Handbook Format & Essentials

  • Binder Size: 1½" binder with a clear view cover
  • Dividers: One or two sets of 8-tab dividers
  • Storage: Include only documents you refer to regularly. Store additional forms digitally or on a flash drive.
  • Printable Components: Download cover pages, tabs, and templates from the Printables page on my site or create your own.
  • Pro Tip: Always carry printed copies of critical forms—technology isn’t always reliable!

Section 1: Employee Information

  • Internet access instructions for work-issued devices​
  • Purchasing guidelines, PD protocols, leave procedures
  • District-wide calendar
  • Calendars for individual schools (traditional, year-round, modified)
  • Bell schedules for each school
  • District/county/school maps
  • Mileage chart (create one if not provided—very helpful for tallying daily mileage!)

Section 2: Caseload Overview

  • Caseload summary sheet (see Printables page for template)
  • Service Intensity Scale: I recommend the TSBVI VISSIT Tool, but there are other options depending on your district’s preferences

Section 3: VI Program Forms

Keep one blank copy of each regularly used form for easy duplication:
  • Eye Report Form
  • Permission to Evaluate (see my custom template on the Printables page)
  • Low Vision Evaluation Forms
  • Orientation & Mobility Referral Form
  • Exchange/Release of Information Form
  • Medical Release Form
  • Notarized Consent for State Materials (Some states now require notarized consent to access educational materials.)

Section 4: Print Comparisons

  • Near-Print Font Size Comparison Sheet
  • Typometer printed on clear acetate. Use this overlay to quickly determine the font size by placing it directly over the text.

Section 5: Braille Reference

  • UEB Braille Reference Chart
  • Braille Keyboard Reference Guide
  • Nemeth Code Quick Reference

Section 6: Technology Reference

  • Common Computer Shortcut Commands
  • Step-by-step guides for:
    • iOS Guided Access
    • VoiceOver
    • Enlarging Copies (visual tutorial for staff or assistants)

Section 7: Professional Contacts

  • VI Program contact list
  • Special Education Department Directory
  • Other frequently contacted professionals and agencies

Section 8: Notes

  • Blank paper or notepad pages for jotting reminders, meeting notes, or quick observations.

Student-Specific Tabs

Create a tab for each student you serve directly, and a separate one for those served on a consulting basis. Inside each tab, include:
  • Data collection sheets
  • Unique Visual Needs page
  • School map and classroom location
Tip: Keep a copy of your weekly schedule in the back cover—use only initials or first names for confidentiality.
​This handbook has saved me countless hours and reduced my stress throughout the year. It’s lightweight, streamlined, and customized—designed by a TVI, for TVIs. If you haven’t yet created one of your own, I highly recommend using this framework as a starting point.

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 ​