VISUAL IMPAIRMENT - describes a
wide variety of conditions that affect vision
abilities.
The following terms commonly used to
designate degrees of visual impairment:
 Totally blind. This term usually implies
little or no visual sensitivity to light at
any level.
 Legally blind. A legally blind person
has a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in
the better eye, after correction.
 Low vision. People with low vision can
read with the help of large-print reading
materials and magnifying objects. They
may also use Braille.
 Partially sighted. Partially sighted
individuals have less severe loss of
vision than people in the other three
categories. A person with partial sight
may be able to see objects up close or far
away and with corrective lenses may be
able to function at normal levels.
Types of Visual Impairments
Hyperopia (far sightedness)
 Can see objects of far away but not near
 Cause: size of eye ball is too shorter
Myopia (near sightedness)
 Can see objects of near but not far away
 Cause: size of eye ball is too larger
Astigmatism
 Cannot focus at one object regularly
 Cause: irregularity in cornea or eye
surface
Color Blindness
 Decreased ability to differentiate
between colors
 Problem with cones cells of the eye
Challenges of Visual Impairment in the
Classroom
 Fewer opportunities to acquire
information visually (i.e., maps,
diagrams, pictures, art)
 Learning Difficulties
 may read very slowly
 difficult to meet the demands of
general education classroom
 Social Difficulties
 can't catch non-verbal cues from
others
 inability to judge distance (i.e., stand
too close when socializing)
Tools and Assistive Technology for the
Visual Impairments
 Braille printer: connects to a computer
and embosses braille on paper
 Screen reader: converts text on a
computer screen to audible speech
 Screen enlargement software: increases
the size of text and images on a
computer screen
References:
https://www.slideshare.net/
PriyankaChaurasia3/visually-impaired-
42862831
https://www.slideshare.net/
PriyankaChaurasia3/visual-impairment-
42862795
https://www.slideshare.net/
Zaibun_Nisa786/visual-impairment-
117747174
http://sped.wikidot.com/visual-impairments
AUTISM – affects the way information is
taken in and stored in the brain. A complex
disorder of brain development characterized
by:
 Difficulties in social interaction
 Difficulties in verbal and nonverbal
communication
 Repetitive behaviors
 Difficulties in motor coordination
 Difficulties in attention
About autistic children and autism
Difficulty interacting and communicating
with others
For example, children might:
 not use eye contact to get someone’s
attention
 not use words or gestures to
communicate
 be confused by language and take things
literally.
Challenges of Autism in the Classroom
 Cognitive Processing Delays
 Delays in the ability to process
verbal or written language have a
neurological basis.
Strategies to use:
Give the student the time needed to process
a fact or a question, before expecting a
response including asking for a few seconds,
or simply put up a finger they are thinking.
 Sensory Perception Issues
 Any of the senses can be involved. A
child might be especially sensitive to
certain sounds, have a poor sense of
balance and lack depth perception,
and / or be unable to tolerate certain
tastes and textures of foods. Even the
scratching of a pencil across a piece
of piece might set that child’s nerves
on end in the same way that many of
us are reduced to quivering when a
piece of chalk squeaks on a board.
What to do:
The teacher needs to speak with the
student and encourage him or her to tell
the teacher without shame about any
environmental distractions. By doing
this, the teacher and administrators may
learn to appreciate and alleviate many
problems that can interfere with the
student’s ability to learn.
References:
https://slideplayer.com/amp/17166253/
https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/
learning-about-autism/about-autism/asd-
overview
https://butterflyeffects.com/autism-learning-
center/autism-in-the-classroom-overcoming-
challenges/
MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION -
Mental illness is a general term for a group
of illnesses that affect the mind or brain.
A mental health condition is considered a
disability if it has a long-term effect on your
normal day-to-day activity.
Examples of mental illness include
depression, anxiety disorders,
schizophrenia, eating disorders and
addictive behaviors.
Strategies to use:
 Pre-planning for group discussions to
help reduce their anxiety about what
they will share or say.
 Make plan for what to do when they are
unable to focus due to worries.
 Allow for breaks or opportunities to de-
stress.
 Encourage your student to engage in
conversation
 Make sure you take time to listen to
what your student has to say
 Provide a positive environment for your
student where they can thrive
References:
https://services.anu.edu.au/human-
resources/respect-inclusion/different-types-
of-disabilities
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-
causes/syc-20374968#:~:text=Mental
%20illness%2C%20also%20called
%20mental,eating%20disorders%20and
%20addictive%20behaviors.
https://www.acmh-mi.org/get-help/
navigating/problems-at-school/
https://www.gov.uk/when-mental-health-
condition-becomes-disability