How to Make Adaptations for Visually Impaired Students

Adapting a lesson plan or a classroom to meet a visually impaired student's needs is essential, but it can be difficult for instructors who have no experience in this area. Understanding various techniques you can use to aid in the student's learning in the classroom can make a difference in what the student gains from your instruction.

Instructions

• 1

  Meet with the visually impaired student on the first day of class. Determine how much she can actually see (as 80% of visually impaired students have some usable sight), and encourage her to tell you if you can do anything to make the class easier for her to succeed.

• 2

  Make sure that Braille or large-print versions of any materials you are using in class are available for the visually impaired student. If this is impossible, make sure that the school provides some sort of visual enhancing device. If nothing else, provide the student with a monocular or magnifying glass intended for the visually impaired.

• 3

  Speak with the visually impaired student about optimal seating arrangements in the classroom. Many visually impaired students will prefer to sit in the front of the class.

• 4

  Allow the student to tape record the lecture, if that would help. Alternatively, arrange for another student in the class with neat handwriting to copy notes for the visually impaired student. The student can then enlarge the notes by photocopying them or using a visual enhancer.