The hidden disability you need to know about: Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)

1 in 30Recent research shows up to 1 in 30 kids in mainstream classrooms have CVI-related vision difficulties.

Less than 20%of people with CVI in the US are diagnosed according to our research.

#1 causeCVI is the leading cause of childhood blindness. Based in the brain, it’s misunderstood and underdiagnosed.

Cyrus touches the photo of his water bottle on the iPad during speech class.

Kids with CVI CaN’T WAIT

Learn about CVI and earn credits

The CVI Center at Perkins is a leader in CVI training. We’re here to support you through your CVI learning journey every step of the way. Our professional development offerings are rooted in current science and promising practices, and center the lived experiences of people with CVI.  They are designed for educators, service providers (TVIs, O&Ms, OTs, PTs, SLPs), school administrators, and parents. Our offerings include:

Scholarships & group options

Scholarships are available. We’re committed to ensuring equitable access to continuing education on CVI.

  • Inquire for group options—custom packages available for your team or organization.
  • Email Lauren Moquin at [email protected] to learn more.

Upcoming Online Courses

Spring 2024

Future offering dates TBD

An inclusive overview of cortical/cerebral visual impairment describing the condition, its causes and associated medical conditions, and the educational and development impacts of brain-based visual impairment.

Future offering dates TBD

Workshop participants will learn about dorsal and ventral stream dysfunctions and how the whole brain is used to map space and complete tasks relevant to O&M.

Future offering dates TBD

Explore a deeper understanding of the ways CVI can impact the various school domains/subject areas, and ways in which teams can support students in having an accessible academic experience.

Future offering dates TBD

Review the purpose of AAC, the visual behaviors of CVI, and considerations around assessment, design, implementation, data collection, and collaboration. Design and implement an augmentative and alternative communication system (AAC) for individuals with Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI).

Future offering dates TBD

Review the neurological foundations of visual perception and sensory basis of vision and development, as well as delve into occupational therapy evaluation and intervention procedures for learners with CVI.

Self-Paced Tutorials

Not sure where to start? Try a self-paced CVI course from the highlights below! Just click ‘view video‘ where present, or pay to earn professional development credits for this experience.

This training module guides you through the Visual Behaviors of cerebral/cortical visual impairment, as defined by the CVI Center at Perkins School for the Blind.

Access to learning and the environment must begin with supporting sensory regulation by addressing the foundational sensory needs (interoceptive, proprioceptive, and vestibular).

Hear answers to parent questions about CVI promising practices, how to make learning perceivable, meaningful, and motivating, and more from Marguerite Tibaudo, TVI and Deafblind Specialist.

Visual fatigue is likely one of the most common shared experiences among individuals with CVI. Research shows that there is a neurological and physiological reason why individuals with CVI become so easily fatigued. We will explore the science behind visual fatigue and how the neural network of a CVI brain is “fundamentally different”; what individuals with CVI and parents of children with CVI say about what visual fatigue looks and feels like; and ideas for how a multi-sensory approach can help reduce visual fatigue and ensure access to learning and the environment throughout the day.

Object identification, gaze behavior, and image saliency analysis.

Continue your learning

Advance your education — conveniently and effectively — with Perkins eLearning opportunities.

Access content in a range of formats, from free video presentations to credit-earning online classes, to best suit your needs.

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The CVI Center

We are urgently confronting CVI

We’re on a mission to reach 50,000 kids with CVI in 3 years. Join us!

Teenager plays with a sparkler that lights up his face at nighttime
Henry’s CVI was missed by doctors and educators until he was 5 years old.

Visit CVI Now, the go-to website for CVI

A deep, trusted resource that centers CVI voices and follows
current research.