Primary School Teacher Strategies for Blind and low vision

Statewide Vision Resource Centre
Behaviour
Safety
First aid
Safety drills
Friendships
Homework
Excursions
Transitions
Braille
Low vision aids
Other co-occurring conditions

The Statewide Vision Resource Centre has extra resources available for teaching students who are blind or low vision in many curriculum areas

Some students might also show challenging behaviours. It’s important to remember children are most likely trying to communicate a need or want that is not being met.

Refer to the ABC approach for more information on how to reduce challenging behaviour by supporting the child and promoting more helpful behaviour, and our emotions page for more information about supporting a child with managing their emotions.

Students who are blind and low vision might need extra support with safety as they may be unaware of hazards in classrooms and outdoors.

New objects, furniture and rearranging rooms can be a safety concern. They will need to be carefully oriented to new environments such as playgrounds or new classrooms.

Consider having a buddy who can help children navigate busy areas safely (i.e. playgrounds).Refer to Remove classroom clutter.

When applying first aid, talk to students about what you are going to do and check they are happy for you to apply first aid (e.g. “I am putting on a band aid. Is that OK?”).

Teachers will need to guide blind and low vision students through emergency drills. It may help to pair students with a buddy.

Consider the accessibility of evacuation points and procedures.

Children who are blind or low vision might need to be directed by another friend or teacher to find their friends in crowded rooms or areas, especially during recess or lunch time. Check if the student is happy for a teacher to intervene.

Directing students to friends or providing quiet areas for friends of blind and low vision students can be helpful. Check if the student is happy for a teacher to intervene.

Some children might be asked questions, or teased, about visual aids such as glasses, eye patches, strabismus (cross-eyed), canes or assistive devices. Consider teaching the other children about blind and low vision if the child and their family wishes for you to do so. This can help other children understand the child’s experience and develop empathy.

Check that homework is accessible for blind and low vision students

Some students may need extended due dates for homework and assignments.

Excursions to places that are accessible for children with low vision or blindness, such as places where there are Braille signs and audio guides, can support a child’s learning.

Museums, galleries and science exhibits often have Braille signs and audio guides.

Places with hands-on activities are ideal (e.g. the aquarium).

Children who are blind or low vision may need extra support with the transition to secondary school.

This might mean an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) including the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC).

The ECC is specific for children who are blind or low vision, and involves curriculum for things like assistive technology, orientation and mobility training, social skills education and more. The Statewide Vision Resource Centre page has information on the ECC.

For more information about supporting students with disabilities when transitioning to a primary or secondary school setting access AllPlay Learn's transition page.

Some blind and low vision children will be learning Braille. Braille is a system of raised dots which can be read by touch using fingers.

Teaching Braille requires training, however teachers can support students using Braille. For example, organising for students names to be written in Braille and providing materials in Braille may be helpful.

Visit the Statewide Vision Resource Centre page for more information on learning how to teach Braille and strategies for supporting children using Braille.

Some children might use low vision aids (LVAs) like closed-circuit television (CCTV), iPads™ and electronic magnification to read standard printed material .

Not all educational materials will be useable with LVAs.

Children who are blind or low vision may experience cerebral palsy or anxiety and other challenges with fine & gross motor skills, learning and memory, or social skills.

Primary School Teacher Strategies for Blind and low vision | AllPlay Learn (2024)