Grade school is an exciting and important time in the life of children. They are gradually acquiring the fundamental competences and disciplines needed to explore, appreciate, and positively interact with the world—competencies such as reading, writing, creating, calculating, cooperating with peers, and use of technology. This is no different for a child who has a visual impairment, though a child with minimal or no vision will need instruction and support to access this core curriculum. For example, a child with vision loss may need to have his assignments adapted into braille, electronic files, audio or large print formats, in addition to learning organizational skills to manage his time and materials. The teacher of students with visual impairments will play an important role—providing the specialized instruction (the expanded core curriculum) and overseeing the accommodation of the curricula and assignments.

In this section, you will find information and resources to help prepare and guide you through your child’s grade school years.