Core Areas of Instruction

Vision Rehabilitation Specialists support individuals in developing practical skills that promote independence in daily life. Instruction focuses on building routines, problem-solving skills, and confidence across home and community environments. Instructional areas include:
  • Low Vision Skills. Instruction focuses on using remaining vision effectively. This includes learning how and when to use optical and non-optical devices to complete daily tasks.
  • Communication. Students learn alternative methods for reading, writing, math, and organization. Instruction may include assistive technology such as screen readers, magnification, text-to-speech, and digital tools for note-taking and access.
  • Personal Management. Instruction includes daily living skills such as hygiene, grooming, medication routines, money management, and clothing care. These skills support independence and personal responsibility.
  • Indoor Orientation. Students learn how to move safely and efficiently within familiar indoor environments. This includes developing awareness of layout, landmarks, and consistent travel routes.
  • Home Management. Instruction focuses on maintaining a home environment. This may include cooking, kitchen safety, cleaning, laundry, organization, simple home tasks, and managing basic finances.
  • Leisure and Recreation. Students explore activities that support enjoyment and participation. This includes adapted games, hobbies, crafts, and physical activities that can be accessed independently or with others.

​Instructional Settings

Vision Rehabilitation Specialists work in diverse environments, including:
  • The client’s home
  • Community rehabilitation centers
  • College campuses
  • Vocational programs
They tailor instruction to each individual’s experience with vision loss:
  • For individuals with congenital or early-onset visual impairments, instruction is similar to teaching new life skills.
  • For those with acquired vision loss, the goal is often re-learning tasks in new, non-visual ways.

Role in Transition Planning and Adult Services

Each U.S. state has a designated agency that provides vision rehabilitation services, which often include:
  • One-on-one instruction
  • Support groups
  • Independent living centers
  • Vocational rehabilitation services
Certified Vision Rehabilitation Specialists develop individualized service plans based on each client’s goals, environment, and skill level.
They also play a key role in transition planning for students with visual impairments:
  • VRTs should be invited to IEP meetings in the student’s junior or senior year of high school.
  • They collaborate with school teams to design transition plans that prepare students for independent adulthood.
  • They may provide:
    • Community resources and referrals
    • Guidance on college or employment readiness
    • Support in accessing post-secondary training programs, residential summer programs, or weekend workshops on daily living skills
    • Information about funding opportunities for equipment or services

​Certification and More Information

Vision Rehabilitation Specialists are typically certified by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP). To learn more or locate a certified specialist, visit: https://www.acvrep.org

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 ​