Teaching Students with Low Vision
How to Work with Visually Impaired Children in the Classroom
Nov 13, 2008
When kids have vision problems, their ability to learn will suffer. According to the American Optometric Association, as much as 80% of a child’s learning in the first twelve years of school is visual. Low vision will cause young students to avoid work that they find difficult, such as reading, writing, and identifying letters.
These tasks will only be more complex as the child gets older and further demands are placed on the eyes. The size of written print in textbooks decreases just as the amount of homework significantly increases. Teachers’ expectations on students to find answers “at a glance” will also put a huge strain on the visually impaired.
What is Low Vision?
MedicineNet.com defines low vision as a condition of the eyes that cannot be completely corrected by typical means such as eyeglasses, medicines, or surgery. Jerome C. Yanoff, author of The Classroom Teacher’s Inclusion Handbook [Chicago: Arthur Coyle Press, 2007], further defines low vision for students as impairment “…in which a person can read only with the assistance of magnifying aids and/or large print.”
Get Educated on the Causes of Low Vision
There are many common childhood eye diseases that can cause low vision. It is important for a teacher to know which one of these conditions the student has so that the correct strategies can be used to help him in the classroom.
For instance, if a child has been diagnosed with photophobia or albinism, then appropriate steps can be taken to reduce light and glare. On the other hand, if a child is colorblind then lessons for that child cannot focus on distinguishing colors from one another.
Speak to parents and request a written visual assessment from the child’s pediatrician or eye specialist. Usually parents are happy to provide their personal insight as well as any information that may help their child succeed.
Provide Tools for Children with Low Vision
Teachers may be able to provide the following items in the classroom to students with vision impairment: dark lead pencils, magnifying glasses, boldly lined paper, reading lamp, hats for glare, large-print books, screen reader/enlarger software for computers, tape recorders, talking dictionaries, and overhead projectors.
Additionally, if a student is using glasses to help with vision it may be beneficial to arrange a spare pair to be kept in the classroom in case the primary pair is forgotten or lost.
Accommodate Lighting Issues in the Classroom
Students with sensitivity to light should be allowed to wear a glare-reducing visor or cap and seated away from bright windows. When light reflects off shiny desktops, a small tablecloth can be used to cover the surface. Additionally, use a blackboard instead of a shiny whiteboard during lessons, and minimize reflective visual stimuli throughout the classroom. Conversely, if a child needs more light a table lamp can be provided for close work.
Utilize Additional Teaching Techniques
Handouts should be prepared with large, simple font on white paper for maximum contrast. Some classroom presentations can be done with three-dimensional objects instead of pictures/drawings. Ask your visually impaired student to sit closer during lessons. Even better, involve him in science and other demonstrations so that he can be as close as possible and enjoy hands-on learning.
It is especially important for teachers to try to meet the needs of students with eyesight problems since so much of a child’s learning is dependent upon vision. Using various teaching strategies and tools will help immensely and provide a welcoming environment for a child with special visual needs.
See Vision Problems in the Classroom for helpful tips on how to identify children with eye disorders.
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