Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 12, 2025
A Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI)—also known as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, vision teacher, or VI specialist—is a certified educator with specialized training in supporting students who are blind or have visual impairments. TVIs work with students from birth through age 21, depending on state-specific certification requirements. This is an instructional role, distinct from vision therapy or related services. 

The Role of the TVI

TVIs provide direct and consultative special education services tailored to the impact of visual impairments. They support students, families, and educational teams by helping adapt materials, environments, and instruction. While TVIs are not academic tutors, they may offer supplemental instruction to ensure students grasp key concepts and have equitable access to the curriculum. TVIs collaborate with classroom teachers, therapists, and families to create learning environments that promote independence, academic success, and preparation for adult life. Key responsibilities of the TVI include:

Interpret Medical Eye Reports

​TVIs are trained to read and interpret medical eye reports to understand how a student’s vision impacts their access to education and daily tasks. This interpretation helps determine eligibility for services and guides necessary supports.

Conducting Functional Vision & Learning Media Assessments

​TVIs conduct: These assessments are initially conducted to determine the need for services. The assessments determine the supports the student needs, including service delivery, goals, accommodations, and instructional planning. The assessments are typically updated every three years, but may occur more frequently if there are changes in the student’s vision. TVIs may also recommend additional evaluations, such as low vision, assistive technology, orientation and mobility (O&M), and adaptive physical education (PE).

Participating in the IEP Process

As key members of the IEP team, TVIs:
  • Share how the student’s visual impairment affects learning and access.
  • Identify vision-specific goals and objectives.
  • Recommend appropriate instructional methods, materials, and assistive technologies.
  • Suggest modifications to classroom settings, testing procedures, and service delivery models.
  • Help determine a student’s optimal reading/writing media (e.g., print, braille, audio).

Recommending Educational Strategies and Materials

TVIs help procure and adapt:
  • Specialized tools like braille writers, low vision devices, magnifiers, and assistive technologies.
  • Learning materials such as braille textbooks, tactile graphics, large print, or digital content.
  • Environmental modifications (e.g., improved lighting or seating).
    They also ensure access to materials from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH).

Conducting Ongoing Observations

TVIs observe students in various settings to assess how vision is used across daily routines. These observations help determine:
  • Motivation and interest areas.
  • Preferred play materials and social interactions.
  • Real-life settings where instruction should be embedded.
This approach ensures services and goals remain functional and relevant.

Teaching in Natural Environments

Rather than teaching isolated skills, TVIs embed instruction into naturally occurring routines and settings, such as:
  • Activities of daily living within context
  • Playing games or using toys
  • Working on classroom assignments
Using materials students already have promotes skill transfer and generalization, whereas isolated “toy bag” sessions may not be as effective in building lasting, functional abilities.
Some skills, such as early braille instruction or tactile exploration, may be introduced in quieter, distraction-free settings before being applied in the classroom.

Communicating with Families and Educators

Frequent communication with caregivers and classroom teachers is essential. Since itinerant TVIs see students for limited time, insights from those who interact with the student daily are invaluable. This collaboration helps:
  • Track progress on goals.
  • Adapt instruction to meet evolving needs.
  • Provide ongoing coaching and support to the team.

Teaching the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)

In addition to supporting students in accessing the general education curriculum, TVIs are responsible for teaching components of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), which addresses areas unique to students with visual impairments. These include:
  • Compensatory and communication skills (e.g., braille, tactile graphics)
  • Sensory efficiency (using vision, hearing, and touch effectively)
  • Orientation and mobility
  • Independent living skills
  • Social interaction skills
  • Recreation and leisure participation
  • Assistive technology
  • Career education
  • Self-determination and advocacy
Not all students require instruction in every ECC area, but the TVI is responsible for identifying and supporting those who do.
​The Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments plays a vital role in helping students with visual impairments access education, develop independence, and thrive in school and beyond. By collaborating with teams, conducting assessments, and providing specialized instruction, the TVI ensures that students are equipped for academic, social, and functional success.
The most important day I remember in all my life is the one on which my Teacher, Anne Mansfield Sullivan, came to me."    -Helen Keller