What is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired?
A Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) is an educator who supports students with visual impairments, helping them access the curriculum, develop independence, and achieve academic and personal goals.
Students with visual impairments are often supported by a team of specialists, including TVIs, orientation and mobility specialists, and braille transcribers, each contributing distinct expertise. While all these professionals share the common goal of supporting students with visual impairments, each focuses on a unique aspect of instruction or accessibility. For example, braille transcribers ensure students have educational materials in braille, while orientation and mobility specialists teach safe navigation and spatial awareness. Together, these roles work to support students with visual impairments and provide comprehensive support tailored to each student’s needs.
In this blog, we’ll explore what these different positions that support students with visual impairments are, their daily responsibilities, and the steps you need to take to become one.
What is a TVI?
A TVI is an educator trained to support students with partial or total vision loss. TVIs provide instruction in academic subjects, life skills, and assistive technology, adapting curriculum materials and teaching methods to meet individual learning needs.
TVIs are often responsible for teaching students how to read braille, use magnification or screen-reading technology, navigate safely in their environment, and participate fully in classroom activities.
TVI Job Responsibilities
TVIs have a wide range of responsibilities to help students access education and develop independence. These include:
- Assess students to determine how they are using their vision in educational settings
- Develop individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to students with visual impairments
- Teach academic content using adapted methods and materials
- Use low- and high-tech options to modify materials to support access to educational materials.
- Collaborate with families, teachers, and other professionals to support student success
- Monitor and report on student progress
How to Become a Teacher of the Visually Impaired?
To pursue a career as a TVI, follow these steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in education, special education, or a related field
- Complete a TVI-specific certification or master’s program, including coursework in visual impairments, braille, and assistive technology
- Complete supervised field experience or internships with visually impaired students
- Obtain state licensure as a TVI (requirements vary by state)
- Consider additional certifications, such as braille literacy or low-vision instruction
What is an Orientation and Mobility Specialist?
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists are educators who help visually impaired students navigate their environments safely and independently. These specialists focus on teaching students techniques for spatial awareness, mobility with a cane or guide dog, and safe travel in school, home, and community settings. O&M Specialists are often certified TVIs with additional training in orientation and mobility.
Orientation and Mobility Specialist Job Responsibilities
O&M Specialists use a variety of techniques to help students move safely and confidently. Their key responsibilities include:
- Teaching students safe travel techniques indoors and outdoors
- Instructing in the use of mobility aids such as canes, guide dogs, or electronic devices
- Developing travel plans and orientation strategies for home, school, and community environments
- Collaborating with TVIs, families, and support staff to ensure a comprehensive approach
- Evaluating students’ progress and adjusting instruction to meet individual needs
How to Become an Orientation and Mobility Specialist?
Steps to become an O&M Specialist typically include:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in education, special education, or a related field
- Complete a TVI certification or master’s program
- Complete an accredited orientation and mobility training program
- Accumulate supervised field experience working with visually impaired students
- Obtain state licensure or certification in orientation and mobility, if required
What is a Braille Transcriber?
Braille transcribers convert written materials into braille, ensuring students with visual impairments have access to the same educational content as their peers. They work closely with TVIs to produce textbooks, worksheets, and other instructional materials in braille. While not always classroom teachers, braille transcribers play a crucial role in supporting the educational success of visually impaired students.
Braille Transcriber Job Responsibilities
Braille transcribers have specialized duties that are essential to student learning. These include:
- Transcribing printed text, worksheets, and educational materials into braille
- Ensuring accuracy in formatting, braille code, and tactile graphics
- Collaborating with TVIs, teachers, and publishers to produce timely materials
- Maintaining knowledge of current braille standards and technology
- Troubleshooting and adapting materials for students with unique needs
How to Become a Braille Transcriber?
To pursue a career as a braille transcriber, follow these steps:
- Complete coursework or a certification program in braille transcription
- Learn braille coding standards (such as Unified English Braille)
- Gain experience transcribing educational materials under supervision
- Stay updated on braille technology and transcription tools
- Consider additional certifications in tactile graphics or braille proofing
Advance Your TVI Career with VocoVision
Teachers of the Visually Impaired, including O&M specialists and braille transcribers, play a critical role in ensuring that students with visual impairments receive a full, inclusive education.
At VocoVision, we connect skilled educators and specialists with schools across the country, offering flexible, remote opportunities to make a real impact. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, explore our open TVI positions and help students reach their fullest potential.