What is a Vision Teacher?
The role of the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) is to provide direct and/or consultative special education services specific to vision loss. The TVI may help choose appropriate educational materials, and may brainstorm with teachers and therapists about effective adaptations.
For more information about roles and responsibilities of a TVI, please visit the following website
http://www.tsbvi.edu/pds/496-typical-roles-and-responsibilities-of-vi-professionals
Braille
Braille is a system of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision. Teachers, parents, and others who are not visually impaired ordinarily read braille with their eyes. Braille is not a language. Rather, it is a code by which many languages—such as English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and dozens of others—may be written and read. Braille is used by thousands of people all over the world in their native languages, and provides a means of literacy for all.
Challenge yourself! Can you read this sentence?
⠽⠕⠥⠀⠚⠥⠎⠞⠀⠗⠑⠁⠙⠀⠁⠀⠎⠑⠝⠞⠑⠝⠉⠑⠀⠊⠝⠀⠃⠗⠁⠊⠇⠇⠑
Cane – My cane (or guide dog) is my independent travel aid. If you think I might need help, please just ask me.
Ordinary – Blind people are ordinary. It feels awkward if you think I am amazing when I accomplish ordinary tasks like walking or tying my shoes. I also like ordinary things and have ordinary hobbies. It is okay to be amazed if I do something really exceptional.
Understand – I may not recognize your voice if I don’t know you well. Please say, “Hi, it is Sue.”
Remember – I may have some sight, but use nonvisual techniques and tools like a cane because it works best for me. Sometimes people think I am “faking” because I see a little, but I am just picking techniques that are most efficient and safe in light of my vision.
Talk – Please talk to me rather than a companion, and there is no need to speak up so just use your normal speaking voice and talk with me like you would with other people.
Experience – I probably have years of experience using nonvisual techniques to live my life. Feel free to ask me how I do something, or how best you can assist me, if help is needed.
See – It’s ok to still use words such as see and look. I will talk with you like everyone else, although I may not be able to make direct eye contact.
Yield – In all 50 states, the law requires drivers to yield the right of way when they see my extended white cane or guide dog. Only the blind may legally carry white canes. I listen to traffic patterns to know when to cross streets and to keep a straight line when moving around.