1. Read the Chapter in the textbook.
2. Review the Essential Concepts below.
3. Answer and submit the Chapter Outline and Objectives
Remember to include the assignment or question statement before you write your answer.
Essential Concepts
The legal definition of blindness is based on a personÕs ability to see clearly at specified distances as well as a personÕs peripheral vision. The educational definition focus on the effects of visual impairment on the childÕs academic performance.
Children with visual impairment display a wide range of visual capabilities from blindnessÑthe total absence of useful visionÑto low vision, which can be quite useful for learning. All of these students, however, require special educational modifications to assist their progress in regular educational programs.
The age of onset of a visual impairment is an important consideration in programming. Children who have been blind from birth have no visual history to apply to their current learning needs. Adventitiously blind children, on the other hand, have had some visual experiences, which typically facilitate the teaching of many skills.
By using Braille and a host of manipulative, technological, and optical aids, children with visual impairment can participate in academic programs with their normally sighted peers. Academics cannot, however, be the exclusive focus of educational programs. Gaining social skills, meeting expectations, finding suitable work, exploring sexuality, and other basic life experiences are as important as academics. In addition, specialized training in orientation and mobility is essential to ensuring the independence of students who are blind or have low vision.
Chapter Outline and Objectives
DEFINITIONS
1. List the legal definition of blindness.
2. Define visual acuity and describe what is meant by Ònormal vision.Ó
3. List the educational definition of visual impairment.
4. Discuss why age of onset is an important concern for special educators.
CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
1. Discuss how vision affects other areas of development.
PREVALENCE
1. List the prevalence figures for children with visual impairments.
TYPES AND CAUSES OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
2. Describe how a person sees.
3. Define and describe the causes of visual impairments.
EDUCATIONAL APPROACHES
1. Discuss the types of technological assistance available to students who are blind.
2. Discuss the types of technological assistance available to students with low vision.
3. Define and describe orientation and mobility training.
EDUCATIONAL PLACEMENT ALTERNATIVES
1. Describe the continuum of educational placements for students with visual impairments.
CURRENT ISSUS AND FUTURE TRENDS
1. Discuss the issues facing the future of the education of students with visual impairments.