References:

Visual Impairments Special Needs Factsheet.

(n.d.). Retrieved April 17, 2016, from
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/visionfactsheet.html
Hallahan, D. P., Kauffman, J. M., & Pullen, P.
C. (2012). Exceptional learners: An
introduction to special education. Boston:
Pearson Education. Chapter 12.
Defining Visual Impairment for Parents and
Special Education Teachers. (n.d.). Retrieved
April 17, 2016, from
http://www.specialeducationguide.com/disab
ility-profiles/visual-impairment/
Blindness Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2016,
from https://nfb.org/blindness-statistics
Educational Interventions for Students with
Low Vision. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2016,
from http://www.afb.org/info/programs-andservices/professionaldevelopment/teachers/educationalinterventions-for-students-with-low-vision2646/1235

VISION IMPAIRMENTS
Visual impairment is a term used to describe any
kind of non-correctable vision loss, whether it's
complete blindness or partial vision loss. The
number of non-institutionalized males or females,
ages 4 and under through 20, all races, regardless
of ethnicity, with all education levels in the United
States who reported a visual disability in 2013.
Prevalence:
-

Total: 694,300 (2.4%)

Definition (Hallahan, Kauffman, and Pullen, p.332):

-

A person who Is legally blind has visual

acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye
even with correction, or has a narrow field of
vision.
Low vision or partially sighted refers to
persons who have visual acuity falling
between 20/70 and 20/200 in the better eye
with correction.

What causes visual impairment?

-

Myopia (nearsightedness)
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Astigmatism (blurred vision)

Glaucoma, causing damage to the optic

nerve.
Cataracts, caused by clouding of the lens
which results in blurred vision. Also caused
by diabetes.
Strabismus, one or both eyes are directed
inward (crossed eye).
Nystagmus, condition in which rapid
involuntary movements of the eyes occur.
Retinopathy of prematurity, abnormal
growth of blood vessels in the eye causing
the retina to detach. From excessive
concentrations of oxygen administered to
premature infants.
Optic nerve hypoplasia, involves
underdevelopment of the optic nerve, often
associated with brain abnormalities.
Retinitis pigmentosa, causes the field of
vision to narrow (tunnel vision) and ability to
see in low light (night blindness).

Helpful materials for a vision impaired student

-

Two visual methods of aiding children with

visual impairment to read print are largeprint books and magnifying devices.
iPads or tablets with educational
applications.
Computers and software are available that
convert printed material into synthesized
speech or braille.

Screen readers can magnify information on

the screen, convert on-screen text to
speech, or do both.

Tips for Teachers:

-

Early intervention can help a child

strengthen his/her vision.
Consider reaching out to the appropriate
parties to learn if you can arrange classroom
furniture a certain way to reduce possible
danger.
Challenges in conceptualizing objects occur.
Sensory learning works well as a solution,
allowing them to use their other senses to
understand an object.
Assistive technology can provide extra help.
Identifying some beneficial educational iPad
apps for students can assist with the
students learning.
Large print books and braille books are also
helpful.
Seat or encourage the visually impaired
student to come to the front of the
classroom or presentation area in order to
be certain that s/he hears all
instruction/explanation correctly.
Due to time constraints it may occasionally
be necessary to reduce the number of
examples to be completed for classwork or
homework (such as in math problems), as
long as the student is able to demonstrate

that s/he understands the concepts and/or

skills exhibited within each example.
Observe the student, silently encouraging
independent problem-solving skills. Wait
until the student asks for help and provide
minimal assistance only as needed to build
self-confidence and independence.

Teachers should provide a classroom

environment as free from auditory
distractions as possible