Visual Impairment Resource Books

Expanded Core Curriculum & Foundations

Allman and Lewis. ECC Essentials: Teaching the Expanded Core Curriculum to Students with Visual Impairments. American Foundation for the Blind, 2014. A comprehensive guide to teaching all nine ECC areas with practical strategies and rationale. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891284987
Bishop, Virginia. Teaching Visually Impaired Children, 3rd Edition. Charles C Thomas Pub Ltd, 1996. Emphasizes structured choice, independence, and interdependence in instructional settings. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0398074777
Cassin, Barbara M. Dictionary of Eye Terminology. Triad, 2006. This dictionary is a must for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments. An essential reference for understanding ophthalmic terms, acronyms, and abbreviations. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0937404737
Holbrook and Koenig. Foundations of Education, Second Edition Vol I: History and Theory of Teaching Children and Youths with Visual Impairments. AFB Press, 2017. A comprehensive look at the history and theory of teaching children and youths with visual impairments. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891286950
Holbrook and Koenig. Foundations of Education, Second Edition Vol II: Instructional Strategies for Teaching Children and Youths with Visual Impairments, AFB Press, 2017. A comprehensive compilation of best practices specific to each area of the core curriculum. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891286967

Low Vision Assessment & Instruction

Corn and Erin. Foundations of Low Vision: Clinical and Functional Perspectives, 2nd Edition. AFB Press, 2010. Examines clinical and functional aspects, bridging medical and educational perspectives. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891288831
D'Andrea, Frances Mary. Looking to Learn: Promoting Literacy for Students With Low Vision. American Foundation for the Blind, 2000. Literacy strategies for students with low vision, including interpreting eye reports and FVAs. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891283461
Lueck, Amanda Hall. Functional Vision: A Practitioner's Guide to Evaluation and Intervention. American Foundation for the Blind, 2004. Provides assessment and intervention strategies based on functional vision evaluations. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891288718

Technology

Siu and Presley. Access Technology for Blind and Low Vision Accessibility, 2nd Edition. An overview of currently available technologies and tools. Rather than using pre-determined checklists to evaluate technology skills, it presents an inquiry-based approach for identifying needs related to individual instruction, advocacy for accessible formats, and how to achieve equity in information-rich environments. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1950723034

Listening, Literacy & Reading Instruction

Barclay, Lizbeth. Learning to Listen. APH Press, 2011. Learning to Listen/Listening to Learn is the first comprehensive work to address the systematic development of skills in listening for and interpreting auditory information for students who are blind or visually impaired. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891284918
Kameie-Hannan and Ricci. Reading Connections: Strategies for Teaching Students with Visual Impairments. American Foundation for the Blind, 2015. Research-based reading instruction for print and braille readers, covering phonics, fluency, and comprehension. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891286349
Wright and Stratton. On the Way to Literacy Handbook, 2nd edition. American Printing House for the Blind. 2007. Early literacy development from birth to emergent reading for students with visual impairments. APH Catalog Number: 8-77520-00

STEM Instruction

Wild, Tiffany. Accessible Science for Students with Visual Impairments (2025). As the first title in APH Press's STEM series, Accessible Science Education for Students with Visual Impairments explores many science topics including physics, biology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1950723225

Instructional Tools & Itinerant Teaching

Chambers, Stacey. Tools for TVIs: The Itinerant Teacher’s Handbook, 2025 APH. The book covers guiding principles and topics for new and established teachers, including organization, the Expanded Core Curriculum, and multiple disabilities. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1950723164
Erin, Jane N. When You Have a Visually Impaired Student in Your Classroom: A Guide for Teachers, 2nd Edition. AFB Press, 2022. This guidebook is written for teachers and addresses how to effectively work with a student with visual impairments and introduces special devices that may be used by the student. ISBN: 978-0-89128-894-7
Russotti and Shaw. When You Have a Visually Impaired Student in Your Classroom: A Guide for Paraeducators. APH Press, 2004. explains the role of paraeducators (sometimes called classroom aides, teaching assistants, or paraprofessionals) in working with students who are visually impaired and assisting other members of the educational team. ISBN-13 : ‎ 978-0891288947

PE & Recreation

Lieberman, Beach, Ponchillia Physical Education and Sports for People with Visual Impairments and Deafblindness 2nd Edition. APH Press, 2025 Foundations and adaptations for inclusion in PE, sports, and fitness programs. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1950723249

Transition, Daily Living & Independence

Duffy, Maureen. Making Life More Livable: Simple Adaptations for Living at Home After Vision Loss. American Foundation for the Blind, 2015. A resource for older adults who are losing their vision provides practical tips and easy modifications that improve the safety and security of the home and give older adults with vision loss solutions to continue living independent and productive lives. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891287186
Trief, Ellen. College Bound: A Guide for Students with Visual Impairments. American Foundation for the Blind, 2016. A step-by-step guide to preparing blind and visually impaired students for success in higher education. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891287391

Braille Resource Books

Ashcroft's Programmed Instruction in Braille, Fourth Edition (APIB), formerly titled, New Programmed Instruction in Braille Instruction. A step-by-step braille instruction course with updated UEB rules, self-correction keys, and meaningful reading passages. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0996035309
Becker, Roberta. Unified English Braille Practice Sentences. This book of practice sentences, available from ActualTactuals, was created by the co-author of Literary Braille Practice Sentences (with Phil Mangold). Sentence-based braille practice progressing from simple to complex. The print book includes simulated braille on facing pages. The contractions are introduced one at a time where possible with sufficient repetition for mastery.
Bjorg, Renae T. & Olson, Myrna R. Guidelines and Games for Teaching Efficient Braille Reading, 2nd Edition (APH Press, 2022) This newly revised version retains the classic games and activities designed to enhance early braille reading, while integrating updated research, digital refreshable braille technology, and current teaching strategies. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1950723102
Burns, Mary F. Burns Braille Guide: A Quick Reference to Unified English Braille. APH Press, 2015. The revised and updated edition reflects the range of changes introduced in the transition from English Braille American Edition (EBAE) to UEB. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891287179
D'Andrea, Frances Mary. Instructional Strategies for Braille Literacy. American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), 1997. Teaching methods, assessment tools, and strategies for students with additional disabilities. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891289364
Koenig, Wormsley, Baker, Rex. Foundations of Braille Literacy. American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), 1994. Combines theory and practice in braille literacy; includes historical context and assessment practices. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891289340
Swenson, Anna M. Beginning with Braille: A Balanced Approach to Literacy, 2nd Edition. American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), 2015. Ideas for creating braille-rich environments and supporting braille learners with or without additional disabilities. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891286981
Wormsley, Diane. I-M-Able: Individualized Meaning Centered Approach to Braille Literacy Education. American Foundation for the Blind, 2016. A student-centered approach focused on meaningful, individualized braille instruction for learners with challenges. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891287223
Library of Congress, Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing - Fifth Edition, 2009 A complete course in braille transcribing following BANA standards and EBAE rules.

O&M Resource Books

Blasch, Bruce B., De l’Aune, Warren H., and De l’Aune, Sally L. Foundations of Orientation and Mobility, 4th Edition, Volumes I APH Press, 2024. History and Theory, Volume 1, 4th ed. covers essential O&M knowledge, encompassing techniques, perception, orientation, low vision, auditory skills, kinesiology, psychosocial factors, and learning theories. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1950723126
Blasch, Bruce B., De l’Aune, Warren H., and De l’Aune, Sally L. Foundations of Orientation and Mobility, 4th Edition, Volumes 2 APH Press, 2024. Volume 2 provides in-depth information on topics such as sensory use in O&M, teaching O&M to various age and ability groups, and the application of technology. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1950723140
Fazzi, Diane L. Imagining the Possibilities: Creative Approaches to Orientation and Mobility and Mobility Instruction for Persons Who Are Visually Impaired. American Foundation for the Blind, 2001. Creative and inclusive O&M teaching methods, especially for students with multiple disabilities. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891283829
Hill, Everette W. Orientation and Mobility Techniques: A Guide for the Practitioner. AFB Press, 2017. Foundational methods and devices for professional O&M instruction. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891286844
Jacobson, William H. Art and Science of Teaching Orientation and Mobility to Persons with Visual Impairments. American Foundation for the Blind, 2nd edition, 2012. Advanced instruction methods with environmental and ethical considerations. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891284741
LaPrelle, Lorie Lynn. Standing On My Own Two Feet. Blind Children's Center, 2002. Step-by-step guide for building low-cost PVC adaptive mobility devices for preschoolers.
Page, et. al. O&M for Independent Living: Strategies for Teaching Orientation & Mobility to Older Adults. American Foundation for the Blind, 2016. Step-by-step guide for building low-cost PVC adaptive mobility devices for preschoolers. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891286769
Pogrund, Rona L., Fazzi, Diane L., and Tuttle, Susan J. Teaching Age-Appropriate Purposeful Skills (TAPS), 3rd Edition (TSBVI) – Full O&M curriculum for ages 3–21.
Pogrund and Griffin-Shirley. Partners in O&M: Supporting Orientation and Mobility for Students Who Are Visually Impaired. APH Press, 2018. Reflects innovative thinking in teaching O&M to children, provides a solid O&M foundation for future O&M specialists, and addresses concepts and strategies other professionals need to know to reinforce O&M skills. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891287650

Early Intervention & Early Childhood Resource Books

Anthony, Chen, Fazzi, et al. First Steps. The Blind Children's Center (1993). Family-centered overview of early childhood development and visual impairment.
Chen, Deborah. Essential Elements in Early Intervention: Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities. American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), 1998. Assessment and educational techniques for children with visual and multiple disabilities. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891284888
Holbrook, M. Cay. Children with Visual Impairments: A Parents' Guide (Special Needs Collection), 2nd Edition. Woodbine House, 2006. Accessible handbook on development, education, and services for parents. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1890627409
Pogrund, Rona L & Fazzi, Diane L. Early Focus: Working With Young Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired and Their Families. American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), 2002. Strategies for early intervention, development, and family involvement for young children with visual impairments. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891288565
Recchia, Susan L. Learning to Play. Blind Children's Center, 1987. Addresses play development and transitions for young blind children.
Schwarts and Miller. The New Language of Toys: Teaching Communication Skills to Children with special Needs: A Guide for Parents and Teachers. Woodbine House, 1996. Communication skill development through play for children with disabilities. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0933149731
Trief and Shaw. Everyday Activities to Promote Visual Efficiency: A Handbook for Working with young Children with Visual Impairments. AFB Press, 2009. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891288350

Social Skills

Gaylord-Ross, Robert J. Development of Social Skills by Blind and Visually Impaired Students: Exploratory Studies and Strategies. American Foundation for the Blind, 1992. This text examines the social interactions of children with visual impairments. Theory and research are combined with practical strategies to explore how children can be helped to succeed socially. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891282174
Kekelis, Sacks, Wolffe. Teaching Social Skills to Students with Visual Impairments: From Theory to Practice. American Foundation for the Blind, 2006. This module provides information on ways to support the social development of young children with visual impairments. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891288824
Sacks and Woffe. Focused On: Assessment Techniques Study Guides. American Foundation for the Blind, 2000. This module focuses on assessment techniques for evaluating the social skills of students who are blind or visually impaired. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891283423

Students with Complex Needs including CVI

Chen and Downing. Tactile Strategies for Children Who Have Visual Impairments and Multiple Disabilities: Promoting Communication and Learning Skills. APH Press. Provides essential information about alternative communication strategies for young children who are visually impaired and have multiple disabilities. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891288190
Gense, D. Jay & Gense, Marilyn H. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Visual Impairment: Meeting Students' Learning Needs. AFB, 2005. Focuses on the complex interaction between autism spectrum disorders and visual impairments, addressing learning and behavior challenges. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891288800
Ferrell, Kay. Reach Out and Teach: Meeting the Training needs of Parents of Visually/Multiply Handicapped Young Children. American Foundation for the Blind, 2011. Revised edition offering strategies to promote development and address family concerns for children with visual and multiple impairments. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891281283
Goodman, Stephen A. Collaborative Assessment: Working with Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, Including Those with Additional Disabilities. APH Press, 2003. Focuses on evaluating students in a variety of areas, including psychology, speech and language, orientation and mobility, and technology, and provides a framework for developing a cooperative, interactive team of professionals. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891288695
Lueck, Amanda Hall. Vision and the Brain: Understanding Cerebral Visual Impairment in Children. American Foundation for the Blind, 2015. Comprehensive source on cerebral/cortical visual impairment (CVI), including assessment and intervention strategies from international experts. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891286394
McComiskey, Anne. Babies with CVI: Nurturing Visual Abilities and Development in Early Childhood. (APH Press, July 19, 2021). Provides families and professionals with easy-to-use strategies, activity ideas, and action planning for enhancing visual skills in daily routines. Chapters cover topics such as supporting parents, understanding the visual system, evaluating CVI, creating home-based plans, and tracking progress through a visual development guide. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1950723003
Roman-Lantz, Christine. Cortical Visual Impairment: Advanced Principles, APH Press, 2019. A companion to the original CVI book, delving deeper into literacy, social skills, O&M, and addressing complex communication and additional disabilities. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1616480097
Roman-Lantz, Christine. Cortical Visual Impairment: An Approach to Assessment and Intervention, 2nd edition. American Foundation for the Blind, 2018. Updated with recent research and enhanced assessment tools like the CVI Progress Chart for comprehensive program planning. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891286882
Roman-Lantzy and Tietjen. Sensory Balance: An Approach to Learning Media Planning for Students with CVI, Perkins School for the Blind, 2020. The goal of the Sensory Balance Approach is to make learning media decisions that meet the child's current needs, and ensure that there are regular, intentional opportunities to develop vision into a more reliable way of learning about the world. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1947954007
Sacks, Sharon Z. and Zatta, Mary C. Keys to Educational Success: Teaching students with Visual Impairments and Multiple Disabilities AFB Press 2016. Provides key program strategies to unlock learning potential for students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0891285519
Sheline, Diane. Strategy to See. VeriNova LLC, 2016. Resource for parents and professionals focused on Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (C/CVI), covering brain plasticity, early intervention, and IEP goal development. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0996113120
Smith and Chambers. Sensing and Learning. APH Press, 2023. A guidebook that has been modified from the Sensory and Learning Kit (SLK). Provides research-based strategies to conduct sensory efficiency and learning media assessments; address IEP areas such as instructional settings, accommodations, and goals; and provide highly effective instruction using a collaborative, consultation-service delivery model. ISBN-10: 9781616480141
Tallent, Aubri. Little Bear Sees. Little Bear Sees Publishing, of Wyatt-MacKenzie (June 1, 2012). Written by parents, this book explains CVI characteristics and offers practical strategies to help children learn to use their vision effectively. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1936214822

Vision Rehabilitation

Lee and Ottowitz. Foundations of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, APH Press, 2020. This revised edition also benefits from the significant increase in technology resources as well as advances in research since 1996. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1950723065
Moore, Graves, Patterson. Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling with Persons Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired. AFB Press, information on subjects such as functional, medical, vocational and psychological assessments; demographic and cultural issues; placement and employment issues; and the rehabilitation team. ISBN 13: 9780891289456

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The mission of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments is to provide educators, families, and professionals with the resources needed to support students who are blind or visually impaired. The goal is to equip those in the visual impairment field with practical tools and instructional guidance that help students develop independence and become successful members of their communities.

VI Resource Books