Visual impairments vary greatly. Persons are considered legally blind when visual acuity is 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of corrective lenses. Most people who are legally blind have some vision. Others who have low vision may rely on residual vision with the use of adaptive equipment. Persons who are totally blind may have visual memory - its strength will depend on the age when vision was lost.
Some Considerations
Whatever the degree of visual acuity, students who are visually impaired should be expected to participate fully in classroom activities such as discussions and group work. To record notes, some use such devices as lap-top computers or computerized Braillers. They may confront limitations in laboratory classes, field trips, and internships; however, with planning and adaptive equipment their difficulties can be minimized. If a student has a harnessed guide dog, it is working and should not be petted.
Common accommodations for students who are blind or visually impaired include notetakers, readers, transcribers, document conversions, exam modifications, priority registration, and taped lectures.
Instructional Strategies
The following strategies are suggested to enhance the accessibility of course instruction, materials, and activities. They are general strategies designed to support individualized, reasonable accommodations.
- Include a Disability Access Statement on syllabus (see Working with Students with Disabilities).
- Have copies of the syllabus and reading assignments ready three to five weeks prior to the beginning of classes so documents are available for E-text or Braille conversion.
- Provide students with visual impairments materials and alternative formats at the same time the materials are given to the rest of the class -- the student must request the format type (large print or type; Braille is provided by our office with at least two weeks notice).
- Repeat aloud what is written on the board or presented on overheads and in handouts.
- Allow students to tape record lectures.
- Lab assistants may be needed. and can be coordinated through our office.
- Assistance with finding an effective notetaker may be needed.
- Allow the student the same anonymity as other students; avoid pointing out the student or the alternative arrangements to the rest of the class.