VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

Physical disability means a visual, mobility or orthopedic impairment.

(a) Visual impairment means total or partial loss of sight

(b) Mobility and orthopedic impairments mean a serious limitation in locomotion or motor function.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 67312,70901 and 84850, Education Code

Reference: Sections 67310-12 and 84850, Education Code

Visual impairment includes, but is not limited to, the following conditions:

(a) Blindness is visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye after correction; or visual loss so severe that it no longer serves as a major channel for information processing;

(b) Partial sightedness is visual acuity of 20/70 or less in the better eye after correction, with vision which is still capable of serving as a major channel for information processing

SUGGESTIONS FOR HELPING STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS TO SUCCEED IN THE CLASSROOM

Students, who have been blind since birth, or shortly after, have no visual memories. Their concept of objects, space and distance may be different from those who became blind later in life. Mobility skills of individuals may vary also, depending on the age of onset of blindness and the quality and extent of mobility training and mobility talent. Some students who are blind will use Braille with competence, but many do not use it.

Treat the students with visual impairments very much like you would any other student. Use words like “see” without being self-conscious. If you are in a room alone with a person who is blind try to remember to explain what you are doing, such as shuffling papers. Tell him/her when someone comes in the room or when you leave the room.

It is never impolite to ask if they need or would like assistance.

When using visual aids in the class, try to be as descriptive as possible. Words like “this” or “that” can be confusing. Consider making copies of overhead materials or diagrams so that the student can later ask an assistant to describe the information in detail to understand the material better.

A student may use a Guide Dog. These dogs have been trained to guide people who are blind, to keep out of the way, and to be quiet. These working dogs should not be treated as pets and should not be petted while working.

When relocation of a class is necessary, a note on the black board or door is not adequate. It would be helpful to have a sighted student wait for the student with the visual impairment to arrive.

ACCOMMODATIONS

1. Tape recording of lectures.
2. Books on Tape/ CD/ e-text
3. Because of the time necessary to have books read aloud or to review tapes, students often require extra time to complete required materials, especially when library research is involved.
4. Please keep in mind that last minute assignments can present a problem due to preparation and reader scheduling.
5. Extra time on tests.
6. Enlargement or other alternative media of tests/quizzes and other printed materials
7. Scribe and/or reader for tests and quizzes.