V.I.Teacher

A Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), also known as a VI teacher or vision specialist, provides specialized instruction and services to meet the unique educational needs of students who are blind or have visual impairments. These certified special education teachers work with students from birth through age 22, depending on state requirements. The business model is typically itinerant, with TVIs traveling to various schools within a district to support students integrated into general or special education classrooms. Their role is distinct from academic tutoring; they focus on adapting the curriculum and environment to ensure students have equitable access.

Services provided by a TVI are comprehensive and tailored to the individual student's needs, as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). A primary function is to interpret medical eye reports to understand how a student's vision impacts their learning and to conduct functional vision assessments. Based on these assessments, TVIs teach compensatory skills such as Braille, the use of low vision aids, and assistive technologies. They are responsible for procuring and adapting learning materials into accessible formats like braille, large print, or digital content. Furthermore, they collaborate extensively with classroom teachers, families, and other school personnel to create an inclusive learning environment, providing training and recommending modifications to classroom setups and teaching strategies.

TVIs also instruct students in the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), which covers skills necessary for independence, including orientation and mobility (often in collaboration with a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist), social interaction skills, independent living skills, and career education. Their work is crucial in helping students with visual impairments develop the confidence and competence needed for academic success and to prepare for life after school.

Keywords: special education, visually impaired students, itinerant teacher, teacher of the visually impaired, TVI, Braille instruction, low vision aids, assistive technology, Expanded Core Curriculum, ECC, student accessibility, special education services, orientation and mobility, inclusive learning, functional vision assessment, individualized education program, adaptive learning materials, educational consulting for vision loss, special needs education