This resource page is currently under construction. Thank you for your patience!

Learning About CVI

Books

Cortical Visual Impairment: An Approach to Assessment and Intervention, 2nd Edition by Christine Roman-Lantzy, PhD. This textbook provides educators, therapists, physicians, and parents of children with CVI with an understanding of the condition and a complete framework for assessment and intervention. It includes up-to-date research and insights into CVI, its development and progression, and best approaches to assessment and intervention.

Cortical Visual Impairment: Advanced Principles by Christine Roman-Lantzy, PhD. This textbook is the highly-anticipated companion book to Cortical Visual Impairment: An Approach to Assessment and Intervention. It is a collaboration among experts in many disciplines and dives deeper into topics such as Phase III CVI, literacy, children with CVI and complex communication needs, social skills, orientation and mobility, CVI and deafblindness, and the ‘What’s the Complexity?’ Framework for working with students with CVI.

Little Bear Sees by Aubri Tallent, Andrei Tallent, & Fredy Bush. A great introduction to CVI for parents, doctors, therapists, educators, family, or friends. It explains what CVI is, what common characteristics to look for, how the eye and brain work together to facilitate vision, strategies to help children improve functional vision, and encouraging stories from other parents.

Strategy to See, 4th Edition by Diane Sheline, M.A.Ed., TVI, CLVT. Written for parents, caretakers, Certified Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, Orientation and Mobility Instructors, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, and other educators. Stories are shared about students with CVI from birth to age 22; neuroplasticity, importance of early intervention, specific strategies, and development of IEP goals & objectives are discussed.

Vision and the Brain: Understanding Cerebral Vision Impairment in Children edited by Amanda Hall Lueck and Gordon N. Dutton, MD.  This book is “a unique and comprehensive sourcebook geared especially to professionals in the field of visual impairment, educators, and families who need to know more about the causes and types of CVI and the best practices for working with affected children. Expert contributors from many countries represent education, occupational therapy, orientation and mobility, ophthalmology, optometry, neuropsychology, psychology, and vision science, and include parents of children with CVI.”

Articles & Public Statements

A Primer on Cortical Visual Impairment – a comprehensive introductory explanation of CVI written by Sharon S. Lehman, MD. Includes definition, causes, the ophthalmologist’s role, and more.

Blindness of the Brain: Explaining CVI – an introduction to and chat about CVI with Dr. Lotfi Merabet, published by Massachusetts Eye and Ear.

Statement on Cortical Visual Impairment – in 2008 the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) brought together an advisory group to provide guidance and clarity on a range of issues related to cortical visual impairment (CVI). Includes a working definition of CVI for educational services.

This Type of Blindness Technically Isn’t an Eye Problem – explanation for parents and providers of children with CVI, written by CVI parent Amy Whipple.

Websites

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) page about CVI, Traumatic Brain Injury, & Neurological Vision Loss – provides a brief overview along with links to further reading. Additional AFB pages of note: CVI in Children, Statement on Cortical Visual Impairment, and Who Receives Intervention for CVI?

American Printing House (APH) for the Blind’s page about CVI – provides links to APH products for CVI, assessments, literacy, Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), and more.

The Bridge School – an innovative organization educating children with severe speech and physical impairments. The link is to their CVI page.

CVI Resources – website run by Christine Roman-Lantzy, PhD. Dr. Roman is a professional in the field of visual impairment since 1973 and specializes in CVI. Her textbooks (linked above) are essential CVI reading.

CVI Scotland – dedicated to sharing and developing our understanding of CVI. Website provides quality CVI lessons, resources, blogs, and more.

The Laboratory for Visual Neuroplasticity – this research group affiliated with Harvard Medical School focuses on the development of assistive technology for the visually impaired and uses a combination of behavioral and neuroimaging techniques to study changes that occur in the brain as a result of ocular and cerebral causes of blindness.

Little Bear Sees – excellent starting point for anyone new to CVI. Make sure to pick up a copy of their book (linked above)!

Paths To Literacy (CVI) – Paths to Literacy exists to serve students who are blind or visually impaired; this section of their website is dedicated to the topic of CVI and includes information, ideas, and programming materials related to the different phases of CVI.

Perkins School for the Blind (CVI Hub) – Perkins is an international leader in blindness services. The CVI Hub on their website provides valuable information and tools for parents, educators, and school districts. Additional Perkins pages of note: FAQ: Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsement, Directory of Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsees, How to advocate for a CVI Specialist, and CVI Videos.

Pinterest: Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) – Pinterest board about CVI, created and maintained by Perkins School for the Blind.

Pinterest: CVI – Pinterest board about CVI, created and maintained by Paths To Literacy.

Start Seeing CVI – created in 2014 to increase awareness and understanding of CVI; includes links to quality CVI information and resources, the Start Seeing CVI Advocacy group, CVI merchandise, and a blog.

Strategy to See – website run by Diane Sheline, M.A.Ed., TVI, CLVT; includes presentations, toolbox and forms for those working with students with CVI, DIY Projects, and more.

Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children – this section of the WPSBC website provides information about CVI, including a “CVI Assessments and Strategies Brochure.”

Wonderbaby – website dedicated to helping parents of young children with visual impairments and/or multiple disabilities. Provides a database of articles written by parents, links to meaningful resources, and ways to connect with other families. Some lists & articles are specific to CVI.

Blogs

Adventures in Neuroplasticity – one family’s journey with CVI, written by Eva’s mom.

As I See It – written by Christine Roman-Lantzy, PhD. Dr. Roman has been a professional in the field of visual impairment since 1973 and specializes in CVI; her books (listed above) are essential reading for anyone working or caring for someone with CVI.

CVI Momifesto – a blog written by “a frustrated mom publicly stating her intentions, motives, and views about what needs to be done for children with CVI.” This blog aims to highlight stories from other CVI moms, foster community, and advocate for better medical and educational outcomes for children with CVI.

CVI Teacher – written by Ellen Cadigan Mazel, M.Ed., CTVI, Deafblind Specialist, CVI Endorsed Professional.

Emma Bear’s Journey – working to create new pathways each and every day, written by Emma’s mom.

Envision CVI – envisioning the possibilities for children with CVI, written by MaryAnne Roberto, TVI.

Everyday CVI – embedding CVI strategies into everyday family living, written by…me (hi! you are here!).

Gordon Dutton’s Blog – hosted on the CVI Scotland website, written by Gordon Dutton, MD. Dr. Gordon Dutton is a retired Pediatric Ophthalmologist who currently pursues his special interest in CVI and has authored books about vision and the brain.

High Hopes – written by the team at High Hopes, a specialty rehabilitation center in Dubai for children with special needs. Posts about CVI are written by Vision Intervention Specialist Jonathan Graves, M.Ed., CTVI, CATIS.

My journey with CVI – written by Dagbjört Andrésdóttir, who experienced the challenges of growing up with CVI but did not receive her diagnosis until adulthood.

Nicola McDowell’s Blog – hosted on the CVI Scotland website, written by Nicola McDowell, QTVI, O&M Specialist. Nicola is now an adult that developed CVI after a brain bleed at age 16.

Paths To Literacy: CVI – educational blog topics written by CVI parents and professionals with a focus on adapting environments and materials.

Start Seeing CVI – thoughtful and educational reflections written by Jasper’s mom, who is completing her vision studies at UMass Boston to become a TVI.

Organizations

Pediatric Cortical Visual Impairment Society (PCVIS) – the mission of the Pediatric Cortical Visual Impairment Society (“the Society”) is to advocate for improvement in the quality of life of children with vision loss due to brain disorder, disease, or injury.

Conferences

American Conference on Pediatric Cortical Visual Impairment – this conference hosted by the Pediatric Cortical Visual Impairment Society (PCVIS) takes place every 2 years. The goal of the conference is to bring together occupational therapists, ophthalmologists,
optometrists, teachers of the visually impaired, neurologists, pediatric
intensivists, physiatrists, and parents to increase interdisciplinary
understanding of cortical visual impairment in children.

Perkins CVI Symposium – the annual CVI Symposium hosted by Perkins School for the Blind is a workshop appropriate for teachers, administrators, related service personnel, parents, or caregivers.

Newsletters & Journals

Deaf-Blind Perspectives – this free publication on topics related to deaf-blindness was produced twice a year from September 1993-September 2012. Volume 13, Issue 3, Spring 2006 is entitled Cortical Visual Impairment: Guidelines and Educational Considerations.

Insight: Research and Practice in Visual Impairment and Blindness – a peer-reviewed professional journal supported by The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER).

International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment E-News – the ICEVI is a worldwide organization supporting students with visual impairments in school. They produce a bi-annual newsletter called “ICEVI E-News.”

Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research (JBIR) – a peer-reviewed multidisciplinary publication presenting primary research, scholarly reviews, and reports of innovative information and research related to the blind. JBIR is available online through the National Federation of the Blind.

The Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness (JVIB) – the international peer-reviewed journal of record in the field of vision loss, available online or in print through the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

Lighthouse Guild Parent Support Network – newsletter produced by the Lighthouse Guild in New York. Visit their website to subscribe to additional newsletters about Vision & Health, Children’s Vision, Professional Training, or Visionary Philanthropy.

Little Bear Sees’ Newsletter – this monthly newsletter shares tips and ideas about improving the lives of those with CVI.

Vision Impairment and Deafblind Education Quarterly – quarterly newsletter produced by the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Visual Impairments and Deafblindness.

Videos

Cortical Visual Impairment: Special Topics – hosted on the West Virginia Department of Education website, this series of videos are presented by Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy.

CVI Lessons – hosted on the CVI Scotland website, these video lessons have been written to explain CVI step by step and are designed to be followed in chronological order.

CVI Videos – hosted on the Perkins School for the Blind eLearning website, these video presentations offer useful tips and techniques for parents and educators.

CVI Web Exercise – hosted on the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired website, these video presentations provide an introduction to CVI, CVI caste studies, and CVI intervention.

Looking Inside the Adaptive Brain of the Blind – an hour-long presentation by Lotfi Merabet, O.D., PhD, hosted on the NIH VideoCast website. A CVI researcher, Dr. Merabet discusses the neurophysiologic and neuroplastic differences found in people with CVI.

Not In Plain Sight – this 30-minute BBC Scotland Documentary features CVI explanations from Dr. Gordon Dutton and Dr. Cathy Williams and includes interviews with children and adults affected by CVI. Aired on February 25th, 2019.

Roman on CVI – Dr. Christine Roman’s YouTube Channel, where she publishes short video tutorials and discussions about CVI.

Podcasts

Blind On Blind – this links to the Blind On Blind podcast episode that features Ellen Mazel (M.Ed., CTVI, Deafblind Specialist, CVI Endorsed Professional) as a guest discussing CVI.

Kaleidoscope: The Cortical Visual Impairment Podcast – tune in each month for a discussion about the public health crisis no one else is talking about (spoiler alert: it’s CVI!) and stories of neuroplasticity and hope. Hosted by Parent CVI Advocate Jessica Marquardt.

Educational Tools

iPad Apps

Art of Glow, Awesome, Baby Look Tickle, Big Bang Patterns, Big Bang Pictures, Bloom HD, Bubbles, Cause & Effect Sensory Light Box, Cause & Effect Sensory Sound Box, Crazy Gears, CViConnect, Draw with Stars, EDA PLAY, EDA PLAY PAULI, EDA PLAY TOBY, Fluidity HD, Fun Stars, iLoveFireworks, Infant Zoo, KaleidoBalls, MagicFingers, My Talking Picture Board, Ooze, Peekaboo Barn, Peeping Musicians, Sago Mini Sound Box, Talking Carl and Gugl, Tap-N-See Now, You Doodle

Miscellaneous Resources

“How I See” Video Made by Alfie Fox – this brief video explains how one child with CVI sees the world; helpful video for educators and/or for giving other parents ideas about explaining their child’s CVI to an educational team.

IEPs for Parents of Blind or Visually Impaired Children – this article on Wonderbaby is an easy-to-read, detailed introduction to Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs)

Orientation & Mobility (O&M) For Students with CVI – this 31-page document produced by the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Outreach Program provides in-depth instruction about CVI and how it may impact O&M. Explains guiding principles that must be followed in planning O&M instruction for students with CVI.

Printable IEP Organizer – this article on Wonderbaby provides tips and a PDF Download for organizing IEP paperwork.

Salient Features Dictionary – a collaborative tool for teaching/using salient features, based on the works of Christine Roman-Lantzy, PhD.

Team Approach to CVI – this downloadable file from the National Center on Deaf-Blindness was created by Donna Shaman, an OT in Washington. Functions as a manual for school IEP teams working with students who have CVI.

Treasure Stop – hosted on the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children website, this is a resource section created by educators and therapists to share ideas with families, educators, and professionals. Includes tips on adapting books, lessons, toys, and more.

Special Education Rights

Wrightslaw – page used by parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.

CVI Groups for Parents and/or Professionals

 

More About Neuroplasticity

Brain Plasticity: What Is It? – this Neuroscience for Kids page provides the basic facts about neuroplasticity, learning, and memory.

The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science – this book by Norman Doidge, MD is “a riveting collection of case histories detailing the astonishing progress of people whose conditions had long been dismissed as hopeless.” Introduces readers to the most important breakthrough of modern neuroscience (neuroplasticity), including how and when the medical community finally came to understand it.

The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity – this second book by Norman Doidge, MD shows “how the amazing process of neuroplastic healing really works.”