Teach AFB Press, 2011. This guide teaches parents and teachers how to promote the development of young children with visual and multiple impairments.

Children with Visual Impairments: A Parents' Guide ​

Cover of Children with Visual Impairments
Holbrook, M. Cay.  Children with Visual Impairments: A Parents' Guide (Special Needs Collection).  Woodbine House, 1995. Topics include: diagnosis and treatment; family life and adjustment; your child's development; Early Intervention and Special Education; literacy; Orientation & Mobility; multiple and visual disabilities; legal issues and planning for the future.

Special Children, Challenged Parents

Cover of Special Children, Challenged Parents
Naseef, Robert. Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child With a Disability. Written by a clinical psychologist and parent of a son with autism, the reflections and perspectives are applicable to families with other disabilities. It discusses the impact of the disability on the entire family.

Held

Cover of Held
Peoples, Sandra. Held: Learning to Live in God's Grip: A Bible Study for Special-Needs Parents. This Bible study is written for for special-needs parents by special-needs parents. The study can be done alone, as a couple, or in a group.

Different Dream Parenting

Cover of Different Dream Parenting
Philo, Jolene. Different Dream Parenting: A Practical Guide to Raising a Child with Special Needs. Jolene Philo offers guidance and encouragement through biblical insights and her own personal experiences. The book helps the reader find spiritual wisdom, practical resources, and tools that can help you become an extraordinary advocate for your child.

Learning to Play

Cover of Learning to Play
Recchia, Susan L. Learning to Play. Blind Children's Center, 1987. The booklet focuses on exploring toys and materials, making transitions from one activity to another and playing with other children.

The New Language of Toys

Cover of The New Language of Toys
Schwarts and Miller. The New Language of Toys: Teaching Communication Skills to Children with special Needs: A Guide for Parents and Teachers. Woodbine House, 1996. A guide about using everyday toys to develop communication skills in children with disabilities and making playtime a fun, exciting and educational experience.

Special Parent, Special Child

Cover of Special Parent, Special Child
Sullivan, Tom. Special Parent, Special Child.  Tarcher, 1996. In this book, parents of children with disabilities share their trails and discoveries with others, revealing their special struggles, their methods for overcoming problems, and their advice to others.

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

Cover of Breakthrough Parenting
Winter, Judy. Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations. This book provides detailed information on how to let go of the "perfect-baby" dream, face and resolve grief, avoid the use of limiting and outdated labels and provides guidelines on working with professionals.

History of vi
Timeline of Visual Impairments
Biblical Passages 
​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 Impairment
​
Convergence Insufficiency  
Deaf-Blind
Vi organizations & Agencies
Social Etiquette
​VI Organizations
​US Government Agencies
​​Support Networks
​Deaf-Blind Resources
​​​Online Parent Resources
​
Financial Assistance
Vendors
VI book resources
Children's Books
Young Reader Books
Books on Dog Guides
​Teen & Young Adult Books
Non-Fiction Books
Helen Keller Books
​​Parent Resource Books 
Grief and Suffering
VI Professionals
​Become a Vision Professional
Professional Prep Programs
Teacher of Students with VI
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Low Vision Specialist  
Rehabilitation Specialists
CATIS
Paraprofessionals & Braillists ​ ​
Professionalism
​Professional Ethics  
​Professional Development 
​Teacher Standards  
Professional Organizations
Certification Organizations
Awards & Recognition
APH Scholar Program
​Collaboration Strategies
Dealing with Challenges
Instructional Planning
VI Program Handbook
Caseload Analysis  
Itinerant Teacher Tips 
Year at a Glance
Role of Classroom Teacher  
​​Simulation Activities 
Organization & Time Management Strategies
Material Preparation
​
Professional Publications
General VI Resource Books
CVI & MD Resources Books
Braille Resource Books
O&M Resource Books
Early Intervention Resource Books
​Journal Resources
Educational Programming
National Agenda
​
The Expanded Core Curriculum
IDEA and Vision 
​Federal Quota Funds
Deaf-Blind Count
​State SpEd Agencies 
​​Schools for the Blind ​
Individual Learning Differences
Language Development
Impact on Development & Learning
Psychological Impact
Strategies for SIDPID
Strategies for MIMO
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
Interpreting the Eye Report  ​
Environmental Observations

FVLMA Observations
Interviews
Assessment Kit Materials
Oculomotor Skills
Near Vision Acuities
Print Comparisons
Distance Acuity 
​
Test Visual Fields
Vision Skills
Learning Media Assessment
Reading Rates
Writing the FVE Report  ​
additional evaluations
Low Vision Evaluation  ​
Orientation & Mobility Evaluation  
Educational Assessments  
Assistive Technology Assessment
service planning
​​ECC Annual Needs 
Unique Visual Needs
​Accommodations & Modification  ​
Service Delivery Models  
Least Restrictive Environment
Early Interventions Services
​Students with Multiple Disabilities
​Student Led IEP's 
504 Plans
​Transition Plans
writing goals
Writing SMART Goals
Blooms Taxonomy  
Compensatory Goals 
Sensory Efficiency Goals 
Assistive Technology Goals 
Social Skills Goals 
Independent Living Goals 
Recreation & Leisure Goals 
Self Determination Goals 
Career & Vocational Goals ​
compensatory skills
Guiding Principles
​
Functional Skills
Community Based Experiences  ​
​​Concepts to Teach ​
Organization & Study Skills ​​
Time Management  ​​
​
​​​Virtual Instruction
​Movies & Assemblies
Lectures & Instruction
Board Work (Chalk, White, etc.)
​​Daily Schedule 
Morning Meeting 
Weather Check 
Dramatic Play 
Blocks 

Numbers & Counting
Cranmer Abacus Instruction
Algebra
Geometry & Spatial Sense
Measurement & Data ​
Early Literacy Experiences  ​
​Create Tactual Books

Reading Instruction
​Reading Efficiency ​​
Science Adaptations 
Social Studies Adaptations
​Accessible Educational Materials
​​Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
Adjust Lighting  
Large Print
Optical Devices for Near 
Optical Devices for Distance 
Optical Device Use ​​
​Photocopying
Font Legibility
Increase Contrast
Pictures & Worksheets 
Keyboarding ​Instruction
Word Processing and Shortcuts
​Navigate Computer w/o a Mouse
Braille Code
Braille Instruction 
​Braille Instruction Materials
Writing Braille  
​Summer Reading (braille)
Signature & Handwriting ​​
Nemeth Braille Code
​
Tactile Graphics Guidelines
Creating Tactile Graphics
​Tactile Graphics Instruction
​Teacher Made Materials 
​Labeling System
assistive technology
Overview of Assistive Technology
​
VI AT Resources
​
Non-Optical Low Vision Devices
​
Video Magnifiers  
​Video Magnifier Instruction 
​
Screen Enlargement & Readers 
​Low/Med. Tech Tactual Devices
​​​​Notetaker Instruction 
Braillewriter Repair
Tactile Graphics Technology
Braille Technology
​
Auditory Access Devices 
​Accessing Audio Books
​
​iPads as Instructional Tools
Making iOS Device Accessible
iOS Accessibility Resources
VoiceOver
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  ​​​
sensory efficiency
Sensory Input
​
​Encourage Use of Vision
​​Sensory Area & Rooms
​Lightbox Use
​
Sensory Activities for Students with Multiple Disabilities
Sensory Tables
Visual Efficiency Skills 
Visual Attend and Scan Activities
Visual Tracking Activities
​Visual Discrimination Activities
Visual Motor Activities
Tactual Readiness
Developing Skillful Hands
Auditory Readiness  
​​Listening Skill Instruction
independent living
Responsibility & Independence
​
General Home Safety  
Mealtime Independence
Eating Adaptions
Bathroom Adaptations
​
Dressing & Clothing Management
Clothing Management
Medication Adaptations
​Kitchen Adaptations
Food Preparation   
Recipe Activities

Hygiene & Grooming
​
​Money
Housekeeping  ​
orientation & Mobility
​Transition Between Activities
Proper Guide Techniques 
Orienting Student to Environment
Mobility Skills
Travel  
Dog Guides
​​School Campus Adaptations
Classroom Design Tips
career education
Classroom Jobs
​Career & Vocational  ​
Prepare for College & Career
​
Career Exploration
social skills
​Non-Verbal Communication  
Social Interactions  
Self Concept
Icebreakers & Mixers
recreation & Leisure
Recreation & Leisure
​Recreation Adaptations  
Recreation Resources
​
Playground Adaptations
​VI Sports Associations
Camps for VI
Learn to Play
Art Adaptations
Art Materials
Music
Music & Movement
Dance
​Card and Board Games 
Transcribe Playing Cards
Summer Outdoor Activities
​
Rainy Day Activities  ​
self determination
Self Determination Skills  ​
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. ​
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  • Home
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • About
    • FAQs
    • User Agreement
  • VI Store & Gifts
    • VI Gift Shop >
      • Braille Necklaces
      • VI Shirts
      • Badge Holders
      • VI Drinkware
      • Vision Bags & Totes
      • Braille Greeting Cards
      • Keyrings/Zipper Pulls/White Cane Tags
      • Ornaments
    • ECC Instructional Resources >
      • TVI's Guide Complete Set Bundle
      • TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC
      • Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency Worksheets
      • Visual Efficiency & Magnifier Fluency
      • Task Box Activities
      • Vocabulary Cards & Checklists
      • Interactive Sensory Stories
      • Interactive Matching Activities
    • Purchase Recorded Presentations >
      • Presentation Complete Set of 16
      • Foundations of Teaching the ECC
      • Itinerant Teaching Strategies & Tips
      • Strategies & Activities for SIDPID
      • Strategies & Activities for MIMO
      • Job Tasks for Jobs, Career & Life
      • Strategies & Activities for Standard Course of Study
      • Accommodations for BLVI
      • Accessible Content for BLVI
      • Using Themes to Teach the ECC
      • Tips for Being a Physically Fit TVI
      • Conducting a FVLMA
      • Developing SMARTER Goals
      • Determining Service Intensity Using the VISSIT
      • Selecting the Right AT
      • The Art of Teaching the ECC
      • Activities to Teach the ECC
    • Job Postings
    • Product Support
  • Jobs
    • Post a Job
    • TVI, Greene Co., Ohio
    • TVI or Dual TVI/COMS, North Carolina
  • Articles
  • Paid Member Pages
  • Member Pages