The Expanded Core Curriculum
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By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated June 13, 2022 |
The Expanded Core Curriculum addresses the knowledge and skills needed by students with visual impairments due to their unique disability and specific needs. The various areas of the expanded core curriculum provide educators with a way of addressing the needs of students with visual impairments as well as those with additional disabilities. The educational requirements of this population are not always met since the lack of vision is considered "minor", especially when the child is severely impacted by cognitive and physical disabilities.
Compensatory
Compensatory skills are those skills needed by students who are blind or visually impaired to access all areas of the core curriculum. All students need to be taught the skills necessary to access information within the standard core curriculum to be successful in mastering state and national education standards. Individualized instruction in compensatory skills will help the student who is blind learn about the world, communicate, and develop literacy. Compensatory skills include concept development, spatial understanding, study, and organizational skills, speaking and listening skills and the adaptations required to fully access all areas of the general curriculum. Communication modes fall under compensatory skills and incorporate skills needed by students who are blind or visually impaired. Some students will need instruction in the braille code to access print as well as handwriting and signature instruction. Additionally, students may require large print, use of optical devices, recorded materials, picture symbols, and more to support access to communication.
Assistive Technology
Students who are blind or have low vision need to acquire a range of Technic skills that will give them options for gathering and conveying information. Instruction in the use and maintenance of Assistive Technology is needed in the curriculum for students with visual impairments.
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Sensory Efficiency
Sensory efficiency skills include instruction in the use of residual vision, hearing and other senses including the use of tactual, gustatory, and olfactory input to identify one's possessions or use hearing and other senses to identify people.
Independent Living
It is important for the student to develop responsibility and independence to become the most independent and contributing member of their homes and communities that will promote social acceptance.
Orientation & Mobility
:It is critical for individuals with visual impairments to learn to move safely, efficiently and as independently as possible through all environments. Orientation and Mobility Specialists (O&M or COMS) will work directly with the individual to provide alternatives to using sight for safe and independent travel purposes. This section provides information on the different areas of O&M instruction. During instruction with the O&M, the individual will be taught trailing techniques, search patterns, sighted guide techniques, use of vision for travel and orientation, use of the long cane, and independent travel in a variety of environments. Individuals are typically taught to use a long cane and techniques for using any remaining vision that they may have such as the use of optical devices (telescopes or monoculars). It is important to learn how to move safely in both familiar and unfamiliar environments.
Social Skills
Social interaction skills must be taught to students with visual impairments because they are unable to casually observe how people interact and socialize with one another. This section provides information on ways to help students develop positive social skills.
Non-Verbal Communication
Social Interactions
Self Concept
Icebreakers & Mixers
Non-Verbal Communication
Social Interactions
Self Concept
Icebreakers & Mixers
Career Education
Career education is an essential area of the Expanded Core Curriculum as it provides the student with visual impairment access to an understanding of careers they may not be aware. It also addresses the vocational skills students need to perform jobs and keep employment. Career education for students with visual impairments needs to begin as early as possible and include self-awareness and career exploration activities, job seeking skills instruction, information about job keeping, and encourage opportunities for gaining work experience. Teaching skills in the area of career education can provide students with visual impairments of all ages with the opportunity to learn first-hand the work done by members of the home and community. The students need to gain an understanding of the many jobs that are available from the bank teller, to the gardener, to the social worker, to the artist, and much much more. The student who is blind or visually impaired should have the opportunity to explore a wide range of careers in a systematic, well-planned manner as they will not be able to casually observe these jobs as their sighted peers can.
Classroom Jobs
Career & Vocational
Preparing for College
Career Exploration
Classroom Jobs
Career & Vocational
Preparing for College
Career Exploration
Recreational & Leisure Skills
Recreation and leisure skills may include traditional as well as adapted physical education activities. This section will provide information on how to provide students with support in this area.
Self Determination
Self-Determination highlights the importance of believing in oneself while understanding one's abilities and limitations. This section provides information on how to help students develop self-determination skills.
The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) is the body of knowledge and skills that are needed by students with visual impairments due to their unique disability-specific needs. Students with visual impairments need the expanded core curriculum in addition to the core academic curriculum of general education. The ECC should be used as a framework for assessing students, planning individual goals and providing instruction."
- American Foundation for the Blind
