How to Support Students with CVI and Cerebral Palsy

expanded core curriculum orientation and mobility Mar 25, 2025

Discover essential strategies for supporting students with cerebral palsy and cerebral visual impairment. Learn about CVI diagnosis, assistive technology for cerebral palsy, vision therapy for CVI, mobility and vision therapy, and CVI-friendly activities to boost classroom success and independence.

As an Orientation and Mobility Specialist with over two decades of experience, I've encountered countless educators struggling to effectively support students who have cerebral palsy (CP) combined with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). You might be wondering, "What exactly is cerebral palsy? And what is cerebral visual impairment?" Today, I’ll break down these complex conditions, share how they interact, and most importantly, equip you with tangible strategies you can immediately use in your classroom.

What is Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)?

Cerebral visual impairment is a visual processing disorder caused by damage to the visual pathways or processing centers in the brain. Unlike typical visual impairments that stem from the eyes themselves, CVI originates within the brain, often making diagnosis tricky.

Common CVI symptoms include:

Better vision when objects are moving.
Visual field loss.
Fluctuating vision quality throughout the day.
Difficulty recognizing faces unless people speak.
Struggles in cluttered environments.

Educators can identify cerebral visual impairment by carefully observing these visual processing challenges in everyday classroom activities. If you suspect CVI, collaboration with medical professionals for an accurate CVI diagnosis is essential.

Early intervention is crucial for children with CVI, as targeted support can significantly improve visual processing abilities over time. Regular assessments and adjustments to teaching strategies will help educators respond to changes in vision and maximize learning opportunities.

Understanding Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition caused by early brain damage occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. It primarily affects motor skills, posture, and muscle control. Over the years, I've supported students with various types of cerebral palsy, ranging from mild motor skill delays to profound physical challenges.

Key cerebral palsy symptoms include:

Difficulty moving parts of the body.
Hypertonic (tight) or hypotonic (floppy) muscles.
Issues with speech, swallowing, or daily living tasks.

Recognizing the broad spectrum of cerebral palsy in children ensures we tailor interventions to their unique abilities and needs. Early identification of cerebral palsy symptoms can facilitate timely access to appropriate interventions and therapies, optimizing developmental outcomes.

The Connection Between CP and CVI

Research from the Cerebral Palsy Research Network shows 65% of children with CVI also have cerebral palsy. This significant overlap means many students face compounded visual-motor challenges. These dual diagnoses create exponential hurdles in their developmental milestones, requiring targeted interventions for CVI alongside cerebral palsy treatment.

For example, movement challenges typical of CP can become even more pronounced when visual processing issues from CVI interfere. Tasks like navigating stairs or hallways become extremely difficult, requiring specific educational adjustments. Understanding this interplay allows educators to design environments and curricula that address both motor and visual processing needs simultaneously.

Educational Strategies for Supporting CP and CVI

Over the years, I've found success by using multi-sensory and tailored teaching strategies. Here are some effective methods you can use immediately:

1. Multisensory Learning Approach

Students with combined CP and CVI respond best when multiple senses are activated. Include these sensory modalities in your lessons:

Auditory: Clearly narrate actions, transitions, and instructions. For example, "We are turning left toward the playground." Auditory descriptions help students understand their environment even when their visual processing falters.
Tactile: Let students explore materials through touch, enhancing comprehension and engagement.
Kinesthetic: Incorporate frequent physical movements. Collaborate with occupational (OT) and physical therapists (PT) to design exercises that build motor skills.
Olfactory and Taste: Utilize familiar scents and tastes to anchor learning experiences and aid memory.

2. Optimize Visual Environments

Students with CVI thrive in environments with high-contrast materials and minimal visual clutter.

Use colors like black, red, and yellow for maximum contrast.
Keep classroom visuals simple and purposeful.
Ensure clear, uncluttered pathways to support independent mobility and reduce anxiety.
Create individualized visual schedules and clearly defined classroom zones to help students anticipate transitions and reduce stress.

3. Allow for Autonomy and Breaks

Providing regular breaks and respecting a student's need for autonomy significantly enhances their participation and reduces frustration. Remember, appearing disinterested in visual tasks can often signal visual fatigue rather than attention issues. Allow students the choice to take short, restorative breaks.

4. Hand-Under-Hand Technique

When supporting students physically, always practice the hand-under-hand method to maintain their autonomy. Instead of directly guiding a student's hand to an object, place your hand under theirs. This respectful approach fosters confidence and independence, critical for emotional development and self-efficacy.

Teaching Modifications

Making thoughtful teaching modifications can significantly impact a student's ability to engage and succeed. Consider these practical adjustments:

Break down tasks into manageable steps.
Provide extended response time during activities.
Use clear, concise instructions and frequent repetition.
Pair verbal instructions with visual or tactile cues.
Adjust seating arrangements to support physical comfort and visual access.

Mobility and Vision Therapy

Incorporating mobility and vision therapy into daily routines supports independence and safety. For example, reinforcing depth perception skills through targeted practice helps students safely navigate stairs and uneven surfaces.

Collaborate with CVI specialists near me or local cerebral palsy specialists to explore assistive technology for cerebral palsy, such as adaptive seating or vision therapy tools designed specifically for CVI. Personalized tools can significantly enhance a student's learning experience.

Integrating orientation and mobility skills within daily classroom activities, like route planning and object identification tasks, can greatly improve overall independence and mobility.

Links to Additional Resources:

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Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys

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