What does a Teacher of Visually Impaired do?
Teacher of the Visually Impaired, known as a TVI, works with individuals with visual impairments and those around them (teachers, parents, etc.) to allow the individual to gain independence, academic success and become a productive member of society. The TVI works with the educational team to enhance the student's learning and can work with parents to improve the home environment through adaptation of the home surroundings.
Vision Therapy Concerns
Initial Therapy Session
During the initial visit, the TVI will perform a functional vision assessment and review medical eye reports to determine your child's current level of functioning. They will determine if there is a delay and the degree as well as the potential cause of the delay. A treatment plan will be created with you and your child to determine the best treatment options to help your child achieve their individual goals.
Typical Therapy Session
Your child's TVI session will include a variety of work with the individual to include learning to read Braille. The TVI will perform observations about what motivates the individual, their likes and dislikes, how they spend their time outside of school and work towards helping the individual achieve progress towards reaching the goals that have been set.
Vision Therapy Concerns
- Severe low vision to total visual impairment (blindness)
- Diseases or illnesses which can result in gradual or rapid visual deterioration
Initial Therapy Session
During the initial visit, the TVI will perform a functional vision assessment and review medical eye reports to determine your child's current level of functioning. They will determine if there is a delay and the degree as well as the potential cause of the delay. A treatment plan will be created with you and your child to determine the best treatment options to help your child achieve their individual goals.
Typical Therapy Session
Your child's TVI session will include a variety of work with the individual to include learning to read Braille. The TVI will perform observations about what motivates the individual, their likes and dislikes, how they spend their time outside of school and work towards helping the individual achieve progress towards reaching the goals that have been set.
- Utilize toys and games the family has at home to explore potential daily activities
- Identify specific activities the individual is interested in learning
- Assist individuals in accessing technology (i.e., computers)
- Sessions in the home environment to assist the individual in accessing their daily environment