How many students have you taught with visual impairment disability? What grade or level?
I have taught one student with a visual impairment disability in 5th Grade.
What type of visual impairment did the student have?
The student was blind.
Did the student suffer from any other conditions in addition to the visual impairment?
The student had protein C Deficiency and at times was in a wheel chair. She had to get injections at least one time a day at school in her stomach.
What was your initial reaction to having this particular student in your class?
I was excited to have the opportunity to teach regardless of the disability.
What immediate accommodations and modifications did you have to implement?
Some immediate accommodations provided were: lots of manipulatives (abacus, cm cubes, wiki sticks,etc.) for every subject, constantly talking while teaching lots of explaining, planning at least three weeks ahead of time to get materials transcribed into Braille, purchase Braille books. Label all materials in Braille, provide a larger space to keep materials. The student had a Braille writer that she completed all her work on which was necessary, and a larger work space. More time was needed to grade and complete assignments as they had to be transcribed. Meeting regularly with the occupational therapist and transcriber as well as parents were just some of the immediate accommodations and modifications made.
Did the student receive any Special Education services? What were they?
The student received special education services in all subjects. She was especially lower in math. She also had services with Occutpational Therapist.
Did the student require any assistive technology? If so, what?
The student eventually received a computer, and printer that transcribed the Braille but she had to learn how to type. She mainly used the Braille writer, books on tape, tape recorder, etc…
Did the student read Braille?
Yes, that is all she could read.
Was it easy to get materials needed for class translated to Braille?
I had a person transcribe weekly so it was a matter of me planning accordingly to get the information translated.
How did other students react and interact with the visually impaired student?
My students accepted the visually impaired student and overall got along really well with her. Before she came into the class we discussed different needs and each student had to work with a blind fold on their eyes to realize what she might go through.
What was your biggest challenge in teaching this student?
Initially realizing how many things are visually taught was the most challenging.
What advice would you give a teacher who has a visually impaired/blind student in their class for the first time?
When teaching a visually impaired student be sure to incorporate the different learning styles in every lesson to be able to meet the needs of all your students. Set high expectations, communicate with the parents, staff at school, and students.
What did you learn about visual impairment/blindness from having this student in your class?
To pick out one thing I learned is very difficult. It was amazing to have the opportunity to work with this student. She taught me many things, but most of all a disability does not define who you are and does not limit the learning. It is the educators’ jobs to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to learn.
What did you learn about your teaching ability from the experience of having this student in your class?
I learned that teaching is very visual and it is my job to ensure that every student learns no matter what.
Is there any way in which you could improve your approach, strategies and/or methods to better serve a student with a visual impairment?
Incorporating more Braille with the other students and hands on resources so the student can see what the other students in the class can see.
The second of two very talented teachers had this to say...
How many students have you taught with visual impairment disability? What grade or level?
Just one--in the college class I teach at PVCC
What type of visual impairment did the student have?
She was blind
Did the student suffer from any other conditions in addition to the visual impairment?
Not that I'm aware of
What was your initial reaction to having this particular student in your class?
I wondered how I would best meet her needs--Where she should sit--What kind of accommodations she would need.
What immediate accommodations and modifications did you have to implement?
I submitted all handouts and course materials to the Student Resource Center on campus. They did their best to convert the materials into a form she could readily use. I also spoke with her tablemates to let them know she might require assistance. They were more than willing to help out in any way possible. She needed an electrical outlet to plug her computer in so we made sure she had access to that as well. During class time I made myself available to clarify assignments and expectations as needed.
Did the student receive any Special Education services? What were they?
She received assistance from the SLC. They put her materials into a form that was usable to her.
Did the student require any assistive technology? If so, what?
Yes--A computer that spoke to her.
Did the student read Braille?
Yes
Was it easy to get materials needed for class translated to Braille?
Most of her materials weren't translated into Braille--They were actually downloaded into her computer so the computer could be read to her. I must say, despite my greatest efforts, this proved to be challenging. Even though I submitted materials a week in advance, she often wouldn't have access to them because of an overwhelmed SLC staff or simply because she didn't take the time to pick them up. It was also frustrating because the text we used didn't have page numbers once it was downloaded into her system. Something that is generally so simple like "read pages 112-120" became so difficult because the pages were difficult to be found.
How did other students react and interact with the visually impaired student?
The other students were extremely helpful, patient and kind. They were willing to learn from her and she was willing to share her experiences with them as well.
What was your biggest challenge in teaching this student?
My biggest challenge was definitely trying to understand exactly what my expectations should be--Everything was simply more challenging and time consuming so knowing exactly what to do was difficult at times.
What advice would you give a teacher who has a visually impaired/blind student in their class for the first time?
I would advise someone to work CLOSELY with people who can be a resource--to discuss challenges and difficulties early on and invite the person to share their needs and expectations with both you (as the instructor) and with the class as well.
What did you learn about visual impairment/blindness from having this student in your class?
I leaned how to read Braille (in a very basic sense). I also gained an understanding about how being blind is actually a culture within itself. Finally, I became more empathetic to the challenges people who are visually impaired face on a day to day basis.
What did you learn about your teaching ability from the experience of having this student in your class?
I learned that when faced with a new situation, I still have the withitness to evolve and change to meet the needs of my students.
Is there any way in which you could improve your approach, strategies and/or methods to better serve a student with a visual impairment?
Of course! Effective teachers are always a work in progress. If I was to have another visually impaired student in my class I would first and foremost, communicate my expectations more thoroughly. I would also work more closely with the SLC and possibly do some research regarding the subject as well.
I hope these insights from teachers at different levels of the education system were helpful. I know I value their experience and hope to have their level of concern and ability if ever given the opporunity of educating a visually impaired student. Thanks again to two wonderful educators for participating in my little project.
