Social Skill BasicsBy: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated June 27, 2025 Teaching social interaction skills to students with visual impairments is essential for their success in building relationships, navigating social environments, and preparing for future academic and professional experiences. Because reduced vision can limit a student's ability to observe and interpret nonverbal cues, facial expressions, and social nuances, explicit instruction and guided practice are necessary. Below are key areas and strategies for fostering strong social skills in students who are blind or have low vision.
Knowledge of SelfHelp students develop a positive self-concept and recognize their:
Knowledge of Visual ImpairmentEducate students about:
Knowledge of OthersTeach students to:
Interaction SkillsProvide direct instruction in key social behaviors:
Social SkillsGuide students in handling everyday social interactions:
Leisure and Recreation SkillsSupport students in:
Self-Advocacy SkillsEmpower students to:
Collaboration with SpecialistsPartner with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other specialists to:
Social skills are not just learned through observation—they must be explicitly taught, practiced, and reinforced. For students with visual impairments, social instruction is a critical part of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) and should be woven throughout the school day and across environments.
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ECC InstructionTeaching Strategies
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development
Alternative Communication
Emergent Literacy
Access Print
Access Environmental Print Pre-Braille
Braille Code
Braille Formatting BraillewriterSlate & StylusTactile Graphics
Assistive Technology
VI AT Printables Basic UseProblem Solve Braille NotetakeriOS/Tablet
Windows KeystrokesWord ProcessingProductive Online VI AT Resources Social Skills
Social Skill Needs Non-Verbal Skills
Self Determination
Self Determination Skills
Sensory Efficiency
Sensory Input Sensory Areas & RoomsAuditory ReadinessVisual Efficiency Skills
Independent Living
Personal Care
Hygiene & Grooming
Shopping & Consumerism
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
Career & Vocational
Job Awareness
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