Assistive Technologies used by persons with low vision in the

classroom

Define assistive technology

List four(4) assistive devices used and function in the classroom.

Provide pictures of each

Group Members

Neil Barry

Christine Alphonso

Joshua Griffith

Carlwyn Collins

Definition

Visual Impairement is defined as ‘’the consequence of a functional loss of vision rather than the eye disorder itself.’’

There are four types of visual impairments. They are:

1. Partially sighted

2. Low Vision

3. Legally Blind

4. Totally Blind

Partially Sighted

There is some type of visual problem that has resulted for the child to need special education

Low Vision

Refers to severe visual impairment (does not only include distance vision)

Would apply to people who are unable to read at a normal viewing distance even with glasses

Use vision and other senses to learn

May need accommodations such as larger print, more lighting and sometimes Braille

Legally Blind and Totally Blind

When a person has less than 20/200 vision in their better eye

Very limited field of vision. Only 20 degrees at the widest point

Learn by using Braille and other non-visual media

Signs of Visual Impairment

consistently sitting too close to the TV

holding a book too close

squinting

tilting the head to see better

frequent eye rubbing when your child is not sleepy

sensitivity to light

excessive tearing

closing one eye to read

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) can be defined as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.“

The goal of assistive technology is to give children with disabilities access to literacy and communication in the school, home, and community.

Dome Magnifiers

These are ‘dome’ shaped handheld magnifying glasses

They are useful for students who require near-vision optical devices

These are especially useful for reading and writing in the classroom

DOME MAGNIFIE

R

Reading

writing

Seeing detailed images

Technical

drawing

Enhancing

language

A student using a dome magnifier

Monoculars

This is a distance vision optical device

They are useful for students who are near sighted.

This device helps students identify information on black or white boards 10-20M ahead of them

Monocular

Reading off chalboards

Following presentation

s

Seeing detailed

images on charts

Focusing on the teacher

Viewing pictures on

walls

A handheld monocular, usually very small, with adjustable focal lens, lightweight and useful for children

Braille

A way to write letters based on the 26 letters in the alphabet.

Braille is a system of characters made up of raised dots.

Other codes are used for subjects such as math, science, music, and computers.

Students learn to read Braille by moving both hands across the lines of Braille words from left to right

Braille

Created by Louis Braille

It is the single most important invention for people who are blind in history

For children with vision loss, being able to read and write braille is the key to literacy, successful employment, and independence

Braille is a code that presents written information. It is equivalent to print. The alphabet, numbers, music notation, and any other symbol that appears in print can be replicated in braille

Braille

The dots of braille are also used for mathematics, scientific equations, computer notations, and foreign languages

When children with vision loss are learning to read, braille is the best way for them to develop skills in spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Students are introduced to the code in a particularsequence.

Braille letters and words that are the easiest to discriminate tactually are taught first.

Braille

As the reader progresses, more difficult combinations are introduced.

In most cases, braille learners require one-to-one teaching.

In addition to literary braille, there are a number of other codes that need to be taught such as mathematics and science, music, foreign languages and computer codes.

Braille

The braille code and the use of the braille machine is taught by trained teachers. Students initially learn braille on the Perkins Braille machine.

Braille

Classroom Modification- Adjustable Desk

Some students with low vision write neatly and legibly while the writing of others may be hard to read. Handwriting for these students can be tiring because:• they have to be closer to the page and this can cause strain to neck and back muscles• hand-eye coordination takes longer

Classroom Modification- Adjustable Desk

It is standard practice to teach keyboarding in middle primary school to avoid problems of slow and illegible handwriting and to gain a reasonable typing speed by high school. Typing skills readilytransfer to computer work.

A sloped desk or raised-top desk may be used to assist with reading and writing activities.

Telescopes

used to view distant objects

For a student with low vision, copying or reading from the board can take additional effort and time. Some students use telescopes to read boardwork or distance materials. Other strategies can include providing the student with a print copy of boardwork or overhead transparencies.

Telescopes

The lowest possible magnification should be chosen to meet the patient's needs, thereby keeping the field of view at a maximum. The patient should wear the prescribed correction or have it placed within the lens of the telescope.

Hand-Held Telescopes

Adapted Writing Tool-

Adapted writing tools are specialized implements to produce legible written output.

A student who may use these materials is one with low vision who has difficulty producing handwritten work using regular writing tools.

For example, felt tip pens and soft lead pencils

ADVANTAGES Commercially available Portability Adapted pens/pencils produces legible writing Similar to tools used by classmates

DISADVANTAGES May look different Easily lost Need to have good source of tools

Adapted Paper

Adapted paper provides additional visual and or tactile feedback for writing tasks..

A student who may use these materials is one with low vision who requires support in seeing lines.

Examples include dark line paper, braille paper, coloured paper raised line paper, and signature guides.

ADVANTAGES Reduces fatigue and frustration Reduces time required to finish

tasks Portable

DISADVANTAGES Need for storage space Availability Consumable Dots fade away (Braille Paper) Can be expensive

References

http://www.slideshare.net/rajukaiti/low-vision-optical-devices

https://www.setbc.org/Download/LearningCentre/Vision/Writing_Strategies_for_Visual_Impairments.pdf

https://www.ncbi.ie/services/services-for-individuals/types-of-assistive-technologies-available