skip directly to Main Content Navigation Search A-Z Index Ask the Bulldog Find People Top Story Breadcrumbs Footer
Spring Recess
March 24-30, 2024
Cesar Chavez Day
March 29, 2024
Flex Day (No Classes)
April 18, 2024
Request Information
Disability Resource Center (DRC)

Visual Impairments


Only a small number of people are actually totally blind; most are considered "legally blind." Even with correction, a legally blind person's best eye sees less at 20 feet than a normal eye sees at 200 feet. Difficulties experienced by many individuals with visual impairments may include: recurring eye strain while reading, inability to read standardized print, inability to read poor quality print or certain colors of print, and sensitivity to bright light.

Students who have been blind since birth, or shortly after, have no visual memories. Their concept of objects, space, and distance may be different from those who became blind later in life. Mobility skills of individuals may vary also, depending on the age of onset of blindness and the quality and extent of mobility training and mobility talent. Some students who are blind will use Braille with competence, but many do not use it. Most students with visual impairments can acquire information through listening. Some students who are blind are competent typists, but their written communication and spelling skills sometimes reflect their natural dependency on audio transmission of information.

Definition


According to Title 5 regulations, visual impairment means total or partial loss of sight.

Suggestions

  • Treat the students with visual impairments very much like you would any other student. Use words like "see" without being self-conscious.
  • Do assume that students with visual impairments can fulfill the course requirements. Visual impairments rarely diminish cognitive ability.
  • If you are in a room alone with a blind person, explain what you are doing, such as shuffling papers. Tell him/her when someone comes in the room or when you leave the room.
  • It is never impolite to ask if a student with a visual impairment needs or would like assistance.
  • Be sure students are seated where they can make use of any vision they have. Ask the student privately where he can see best.
  • Give rich verbal descriptions of concepts, since students with visual impairments may not be be able to clearly see visual cues or models. When using visual aids in the class, be as descriptive as possible. Words like "this" or "that" can be confusing.
  • Make copies of overhead materials or diagrams so that the student can later ask an assistant to describe the information in detail to understand the material better. Avoid shiny paper for handouts. Use black type on white paper for high contrast.
  • On-line materials need to be accessible. Web Accessibility Resources
  • Don't assume students with visual impairments always do best with brighter lighting. Ask students for their lighting preferences.
  • A student may use a Guide Dog. These dogs have been trained to guide people who are blind, to keep out of the way, and to be quiet. These working dogs should not be treated as pets and should not be petted while working.
  • When relocation of a class is necessary, a note on the chalk or door is not adequate. It would be helpful to have a sighted student wait for the visually impaired student to arrive.
  • When you are blind, skills to get around campus, to use a computer, and to manage your assignments are the result of many hours of hard work and great persistence. It can be frustrating after such hard work for others to refer to these sensory abilities as a "sixth sense" as it does not acknowledge the tremendous efforts expended.

Possible Accommodations

  • Alternative testing (extended time, screen reading programs, distraction reduced setting, and/or computer)
  • Note-taking assistance
  • Textbooks in electronic format (computer disk)
  • Academic support (drop-in specialized tutoring)
  • Reader services
  • Enlarged or Braille printed materials

Return to Accommodation Strategies Page