assistive technologies used by persons with low vision in the classroom define assistive technology...
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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
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
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.
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.
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