VISUAL DISABILITIES

 

Visual impairments are disorders in the function of the eye as manifested by at least one of the following:

 

­                      visual acuity of 20/70 or less in the better eye after the best possible correction,

­                      a peripheral field so constricted that it affects one’s ability to function in an educational setting,

­                      a progressive loss of vision which may affect one’s ability to function in an educational setting.

 

Visual disabilities are so varied that it is often difficult to detect such a student in the classroom or on the campus.  The student may appear to get around without assistance, read texts, and/or even take notes from the board.  However, in most cases some form of assistance is needed.

 

A “legally blind” person is one whose vision, while wearing corrective lenses, does not exceed

20/200 in the better eye, or whose visual field is less than an angle of 20 degrees.  Ninety percent

of individuals who are identified as legally blind have some useful vision or light perception.  Total darkness is rare.  Some students are color sensitive so that using colors, such as red or green, on the board are not decipherable to the student.

 

Some students use aids such as service dogs.  These dogs are trained to move at the direction of their masters and are well-disciplined to function in group settings.  It is important to note that service dogs are not to be petted or distracted in any way while they are on duty.  Never call the dog’s name or feed the dog treats unless permission is granted by the student.  Service dogs are allowed by law in all college buildings, including laboratories, food services areas, residential areas, classrooms and administrative offices.

 

Other students may use white canes, and few use special electronic sensing devices to enhance mobility.  Special considerations may be needed for these students when a class is moved to a new location, when a group goes on a field trip, or when the furnishings in a room are moved for a special program.

 

Suggested Modifications

 

­                      Provide reading lists or syllabi in advance before the start of the semester to allow time for arrangements to be made, such as the taping or Brailing of texts.

­                      Allow the student to use note taking devices such as Braille and Speak.

­                      Allow tape recording of lectures and class discussions.

­                      Team the student with a sighted classmate or lab partner.

­                      Reserve front seats for low-vision students.  Make sure seats are not near or facing windows.  Glare from the light can make it hard for a student to see the instructor or the board.

­                      Verbalize the content printed on transparencies or on the board.

­                      Face the class when speaking.

­                      Provide large print copies of classroom materials by enlarging them on a photo copier.   Special paper is available from the Division Secretary or the Office of the Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services.

­                      Be flexible with assignment deadlines or give advance notice, especially if library research is requested.

­                      If a specific task is impossible for a student to carry out, consider an alternative

assignment that still meets course objectives.

­                     Provide alternative testing formats (e.g. oral, large print, Braille, or taped).

­                     Allow extended time for tests.

­                     Other adaptations suited to specific situations, such as tactile materials in presenting graphs or illustrations may be helpful.

­                     An enlargement device is available in the library.

 

STUDENTS WHO USE BRAILLE

 

So that Braille materials can be produced in a timely manner, syllabus, class handouts, and tests need to be provided in hard copy and on disks saved in a text file well in advance to the Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services.  A student who is blind and uses Braille is entitled under the ADA to receive materials such as handouts in Braille at the same time as the rest of the class.  Please contact the Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services for additional information.

 

ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY AIDS

 

Whenever possible, texts are obtained in Braille, on tape, or on computer diskettes from national lending libraries.  The College will provide handouts and class materials in alternative format when they are not available for loan.

 

For classes and labs which utilize computers, print enlarging software and/or vocal output adaptations can make computers accessible by individuals with disabilities.

 

Dragon Dictate is speech recognition software that types the spoken word.  Jaws is a screen reader that reads everything on the computer screen.  New advantages in technology are creating greater accessibility for all students.