Liverpool University. Visual Impairment Training

1
Liverpool University.Visual Impairment Training

• Introductions and outline of the Training Session
  
• Learning Objectives
• Quiz (myths about blindness)
• Common Eye Conditions
• Simulation Exercises
• Strategies and implications for Lecturing
• Case Study
• Questions and feedback
• Finish

2
Introductions

• Colin Elliott Regional Development Manager
• Allan Mowl PCET Officer

3
Learning Objectives

• Identify myths about sight loss
• Identify different sight loss conditions
• Become more aware of the functional impact of
  sight loss
• Identify the implications of learning with a
  Visual Impairment and the strategies for visually
  impaired to make learning more inclusive.
• Greater awareness on how to make information
  accessible to blind and partially sighted people

'Action Registered Charity no 205913 (England
and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
4
Quiz

• Blind people can hear better?
• All blind people read Braille?
• Being overweight increases your chances of
  developing sight loss?
• Blind people can get their bank statements in
  braille or large print but they may have to pay
  the bank a small fee to provide this?
• It is illegal to use a white stick if you are not
  blind?
• What might registered blind people see?
• Women are twice as likely to lose their sight as
  men?
• What are the different uses of white canes?
• When is a guide dog guiding?
• What percentage of blind / partially sighted
  people of working age are in employment?

5
Definitions

• Visual Impairment
• ..Sight loss that cannot be corrected

6
How we see and what we take for granted

• Central Vision
• Peripheral Vision
• Detail, colour
• Reading, faces, any close work
• Mobility

7
Blind- severely sight impaired

• Most people will have some vision
• Low acuity
• Narrow visual field
• Perception of light only
• No sight-about 4

8
Common eye conditions

• Macular degeneration
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Cataract
• Retinitis Pigmentosa
• Nystagmus

9
Macular degeneration can lead to a loss of
central vision whilst side vision remains
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and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
10
Diabetic Retinopathy can cause blurred and
patchy vision
'Action Registered Charity no 205913 (England
and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
11
Glaucoma can result in tunnel vision. Side
vision is lost and only central vision remains
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and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
12
Cataract can make vision cloudy and unclear
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and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
13
Retinitis Pigmentosa - may affect both outer and
central vision
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and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
14

• Nystagmus
• Involuntary movement of eyes
• Often an effect of another eye disorder or
  illness, drug/alcohol abuse, inner ear disorder,
  stroke, MS
• Varies across day - stress, tiredness,
  nervousness, unfamiliar surroundings
• Brain can accommodate increased eye movement

'Action Registered Charity no 205913 (England
and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
15
Other Sight Loss Conditions

• Retinal Detachment
• Hemianopia (Right Side/Left Side)
• Charles Bonnet Syndrome
• Trauma

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and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
16

• Functional impact of low vision

'Action Registered Charity no 205913 (England
and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
17

• Functional impact
• Feelings and emotions
• Driving and independent travel
• Reading print / accessing information
• Every day tasks cooking, cleaning
• Social impact e.g. recognising people
• Rehabilitation

'Action Registered Charity no 205913 (England
and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
18

• Simulation Exercises

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and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
19
Vision Impaired Students

• The majority of students with a visual impairment
  have some useful vision.
• Students described as having similar conditions
  will cope differently.
• The best information as to a students condition
  and how it affects them is the student.

20
Strategies and implications for Lecturing

• Reading. A visually impaired student will take
  longer to read materials and possible
  comprehend/digest. Skim reading can almost be
  impossible. Materials should be presented or
  forwarded in the required font and format. If
  emailed the materials can be enlarged.
• Required text books /core reading should be
  identified ahead of the student starting .It is
  helpful to identify key chapters so that
  appropriate parts can be copied.
• Written work. Due to problems with extra time
  being required for reading and proof reading
  extensions to completion may be required.
• Lecturers may want to agree with the student what
  is an acceptable level of error.

21
Strategies and implications for Lecturing

• Lectures/Group Work
• Speak to the class upon entering and leaving the
  room or site.
• A student may require guiding in and out of a
  room.
• Visually impaired students may not be able to
  pick up on body language or facial expressions
  there may be a need to also express feelings.
• Avoid addressing their needs in front of other
  students.
• Use descriptive words such as straight, forward,
  left, etc. in relation to mobility /orientation.
  Be specific in directions and avoid the use of
  vague terms with unusable information, such as
  "over there", "here", "this", etc.
• Address them by name if wanting their response to
  a question/observations.

22
RNIBs Clear Print Checklist

• Does the text contrast clearly with the
  background?
• Is the typeface at least 12 points or above?
• Are whole sentences written in capital
  letters?(This should be avoided).
• Are any words split between two lines?(There
  shouldnt be).
• Have you set text around illustrations? (This can
  be confusing).
• Are images clearly separated from the text?
• Is the paper matt? (Avoid very glossy paper)
• Can the document be flattened, so it can be
  placed under a scanner or screen magnifier?

'Action Registered Charity no 205913 (England
and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
23
Case Study

• Student Anthea, Recently diagnosed as having a
  degenerative eye condition Macular Dystrophy
  (nothing detected prior to the diagnosis) is
  likely to be totally blind in a matter of a few
  years.
• Macular Dystrophy genetic disorder that causes
  clouding of the cornea that causes loss of visual
  acuity. Symptoms can include loss of central
  vision ,blurry vision ,loss of night light,
  difficulty reading, distorted vision, loss of
  contrast sensitivity, trouble discerning vision,
  and photophobia or dislike of lights.
• Anthea currently has limited /distorted central
  vision and limited peripheral vision. Her
  condition causes eye strain and requires taking
  continual breaks to rest. Second year of a
  degree. Before diagnosis was a well organised
  ,and competent student.

24
Case Study

• At DSA Assessment presented the following needs.
• Lack of ability to come to terms with disability
  presented as being under considerable emotional
  stress
• Unable to read print information in books,
  journals, power point ,white board etc
• Unable to access PDF files ,not accessible to
  screen readers.
• Struggling to now compose/structure essays
  largely due to pressure to meet deadlines,
  apply technology to check spelling and grammar.
  Inability to see text on screens.
• Poor proofreading strategies. It is taking longer
  to under take any proofreading of work.

25
Case Study At DSA Assessment presented the
following needs.

• Unable to take notes and listen to lectures.
  Disability affecting her ability to concentrate
  and summarise information. Unable to take notes
  from whiteboards
• Onset of disability has caused Anthea to not cope
  with meeting deadlines for course work. In
  general now has poor coping strategies with
  meeting deadlines and organising work.
• Has poor technology skills ,can access some
  magnification on laptop and uses hand help
  magnifier
• Reliant on family support to get to University

26
Case Study

• Outcomes recommended
• Key worker to support research, composition,
  proofreading and note taking strategies. Study
  Coach to support access to required materials
  and support time management/organisation
  strategies.
• Allowance for books to give longer access to
  materials and overcome damage to library stock.
• Technology recommendations included use of and
  training in Supa Nova Access Suite (sound and
  magnification),Desk Top PC, scanner and printer
  .Monitor arm for desk top to aid with reading.
  Also portable desk top magnifier and digital
  recorder.

27
Case Study

• Outcomes recommended
• Lecture notes /OHPs to be forwarded in good time.
  Anthea required printed materials in Arial font
  32 .Yellow overlays
• Iphone which has suitable text to speech software
  and magnification.
• Consumables allowance for photocopying
  ,cartridges etc
• Additional time for examinations and assignments
• Support with getting to and from the University
• Other recommendations included ---referral for
  mobility training and counselling.

28
Keypoints.

• Action is here to support the University in
  meeting the needs of the students
• Eye conditions How each student copes with
  their condition and study will vary
• The best resource is the student

29
Learning Objectives

• Identify myths about sight loss
• Identify different sight loss conditions
• Become more aware of the functional impact of
  sight loss
• Identify the implications of learning with a
  Visual Impairment and the strategies for visually
  impaired to make learning more inclusive.
• Greater awareness on how to make information
  accessible to blind and partially sighted people

'Action Registered Charity no 205913 (England
and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'
30

• Questions and Feedback

31
Contact Details

• Colin Elliott/Allan Mowl
• Action for Blind People North West Team
• The Gateway Centre, 71 London Road
• Liverpool
• L3 8HY
• Tel [phone] Fax [phone]
• Email ActionNorthWest_at_actionforblindpeople.org.u
  k
• Website www.rnib.org.uk

'Action Registered Charity no 205913 (England
and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland)', 'RNIB Registered
Charity Number 226227'