Vision Impairment
According to IDEA, visual impairment including blindness means an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child's educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness.
About one in 1,000 school-aged children has a visual impairment. Most children who are visually impaired have low vision, meaning they use vision for learning along with some tactile and auditory adaptations. About 10 percent of children with visual impairments are blind; they have insufficient vision to help them learn, and their education depends on tactile and auditory methods.
About one in 1,000 school-aged children has a visual impairment. Most children who are visually impaired have low vision, meaning they use vision for learning along with some tactile and auditory adaptations. About 10 percent of children with visual impairments are blind; they have insufficient vision to help them learn, and their education depends on tactile and auditory methods.
Characteristics
- Little to no vision.
- Crossed eyes, eyes that turn out, eyes that flutter from side to side or up and down, or eyes that do not seem to focus are physical signs that a child has vision problems.
- As a result, visual impairments may actually hinder or delay development in:
- Acquiring concepts
- Mastering reading skills
- Developing an understanding of numbers and mathematical concepts
- Acquiring skills in mobility, direction and travel
Teaching Methods
- Students with visual impairments have unique educational needs which are most effectively met using a team approach of professionals, parents and students.
- In order to meet their unique needs, students must have specialized services, books and materials in appropriate media (including braille), as well as specialized equipment and technology to assure equal access to the core and specialized curricula
- When speaking to a V.I. student, speak clearly and use descriptive words
- When teaching lessons, provide items for the student to touch related to what is being taught.
- Plan lessons early so that worksheets and other learning materials can be brailled.
- Provide enough space in the classroom for the student to work.