Visual+Impairments


 *  Visual Impairments **

**By: Melanie Tangunan**

**﻿ ** Mara is in the third grade. She suffers from low motivation and appears to be rather withdrawn from her peers. Often times she seems disinterested in classroom activities and does not participate well in sports. Organization is a challenge and so is her focus in class. She complains of headaches and dislikes reading because she complains about it being “too hard” though she proves herself to be a rather proficient and fluent reader. Her teacher suggests that she has her eyes checked and suspects a vision problem.

**Definition: ** A [|visual impairment] is a term used to describe any form of vision loss. Vision loss can range from partial to total. Depending on the severity of the visual impairment, vision may be restored through corrective measures such as medical treatment, surgery, glasses, or contacts

Experience being visually impaired: [|Visual Impairment Simulator]

**Prevalence ** The National Institute of Health (NIH) study has found that 6 percent of Americans aged 12 or older are visually impaired. This accounts for 14 million children in America.

**Characteristics of Students with Visual Impairments: **
 * Crossed eyes
 * Eyes that drift from side to side or up and down
 * Squinting
 * Clumsiness
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Frequent blinking
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Sensitivity to light
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Poor eye-hand coordination (difficulty with sporting activities, tying shoes, copying words from the board, etc.)
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Low academic performance
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Using fingers to follow words when readings
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Headaches

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Continuum of severity or extent possible in youngsters ** <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">Visual impairments range in severity from “low vision” to being “totally blind”. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">The rate at which visual impairments occur in individuals under the age of 18 is 12.2 per 1,000. Severe visual impairments (legally or totally blind) occur at a rate of .06 per 1,000.
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Low vision __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> – refers to individuals who use their vision as their primary sensory channel. These individuals are unable to read a newspaper clearly from a normal viewing distance and require adaptations and aids such as eye glasses or enlarging the size of print. Individuals that fall into this category have vision between 20/70-20/160.
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Functionally blind __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> – refers to individuals who can use their limited vision for functional tasks but rely on their tactile and auditory channels for learning. These individuals have vision that range from from 20/200-20/400.
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Totally blind __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> – refers to individuals who use entirely tactile and auditory channels for learning and functional tasks such as Braille or other non-visual media.

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Assessments used for checking for Visual Impairments: **


 * **__<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">[|Visual acuity test] __****<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> - **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">This test measures how well a person can read an eye hart at various distances.
 * **__<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Visual field test __****<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> - **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">This test measures peripheral vision.
 * **__<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Tonometry test __****<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> - **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">This test evaluates a patient for glaucoma by measuring the eye’s fluid pressure.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**How do these learners receive their education?** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">These learners are able to receive their education like any other student. Tactile and audio methods are their primary means learning.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">**What are best educational practices? Strategies for Curriculum and Instruction** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">The best educational practices include teaching and learning through various learning styles. Incorporating the use of non-visual senses is advantageous because it allows students to experience their learning without any challenges. Here are some strategies that educators can apply to their curriculum and instruction: <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">- Provide enlarged written information > **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Accommodations **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">- Use frequent tactile and audio experiences to teach.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">- Utilize audio versions of written material.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">-A ccept verbal answers instead written when appropriate
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">When on a trip, make prior arrangements for students to have tactile access to displays if touch is no normally allowed s
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Record readings, directions, or test questions on an audio recording. Allow students to give recorded oral answers.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Enlarge reading material.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Allow more time for assignments.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Meet Annie Donellon, a 20-year old University student who has been blind through birth, and experience a few minutes of various accomodations and practices she uses to be successful in school: [|Blind Student Uses Innovative Learning Methods]

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Inclusive Practices **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Keep materials, desks, and other objects in the classroom in consistent locations.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Enable students to move about the classroom freely and safely by ensuring that cabinets are fully closed, chairs pushed in, doors are kept closed, etc.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Materials, desks, and other objects in the classroom should be maintained in consistent locations. Ensuring that cabinets are fully closed, chairs pushed in, and doors are not left half ajar will help with safety in navigating the classroom.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Ensure that the student works and learns near the front.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Use verbal and audio cues.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Utilize the peer system in the classroom and train the students to assist with tasks.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Use assistive technology when appropriate.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Buddy reading
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Use voice and tone to communicate feelings.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Avoid sudden changes in lighting

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**Special Challenges for General Education** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Visually impaired students have many needs. Providing education for them requires care. Educators must create a learning environment accommodating for their physical challenges while concurrently creating an environment suitable and understanding of their social struggles.

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Accommodations: Assistive Technology ** · <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Braille translation software and equipment · <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Computer readers · <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Computer screen projectors · <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Audio books · <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Calculators with voice output · <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Tape recorders

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin-left: 0.25in;">Watch a Video Audio on Book Devices: ﻿ Learning Through Listening **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 0px; overflow: hidden;">﻿ **

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Wraparound Services: ****<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">﻿ ** <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">There are wraparound services available through community organizations, early childhood educational systems/local school districts, and health institutions.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**Impact: Is this a school issue or life issue - Why?** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Having a visual impairment is both a school and a life issue. Visual impairments can cause challenges on one’s ability to receive and process information. It can affect the way that one understands concepts, experiences the world, learns languages, interacts socially, develops one’s self concept. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In both school and life, individuals with visual impairments must learn how to adapt and perceive the world through other senses. The more severe the impairment, the more one has rely on using other methods to acquire knowledge and experience his/her surroundings. Vision loss may have a negative impact on one’s social skills because many individuals may not be able to share common sighted experiences. In some cases, this has shown to have led to a lower self-esteem. Individuals with visual impairments tend to have less extensive social networks and fewer friendships compared with other children without visual impairments.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**Impact: How does this affect home?** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As in school settings, visual impairments have an impact on the home as well. At home, visual impairments can cause a challenge in one’s ability to:

· <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Navigate around the house · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Maintain organization · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Be a caregiver · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Become involved in physical activities and exercise · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Carry out household chores

**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Successful Individuals with Visual Impairments: **
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">[|Helen Keller] __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> - American author, activist and lecturer. She was the first deaf and blind person who graduated from college. She became a well-known advocate for those with disabilities.
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">[|Claude Monet] __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> – A French impressionist painter from mid 1800’s to early 1900s. He was well known for expressing his perception of nature through his paintings.
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">[|Ray Charles] __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> – An American pianist and musician known for his rhythm and blues.



**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">What can you do to make a difference for the child? **
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Pay attention to a child and his/her needs
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Utilize any form of accommodations necessary to provide an enriching experience for students
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Use language full of descriptions

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**What can you do to support parents?**
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Educate yourself regarding websites, government and nonprofit organizations that may provide helpful information for parents
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Be informed about the disability so that you can provide as much assistance as possible.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Communicate frequently

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">**Teens Health** [] <span style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**Disability News, Health, and Information** [|http://www.disabled-world.com] <span style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">**Characteristics of a Visually Impaired Child** <span style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">[]
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Links and Resources **

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">[|c]