Expanded Core Curriculum

The expanded core curriculum is designed to go beyond the core components of math, reading and writing, and address the essential areas and experiences that are unique only to visually impaired persons (Pugh & Erin, 1999). Included in these areas are Compensatory Academic skills, Social Development, Recreation and Leisure, Orientation and Mobility, Independent Living skills, Technology, Career Development, and Visual Efficiency skills (Hatlen, 1996). These skills are often learned incidentally through modeling for sighted persons, but for those with visual loss there are few opportunities for exposure. In full support of The National Agenda for the Education of Children and Youth with Visual Impairment, GMS recognizes the Expanded Core Curriculum as a significant part of its educational program, and believes these areas should be taught in addition to the core curriculum while being infused at every opportunity. 

Compensatory Academic Skills

Concept Development, Communication Modes (Braille, print, other), Time Management, Development of Organizational Skills

Orientation & Mobility

Spatial Awareness, Body Image, Safety, Independent Travel

Social Interaction Skills

Physical Skills, Assertiveness Training, Social Concepts

Independent Living Skills

Eating Skills, Food Preparation/ retrieval, Hygiene, Dressing, Money Skills

Recreation & Leisure Skills

Physical Fitness, Adaptive Sports, Travel, Enjoyable Activities/ Hobbies

Career Education

Explore Interests, Areas of  Strength, Job Variations, Work Ethic

Technology (Assistive)

Technical Concepts, Selection of Appropriate Assistive Devices, Media Needs, Accessibility to Information

Visual Efficiency Skills

Personal Attributes, Visual Attributes, Efficient use of functional Vision