Empowering Students with Visual Impairment through the Expanded Core Curriculum:

A Guide for School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners

The ultimate goal of any school-based occupational therapy practitioner is to provide students with the skills required to access their education and reach their full potential upon graduation. Did you know that in addition to academic achievement, students with visual impairment also require instruction in the nine areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)?

Enhancing Student Outcomes

Place setting including a small plate at the center, bowl to the top left, glass at the top right, fork resting onto of a napkin to the left of the place, knife and spoon to the right of the plate.

Expanded Core Treatment Areas

Many school-based occupational therapy practitioners are unfamiliar with the ECC areas. This section will provide ways to incorporate general treatment ideas into the school day. Areas are broken down by expanded core area and age.

Raised bed garden with grape vine along front top left

Supporting School Programs through the ECC

Occupational therapy practitioners can support school and classroom programs or initiatives to create an inclusive environment for learners with visual impairment. Promoting activities such as a community garden is one example of how to develop a program that positively impacts a wide array of students.

Communities of Practice and Leveraging High Quality of Care

Person using a vegetable chopper with carrots and broccoli. A finger protector is visible on the right edge
Person using an electric drill to place a screw into a 4 by 4

Best practice does not happen in a vacuum. Find other professionals with whom to collaborate and learn.