Near and Distance Training Activities for the Visually Impaired

Being visually impaired is having poor or no vision that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery. Near or distance vision, or both, can be impaired. Visual impairment affects the ability to function in society. Training activities for the visually impaired are provided by organizations across the country. These activities focus on providing skills that lead to independent living at home, in the outside world, and, if appropriate, at the workplace.

Low-Vision Evaluation

• A low-vision evaluation by an eye doctor trained in the field is necessary prior to determining the proper training activities, the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired states. The association uses the term "low vision" as a synonym for visually impaired. It is defined as someone with partial vision who has difficulty reading, writing, watching television or operating a motor vehicle. This vision deficiency cannot be corrected medically. Once evaluated, the individual can proceed with learning how to use various aids for both near and distance vision.

Communication Skills

• One training activity focuses on developing the communications skills of the visually impaired. Vision Aware reports, Numerous activities are included in this area. Individuals with low vision may be trained to read and write with aids, such as filter lens to control glare, special lamps, large-print books and hand-held magnifiers. Another communication skill involves the use of computers with devices such as screen enlargements. Keyboarding and the use of software with adaptive technology enable the visually impaired to communicate.

Driving

• Training is available for the visually impaired to be able to drive, The Eye Digest reports. This training involves learning to use bi-optic telescopes, which are generally provided for the better eye. This device assists in distance vision, providing the capacity to read road signs, for example. Nevertheless, driving is restricted to daytime hours, familiar locations, good weather and low-traffic times.

Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV)

• Video magnifiers, or CCTV, provide a device for visually-impaired individuals to read. A video camera projects a magnified version of the reading material onto the screen or computer monitor. This produces the equivalent of a large-print book on a screen. According to The Eye Digest, many visually-impaired people prefer this method of reading to other alternatives like a hand-held magnifier. In addition to books, virtually any material can be magnified by the camera, such as directions, medicine labels or financial records.