Curriculum

Curriculum drives the educational program that is individualized for students with disabilities. Most students with disabilities have success in learning the same content as non-disabled peers with a range of learning accommodations. Other students may require some modifications to the curriculum to address their specific needs. The key issue for the educational team is designing an effective program that assists the student to learn and socialize with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible.

In order to access the general education curriculum, students with visual impairments often require accommodations.  These accommodations may be access to specialized formats, tools and specially designed instruction. These formats and tools may include braille, tactile graphics, enlarged print, auditory access, low vision devices or aids, and other assistive technologies.  Specially designed instruction may include areas of instruction in the expanded core curriculum.

In addition to instruction in the general curriculum, students who are visually impaired may often require the addition of the expanded core curriculum. The Core Curriculum for Blind and Visually Impaired Students, including those with additional disabilities describes the expanded core curriculum, and addresses:

• Compensatory access skills, such as communication modes (braille, auditory access, etc.)
• Orientation and mobility
• Social interaction skills
• Independent living skills
• Recreation and leisure skills
• Career education and productivity
• Use of assistive technology/technology
• Sensory efficiency skills
• Self-determination