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Practical SPED

Rated 4.9 out of 5, based on 31 reviews
77 Followers
North Dakota, United States
About the store
Meet the Creator: A Passion for Reaching Every Learner Hi there! I'm the creator behind Practical SPED — a passionate educator dedicated to creating meaningful, accessible learning experiences for students with a wide range of abilities and needs. With a special focus on atypical learners, I specialize in resources for students with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), low cognitive abilities, developmental delays, mobility impairments, medical needs, and those who benefit from structured, predictable routines. I believe all students deserve to feel successful, engaged, and seen — and that starts with materials designed with intention. My resources are hands-on, visually accessible, and created with universal design and functional skill-building in mind. Whether it's a sensory-friendly name activity, a CVI-adapted book companion, or a fine motor center with purpose, I aim to support educators, therapists, and families who work with students who don’t always fit inside the box. Every child can learn — we just need to meet them where they are
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All resources

Preview of CVI Visual Schedule Real Photo Icons | First Then Board | Blank Cards | Support

CVI Visual Schedule Real Photo Icons | First Then Board | Blank Cards | Support

Created by
Practical SPED
Looking for a CVI-friendly visual schedule that actually supports access, understanding, and independence? These REAL IMAGE visual icon cards are intentionally designed for students with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and other visual or processing needs. Unlike clipart, these real photographs provide meaningful, recognizable visuals that support stronger visual attention, recognition, and generalization of skills—especially for older students and learners who need more realistic materia
Preview of Farm Animals High-Contrast Coloring Pages | CVI-Aligned Visual Support Activity

Farm Animals High-Contrast Coloring Pages | CVI-Aligned Visual Support Activity

Created by
Practical SPED
This farm animals–themed resource is intentionally designed for students with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and other visual processing needs. Each page features bold red outlines and large, simple farm animal images to support visual attention, visual discrimination, and sustained engagement. To reduce visual and motor demands, an adult prepares the activity by cutting out each farm animal and mounting it on black paper. This setup creates a strong high-contrast background, minimizes vis
Preview of CVI Numbers | Numbers 1-10 | Matching | Visually Impaired Math

CVI Numbers | Numbers 1-10 | Matching | Visually Impaired Math

Created by
Practical SPED
This resource is great to practice number recognition, number matching, independent work, and many many more things. Laminate this product and use velcro or tacky glue to use over and over again. The high contrast numbers with a black background is great for students who have CVI or other visual impairments. *TIP* Add the cards to a sensory bin with beans or rice and have students find the cards in the sensory bin. This is a great way to engage other senses for students.
Preview of CVI Birthday Celebration Book | Emergent Reader | Visually Impaired Reading

CVI Birthday Celebration Book | Emergent Reader | Visually Impaired Reading

Created by
Practical SPED
This resource includes three different book levels all made for students with CVI or have visual challenges. These easy to make books are the perfect companion for your emergent readers! Level 1: Picture Match Level 2: I see sentence with pictures Level 3: I see sentence without pictures
Preview of CVI Book Companion | There was an old lady who swallowed a fly | Reading

CVI Book Companion | There was an old lady who swallowed a fly | Reading

Created by
Practical SPED
This resource is a fun activity that can go along with your lesson. Simply read the story, print these cards, cut them out, laminate for extended use, and have fun. I like to add the cards into a sensory bin and have the students pull them out and find the correct match! Easy, Low prep activity for students who need High Contrast materials. BOOK - There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a fly! By : Lucille Colandro
Preview of CVI Halloween Sorting Activity | Independent Work | Centers

CVI Halloween Sorting Activity | Independent Work | Centers

Created by
Practical SPED
BOO! Do you need a fun halloween center? Have a student who needs activities that work on sorting? This is such a fun resource to add to your collection. Add the circles to a sensory bin and have the students pull one out, and find where it belongs!
Preview of CVI Book Companion | There was an old lady who swallowed a dragon | Reading

CVI Book Companion | There was an old lady who swallowed a dragon | Reading

Created by
Practical SPED
This resource is a fun activity that can go along with your lesson. Simply read the story, print these cards, cut them out, laminate for extended use, and have fun. I like to add the cards into a sensory bin and have the students pull them out and find the correct match! Easy, Low prep activity for students who need High Contrast materials. BOOK - There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a dragon! By : Lucille Colandro
Preview of CVI Book Companion | There was an old lady who swallowed a cow | Reading

CVI Book Companion | There was an old lady who swallowed a cow | Reading

Created by
Practical SPED
This resource is a fun activity that can go along with your lesson. Simply read the story, print these cards, cut them out, laminate for extended use, and have fun. I like to add the cards into a sensory bin and have the students pull them out and find the correct match! Easy, Low prep activity for students who need High Contrast materials. BOOK - There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a cow! By : Lucille Colandro
Preview of CVI Book Companion | There was an old lady who swallowed a worm | Reading

CVI Book Companion | There was an old lady who swallowed a worm | Reading

Created by
Practical SPED
This resource is a fun activity that can go along with your lesson. Simply read the story, print these cards, cut them out, laminate for extended use, and have fun. I like to add the cards into a sensory bin and have the students pull them out and find the correct match! Easy, Low prep activity for students who need High Contrast materials. BOOK - There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a worm! By : Lucille Colandro
Preview of CVI St. Patrick's Day Sorting Activity | Centers | Seasonal Adapted Learning

CVI St. Patrick's Day Sorting Activity | Centers | Seasonal Adapted Learning

Created by
Practical SPED
Do you need a fun St. Patrick's center? Have a student who needs activities that work on sorting? This is such a fun resource to add to your collection. Add the circles to a sensory bin and have the students pull one out, and find where it belongs!
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About the store

Experience

Meet the Creator: A Passion for Reaching Every Learner Hi there! I'm the creator behind Practical SPED — a passionate educator dedicated to creating meaningful, accessible learning experiences for students with a wide range of abilities and needs. With a special focus on atypical learners, I specialize in resources for students with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), low cognitive abilities, developmental delays, mobility impairments, medical needs, and those who benefit from structured, predictable routines. I believe all students deserve to feel successful, engaged, and seen — and that starts with materials designed with intention. My resources are hands-on, visually accessible, and created with universal design and functional skill-building in mind. Whether it's a sensory-friendly name activity, a CVI-adapted book companion, or a fine motor center with purpose, I aim to support educators, therapists, and families who work with students who don’t always fit inside the box. Every child can learn — we just need to meet them where they are

Teaching style

My Teaching Style: Hands-On, Sensory-Based, and Made Just for Them My teaching style is rooted in the belief that every student learns best when learning is meaningful, engaging, and accessible — especially for those who need a little extra academic support. I focus on a hands-on, sensory-based approach, using real objects, textures, movement, and visuals to help concepts come alive. Whether it’s through playdough letters, sensory bins, or tactile story props, I create learning experiences that are intentionally designed for students with unique needs — including those with cognitive delays, visual impairments, and other support needs. My lessons are built around structure, predictability, and repetition, with plenty of opportunities for movement, choice, and real-world connection. I prioritize materials that are not only developmentally appropriate but also emotionally supportive, helping students feel safe, confident, and included in their learning journey. Above all, I meet learners where they are — and guide them forward with patience, creativity, and compassion.

My own education history

About My Background in Special Education I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and bring with me years of hands-on experience supporting individuals with disabilities across a variety of settings. Before becoming a classroom teacher, I worked in developmental homes, provided home care for young children with disabilities, and served as a paraprofessional, gaining a deep understanding of the diverse needs of learners and the importance of individualized, compassionate support. These experiences have shaped my teaching philosophy and given me a strong foundation in meeting students where they are, building trust, and creating adaptive, meaningful learning experiences that empower every child to grow and succeed.

Additional biographical information

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