Contrast and Writing Tools

  • Bold Line Paper. High-contrast writing lines available in multiple formats (writing, math, graph) help students maintain alignment, improve legibility, and stay on the line during written tasks.
  • Felt-Tip and 20/20 Pens. These pens produce bold, smudge-free lines ideal for note-taking, labeling, and diagrams. They come in various tip widths and colors, though black typically provides the strongest contrast for students with low vision.
  • Graphite Pencils (Faber-Castell #8B). These soft graphite pencils create dark, high-contrast lines with minimal pressure. They erase cleanly, making them useful when students need high contrast and the ability to revise their work.
  • Highlighting Pens. Highlighters help students emphasize important information and locate key text quickly when scanning. Multiple colors can be used to visually organize notes, categorize information, or support study strategies.

​Reading & Tracking Aids

  • ​Reading Guides (Highlight Strips). Transparent strips with colored windows that help students track a single line of text and maintain place. Available in multiple colors—trialing different hues helps identify the best option.
  • Typoscopes. Matte black frames with a cut-out window to isolate text. They reduce glare, minimize visual clutter, and support students who struggle with tracking or crowded print.
  • Finger Spacers and Line Guides. Simple low-tech supports that help students track lines of text, maintain spacing, and follow along during reading or writing tasks.

​Lighting and Visual Support

  • Task Lighting. Directed task lighting enhances clarity of print and objects, especially during close work. Daylight or full-spectrum LED lamps are ideal because they reduce glare, improve contrast, and minimize eye fatigue. Example: The Foldi LED Lamp is a portable, glare-free option that is USB-rechargeable or battery-operated, making it useful across multiple classroom settings. 
  • ​Anti-Glare Shields / Screen MatsMatte covers placed over screens or glossy pages to reduce glare and improve comfort while reading or using technology.

​Color and Contrast Enhancers

  • Acetate or Color Filters (Overlays). Transparent colored overlays are placed on top of printed materials to enhance contrast, reduce glare, or improve visual comfort while reading. Yellow is commonly helpful, but other colors—such as blue, pink, or green—should be trialed to determine the student’s individual preference and effectiveness.
  • High-Contrast Labels and Stickers. Used to mark personal items, locker materials, classroom bins, or appliances. Black-on-white or white-on-black labels improve clarity for daily tasks.

​Positioning Supports

  • Book Stands & Slant Boards. Book stands and slant boards position materials at an angle that brings them closer to the eyes, promotes better posture, and helps reduce visual and physical fatigue. Options include commercial slant boards, 3-ring binders paired with shelf liner for grip, or other simple DIY solutions. When selecting equipment, look for lightweight, collapsible designs that are easy to move between classrooms (e.g., Therapro slant boards).​

​Technology Supports

  • Large Print Keyboards. ​Large print keyboards feature enlarged, high-contrast letters to make key locations easier to see. They can be helpful for students with low vision, as well as those with cognitive or physical challenges who are unable to learn touch typing. Note: Touch typing should be encouraged whenever possible, as it supports independent, efficient access to technology without relying on visual scanning.​

​Daily Living Aids

  • Low Vision Watches. Watches with large, bold numbers or talking features support time management and independence.
  • Large-Print Calendars and Planners. Provide ample space for writing and visual clarity for organizing assignments, appointments, and schedules.
  • Bold-Line Measuring Tools. High-contrast rulers, measuring cups, and timers support participation in math, science, cooking, and life-skills activities.
  • High-Contrast Household Items. Cutting boards (black/white reversible), tactile dots for appliance controls, and bold markers help students manage daily tasks safely and independently.

Additional Non-Optical Supports 

  • ​Raised-line paper or tactile graphing tools for students needing both contrast and tactile reference.
  • Black felt or cloth backgrounds to increase contrast when sorting small items.
  • Anti-slip mats to stabilize books and devices on desks.
  • Clipboards with black or bold borders to frame the page and reduce visual clutter.
  • Large-print stickers or Velcro symbols for labeling classroom or personal materials.

Printable Resources

The following printable can be found on the Premium FVLMA Printables page.
Non-Optical Low Vision Device Handout
Non-Optical Low Vision Device Handout

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