Definition
Visual impairments include the reduction in vision, either fully blind or partially blind. This person's eyesight cannot be corrected to a "normal" level, where this impairment is a functional limitation of the affected eye(s).
Characteristics
According to Project IDEAL, "Visual impairment is essentially an umbrella tern used to describe the loss of sight that can be a consequence of a number of different medical conditions." Although there are a few dozen conditions impacting sight, each condition has its own unique characteristics and clinical features that include varying degrees of eyesight.
Accommodations
- Assistive technology equipment (hearing aids, assistive learning devices)
- Interpreters
- Notetakers
- Braille materials and assistive technology
- Reading machines (for students who are not completely blind)
- Teacher should stay in one spot for the lecture (student may not be able to track sounds from various locations)
- Provide extended time on assignments and assessments
Modifications
- Orally (or tactually) responding to questions
- Modifying course handouts to include Braille
- Use of bold line paper and raised line paper
- Give student hints or clues for assignments or assessments
- Print and copy assignments in large font
- Print and copy assignments with clear, large photos
Resources
- Visual Impairment
This resource contains information about the broad spectrum of visual impairment characteristics, broken down by intellectual, achievement, behavioral, communicative abilities, and physical appearance.
- Accommodations and Supports for Children who have Combined Hearing and Vision Loss (Deaf-blindness)
A powerpoint dedicated to helping teachers navigate how to best help students who have deaf-blindness. This powerpoint includes accommodations and supports deaf-blind children need to be successful.
- Considerations when Teaching Students Who are Deaf-Blind
A multi-page resource with specific supports teachers can use to help children who are deaf-blind. This includes ways to accommodate and modify curriculum and the learning environment.
- Accommodations and Modifications for Students Who are Blind or Visually Impaired
This website helps teachers through the accommodations and modifications needed for having a deaf-blind student in his/her classroom.
- Teaching Strategies and Content Modifications for the Child with Deaf-Blindness
A website to help teachers better understand how to modify content and pedagogical strategies to cater to a child with deaf=blindness' needs.