Visually Impaired Resource Guide Assistive Technology For Students With Low Vision Environmental Modifications

Environmental Modifications

Modifications to the physical environment of a student with low vision can enhance functional vision.

Writing paper and writing tools may be adapted. Paper can be altered by making the lines very bold, raising the lines (embossing) to provide tactile feedback and providing more white space between lines. Writing guides or templates can be provided to assist with spatial needs. Using dark pens and pencils creates a good contrast between the written work and the white space on the page. Avoid coloured paper that decreases the contrast of the print. For most students white on black or black on white provides the best contrast. A functional vision assessment by a Teacher of the Visually Impaired will provide recommendations regarding these options.

In the area of math and science students may have difficulty keeping information in the correct columns when doing calculations or recordings. One strategy to compensate for this is to turn the notebook sideways so that the lines are running vertically. These can then be used as column guides to keep information in the correct place. Another option is notebooks made of dark lined graph paper.

Peers or teachers, may be used as scribes and readers when time is a factor and the task is not to develop the writing or reading abilities of a student but rather provide the content of an assignment.

If distance vision is a problem a student may obtain board and overhead notes from photocopying another students information or obtaining a hardcopy of the teachers notes. Another strategy is having a peer with good note taking skills and legible handwriting use a piece of carbon paper or NCR to produce an instant second copy of classroom notes. A room viewer attached to a CCTV is another option for addressing distance vision issues.

To assist students with the contrast of printed material, try placing coloured filters over the page to filter out certain colours of the spectrum. The use of visual cues is often an effective way to assist a student in tracking and orienting themselves to the printed page. For example:

• use a paper clip on the side of the page to indicate stopping point or where an answer is required
• underline important words or concepts
• use of extra space to separate sections of visual information
• use of pushpins to mark important or stopping points
• number paragraphs
• use colour to indicate important words or information
• use green dots for starting points and red dots for stopping points
• keep printed material simple and avoid busy pages
• use templates to block out or regulate information on a busy page

For some students the advantages and disadvantages of large print materials should be considered. (Corn & Koenig - 1996) There are many commercial large print products available on the market. Materials can be enlarged using a photocopier. Enlarging photocopied materials may affect the quality and contrast. The portability and storage of large print papers and books can provide additional challenges for the student.

One of the most important environmental modifications is lighting. The effect of a specific eye condition must be investigated by the Teacher for the Visually Impaired in order to determine if the student will benefit from enhanced or decreased lighting. Factors to consider during assessment are task to be performed, setting, time of day, individual preferences, and amount , type and position of the light source.

Students with low vision have specific seating needs according to their eye condition and individual preferences. Issues around the students seating arrangement is very much a team effort. The eye specialist and teacher are involved regarding visual information and best visual functioning, the OT/PT for stabilization and the carpenter should a specialized desk need to be constructed. Positioning, lighting, and personal preferences need to be considered.

Enough space must be provided to house the entire system. Outlets that are easily accessible on the desk are necessary as well as the ability to power up in a classroom where an outlet is not close by. The best seat for the student visually may not be the best in terms of access to power. Further information may be found at Adapted School Workspaces for Students with Special Needs.

Return to Part 3 - Assistive Technology For Students With Low Vision ...