3 BIGGEST Mistakes Teachers Make with Blind Students (and What to Do Instead)

expanded core curriculum mindset for teachers orientation and mobility Apr 01, 2025

Teacher learning how to avoid 3 common mistakes when working with blind students, using inclusive strategies and orientation and mobility techniques.

Feeling overwhelmed after being assigned your first blind or visually impaired student? You’re not alone. Many amazing educators feel unprepared when they find themselves teaching students with visual impairments for the first time. But here’s the good news: with a few mindset shifts and some simple strategies, you can create a classroom environment that is not only inclusive but empowering.

I’m Kassie Maloney, an Orientation and Mobility Specialist and founder of Society of Exceptional Educators. I’ve worked with countless teachers, O&M Specialists, TSVIs, and paraprofessionals who want to do right by their students but aren’t quite sure where to start. My goal is to give you practical, 21st-century teaching techniques that help you build independence for your students and confidence for yourself.

Before we dive in, I want to offer you a free download: 5 Easy Ways to Support Your Students with Visual Impairments. It’s a quick, actionable guide that goes even deeper into the strategies we’ll cover today.

Now, let’s look at three of the most common mistakes I see and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Not Introducing Yourself Every Time

This might sound simple, but it’s one of the most common oversights. When you approach a student who is blind or visually impaired, they may have no idea who you are unless you say your name. Many students, especially younger ones, have experienced the anxiety of being forced to guess who’s talking to them. It becomes a game they didn’t ask to play and often, one they can’t win.

I once worked with an 8-year-old who told me she hated going to class because her teacher would sneak up and say, "Guess who?" It turned every interaction into a stressful guessing game, and that stress affected her learning.

What you can do instead:

Always start interactions with your name. For example, “Hi James, it’s Ms. Carter.”
Let the student know when you’re leaving the conversation: “Okay, I’m going to head out now.”
Think of it like a landline phone call. You wouldn’t hang up without saying goodbye.

These small gestures create consistency, reduce anxiety, and help build social-emotional skills for blind students in the classroom.

Mistake #2: Not Understanding the Student’s Visual Impairment

No two visual impairments are the same. Even two students with the same diagnosis may experience the world in completely different ways. Assuming what a student can or can’t see based on paperwork alone can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for support.

Here’s what I tell every teacher: Google is your friend, but so is your student.

Here’s how to approach it:

Take 10 minutes to research your student’s visual condition. Look up sample simulations or images to get a basic understanding.
Ask your student: “What helps you see best?” or “Is there anything I can do to make this easier for you?”
Be open and honest. Let them know you’re learning and want to support them in the best way possible.

One of my favorite tools is a guide technique video by the Texas Workforce Commission. It’s not from our site, but it’s an incredible visual of how to physically assist someone who is blind or visually impaired in a respectful way.

Remember, when in doubt, just ask.

Mistake #3: Physically Guiding Without Permission

This is a big one. When educators are new to working with blind students, they often try to help by grabbing the student’s hand or arm to move them. It may come from a place of care, but it can be jarring and remove the student’s autonomy.

Instead, I want to introduce you to a technique we use called hand-under-hand.

How to use hand-under-hand:

Start by asking: “Would you like help with this?”
Gently slide your hand under the student’s hand. Don’t grab, just offer.
Let the student decide whether to place their hand over yours and engage.

The difference is subtle, but the impact is huge. It allows your student to remain in control of their own body and learning.

Why 21st Century Teaching Techniques Matter

Many of us were taught to do things a certain way because “that’s how it’s always been done.” But if we want to create accessible, inclusive classrooms, we have to stay current.

Techniques like hand-under-hand aren’t just trendy. They’re research-backed methods rooted in respect, empowerment, and best practices.

The more we stay informed, the better we serve our students. That’s why I share only the most up-to-date strategies, not just the ones that have always been used. My goal is to make sure we’re not only meeting compliance standards, but truly changing lives.

And don’t forget to grab your free PDF cheatsheet: 5 Easy Ways to Support Your Students with Visual Impairments

Key Takeaways

After years of working with students who are blind or visually impaired, I’ve learned that the smallest, most thoughtful shifts can create the biggest impact. Simply saying your name when you approach a student builds trust and cuts down on anxiety. It may seem small, but it’s powerful. Taking the time to research your student’s specific visual impairment, and then having the courage to just ask them what works best, shows respect and opens doors for deeper connection. And when it comes to physical guidance, choosing hand-under-hand instead of grabbing honors your student’s autonomy in ways that words can’t.

The truth is, we all grow when we stay curious and open to new strategies. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best way. And you don’t have to figure this out alone. That’s why I created the Society of Exceptional Educators, to give you support, tools, and a community that gets it. We’re all learning, and we’re in this together.

If you’re looking for a community that understands your challenges and celebrates your wins, I’d love for you to join the Society of Exceptional Educators (SEE).

It’s 100% FREE, and here’s what you’ll get:

A community of educators who share your passion
Exclusive resources and real-world teaching tools
Ongoing updates about the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), Orientation and Mobility strategies, and more

🌟 Join the Society of Exceptional Educators

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