Visual Impairments

Visual Impairments

A wide range of visual problems

Blindness, Low Vision, and Cortical Visual Impairment
Assessment:
Formal eye examination using the Snellen Chart
Informal- teachers observations of the student
and documentation of signs that might be related
to visual impairment
Oral assessment: read the test to the student
Signs of Visual Impairment

Shuts or covers one eye

Holds book close to eyes
Unable to see distant things clearly
Complains of blurry or double vision, dizziness,
headaches, or nausea following close eye work,
and cannot see well

Challenges To The Student

Difficulty moving around the classroom/school building

Withdrawn
Unable to use nonverbal cues
Peer acceptance
Delays in development of reading, writing, and mathematical skills

General Practices On Instruction (Parker & Pogrund, 2009)

So, what do I believe about

blindness? I believe that
everythings possible. We (parents
and teachers) need to have high
expectations, provide good training
and education, and keep all the
doors of opportunity open for our
blind children. I know that blindness
certainly does not have to stop a
person from accomplishing goals
and fulfilling dreams. - Carol
Castellano 1996

Ask the student if assistance is needed

Do not assume that certain tasks and activities cannot be accomplished without accommodations or
modifications
Include students with visual impairments in all activities that occur in the class
Use seating arrangements to take advantage of any vision the child can use
Encourage the use of residual vision

References:
Castellano, C. (1996). The blind child in the regular elementary classroom.
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr15/issue3/f150302.html

Future Reflections Summer.

Retrieved from:

Parker, A.T. & Pogrund, R.L. (2009). A review of research on the literacy of students with visual impairments and additional disabilities.
Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness.
Smith, T. E.C., Polloway, E., Patton, J. & Dowdy, C.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

(2012).

Teaching students with special needs in inclusive settings, sixth ed.

Snellen Chart Retrieved From: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/1606_Snellen_Chart-02.jpg

Fischer, E., Caughlin, T., Curtis, N. LAI 574 Fall 2014