This section provides guidance on the full planning process, including referral and evaluation procedures, interpreting vision information, conducting functional vision and learning media assessments, developing IEPs, writing Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) goals, collaborating with team members, and ensuring accessibility across instructional settings. These resources help vision professionals make informed decisions that support student access, independence, and long-term success.

Evaluation & Eligibility

​These resources support the evaluation process and help determine eligibility for vision services. Understanding visual functioning and learning needs allows teams to make informed decisions about appropriate services and supports.
  • Referral & Eligibility. Explains how students are referred for vision services, how eligibility is determined, and how teams identify vision-related educational needs.
  • Medical Vision Information. ​Provides guidance on interpreting medical eye reports, vision measurements, and visual conditions, and understanding their impact on educational access.
  • Functional Vision Learning Media Assessment (FVLMA). Explains how the Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessment evaluates how students use vision and access information to determine appropriate learning media.
  • Low Vision Eval & Devices. Describes low vision evaluations and the optical and non-optical devices that support access to print and distance information.
  • Additional Evals & Considerations. Explains additional assessments and factors that influence access, development, independence, and educational programming.

IEP Development & Instructional Planning

​These resources support development of individualized educational programs that address vision-related needs and Expanded Core Curriculum instruction.
  • IEP Development​. Provides guidance on developing IEPs, including identifying student needs, determining services, and ensuring appropriate accommodations and supports.
  • ECC Goal Bank. Provides Expanded Core Curriculum goals that support the development of skills such as assistive technology, independent living, orientation and mobility, and self-determination.
  • Collaboration. Provides strategies for effective collaboration among educators, families, and related service providers to ensure coordinated, consistent support.

Accessibility and Educational Access

​These resources support planning for accessible learning environments and ensuring students can fully access instruction and materials.
  • Accessible Materials.Explains how to provide accessible instructional materials, including braille, large print, tactile graphics, and accessible digital formats.
  • Classroom Access. Provides guidance on adapting classroom environments through seating, lighting, positioning, and environmental considerations.
  • Instructional Access. Explains instructional strategies and modifications that support visual access, engagement, and learning.
  • Technology Access. Provides information on assistive technology tools that support access to instructional materials and digital content.
  • Additional Supports. ​Explains additional services, accommodations, and supports that promote student independence and participation.
Access to comprehensive planning resources allows vision professionals to conduct appropriate evaluations, develop effective instructional plans, collaborate with team members, and ensure students who are blind or visually impaired receive equitable access to education and opportunities for independence and success.

Resource Access

Instructional articles on this site are open access and do not require an account. Free Members may access select free resources and goal banks.
Downloadable printable resources, lesson plans, recorded presentations, and ECC instructional units are available to Premium Subscribers.

Full Article List

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
Printables
Free Resources​ Premium Resource Library 
Teaching Strategy Printables 
​Premium Program Printables
​Premium FVLMA Printables
​ECC PrintablesCompensatory Skills Printables
Sensory Efficiency Printables
Assistive Technology Printables
Social Skills Printables
Self Determination Printables
Independent Living Printables
Recreation & Leisure Printables
Career & Vocational Printables
Evelyn Jane Stories 
Learn: Teaching Strategies & Planning
Learn: ​ECC Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall UnitsWinter Units ​​Winter Units ​​Spring UnitsAnytime Units
Learn: ​Interactive Activities
Learn: Recorded Presentations
Learn: Complete Set Bonus ​