Strategies for Supporting Peer Interaction

Build Awareness of the Social Environment
  • Describe surroundings, including who is present, what others are doing, and relevant social cues.
  • Highlight the tone of conversations, mood of the group, and any visual information the student may be missing.
Describe Peers and Activities
  • Provide verbal descriptions of peers’ appearances and actions, especially in new or group settings.
  • Share who is entering the room, who is speaking, or what facial expressions and gestures are being used.
Encourage Observation Before Participation
  • Teach the student to pause, listen, and gather context before jumping into group conversations or games.
  • Model how to assess tone, topic, and turn-taking before speaking.
Address Curiosity About Visual Impairment
  • Help the student prepare ways to respond to peer questions about their vision or tools (e.g., white cane, Braille device).
  • Foster a classroom climate of respectful curiosity and natural inclusion.
Promote Verbal Communication of Emotions
  • Teach sighted peers to express emotions verbally, since facial expressions and body language may not be noticed.
  • Encourage clear verbal communication about feelings, needs, and reactions.
Highlight and Celebrate Braille Skills
  • Offer opportunities for the student to demonstrate Braille reading or writing in class.
  • Encourage classmates to ask respectful questions, promoting Braille awareness and appreciation.
Use Names in Conversation
  • Encourage the student to use peer names when initiating or responding in conversation.
  • Using names promotes personalization and helps the student maintain orientation in group discussions.
Expect Participation
  • Set the expectation that the student will respond to peers, join group activities, and be included in class discussions.
  • Assign classroom roles and responsibilities to reinforce participation.
Teach Turn-Taking and Listening
  • Explicitly teach and model how to take turns in conversation and games.
  • Reinforce the importance of listening without interrupting, then contributing at the right time.
Develop Conversation Skills
  • Practice starting conversations, staying on topic, asking follow-up questions, and ending conversations politely.
  • Role-play scenarios with peers or paraprofessionals to build confidence and fluency.
Demonstrate Socially Appropriate Affection
  • Discuss appropriate physical gestures (e.g., high-fives, handshakes) and when they are acceptable.
  • Address personal space, consent, and cultural norms related to touch and affection.

Recommended Resource

Getting to Know You: A Social Skills and Ability Awareness Curriculum
Available through the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), this K–12 curriculum helps students who are blind or visually impaired:
  • Build social awareness
  • Practice friendship and communication skills
  • Interpret nonverbal cues
  • Prepare for successful adult life, including employment and independent living

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Guide: Start Here
Tools (VI Basics)
Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
Other Evaluations
Plan: IEP Planning
Plan: Collaboration & Accessibility
​Collaboration Accessible Materials ​Classroom Access Instructional Access Technology Access ​Additional Supports Service Delivery Models  ​
Teach: Compensatory Skills
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development ​Alternative Communication ​Emergent Literacy ​Braille Code
​Beginning Braille ​ Braille Fluency & Comprehension  Writing Braille ​​​Nemeth Code Instruction 
​​​Tactile Graphics ​Print Concepts ​​Abacus  ​​Organization Skills​ ​​Study Skills ​​Time Management
Teach: Sensory Efficiency Skills
​Auditory & Listening Skills ​​Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use ​Tactile Readiness
Teach: Assistive Technology 
AT Overview ​AT Use & Maintenance Braille AT ​iOS Instruction Audio Access​ ​Video Magnifiers ​​​Basic Computer Use Computer Access ​Productivity
Teach: Social Skills
Social Skill Basics​
Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ Verbal Communication Skills Cooperative Skills Identity & Self-Awareness ​Interactions & Relationships Managing Challenges & Safety
Teach: Self Determination
Teach: Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene & Grooming ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation
Household Skills Clothing Management ​Money & Budget Shopping & Consumerism Phone Use ​Safety & Emergency Preparedness ​​Services & Community Resources
Teach: Orientation & Mobility
Teach: Recreation & Leisure
Teach: Career & Vocational
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