AIDS YOUR STUDENT MAY NEED

There are many aids available which greatly assist students with visual impairment to access the curriculum and to pursue personal and career goals. Students need to learn to select the specific aid or technology that best meets their need in a given situation, and they may require direct instruction in the use of that particular aid or technology.

Photocopiers or word processing programs to enlarge instructional material, or a computer to produce Braille are other applications of technology which you may find useful in providing for the needs of the student with visual impairment

A sample of the most commonly used material is listed as a start for your discussion with the vision resource teacher. A wide range of materials and equipment may be ordered from the Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired (PRCVI) and from Special Education Technology (SET-BC). The addresses and phone numbers are listed on page 26.

Paper

• Bold-lined paper with darkened lines and enlarged spaces for students who have difficulty with regular paper. Special formats are also available, for example, graph paper for mathematics or staves formusic notation.

Books

• Large print or Brailled texts may be available; the vision resource teacher can provide a current list. You may also request any provincially approved learning resource not on the list.
• Class handouts and short readings can be Brailled or "enhanced" (e.g.,enlarged, darkened) if you give the vision resource teacher 1-2 weeks notice.
• "Talking book" versions of many texts and novels have been professionally taped and should be provided whenever possible.

Equipment

• Tilt-top desks and book stands bring work closer to the eyes for optimum reading angles and lighting.
• Reading windows and line markers can be used by low- vision students to better maintain their reading place on a page.
• Optical enhancers are materials that enhance print size, contrast, and spacing of text.
• Closed circuit TV (CCTV) electronically enlarges print material on a TV screen. Magnification, contrast, and illumination can be adjusted as needed. Various print sizes and handwriting can be seen this way.
• Tape recorders are useful for the student to take notes, record lectures, do assignments, answer extended questions, and complete exams. They also allow the teacher to record comments on assignments, tests, projects; give extended directions or information; and record excerpts from texts and journals.
• Braillers (Braillewriters) are machines for writing Braille and may be used by the student or the assistant for reading and writing activities.

Technology

• Braille 'n' Speak is an electronic note taker which allows the student to enter material and receive auditory feedback/playback. Can be interfaced with a Braille printer and other computers.
• Computers:
  • By moving closer many students with a visual impairment can read the monitor.
  • Software is available for those students who require enlarged print, speech output or Braille.
  • Specially adapted computers are also available to provide paperless Braille.
  • Keyboarding skills should be introduced as early as possible.