Sarah Blake presents a collection of articles "about issues concerning literacy for people who are blind. Some provide theoretical discussions; others present the results of research; still others provide information about teaching methods."
Source: Night-Light
Best Practices Resources
These resources collect material on best practices for teachers and other professionals who work with students who are visually impaired or who have multiple disabilities.
Outlines some principles that make tasks a bit easier.
Source: Vision AustraliaAlthough not aimed at parents of children with visual impairments, this site has useful general information, including strategies for teaching big mathematical concepts, activities that reinforce math skills in the daily routine, and links to additional resources.
Source: U.S. Department of EducationNew Visions offers information to professionals and parents working with infants and children with feeding, swallowing, oral-motor, and pre-speech problems.
Source: New VisionsIn this webcast, Perkins Occupational Therapist Sue Shannon discusses the importance of mealtime skills in teaching social skills and concept development. Video demonstrations include many practical tips and helpful strategies; close-captioned, includes downloadable PowerPoint slides.
Source: Perkins School for the Blind, Perkins eLearningFeatures to look for when selecting a microwave for a user who is blind or visually impaired.
Source: Vision AustraliaGeneral guidelines for developing programs for students with visual impairment and additional disabilities, including deafblindness. Includes background information, the range of service delivery options, Indian disability legislation, resources for teacher training, and sample forms.
Source: Voice and Vision (India)This document includes the following links: Science Teaching Standards, Standards for Professional Development for Teachers of Science, Assessment in Science Education, and Science Content Standards.
NSTA "is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all." The site contains resources for parents and information on teaching students with disabilities.
This fact sheet offers an introduction to neurological and cortical visual impairment, including a list of suggested instructional strategies.
Source: California Deaf-Blind ServicesThe blogs on this site explore topics of interest to O&M specialists, with special emphasis on Texas-based stories. Subscribe for free.
Source: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)This overview of O&M services includes information about sighted-guide techniques, white canes, and a list of Do's and Don'ts.
Source: Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB)An outline for teaching Nemeth code. She includes strategies for teaching young adults who are newly blind and adults who are new to Nemeth. Links to learning resources are provided.
Source: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)At this site parents can learn specific tactics to try with children who are reluctant to eat certain foods or textures.
Source: FamilyConnect for Parents of Children with Visual ImpairmentsStrategies for pouring liquids neatly and safely.
Source: Vision AustraliaInformation and resources on prevention of blindness and sight preservation.
Prevention of eye injuries at home, at work and at play; includes a link to a complete list of free eye health topics and safety fact sheets.
Source: Prevent Blindness AmericaBrazilian trainers share their expertise in “Professionals and Parents--Partners in Habilitation and Rehabilitation of Visually Impaired Children: A Successful Experience”; in Portuguese.
Source: International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)Advice for prevention of vision loss includes wearing sunglasses, eating a healthy diet, installing good lighting, and much more. Also available in French.
Source: Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)Part of the Perkins Webinar series, this presentation provides an overview of the "5-E format" of an inquiry lesson, and discusses recent research on inquiry-based education for students with visual impairments.
Source: Perkins eLearning