The Expanded Core Curriculum 

Promoting student success beyond the core curriculum.

Nine essential skill areas directly impacted by blindness and visual impairment. Students require specialized tools and strategies delivered through direct instruction and collaborative support from a qualified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments.

Two students, seated and laughing together

Social Interaction Skills

include cooperative skills; appropriate body language; self-awareness skills

Photo shows a student using a wheelchair under a large multicolour play parachute

Recreation and Leisure Skills

include motor skills; using adaptive sports equipment; developing hobbies. 

Photo shows a student exploring a plant with her hands.

Sensory Efficiency Skills

include active listening strategies; use of low vision devices; multi-sensory exploration.

Image shows a student exploring a braille page with tactile markers.

Compensatory Skills

include listening and speaking skills; problem-solving skills; using tactile markers and labels.

Photo shows a student siting at a table in front of a Mountbatten Braillewriter.

Access Technology Skills

include keyboarding skills; using screen reading software; maintaining devices. 

Photo shows a student using a cane and being guided by an adult.

Orientation and Mobility Skills

include spatial and body awareness; using public transportation; intersection analysis. 

Photo shows a student presenting a refreshable braille display to her classmates.

Self-Determination Skills

include self-advocacy; decision-making skills; understanding accessibility rights. 

A student stirring cupcake batter in a metal bowl

Independent Living Skills

include personal management skills; home management skills; preparing meals. 

Photo shows a teacher and student reading together at a table

Career and Vocational Skills

include time management skills; work habits; post-graduation planning.

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