Keystone Kids: For Parents: What to tell a regular classroom teacher about a child with a vision impairment

Keystone Kids!

Tips for Classroom Teachers

(What to tell a regular classroom teacher about a child with a vision impairment)

Using the eyes does not harm them. In fact, greater efficiency is developed through use of the eyes for visual tasks.
Holding printed material close to the eyes may be the child with a vision impairment's way of seeing best. It will not harm his eyes.
Although eyes cannot be "strained" from use, a child with a vision impairment's eyes may tire more quickly. A change of focus or activity helps.
Copying is often a problem for children with low vision. The child may need a longer period of time to do class work or a shortened assignment.
In situations where the child has been issued a monocular (a type of small telescope), copying board work from his desk should be expected, but with an extended amount of time.
When writing on the blackboard or overhead projector, the teacher will help the low vision child if he verbalizes as much as possible.
A small number of children with vision impairments use large type books; most do not. As the child learns to use his vision, he becomes more efficient with visual tasts and can generally read smaller print.
Contrast, print style and spacing can be more important than the size of print.
Dittos can be difficult for visually impaired child to read. Giving this child one of the first copies or the original often will be helpful.
The term "legally blind" does not mean "educationally blind." Most children who are legally blind (20/200) function educationally as sighted children.