Visual Impairments & Blindness

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Visual Impairment (VI) is an impairment in vision which, even with correction, adversely affects an individual's educational performance. This term includes individuals who are partially sighted and blind.

TYPES OF VISION:

bullet Refractive Vision (Acuity): The degree of detail that can be seen in an object. The product of light rays bending and reaching receptors (rods and cones) of the retina. Refraction is influenced by the size and shape of the eyeball which changes with age. Refractive vision includes myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (blurring or distortion of the image).
bullet Visual acuity is commonly tested using the Snellen Eye Chart. The effect of impaired vision can negatively impact motor development. The age onset commonly determines future problems in these areas.
bullet Refractive problems are commonly corrected using prescription glasses or surgery.

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bullet Orthoptic Vision: Refers to the activity of the six external muscles of the eye responsible for providing coordinated movements of the eyes. Orthoptic vision includes binocular vision (the ability of the eyes to coordinate), depth perception (including strabismus, amblyopia and alternating) and nystagmus (constant involuntary movement of the eyeballs).
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Orthoptic vision problems can sometimes be treated with surgery; however, the problem may be corrected with a special lens or with eye exercises. When depth perception problems exist, students should refrain from participating in activities that require judging where in space moving objects are located.

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INDICATORS OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS:

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Lack of coordination in directing vision of both eyes

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Difficulty visually tracking an object

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Avoidance of climbing apparatus

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Difficulty going down steps one at a time

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Sensitivity to normal light levels

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Walking overcautiously and hesitantly

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Faltering and stumbling when walking even on an even surface

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Walking down steps using a marked time pattern

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Body tension

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Eyelids are crusted and red

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Eyes are bloodshot

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Frequent rubbing of the eyes

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Squinting

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TEACHING TIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS:

bullet Ensure optimal lighting to ensure use of residual vision.
bullet Keep equipment and objects in the same place
bullet Keep the activity area free of clutter.
bullet Alter the playing surface texture (i.e., sand, dirt, asphalt) or increase or decrease the grade to indicate play area boundaries.
bullet Place audio devices inside balls and bean bags; use beepers by goals and bases.
bullet Use brightly colored equipment and boundaries, that differ from the ground (red balls on green grass, blue lines on tan floor).
bullet Allow the individual to use an "anchor" for orientation when running ?a sighted partner or a rope suspended at hip level.
bullet Use a movement exploration approach to maximize movement opportunities.
bullet Use equipment with a wide variety of textures.
bullet Insist the individual wear eye protection (goggles).

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Links

American Council of the Blind

Guidedogs Association

A Blind Net

Information Sheet Home

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Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually, and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained. Developed by Texas Woman's University Graduate Adapted Physical Education Program in cooperation with Denton ISD (French, 1997; Heuttig, 1999).