Please note: This article was published on August 4th, 2014. It is still a valuable resource but for the latest research on CVI please visit: CVINow.

A group of teachers in the Deafblind Program at Perkins School for the Blind presented an hour-long webinar on various aspects of literacy for children with deafblindness: Literacy Adaptations for Students Who Are Deafblind with Christa Hulburt, Ira Padhye, Megan Connaughton, and Marguerite Bilms.

Cortical Vision Impairment & Adaptations For Literacy

by Marguerite Bilms, M.Ed

silhouette of human head with gears in brain

CVI Overview

Neurological condition where vision impairment is caused by abnormalities in the brain and visual processing.

Coexisting ocular conditions may be present

Where Do We Start?

Identify
Assessment
Intervention

steps of identifying assessing and intervening with a student with CVI

drawing of eye

CVI Range: Overview

1-2: Student functions with minimal visual response.

3-4: Student functions with more consistent visual response.

5-6: Student uses vision for functional tasks.

7-8: Student demonstrates visual curiosity.

9-10: Student spontaneously uses vision for most functional activities.

Characteristics of CVI & Impact on Literacy

Classroom Environments – Accommodating a Learner with CVI

image of teaching with distracting background vs. solid black background

Environmental Accommodations

Controlled Lighting
Controlled Noise
Low Complexity
Be conscious of glare on materials

Materials

Black shower curtains
Black curtains
Black foam board
Velcro

Educator Accomodations

Be aware of what you wear

alternatives for clothing / jewelry for teachers of students with CVI

You can still be stylish!

alternative items of clothing

Adapting Books

Main Concept of Page (lion)
Scan, Cut, Internet, Draw (drawn)
Simplify (removal of line shading on lion)
Low Complexity (yellow on black)
High Contrast (bright paper on black background)
Focus on Consistent Vocabulary (“lion”, “yellow”, “roar”: combinded or isolated)
Create a Story Box (add concrete objects and / or tactile components)