For Students With Visual Impairment

Classroom Accommodations

Educational Implications for Students With a Visual Impairment

The student who is visually impaired may exhibit problems in one or more of the following areas:

1. Inability to utilize visuals such as films, graphs, demonstrations, and written materials
2. Difficulty in taking paper and pencil tests
3. Need longer period of time to complete assignments
4. Difficulty in focusing on small-group discussion when there is more than one group functioning
5. Need for a variety of low-vision aids to integrate the classroom.
6. Feelings of social inadequacy and isolation
7. Reduced personal independence
8. Limited job opportunities and career choices

Accommodations Required

Instructional Techniques:

• Tape record a detailed course outline and syllabus
• Provide large print visuals when appropriate
• Allow student to do reading assignments in the library using special software
• Provide textbook titles in advance so that taped copies can be made
• Provide supplements to films such as sound tapes and oral summaries
• Permit to tape lectures for review and reinforcement
• Place recorder in close proximity to eliminate background noise and assure quality
• Accept a tape recording of written assignments
• Allow tests to be taken orally
• Photocopies of class handouts or course packets should be of good quality and should not be reduced below original size

Environmental Techniques:

• Allow students to sit near the front of the room or other optimum locations
• Be sensitive to possible environmental hazards to visually impaired students
• Be aware of emergency routes and provide assistance to students when appropriate