Archived Presentations:
(Captions and transcripts of the recorded webinar have not yet been edited)
Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI Part 1): An Overview of Characteristics & Phases (recorded March 27, 2025)
Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of childhood visual impairment in the United States, and there is a critical need for a strong base of knowledge and skills amongst educational teams working with students who have CVI. Children with CVI present with unique visual behavioral characteristics, across a range of visual functioning and adaptive needs. Due to the nature of this neurologically-based visual impairment, children/youth with CVI can achieve significant progress in visual functioning – given the appropriate supports and meaningful interventions. This session will focus on an updated, current understanding of the unique impact of CVI through an exploration of Characteristics and Phases, and an overview of approaches to assessment and student-centered intervention.
Participants will increase their knowledge and skills in:
- Identifying common causes of CVI and the unique differences between CVI and ocular forms of visual impairment
- Understanding the unique behavioral characteristics associated with CVI
- Describing the features of each of the CVI characteristics and phases
View the CVI Part 1 recording here
CVI Part 1 Resources:
CVI_Part 1_ FL DB Project_Overview_2025
CVI FACT SHEET-CRussell_Updated2022
Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI Part 2): CVI Range Assessment (recorded April 24, 2025)
The CVI Range (Roman-Lantzy, 2007; Rev. 2018) is an assessment protocol designed specifically for the evaluation of functional vision in students with CVI. When students with CVI exhibit the unique behavioral characteristics, professionals and families benefit from an in-depth understanding of appropriate assessment practices for determining current levels of visual functioning. This session focuses on understanding the CVI Range, including the process of Family Interview, Observation, and Direct Assessment. Specific emphasis will be placed on understanding the scoring statements in Rating 1 of the CVI Range, and using video observation to discuss findings in a case study of a student with CVI.
Participants will increase their knowledge and skills in:
- Understanding the 3 main components of CVI Range assessment
- Understanding and explaining the scoring statements in Rating 1 of the CVI Range
- Utilizing the Rating 2 scoring guide
- Observing a student with CVI (via video) and discussing unique behavioral characteristics in terms of CVI Range scoring procedures
View the CVI Part 2 recording here
CVI Part 2 Resources:
CVI_Part 2_ FL DB Project_Assessment_2025
CVI Assessment Kit Example-Hooper
CVI FVA Template-Russell updated 2024
CVI Observation Notes-Russell updated 2023
Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI Part 3): Approaches to Intervention and Educational Development
(recorded May 29, 2025)
Children and youth with CVI can be expected to make progress in their visual functioning given appropriate, child-centered and assessment-based interventions to both educational curricula and activities, as well as to social interactions and communication. This session will focus on practical methods and approaches for using the results of CVI Range assessment to adapt and design educational programs for a diverse population of students across the Phases of CVI, and addressing the unique impact of CVI Characteristics on access to interaction and instruction. Additional specific focus will include considerations for IEPs and goals/objectives, development of the CVI Schedule for collaborative team planning, and adaptations to activities and routines unique to each Phase.
Participants will increase their knowledge and skills in:
- Designing appropriate interventions, curriculum adaptations and environmental modifications for individuals with CVI
- Utilizing the results of the CVI Range to develop interventions appropriate to meet the goals of each Phase of CVI
View the CVI Part 3 recording here
CVI Part 3 Resources:
CVI_Part 3_ FL DB Project_Intervention_2025 (1)
CVI AAC Matrix-Russell and Willis
CVI Positioning and Adaptations Team Planning Tool
CVI Schedule template and description
Christopher Russell. M.S. Ed., TVI
Chris currently works as a special education teacher and teacher of students with visual impairments in New York City Public Schools, Hospital Schools Department. He previously served as Project Coordinator for the New York DeafBlind Collaborative for eight years. Chris holds an adjunct faculty position at Hunter College in graduate programs for Blindness/Visual Impairment and Severe & Multiple Disabilities including DeafBlindness. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Queens College.
