Education of Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
When a child has a visual impairment, learning and development may need to be supported throughout the school years. Often, children require some training and instruction from teachers who specialize in working with blind and visually impaired students. Your child might also need certain accommodations, like books or materials in a format like braille or a seat near the front or back of the class, in order to participate fully in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Learn more about the educational process and your child’s rights.
- What is the expanded core curriculum for children who are blind or visually impaired?
- What early intervention services are available for young children with visual impairments?
- What do parents of blind children need to know about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?
- What is an “Individualized Family Service Plan” (IFSP) for babies who are blind or have low vision?
- What are the steps involved in writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children who are blind or visually impaired?
- What should I do to prepare before an IEP meeting? Checklists for before, during, and after IEP meetings.
- IEPs and 504 plans—what’s the difference, and which is most appropriate for my child?
- What is the most appropriate placement for blind school children? Learn about state schools for the blind, resource rooms within public school districts, itinerant teachers, and more.
- What if my child has not been assigned a teacher of students with visual impairments?
- What kind of assessments are generally conducted for students who are blind or visually impaired?
- How can parents help their blind and visually impaired children develop literacy skills?