MATERIAL ADAPTATIONS
By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Students who are blind or visually impaired will typically need adaptations to access printed information that will allow the student to access all areas of the curriculum. It is the role of the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) to determine the adaptations that the student needs. Material adaptation needs will vary, depending on the degree of functional vision, effects of additional disabilities, and the task to be done. Students may use braille, large print, print with the use of optical devices, regular print, tactile symbols, a calendar system, sign language, and/or recorded materials to communicate. |
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Accessible Education Materials
Accessible Educational Materials are educational materials that makes them usable across the widest range of student variability regardless of format.This page discusses the different types of Accessible Educational/Instructional Material.
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Large Print Books
Although large print books are commonly ordered for students with low vision, their use is sometimes unnecessary and restrictive. This page discusses the advantages and disadvantages of large print and when it may be needed.
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Braille Code
Braille is the literacy medium for students who are blind and for some students with low vision. This page provides information on braille, where to obtain braille materials and links to other braille resources.
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Photocopying
Although large print should be the last choice, there will be times when photocopy enlargements will be necessary. This page provides suggestions on making photocopy enlargements.
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Font Legibility
Many students function best with the reduction of visual clutter and increasing visual clarity. Providing a clear, legible font will reduce visual clutter and increase clarity. This page provides suggestions on font legibility.
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Increase Contrast
Some students will need increased contrast in order to view materials presented. There are a number of ways to increase contrast to make the materials or print more visible. This page provides suggestions of ways to increase the contrast.
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Pictures and Worksheets
Special attention needs to be given when selecting worksheets and materials for students with low vision as students need to be provided with the highest quality worksheets and materials.
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Sensory Table
During play and exploration in the sensory table, the student is able to have hands on experience with math and science concepts. This page provides suggestions for activities and materials to use in the sensory table.
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Materials should be adapted only to the extent necessary for efficient learning. If regular materials can be used in conjunction with environment adaptations or low vision devices, such an approach is preferable to using specialized materials. |
