Characteristics
Students with low vision needs may be sensitive to light and glare. They may squint, turn their head in an attempt to see better and/or rub their eyes frequently. They may have difficulty with colour differentiation and have headaches. They may bump into things in dim light.
What it is
An area of student need, involving reduced vision, even when corrected with glasses.
Teaching Strategies
Instructional
• Implement strategies suggested by a teacher of the blind.
• Provide copies of notes.
• Use white chalk on a blackboard or black marker on a whiteboard.
• Provide oral instructions with visual ones.
• Use an auditory cue to get the attention of the class.
• Use assistive technology (eg, closed-circuit television (CCTV)) and computers to enlarge and darken print according to the student’s needs.
• Provide enlarged print texts and handouts.
• Frequently check with the student for understanding.
• Encourage the student to be a self-advocate for his/her needs; consider the development of an alternative programming goal.
• Encourage use of a magnifier.
• Reduce visual distractions.
Less...
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Environmental
• Use preferential seating near the front of the class and near assistive technology.
• Use a slant board to reduce glare.
• Dim or brighten the lighting according to the needs of the student; a desk lamp may be needed with access to an outlet (consider window lighting too).
• Develop a plan for safely moving through the school and for evacuation.
Assessment
• Use assistive technology/computers for enlargement.
• Provide enlarged copies of tests.
• Allow extra time.
• Allow oral tests and/or scribing.
• allow breaks to refocus/rest eyes.
Resources
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For students with vision needs. |
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Scroll down for assistive technology and printables |
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