2. Visual Impairments
Definition
Teachers need basic information on Visual Impairments is a very
visual impairments in four general generic term and is divided
areas. into categories
Fundamental concepts of Legal blindness, which means
vision and visual impairments the student has visual acuity of
Signs of possible visual 20/200 with means they see at
problems 20 ft what a average student
Typical characteristics of
would see at 200ft. Legally
students with visual blind students will need major
impairments adaptations in their everyday
learning.
Specific adaptive and or
Low Vision- Indicates some
accommodative techniques to functional vision exists.
meet students needs Students may need minor
adaptation and may use
optical, or electronic devices to
assist them in their learning.
3. Types of Visual Impairment
Retinal Strabismus- improper alignment
of the eyes
Optic Nerve Problems Nystagmus- rapid involuntary
movements of eyes
Disorders of the Cornea
Glaucoma- Fluid pressure build
Iris and Lens Problems up
Cataract- Cloudy film over eye
lens
Diabetic retinopathy- Changes in
blood vessels caused by diabetes
Macular degeneration-damage to
central portion of the retina
Retinitis Pigmentusa- genetic eye
disease leading to blindness
4. Prevalence and Causes
Vision problems are very common in our society
however corrective lenses are often enough to correct
vision and individuals can see efficiently.
If students have visual impairments they tend to get
worse with age.
Approximately 0.06 percent of students in school are
visually impaired (varying with region).
First Nations people are 3-4 times more likely to lose
their vision due to more premature births, trauma, and
diabetes.
5. Characteristics of Students with Visual Impairments
Behavioural •Rubs eyes excessively Psychological •Intellectual abilities
•Shuts or covers one eye, similar to those of sighted
tilts head peers
•Has difficulty in reading •Concept development
or other work requiring can depend on tactile
close use of the eyes experiences
•Hold books close to eyes •Unable to use sight to
•Squint eyelids together assist in the development
or frowns of integrated concepts
•Unable to use visual
imagery
Communicational •Relatively unimpaired in
language abilities
Appearance •Crossed eyed Social/Emotional/ •May display repetitive,
•Red-rimmed, encrusted, or stereotyped movements
swollen eyes Behavioural (rubbing eyes)
•Inflamed or watery eyes •Socially immature
•Recurring styles •Withdrawn
•Independent
Complaints •Eyes that itch Mobility •Distinct disadvantage in
•Cannot see well using spatial information
•Dizziness, Headaches, or •Visual imagery and
nausea memory problems with
•Blurred or double vision functional implications
Academic • Generally behind sighted
peers
6. Classroom Adaptations for Visually
Impaired
Socially for a Student Physical Considerations
Encourage students to Identify what special
become independent learners equipment will be needed in
the classroom
Create opportunities for
Learn how to use special
students to manipulate their
equipment
own environment
Guarantee classroom is free
Reinforce their efforts of hazards
Help develop a healthy self Use the ``clock`` approach
concept Place students desk where the
Teach students how to student can learn to their
communicate nonverbally highest potential
7. Ways to promote Inclusion
Inclusion Practices Teacher Supports
Remember that students with Get help from others. Teach
visual impairments is but one of them how to assist the
many student in the classroom.
visually impaired students.
Introduce them the same way
you would any other student. Learn how to adapt and
Use same disciplinary practices modify instruction ahead of
for all students. time.
Encourage visually impaired to Learn as much as you can.
seek leadership and high-profile
roles. Find out any training that
Expect the same level of work might be needed.
from all students.
8. Hearing Impairment
Definition Prevalence
Hearing impairment – generic Only 0.14 percent of the
term that has frequently been
used to cover the entire range of school aged children have a
hearing loss hearing impairment
Deafness – hearing loss that is so
sever that speech cannot be Gets worse as you get older
through the ear alone, with or
without aids 2-5% of the total population
Hard of hearing – individuals who has some degree of hearing
have a hearing loss that makes it loss
difficult, but not impossible to
understand speech through the Considered a low-incidence
ear alone, with or without hearing
aids disability
9. Classifications
Conductive Hearing Loss Sensorineural Hearing Loss
When sound is not When there is damage to the
conducted efficiently through inner ear
the outer or middle ears. Reduction in sound level, affects
speech understanding or ability
Reduction in sound level to hear clearly
Can often be corrected Cannot be corrected medically,
through medicine or surgery it is a permanent loss
Causes
Causes
Birthing injuries, genetics,
Impacted ear wax, fluid in viruses, head trauma, aging,
the middle ear, ear infections exposure to noise, tumors
10. Student Behaviours
Turns head to position the ear Has a restricted vocabulary
to the speaker and/or problems with
spelling
Asks for information to be
repeated frequently Withdraws from classroom
activities that involve
Uses a loud voice listening
Does not respond when Less socially mature
someone is speaking to them
Difficulty making friends
Has frequent colds, earaches,
or infections Academic achievement levels
are lower than those of
Misarticulates certain speech hearing peers
sounds or omits certain
consonant sounds Fidgets and moves about in
seat
11. What you can do as a teacher
If you see any of those student Use visual aides
behaviours, refer them to an
audiologist for formal Speak clearly and normally
assessment Avoid frequent movement
Use of technologies like around the classroom and
amplification assistance turning your back from student
Seat students in a semi-circular Use gestures and facial
arrangement to increase sight expressions
lines Keep beard/moustaches
Make sure they are subject to the trimmed
same requirements as other Encourage students to ask
students questions for clarification
Have a classroom buddy who Repeat comments of students
can help the student who speak in discussions
Reduce distracting noises
12. What you can do as a teacher
When using an interpreter... Socially for student
Position the student so that they Help develop a realistic sense
can see the teacher and of their abilities
interpreter clearly
Be sure to include the Help them become more
interpreter as an IEP member responsible and independent
Discuss lessons with the Help them interact
interpreter prior to teaching appropriately with their peers
Allow adequate lag time for the
interpreter Help enhance their sense of
Remember that sign language belonging
does not follow the grammatical
convention of English
13. Bibliography
Smith, T, Polloway, E, Patton, J, Dowdy, C, McIntyre,
L, & Francis, G. (2010). Teaching students with
special needs in inclusive settings. Toronto:
Pearson Education Canada.