# data[].attributes.body
- Often socially & emotionally withdrawn
- May require physical assistance
- If student has low vision, they may require special medical equipment
- Lighting may sometimes be an issue
- Color schemes may also be challenging
- Chronic redness & dryness in eyes
- In children some behavior characteristics can also be seen, such as, a lack of sensory stimulation and social deprivation
Source:
Characteristics. (n.d.). Visual Impairments. https://wayintheback.weebly.com/characteristics.html?c=mkt_w_chnl:aff_geo:all_prtnr:sas_subprtnr:1538097_camp:brand_adtype:txtlnk_ag:weebly_lptype:hp_var:358504&sscid=91k6_ijklo

# data[].attributes.body
Definition:
Loss of ability to see and which cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. A medical definition primarily measured on an individual's better eye visual acuity.
Source:
Wikipedia contributors. (2022, September 3). Visual impairment. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_impairment

# data[].attributes.body
It is okay to use words that reference sight!
Teachers are already hard on themselves, as is. It is okay to use descriptive words for/with your student. It comes with the territory.

# data[].attributes.body
Include them in all of the classroom activities. Yes, they are blind or have low vision. It does not mean they are fragile and can't have someone assist them in the activity, itself.

# data[].attributes.body
Don't gesture, verbalize!
I lose count of how many times I tell my families, people, students & staff members that I "can't see you, I need to hear you". In my case I have low vision and from a distance all I see is a blur till i approach whatever or whoever. I am also color blind and have no depth perception. So, when I am walking, I use a blind cane to help me feel the change in the ground I am walking on. Sometimes, I get help. "Ms. Kathy, there's a step there be careful". A verbal indicator that I may need to step down from the sidewalk, because with my vision, it all blends. Verbalize!

# data[].attributes.body
Correct seating is important
If a student sees only from the left eye then having him/her sit on the right side of the classroom will be helpful to them. I have low vision on the left eye and no vision on the right. Therefore, I always sit in the front of a room towards the right, so i can scan with the dominant eye. I also, always, make it known that I have an impairment, in case I were to need assistance.

# data[].attributes.body
Use contrast!
Contrast is great for students with a visual impairment. I particularly love bold letters in simple to read font. The fun fonts are great but if they aren't bold nor size 16-18, then it becomes a challenge to read. Helping your student with this small detail makes a world of a difference for their stronger eye.

# data[].attributes.body
Magnifiers
Apple iPhone has great features on their devices where you can magnify just about anything. Google features an entire screen "zoom" for better viewing. Either or works great. However, a magnifier can give you a quick aid when wanting to read something quickly or see a detail on something, better. Allow your student to use this feature to help them.

# data[].attributes.body
Sight buddy!
When transitioning to other parts of the classroom or the building help your student by providing a guide. My sisters and I call it "Guardian". After I lost my sight, I had a hard time adjusting. They wanted to make me feel safe but show me I can trust someone to help. You can call that person anything that'll make the adjustment to needing help, a less intimidating one. Sometimes, even children are too prideful or shy, to ask for help. I hold on to people all the time and now have several "guardians".

# data[].attributes.body
Safety
Help your student navigate the classroom or school by teaching safety. Help them understand where things belong, like walking on the right side of the hallways or using railings when going down the stairs. Help them memorize corners in the classroom or where shelving or furnishings are located. I have rearranged my classroom to best fit my visual needs and it is still, at times, a work in progress!

# data[].attributes.body
Be kind!
Students with disabilities, in general, will face adversity the rest of their lives. Make the most out of their time with you a compassionate and fulfilling one. I can't tell you how many times, I have walked to the hallway in the back of my school, to cry, because someone's comment was unkind or hurtful. Show empathy and teach the other students to be the same.

# data[].attributes.body
Educate yourself
Learn more ways to help your visually impaired student navigate his school or classroom. Their time with you can be a challenging one or one of incredible success! Find more creative ways to help make their classroom experience one they will enjoy.

# data[].attributes.body
Communication & Collaboration
The phrase "It takes a village to raise a child" comes to mind when i think of this tip. Communicate, as the teacher to a disabled student, with the team that helps this child. That could be an occupational therapist that comes to visit with them at school, an auditory coach, speech therapist, school counselor and most importantly, their family. Communicating with the family and the people that help this student ensures their success in your classroom and their educational path.