EXPANDED CORE CURRICULUM

What is the Expanded Core Curriculum?

In addition to their academic core subject, students who are visually impaired should receive instruction in the expanded core curriculum. (ECC)  But what exactly is the expanded core curriculum?

The expanded core curriculum is 9 areas of instruction that focus on the specific needs of an individual with visual impairments.  Instruction in these areas teaches students the skills they need to live an independent life.  Learning the skills in each of these area is a process.  Instruction starts at a young age and evolves as the student develops. To learn more about each area of the expanded core curriculum, click the links found within the descriptions below.

9 Areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum

Compensatory Skills:

These are the skills needed by students with visual impairment in order to access the core curriculum. It may include, but is not limited to Braille, Pre-Braille, Tactile Communication,  Communication Skills, etc. 

Orientation and Mobility:

Orientation and mobility teaches individual with visual impairment the skills they need  in order to independently attain systematic orientation to and safe movement within their environments at  home, school and in the community

Social Interaction:

Teaches students with visual impairment the skills they need to independently participate in social situations.  These skills are specific to their disability.

Independent Living:

Teaches a student with visual impairment the skills he or she needs to independently care for oneself. This may include, but is not limited to personal hygiene, management of finances, house care, food preparation,clothing care

Recreation and Leisure:

Teaches the students the skills he or she needs to participate in leisure and extra-curricular activities.

Sensory Efficiency:

Teaches students with visual impairment the skills they need to use and apply the use of their other senses. 

Assistive Technology: 

Covers the skills needed to independently use everyday technology as well as technology specific to the student's visual impairment.  It may also include technology that allows the student to independently access print, translate print into Braille, etc.

Career Education:

Career Education covers the skills needed to independently hold and carry out the responsibilities of a job.

Self-Determination:

Self-Determination teaches the student the skills needed to be their own advocate.