Visual Impairments

KNR 270

Visual Impairments

What is visual acuity? Amount of detail that can be seen Clearness

What is visual field? Entire area that can be seen at one

time with fixed eyes 180 degrees

Visual Impairments

What do you think about when you hear that someone is blind?

What do you think they see? What is your vision?

Visual Impairments

Legal blindness 20/200 in best eye with correction Or visual field of 20 degrees at the

widest point Can be legally blind and still have

some useable or functional vision Most have some functional vision Only 5% are totally blind

At 20 feet, the person with 20/20 vision sees the stop sign clearly. At 20 feet, the person with 20/40 vision sees the stop sign as if they were 40 feet away.

Visual Impairment

Congenital blindness Birth – 5 years No visual memory

After 5 years, there is visual memory that can help assist with learning

Visual Impairments

Low vision 20/70 – 20/200 30 degrees

72% of people with visual impairments are over 65 years Diabetes Cataracts Glaucoma

Blindisms

Causes

Congenital Acquired (infection) Accidents Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

Premature infants, 100% oxygen Detached retina

Retina detaches & rips from wall, creates blind spots Diabetic retinopathy Glaucoma

Increase pressure in eye, tunnel vision Cataracts

Opacity of lens, infants & older people Macular degeneration

Runs in families, problems with reading Retinitis pigmentosa

Inherited

Mobility

Dog guide

Only 5%

Mobility

White Cane

Purpose Identify Probe Protection

Mobility

Human (Sighted) Guide

Considerations/Accommodations

Ask how best help & about residual vision

Identify self / let know who is speaking

Speak directly to the person Use normal voice volume Introduce to group Reduce loud or disturbing

background noises

Considerations/Accommodations

Never leave alone in space Tell when leaving Place near wall, table, chair

Orient to rooms / provide tours Include restrooms, water fountains,

emergency exits, main areas Use clock or directions (N,S,W,E) Landmarks

Reduce glare / good lighting

Considerations/Accommodations

Use all senses in teaching Be descriptive Allow exploration/manipulation Keep walkways clear of obstructions Braille, larger text

Technology, Disability Concerns tour Count out change Adaptive equipment

Considerations/Accommodations

Don’t touch guide dog Use contrasting colors

Doors/walls Step edges

Know human (sighted) guide Places for dogs to potty Others????

Sports: Goal Ball

http://www.ncpad.org/competitive/fact_sheet.php?sheet=52&section=384

Sports: Beep Baseball

http://www.nbba.org/rules/index.htm

What’s Your Bowling Preference?

Tandem Bike Riding

Fore!!!!

Outdoor Adventure

Around the Campfire

Nature Hike

Sensory Activities

Worn Out in the Wild West

Craft: Tactual Bandanas

Hayride

Games & Crafts

I’ve Never Played Bingo Before

Yum, Yum

My Horse Will Be So Cool

Is This Western Or English?

Costumes

Saying Goodbye