Education

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)

As a parent, you are your child’s first and most impactful teacher. From the earliest years, your guidance and advocacy set the foundation for their success in school and beyond. Whether your child is blind, has low vision, or has additional disabilities, being informed and prepared ensures you can actively support their learning journey every step of the way.
This section provides essential information to help you navigate your child’s education, from early learning to high school graduation and beyond. You’ll find guidance on:
• Early Childhood Education: Learn about the team that will help you and your child in your home develop IFSP and supports from birth to three years of age. Discover how to introduce literacy, play-based learning, and essential skills for independence.
• IEPs and Special Education: Understand the importance of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 Plans, and your rights as a parent in the special education process. Understand the support staff that may play a part in your child’s IEP team.
• Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC): Discover the skills beyond academics that are vital for children with visual impairments, including orientation and mobility, social skills, and independent living.
• Assistive Technology & Braille: Explore tools, devices, and resources that support access to learning, including braille instruction, screen readers, and tactile graphics.
Every child deserves an education that meets their individualized needs, and as their parent, you play a key role in making that happen. Explore the resources here to become an empowered advocate and help your child thrive in school and beyond.

A Functional Vision Learning Media Assessment kit.

Assessments

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Prior to commencing your child’s educational journey, it’s vital to determine their learning requirements and the most effective learning approach. Assessment, which is the formal procedure for identifying an individual’s strengths and weaknesses in a specific area, lies at the heart of instruction. It enables the development of […]

ECC

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Activities, Ideas, and Resources for Developing ECC Skills Your child needs to study the same basic academic subjects that sighted children do, from how to tell time to how to write a persuasive essay. But to master these subjects (often known as the “core curriculum”) and complete their […]

A boy sitting at a desk reading braille.

Homeschool

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish) Many parents of children who are blind or low vision consider homeschooling. Learn more about the process.

A mom holding a toddler who is wearing pink glasses and a white hair bow smiling.

IFSP – Individualized Family Service Plan (Birth to 3 years old)

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)What Is an IFSP? If your child has an eye condition, you may have found that a program of early intervention services will help you meet your child’s needs. Once professionals have determined your child’s eligibility for these services, you will meet with them to discuss your child’s specific needs […]

A girl wearing tinted glasses seated at a desk with an iPad, Perkins braille writer, a tactile clock and refreshable braille display.

IEP – Individualized Education Program (3 years to 22 years old)

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)After your child qualifies for special education due to their eye condition, consider this as a blueprint. It outlines the suitable services your school system will offer for your child.

A Perkin's Braille Writer on a bookshelf in a library.

Literacy and Braille

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Braille is a tactile system representing the written word, serving as an alternative to print for those with blindness or low vision. It’s not a language, but a code. This system represents the alphabet and words in languages like English. For braille users, it offers independent literacy. They […]

Advocacy concept note paper pinned on cork board.

Your Rights and Advocacy

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Advocating for Your Child The word “advocate” comes from the Latin word for “voice.” Being your child’s advocate means you are your child’s voice because they cannot speak up for themselves. All parents advocate for their children, but because children who are blind or has low vision may […]