Visual Impairment

DEFINITION
Low vision is a term that denotes a level of vision that is 20/70 or worse and cannot be fully corrected with conventional glasses. Low vision is not the same as blindness. Unlike a person who is blind, a person with low vision has some useful sight. However, low vision usually interferes with the performance of daily activities, such as reading or driving. A person with low vision may not recognize images at a distance or be able to differentiate colors of similar tones. Although low vision can occur at any stage in life, it primarily affects the elderly.

You are legally blind when the best corrected central acuity is less than 20/200 (perfect visual acuity is 20/20) in your better eye, or your side vision is narrowed to 20 degrees or less in your better eye. People who are legally blind may still have some useful vision, just like people who have low vision. If you are legally blind, you may qualify for certain government benefits. It is estimated that approximately 17% of people over the age of 65 are either blind or have low
vision.

It is based on visual acuity and field of vision visual acuity is the ability to clearly distinguish forms or discriminate among details is most often measured by reading letters, numbers or other symbols from the Snellen Eye Chart. The definition of visual impairment in the individuals with, disabilities Education Act (IDEA) emphasizes the relationship between vision and learning. Visual Impairment including blindness means an impairment in vision that even with correction, adversely affects a child's educational performance.

TEACHING IMPLICATIONS
Be ready to provide reading lists, or assignments in advance. This will allow the student time to have the materials translated into Braille, read on tape, or printed in large print. The student may need information about the physical layout of the classroom. This is especially important if there are any changes from one class period to the next. Be prepared to change seating arrangements if necessary to improve the students' ability to see you or others. If the student has low vision a seat in the front of the room may greatly improve his or her ability to participate effectively. Consider the impact of the lighting on the student's ability to see. Avoid standing in front of a light source as this may cause a glare and make seeing you more difficult. If a class is moved or cancelled, remember that a note on the board or door may not be sufficient notification for a student with vision loss. Make sure that the message is delivered effectively to the student. Keep in mind that students may be oriented to take a specific route to class each time. If unexpected barriers occur (such as construction on a sidewalk) the student may have to seek assistance from someone to find an alternate route.

TECHNOLOGY
Existing digital technologies may be useful in developing devices to aid in managing everyday "visual" tasks. For example, barcode readers have been successfully developed as shopping aids, allowing price and product information to be presented to the visually impaired consumer in alternative formats. Wider application of this technology to assist visually impaired persons in coping with highly visual yet necessary activities of daily life should be explored and evaluated. Internet-based communication is quickly producing a new kind of environment in which social interaction and commerce can be conducted without travel. While some progress has been made, there still remains the need to develop and evaluate accessible World Wide Web browsers and software technology to ensure accessibility through alternative presentation, such as electronic magnification, voice, and refreshable tactile displays. This would allow visually impaired persons to take advantage of this increasingly important information source in society. Standard interfaces for interactive transaction machines (e.g., banking, vending, transportation ticket purchase) would go far in enhancing access by visually impaired persons.

ScripTalkScripTalk is a talking prescription reader for helping the visually impaired manage their own medication regimen.Learn more about ScripTalk Station.

i.d. mate OMNIi.d. mate is a family of portable electronic devices that gives those with visual impairments the ability to identify items in every aspect of their lives, be it at home, the store, school, or on the job.Learn more about i.d. mate OMNI.

Braille Technology - Braille n Speak is a battery -powered, pocket-sized device for note taking with a keyboard for braille entry and voice output. It can translate braille into synthesized speech or print.

Tactile Aids and Manipulatives-are generally recognized as effective tools in teaching beginning mathermatics skills to elementary students.

Technology for Reading Print-the Optacon is a small handheld electronic device that converts regular print into a readable vibrating form.

Computer Access- assistive technology that provides access to personal computersoffers tremendous opportunities for the education, employment, communication, and lesiure enjoyment of individuals with visual impairment.

REFERENCES
http://www.aadl.org/wlbpd/resources
This site offers an alphabetical listing of businesses and agencies providing products and services to individuals with vision loss.

www.afb.org
An overview of the full range of assistive technology that students can use to manage information in print or electronic formats—whether they use vision, touch or hearing to access information

Heward William L. Exceptional Children An Introduction to Special Education Ninth Edition

http://www.blindness.org/
This site helps a person find a doctor to save and restore vision.

http://www.nfb.org/nfb/About_the_NFB.asp?SnID=7976781
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.