Supporting Kids with Vision Challenges Through Occupational Therapy

Vision plays a central role in learning, movement, and communication, which are key areas of growth in the classroom. For children with visual impairments, these daily tasks can become overwhelming without the right support.  

School-based occupational therapy (OT) helps children with visual challenges participate more fully in academic and social activities by building their skills, adapting environments, and supporting their sensory needs. 

Understanding Visual Impairments in School-Age Children 

Visual impairment includes a broad range of diagnoses, from low vision and blurred vision to blindness.  

Some students may have difficulty with visual perception, meaning their eyes work well, but their brains struggle to interpret what they see. Others may have difficulty with visual-motor integration, which impacts their ability to copy from the board, line up numbers in math problems, or complete written work.  

Common types of visual impairment seen in school-aged children include: 

• Cortical visual impairment (CVI) 

• Optic nerve hypoplasia 

• Retinopathy of prematurity 

• Oculomotor dysfunction (difficulty with eye movements) 

• Strabismus or amblyopia (“lazy eye”) 

Even mild visual challenges can impact how a child learns, moves through the classroom, or engages with peers. That’s why early identification and school-based support are so essential. 

The Role of School-Based OT for Children with Visual Impairments 

Occupational therapy in the school setting focuses on helping students access and participate in their educational program. For children with visual impairments, this often includes: 

1. Adapting Visual Tasks for Classroom Success 

Occupational therapists may recommend enlarged print, high-contrast materials, or adjusted lighting to reduce visual fatigue. They also help teachers implement strategies like seating a student closer to the board or using verbal instructions when visuals are unclear. 

2. Supporting Visual-Motor Integration 

Children with vision challenges often struggle with writing, copying, and using classroom tools. OTs help develop the fine motor and coordination skills necessary to complete these tasks—sometimes by adapting them altogether, such as using raised-line paper or speech-to-text tools. 

3. Building Sensory Processing Skills 

Visual impairments can affect how a child processes other sensory information. OTs trained in sensory integration may work on compensatory strategies using touch, movement, and auditory input to support body awareness and attention. 

4. Fostering Independence 

From navigating hallways to opening lunch containers, school-based OT supports independence in daily school routines. Therapists may introduce tactile markers, labeling systems, or techniques to help children function more independently and safely at school. 

5. Collaborating with Teachers and Support Staff 

A major part of occupational therapy in schools involves training and collaboration. OTs educate school teams on the specific needs of a child with visual impairment and how to embed accommodations naturally into the classroom routine. 

Activities and Interventions Used in Vision OT 

For children with visual impairments, occupational therapy may include the following interventions: 

• Eye-hand coordination activities like bean bag toss or tactile puzzles 

• Pre-writing and handwriting strategies using bold-lined paper or textured guides 

• Functional life skills such as using a cane in the school setting, organizing a desk, or managing a backpack 

• Technology supports, including keyboarding instruction or apps with voiceover and magnification features 

Therapists also work closely with Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs), Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists, and families to ensure consistent support across all environments. 

How to Support a Child with Vision Impairment in the Classroom 

If you’re an educator, school staff member, or caregiver, here are a few ways to help children with visual impairments thrive in the school setting: 

• Provide clear verbal directions alongside written materials 

• Reduce visual clutter on desks and walls 

• Allow extra time for visual or fine motor tasks 

• Respect the child’s preferred seating, lighting, or tool use 

• Encourage participation in both academic and social activities, with appropriate support 

Creating a supportive and inclusive classroom doesn’t require major changes. Occupational therapy can help guide and implement those changes in a meaningful, student-centered way. 

The PTS Approach to Supporting Children with Visual Impairments 

At PTS, we understand the unique learning and functional needs of children with vision challenges. The school-based OTs who work alongside us use evidence-based interventions to support sensory, motor, and adaptive skills.  

Through collaboration with school teams and families, we create plans that empower students with visual impairments to participate fully in their school day. Contact PTS and work alongside us to support visually impaired students today.