VI Program HandbookBy: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com October 31, 2017 When I was a TVI with the Wake County School System in North Carolina, a colleague, Tricia Noe, and I would work together over the summer creating a VI Program Handbook to provide to fellow TVI’s when they returned from summer break. I found it to be a great resource and I maintained and carried it with me at all times, modifying it to each new work environment, over the years. Of course, I use a variety of other methods to keep myself organized and on top of everything, but this has been my “go to” over the years. I thought I would share the framework of that handbook with you if you haven’t yet created a similar one of your own. ![]() I have revised the contents many times over the years, trying to consolidate the information and include only items I need to refer to regularly. As schools have transitioned to storing information online, I have taken advantage of those systems (as well as storing information on my flash drive) and only include the items that I need to refer to regularly in the handbook. I do make sure I have copies of important forms on hand for those inevitable times that the internet is down! I begin with a 1 ½" binder with a clear cover and at least two 8 tab dividers. As I stated, I used to carry around much more information, but for the sake of saving my back and shoulders, I’ve whittled my binder down to the following items that I find are “must haves”. You will want to include forms and information specific to your program, but many of the documents I use can be found on the Printable page and can be adapted to meet your needs.
Section 1: Employee Information.
Section 2: Caseload
Section 3: VI Program Forms I keep a single copy of each form I regularly use in this section. By keeping a copy in my folder, I know I will always have access to it and can make a quick copy as needed.
Section 4: Print Comparisons
Section 5: Braille Reference
Section 6: Technology Reference
Section 7: Professional Contacts
Section 8: NotesAdditional SectionsI have additional tabbed dividers for each student that I serve directly and a separate tab for students I serve on a consulting basis. Within each student tab, I include data collection, a copy of the student's unique needs and corresponding school map. I keep a copy of my weekly schedule in the back cover of the binder for quick reference (Use only first names or abbreviations for confidentiality!).
![]() Tips for Being a "Physically Fit" TVI Recorded Presentation
$25.00
Itinerant teaching is very rewarding, but it can present many challenges as well. TVI’s must be able to work well with a variety of personalities to best support students and their teams. It is just as essential to be organized, flexible, reliable, and a team player as it is to be knowledgeable in your field. Seeking out professional development opportunities, developing a professional support system and continually striving to excel will foster growth in all TVI’s whether new to the field or those with years of experience. The intent of this session is to provide strategies for itinerant TVI’s to excel in their careers by providing specific strategies to improve their effectiveness as an itinerant VI professional. This hour-long presentation is packed full of tips and strategies from Carmen Willings who has been a full time Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments for over 20 years. This webinar is perfect for TVI's just entering the field and for all TVI's as they start the new school year! Objectives:
Ways to Access the Presentation
Request a Certificate of Completion To receive a certificate of completion for 1 contact hour, complete the short "Be A Physically Fit TVI" quiz on Google Forms and receive a score of at least 80%. Don't worry. If you don't pass, you can look over your notes or re-watch the presentation and retake the test! If you have any accessibility issues with the form, please don't hesitate to let me know and we can make other arrangements. System Requirements: Presentations are recorded PowerPoint presentations. You must be able to access PowerPoint to view the PowerPointpresentation. Please note that the presentation pages are closed member pages available to individuals who have purchase access to the presentation. *Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO. |
History of vi
Visual Impairments
Vi organizations & Agencies
VI book resources
VI Professionals
Professionalism
Instructional Planning
Professional Publications
Educational Programming
Individual Learning Differences
referrals
Medical vision exams
fvlma
additional evaluations
service planning
writing goals
compensatory skills
Guiding Principles Functional Skills Community Based Experiences Concepts to Teach Organization & Study Skills Time Management Virtual Instruction Movies & Assemblies Lectures & Instruction Board Work (Chalk, White, etc.) Daily Schedule Morning Meeting Weather Check Dramatic Play Blocks Numbers & Counting Cranmer Abacus Instruction Algebra Geometry & Spatial Sense Measurement & Data Early Literacy Experiences Create Tactual Books Reading Instruction Reading Efficiency Science Adaptations Social Studies Adaptations Accessible Educational Materials Individual Schedules & Communication Cards Adjust Lighting Large Print Optical Devices for Near Optical Devices for Distance Optical Device Use Photocopying Font Legibility Increase Contrast Pictures & Worksheets Keyboarding Instruction Word Processing and Shortcuts Navigate Computer w/o a Mouse Braille Code Braille Instruction Braille Instruction Materials Writing Braille Summer Reading (braille) Signature & Handwriting Nemeth Braille Code Tactile Graphics Guidelines Creating Tactile Graphics Tactile Graphics Instruction Teacher Made Materials Labeling System assistive technology
Overview of Assistive Technology VI AT Resources Non-Optical Low Vision Devices Video Magnifiers Video Magnifier Instruction Screen Enlargement & Readers Low/Med. Tech Tactual Devices Notetaker Instruction Braillewriter Repair Tactile Graphics Technology Braille Technology Auditory Access Devices Accessing Audio Books iPads as Instructional Tools Making iOS Device Accessible iOS Accessibility Resources VoiceOver Apps for VI Note Taking apps Apps for Accessing Books Identification Apps Navigation & Location Apps Braille Apps Magnifier Apps Sound Making Apps Cause & Effect Apps Vision Skills Apps Apps for Early Learning Read to Me Story Apps Apps for Communication Android Apps for VI sensory efficiency
Sensory Input Encourage Use of Vision Sensory Area & Rooms Lightbox Use Sensory Activities for Students with Multiple Disabilities Sensory Tables Visual Efficiency Skills Visual Attend and Scan Activities Visual Tracking Activities Visual Discrimination Activities Visual Motor Activities Tactual Readiness Developing Skillful Hands Auditory Readiness Listening Skill Instruction independent living
orientation & Mobility
career education
recreation & Leisure
self determination
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