Visual Impairments by Marisa Roides

What are Visual Impairments? Textbook page 410

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An impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects an individual's educational performance. The term includes both visual impairments and blindness.

Characteristics textbook page 420

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Unusual turning of the head, body, or eye
Holding reading material extreamly close to the face
Excessive rubbing of the eye
Watery eyes
Eye fatigue
Frequent eye pain
Frequent headaches
Squinting or shading the eye to view objects
Constantly having difficulty in keeping up when reading and writing
Using markers such as pencils and fingers when reading
Difficulty copying from the board or transparencies
Confusion in writing letters and numbers appropriately
Clumsy movement from one environment to another
Poor posture in both standing and sitting
Reluctance to participate in social and physical activities
Poor grades
Difficulty with color identification or color coordination
Sensory perceptual coordination
Misaligning columns when writing math problems
Requiring additional time to complete a task
Failing to make eye contact when talking to people
Behavior problems

Possible Causes

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Eye injuries, inherited conditions, infections, and diseases can lead to vision loss or impairment. Injuries to the cornea are among the most common causes of vision problems. Inherited conditions like retinitis pigmentosa can also cause blindness. Infections during pregnancy, such as German measles, may affect a baby’s eyesight, and poor sanitation in some countries can lead to trachoma, a preventable eye disease caused by bacteria. Amblyopia, or "lazy eye," happens when one eye doesn't develop properly due to lack of use, often seen in children with squints. Cataracts, common in older adults, occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision and difficulty seeing in dim or bright light. Diabetic retinopathy, linked to diabetes, damages the retina’s blood vessels and is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. Glaucoma, caused by high eye pressure, damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss, particularly in older adults or African-Americans. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects central vision, especially in the elderly, and is worsened by smoking or excessive sunlight exposure. Other conditions like AIDS-related infections or cancers like retinoblastoma in children can also cause visual impairment. Each of these conditions emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent or minimize vision loss.

Treatment options for visual impairment:

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Corrective eyewear:
Glasses or contact lenses to address refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Surgical interventions:
Cataract surgery to remove clouded lenses, laser treatments for certain retinal conditions.
Eye drops:
Medications to manage conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
Low vision aids:
Magnifying glasses, electronic magnifiers, telescopic sights to enhance residual vision.
Orientation and mobility training:
Instruction on navigating environments safely using a cane or other assistive devices.

Educational implications for visual impairment:

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Large print materials: Text enlarged to be easily readable with remaining vision.
Braille: Tactile reading system for individuals with severe vision loss.
Assistive technology: Screen readers, voice output devices, text-to-speech software to access digital information.
Verbal descriptions: Providing detailed spoken explanations of visual information.
Specialized instruction: Adapted teaching methods including tactile learning, auditory reinforcement, and hands-on activities.
Individualized Education Program (IEP): Tailored learning plan to address specific needs and goals.
Classroom accommodations:
- Designated seating with good lighting and clear sightlines
- High contrast colors on visual aids
- Audio recordings of lectures and materials
- Access to adapted lab equipment

Educational Environment

roidesmg01 — 2024-11-21 17:43:47 UTC

In my future classroom, I would support a student with visual impairment by creating an inclusive and accessible environment. I would start by understanding their needs through communication with them, their family, and specialists. I would use accessible materials like braille, large print, or audio versions of lessons, and include tools like screen readers or tactile resources such as raised maps and diagrams. To teach effectively, I would use multi-sensory methods, like explaining visuals out loud and using hands-on materials. Challenges might include the extra time needed to prepare accessible materials, ensuring the classroom is easy to navigate, and making group activities inclusive. However, the student could bring strengths like strong listening skills, problem-solving abilities, and a unique perspective that could enrich our classroom culture. I would encourage them to share their insights and take on leadership roles, while also teaching the class about inclusivity and understanding. This approach would help create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

Interacting Video

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