Abstract
This chapter will provide K-12 educators in regular and special education programs with an overview of the various assistive technology (AT) devices and services that can be used for students who are blind or have visual impairments. This chapter will include introductory information about blindness and visual impairments, including the causes, characteristics, types, prevalence, identification, assessment, and educational placement alternatives. The authors will introduce the student, environment, task, and tools (SETT) framework to identify a struggling student's learning needs and match those needs with the most appropriate assistive technology options. The chapter will cover the implementation of specific low-tech to high-tech AT devices, such as covered overlays, magnifying aids, vibrating pocket watches, large print backlit keyboards, electronic magnifiers, braille display devices, special optic glasses, and voice typing applications. Finally, this chapter will provide support organizations and resources for K-12 educators teaching in inclusive educational environments.
TopTypes And Causes
The optical system, the muscular system, and the nervous system of the eye require proper functioning in order to have effective vision. The eye’s optical system collects and focuses light energy reflected from objects into the field of vision. The eye’s muscular system enables the eye’s ability to move. The eye’s nervous system is responsible for detecting light that enters the eyes, where it is processed into visual images. Damage to any three anatomical systems of the eye may result in impaired vision (Heward, 2013). Etiological factors associated with visual impairments are grouped into three broad categories: refractive errors, structural impairments, and cortical visual impairments.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Orientation and Mobility Specialist: They are certified instructors who received specialized training in instructing students who are blind or visually impaired specific skills and systematic orientation instruction within the home, school, and community environments for safe and independent travel.
SETT Framework: A collaborative decision-making model that focuses on the student, environment, task, and tools to make informed decisions about connecting the child to the appropriate assistive technology device.
Refraction Errors: It is the most common type of vision problems that occur when the eye’s shape prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, resulting in blurry vision. The three common types of refractive errors are astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia.
Mathematical Manipulatives: They are concrete objects that can be handled by an individual in a sensory manner to gain knowledge of the subject matter.
Perkins Brailler: This mechanical device, resembling a traditional typewriter, is a tactile system of reading and writing letters, numbers, and contractions from arranged raised dots for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Audiobooks: Digital text-to-speech books that allow students with low vision to listen to traditional textbooks in audio.
Cortical Visual Impairments: It is a visual disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain that process vision. Common causes of cortical visual impairments include lack of oxygen to the brain, infections that reach the brain, or head injuries.
Snellen Chart: It is a visual acuity test, also known as an eye exam, to check how well a person identifies letters or symbols from a distance.
Structural Impairments: It is caused by poor development, damage, or malfunction of one or more parts of the eye’s optical or muscular system. Structural impairments include such disorders as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Nystagmus, and Strabismus.