Unique Visual NeedsBy: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Students who are blind or visually impaired will have unique visual needs that need to be communicated to all team members during eligibility, at the beginning of each school year, and when there is any change in the student's unique needs. Although this information can be found in the Functional Vision Evaluation report and within the IEP, I write the information in a separate sheet (ideally just one or two pages) so it can be a quick reference to team members. I include my contact information as well as a brief summary of the student's visual impairment. The following is a list of just some unique needs the student may have. Unique Visual Needs for Students Following Standard Course of StudyVisual Functioning
Seating Placement
Board Presentation
Demonstration Lesson
Lighting
Safe Travel
Material Adaptations
General Classroom Adaptations
Responsibilities that the teacher should encourage the student to assume
Field Trip Adaptations
Patching Program
Handling of Contact Lenses
Unique Visual Needs for Students following a Modified CurriculumVisual Functioning
Minimize GlareGlare is a constant consideration for all individuals with low vision. Glare can create discomfort or inhibit visual functioning depending on the source or type of glare experienced. Highly reflective surfaces – including flooring, walls, ceilings, work and play surfaces, and instructional and play materials (particularly those that have been laminated) – can all be sources of glare for individuals with low vision. The following suggestions can be helpful in minimizing glare for children with low vision:
SpaceSpace is an important organizer of visual perceptions for individuals with low vision. The following considerations will help in planning positive visual experiences:
TimeIndividuals who are visually impaired may require additional time to complete tasks that require the use of vision or when adjusting to changes in lighting. The student may need additional time to complete tasks that depend on the use of vision. With regard to time, the following approaches may help young children feel more confident and complete tasks more successfully:
ContrastMaximizing contrast between objects and work and play surfaces can help children who have low vision maintain a greater sense of control over the items that they manipulate. Contrast can be enhanced through the use of increased illumination, careful choice of colors, or selection of black and white materials. Higher-contrast items are easier to locate, distinguish, and keep track of. The following approaches can be used to enhance contrast:
Visual Attention
Positioning
TVI Role as Facilitator
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Guiding Principles Functional Skills Community Based Experiences Concepts to Teach Organization & Study Skills Time Management Virtual Instruction Movies & Assemblies Lectures & Instruction Board Work (Chalk, White, etc.) Daily Schedule Morning Meeting Weather Check Dramatic Play Blocks Numbers & Counting Cranmer Abacus Instruction Algebra Geometry & Spatial Sense Measurement & Data Early Literacy Experiences Create Tactual Books Reading Instruction Reading Efficiency Science Adaptations Social Studies Adaptations Accessible Educational Materials Individual Schedules & Communication Cards Adjust Lighting Large Print Optical Devices for Near Optical Devices for Distance Optical Device Use Photocopying Font Legibility Increase Contrast Pictures & Worksheets Keyboarding Instruction Word Processing and Shortcuts Navigate Computer w/o a Mouse Braille Code Braille Instruction Braille Instruction Materials Writing Braille Summer Reading (braille) Signature & Handwriting Nemeth Braille Code Tactile Graphics Guidelines Creating Tactile Graphics Tactile Graphics Instruction Teacher Made Materials Labeling System assistive technology
Overview of Assistive Technology VI AT Resources Non-Optical Low Vision Devices Video Magnifiers Video Magnifier Instruction Screen Enlargement & Readers Low/Med. Tech Tactual Devices Notetaker Instruction Braillewriter Repair Tactile Graphics Technology Braille Technology Auditory Access Devices Accessing Audio Books iPads as Instructional Tools Making iOS Device Accessible iOS Accessibility Resources VoiceOver Apps for VI Note Taking apps Apps for Accessing Books Identification Apps Navigation & Location Apps Braille Apps Magnifier Apps Sound Making Apps Cause & Effect Apps Vision Skills Apps Apps for Early Learning Read to Me Story Apps Apps for Communication Android Apps for VI sensory efficiency
Sensory Input Encourage Use of Vision Sensory Area & Rooms Lightbox Use Sensory Activities for Students with Multiple Disabilities Sensory Tables Visual Efficiency Skills Visual Attend and Scan Activities Visual Tracking Activities Visual Discrimination Activities Visual Motor Activities Tactual Readiness Developing Skillful Hands Auditory Readiness Listening Skill Instruction independent living
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