Blindness and Low Vision

1
Chapter 11

• Blindness and Low Vision

2
Definitions and terms

• Visual impairment
• Legally Blind
• Visual Acuity
• Field of Vision
• Peripheral Vision
• Levels Totally blind, functionally blind, low
  vision
• Parts of the eye
• Prevalence low incidence

3
Causes of visual impairment

• Most are congenital Hereditary conditions
  Albinism, some forms of glaucoma, and retinitis
  pigmentosa.
• Damage during fetal development Cataracts and
  underdevelopment or absence of parts of the eye

4
Types

• Myopia
• Hyperopia
• Astigmatism
• Strabismus
• Nystagmus
• Cateract
• Glaucoma
• Albinism
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Retinitis Pigmentosa
• Macular Degeneration
• Retinopathy of prematurity

5
Effects of visual impairment

• Language and concept development
• Motor development
• Cognitive and intellectual development
• Social and emotional
• School achievement
• Effects on the family

6
Teaching strategies

• Early intervention
• Identification and assessment
• Snellen Chart.
• Functional vision assessment
• Concerns of IQ and academic achievement
  assessments
• Curriculum
• Listening
• Daily Living Skills (blindisms, stereotypy)
• Human Sexuality

7
More Teaching Strategies

• Materials
• Need modifications of materials (Braille, large
  print, optical devices)
• Computers, Kurzweil readers, etc.
• Orientation and mobility
• Human guide
• Cane travel
• Dog guides
• Placement issues