Tips for Working with Students with Visual Impairments

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Kassy Maloney—Orientation and Mobility Specialist and founder of the Society of Exceptional Educators—to talk about what SLPs really need to know when working with students who have visual impairments. Kassy shares practical, real-world tips for adapting your lessons (even if you don’t have braille or fancy tools), why collaboration with TVIs and O&Ms is a game-changer, and how small changes—like saying your name when entering a room—can make a big difference. If supporting students with visual impairments has ever felt intimidating, this convo will leave you feeling more equipped, more connected, and ready to jump in—no braille training required.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Just got a student with a visual impairment on your caseload? Here’s what to know before you start stressing.
• Easy ways to adapt your lessons and keep students engaged—no Braille expertise needed.
• Common faux pas when working with visually impaired students (we’ve all been there!)—plus what to do instead.

Here’s what we learned: 

• Reach out to the TVI and O&M specialist early—they can give you quick tips that save tons of guesswork.
• Always say your name when entering or leaving—it’s a small habit that builds connection and clarity.
• Use real objects to bring concepts to life—it’s faster, easier, and more effective than trying to reinvent your whole lesson.
• Skip hand-over-hand guidance—offer your arm and talk them through it instead.
• Build in more wait time than you think they need—it’s not hesitation, it’s processing.
• Check for background knowledge—they might be missing basic concepts most kids learn through sight.
• Don’t guess on tactile tools—talk to the TVI to make sure your adaptations match their learning style.
• No need to avoid words like “see” or “look”—natural language is fine.
• You don’t need to learn braille—just focus on clear input, creative supports, and collaboration.

Learn more about Kassy Maloney: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassandra-maloney-6b815844 
• Website: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exceptionaleducators 
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us 
• 5 Key Strategies to Every Educator Needs to Support Students with Visual Impairments (Quick PDF Guide)

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

• 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/
• 🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup
• Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets