What Does a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment (TVI) Do?
Vision teachers are educators who have received specialized, masters level education and training to work with visually impaired students. Vision teachers do far more than teach the basic curriculum.
Teachers who work with visually impaired students are commonly called TVIs, Teachers of Students with Visual Impairment, or “vision teachers.” They have many responsibilities that other teachers don’t consider. It is their responsibility to help visually impaired students receive a comprehensive education while also teaching them strategies to live a full, prosperous life, regardless of their vision.
Vision teachers draw on a number of specialized resources and methods to accomplish all of the traditional goals of education. It is their job to evaluate the learning needs of students with visual impairments and to tailor personalized education programs to support them. TVIs are trained in not only evaluating functional vision but are experts in adapting the standard curriculum while integrating the Expanded Core Curriculum simultaneously. With the proper support and the right tools designed to meet the needs of students with vision loss, TVIs ensure our students receive all the benefits of a comprehensive education focused on the whole person with their visual needs placed at the forefront, rather than an afterthought. The Vision Teacher also conducts functional vision evaluations and learning media assessments.
- Provides training in assistive technology
- Recommends classroom strategies
- Consults with teachers and service providers
- Adapts classroom materials
- Communicates with parents about needs and progress
- Participates in IEP planning and implementation
- Implements the expanded core curriculum (ECC)
- Strives for student success by supporting students across the curriculum
- Braille assessment, instruction and supports transition goals and needs
- Why choose Overbrook school for the blind?
- Certified teachers of students with visual impairment
- Certified orientation and mobility specialists
- Orientation and mobility assessment, instruction, and support
- Consistency in service provision for students K-21
- Knowledge and support of available assistive technology
- Excellent coordination with schools, service coordinators, and teachers
- Outreach to parents and families of students
- Links to outside resources for families and staff
- A leader in the implementation of the expanded core curriculum
- Overbrook school for the blind has over 185 years of experience of providing education to students who are blind and visually impaired
Overbrook provides a full breadth of educational services on our 27-acre, Malvern Avenue Campus in Philadelphia from Pre-K to 21 years of age. We also offer Itinerant Services in and around the Philadelphia area. We serve Philadelphia area private and charter schools, local suburban school districts with Itinerant Teachers of the Visually Impaired.
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