Virtual TVI was founded in 2021 to address the growing demand for virtual services for students with visual impairments. As schools returned to in-person learning, it became evident that virtual support remained essential for many students. Nationwide teacher shortages, particularly in the field of vision education, have intensified the need for qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs). While many seasoned professionals are retiring, there aren’t enough new graduates entering the field. At the same time, advances in medical technology are saving more premature infants and children with complex medical conditions, increasing the number of students requiring specialized vision support.
At Virtual TVI, we believe that every child with a visual impairment deserves access to a Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired. Our TVIs provide essential guidance to IEP teams across all areas of education and deliver direct instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum when needed. Whether your district needs a full-time TVI, part-time assistance to support your in-person staff, an evaluation for a charter school student with a new eye report, temporary coverage during maternity leave, or summer tutoring for a Braille-reading child, we’re here to help. Our experienced and compassionate TVIs are committed to helping every student reach their full potential.
A TVI, or Teacher of the Visually Impaired, also known as a TSBVI (Teacher of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired), specializes in teaching students with low vision or blindness. Their primary focus is on the Expanded Core Curriculum for the Visually Impaired, which includes nine essential skill areas that often require direct instruction. Research shows that up to 90% of the information we process is visual, meaning students with limited or no vision miss out on significant incidental learning—the kind of knowledge most children acquire naturally through observation.
Vision impacts every aspect of life, making it crucial for a Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) to conduct a Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessment for any student aged 0–22 who is suspected of having visual difficulties that cannot be corrected with glasses or similar aids. This assessment helps determine the student’s needs across the nine areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum, which include Sensory Efficiency, Compensatory Skills, Independent Living Skills, Assistive Technology, Social Skills, Orientation and Mobility, Self-Advocacy Skills, Recreation and Leisure Skills, and Career Education.
such as Matt Connect, Jupiter, Juno, and Ruby
such as JAWS, Voice Over, and NVDA
such as Braille Note Touch Plus, Mantis 40, and Chameleon