Welcome to Teaching Students with Visual Impairments |
Welcome to Teaching Students with Visual Impairments |
Learning Media Assessment (LMA)By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated June 14 2025 A Learning Media Assessment (LMA) or Reading Media Assessment (RMA) is conducted by the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) to determine the most appropriate literacy and functional learning media for a student with a visual impairment. A well-conducted LMA supports critical decisions about a student’s literacy instruction and access to the general curriculum. By observing sensory use, literacy behaviors, and task performance across settings, the TVI can advocate for media formats and supports that maximize the student’s independence and learning potential.
Terminology Clarification
While often used interchangeably, the two terms serve slightly different purposes:
Purpose and OverviewThe LMA/RMA is a systematic process for collecting and analyzing information about a student’s:
For Early Learners or Students with Multiple ImpairmentsThe LMA helps TVIs:
For Academic StudentsThe RMA is used to:
Include a variety of print materials to reflect real-world and academic literacy tasks. Examples:
Observation Areas During RMAReading and Writing
Characteristics of Print LearnersAccording to Koenig and Holbrook, Learning Media Assessment of Students with Visual Impairments (2nd Edition), students may be print learners if they:
Characteristics of Braille LearnersAccording to Koenig and Holbrook, Learning Media Assessment of Students with Visual Impairments (2nd Edition), students may be candidates for braille instruction if they:
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