The Nature and Degree of Visual Impairment
Visual impairment involves significant vision loss in both eyes, not correctable with glasses. It varies in severity ranging from low vision to blindness and requires individual adjustments. Impairments may be congenital (present at birth) or adventitious (develop later). Each child learns differently, as vision may fluctuate with fatigue, glare, or lighting conditions.
Meet Jewel and see how she navigates life with vision loss
Educational Implications of Vision Loss
Vision loss affects concept development, communication, life skills, mobility, and academics. Learning often requires more time, and opportunities for self-image, independence, and community living are essential. Teachers should support students by promoting interpersonal skills, independence, and adaptive behaviours, ensuring equal access to intellectual and personal growth opportunities.
Needs of Students with Visual Impairments
Students with visual impairments need inclusion, social connections, experiential learning, and opportunities to participate fully in class. They benefit from goal-setting, safe environments, proper lighting, and assistive resources. Support from teachers and peers ensures they feel secure, can move independently, and access the curriculum effectively using appropriate technology.
Students with Visual Impairments – Expectations
Students with visual impairments should share equal rights and responsibilities as peers. Expectations include effective communication, independence, adaptability, and self-advocacy. They should develop good interpersonal and academic skills, use residual vision, and plan realistic career paths. Building self-image and using specialized technology helps them achieve success in school and life.
Why awareness is so important when helping those who are blind!!!
Orientation and Mobility (O&M)
O&M is the ability to move safely and independently, often taught by specialists. It includes adapting to routine changes, navigating school environments, and being aware of surroundings. The level of O&M training depends on the severity of vision loss, and individualized strategies ensure students manage school life with confidence and safety.
Safety and Environment
Students with visual impairments face unique challenges in navigating school spaces such as gyms, libraries, labs, or washrooms. Safety planning like fire drills, class transitions, and orientation to “comfort” areas is critical. Ensuring accessibility in all environments, including playgrounds, cafeterias, and bus stops, helps create a safe and supportive school experience.
Planning
Planning for students with visual impairments involves individualized education plans (IEPs), advance provision of accessible materials (Braille, enlarged print, taped), and organized systems like buddy support. Early preparation of books and handouts is critical. The buddy system allows collaboration, peer support, and ensures equal participation across various classroom activities.
Instruction
Instruction should prioritize verbal explanations, as students with visual impairments miss visual cues. Teachers should “talk while teaching,” describe transitions, and announce instructions clearly. Real-life, hands-on examples strengthen learning connections. Additional one-on-one explanations may be required to reinforce concepts and ensure comprehension, promoting tactile, kinesthetic, and experiential learning opportunities.
Assessment
Assessments for visually impaired students may require extended time, fewer questions, or alternative formats such as verbal responses or scribes. Clear outlines and focused study skills are essential. Teachers should skip unnecessary details, check spelling and vocabulary, and encourage handwriting, while incorporating technology to minimize frustration and fatigue in tasks.
'Testing accessible products as a blind girl'
The Braille User
Braille instruction is led by specialist teachers, not general classroom staff. Literacy development follows different pacing for Braille users. Tools like taped books and readers support learning. Assignments often emphasize quality over quantity, with Braillewriters used for written work. Teachers should recognize the additional time required for producing Braille materials.
Aids Your Student May Need
Students benefit from technological aids such as photocopiers, Braille production, or enlarged print for accessible learning. Paper with darkened lines and books in large print or Braille may be provided. Short readings can be adapted when teachers give notice.
Equipment
Equipment includes tilt-top desks (see image below), book stands, and reading markers to optimize vision. Tools like optical enhancers, CCTV magnifiers, and tape recorders assist in enlarging, recording, or reviewing materials.
Technology
Technology enhances access for visually impaired students. Devices like Braille ‘n’ Speak (see image below) provide auditory note-taking and playback. Computers allow enlarged text, speech output, or Braille conversion, enabling independent learning.
