We are finally winding down our Understanding Special Needs series and we will be discussing Visual Impairments today.
Let’s start with the statistics. . .
- Severe visual impairments occur at a rate of .06 per 1,000 people
- In 2012, there were 434, 600 people in Florida with a visual impairment
- 285 million people worldwide are reported to have a visual impairment
- 80% of all visual impairment can be prevented or cured
What exactly is a visual impairment?
A Visual Impairment is defined as partially sighted, low vision, legally blind and totally blind. Partially sighted indicates some type of visual problem has resulted in a need for special education. Low vision generally refers to a severe visual impairment, not necessarily limited to distance vision. Legally blind indicates that a person has less than 20/200 vision in the better eye or a very limited field of vision. Totally blind means a student will need to learn braille or other non visual media. Visual Impairments are the consequence of a functional loss of vision.
Some visual impairments can include retinal degeneration, albinism, cataracts, glaucoma, muscular problems that result in visual disturbances, corneal disorders, diabetic retinopathy, congenital disorders, and infection.
What teachers can do to help?
Teachers must remember that a young child with visual impairments has little reason to explore interesting objects in the class environment and may miss certain opportunities to have experiences and to learn. They may lack certain social behaviors due to the lack of sight and non verbal cues given by fellow students and or the teacher.
Large print materials, books on tape, and braille books are available to teachers with visually impaired students. Students with Visual impairments might need additional help with special equipment and modifications in the regular curriculum to emphasize listening skills, communication, orientation and mobility.
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