Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
Students who have visual impairments can be on a continuum of abilities and capabilities due to how much they can see. The following are support strategies that can be used with visually impaired students. This support can be through equipment/technology and/or human assistance.
Technology/Equipment
Large Print – using print that is above 14 point can assist those students who have trouble visually, but who are not completely blind.
Braille – to represent letters and words, this system uses a sequence of raised dots. This technique is usually used with students who are completely blind and have been since very early in their lifetimes due to the challenge of learning the system.
Magnification software – different computer programs can be magnified – Windows 95 has a Microsoft Office magnification option.
CCTV Cameras – these cameras also magnify text such as text books, journals, etc. Then the students do not need to scan the material onto the computer and can just view it on the camera.
Special Software – software that is voice activated allows for visually impaired students to give directions verbally and receive information verbally.
Audio tapes/CDs – listening to lectures, or other classroom activities that have been recorded.
Human Support
Readers – designating a students to read the text material or other notes from class
Notetakers – having other students record classroom notes and other helpful information
Amanuenses – a scribe or person that can write for the visually impaired during tests or other assignments
Mobility trainer – like a guide for students – in hallways, etc to get student to next class and maneuvering around school. Can also get books or help with locker.
The above are different options of resources. This is not a closed list. There can be many more ways in assisting the visually impaired. First, you have to assess where the student is visually and then be able to provide supports that would best promote that student’s academic achievement and overall well-being.
Submitted by: Hillary Mason
Footnote:
Teaching Students with Visual Impairments. The University of Sheffeild. 2007.
http://www.shef.ac.uk/disability/teaching/visual/4_support.html
Support Strategies For Teaching Students With Visual Impairments