ECC

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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 schoolwork—as well as to eventually live and work independently—children who are blind or low vision usually need to learn an additional set of skills known as the “expanded core curriculum.”

Specific Skills

They are sometimes also referred to as “disability-specific skills” or “vision-related skills” because they are useful specifically for individuals who are blind or low vision. They may include activities such as:

• using braille to read and write instead of reading printed books or using a pencil and paper to write
• learning how to move about in the environment safely and independently, which is known as orientation and mobility (O&M)
• knowing how to use specialized computer equipment and other technology devices designed for children with visual impairments; and
  learning how to use what vision they have effectively and efficiently.

The classroom teacher is responsible for teaching your child the basic academic curriculum. Still, because the expanded core curriculum covers the unique, specialized needs of students who are blind or low vision students, the subjects included within it should be taught by a teacher who specializes in working with students who are blind or low vision. This teacher is a pivotal educational team member working with your child.

ECC Subjects and Skills: Resources for Families

The following are the subjects and skills that students who are blind or low vision need specific instruction. These skills are taught to enable them to study the basic educational curriculum along with their sighted classmates.