Course 1.4.10, sem IV, Unit III - PowerPoint Presentation

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Course 1.4.10, sem IV, Unit IIIDefining Learners with special needs-VI

By

Ranita

Banerjee

Assistant Professor

Economics Method

ImpairmentA condition in which a part of your body or mind is damaged and does not work well Types

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

HEARING IMPAIRMENT

SPEECH OR LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENT

Definition of Visual Impairment

Those children who suffer from impaired conditions of their visual organs which have deficiencies due to different causes and thus it becomes difficult for them to pursue education as those children with normal vision , hence they require special method of education.

The Individuals with Disabilities Impairment Act ( IDEA ) officially defines the category as an impairment in vision that, even with correction adversely affects a child’s educational performanceIt can range from no vision – blindness- or very low vision to not being able to see particular colors

Can occur at any age; duration of defect might remain the same , stay for a short time or become worse even leading to blindness

Characteristics of Vision

Normal Vision is 6/6

Partial Vision – < 6/6, i.e. denominator can be 60, 36, 24, 18, 12, or 9

Legal Definition :-

only reads first Letter with both eyes

Tunnel vision (< 20 degrees )

Causes of Visual Impairments

Genetic transfer from parents

Carelessness of pregnant mothers

Mishaps and accidents

Unfavourable conditions like starvation , malnutrition

Eye infections and diseases

Adverse effects of certain diseases and medications

Improper postures adopted at workplace

Reading, writing or working in low illumination

Types of visual impairment

1. Depending on refraction :-

a) Short sightedness (Myopia )- can see near objects ; size of eyeball

too long ; requires spherical minus power

b) Far sightedness ( Hypermetropia) :- can see far away objects, size of

eyeball too short ; requires spherical plus power

c) Cylindrical defects :- Improper, Irregular or rather oblique length of

eyeball , requires cylindrical power at a particular axial

2.Depending on colour vision defects :–

All leading to blurring of vision

OTHER DEFECTS

Color

blindness :-

Genetic Causes – Natal, prenatal, postnatal

Defect in the cone cells of the retina

Disability to differentiate the proper

color

Retinopathies :-

Prematurity – preterm babies who required high concentration of oxygen at the time of birth can have resultant scarring and retinal detachment

Diabetes – Congenital and childhood diabetes may lead to several changes in retina due to deficient blood supply and other complication

Miscellaneous

Mascular Degeneration leads to diminished acuity of vision, blurringGlaucoma ( or Buphthalmos ) :- Increased ocular tension due to defective anatomy of eye – drainage of aqueous and vitreous humor hampered

Cataract :- degeneration of or injury to the Lens may or may not be associated with neurological problems

Amblyopia

:- loss of vision due to improper nutrition, drug misuse, eye muscle imbalance causing squint , hence double vision

Crossed Eye:- Inability to focus the same object with both eyes simultaneously

Coloboma

:- the central area of a newborn is incompletely formed

Identification of Visual Impairments

Complain of Headache

Frequent Blinking of eyes

Hold objects close to the eyes

Excessive rubbing of eyes

Different size of the pupils of the two eyes

Photosensitivity to light and photophobia

Inattentiveness during reading sessions

Watering of eyes

Takes false steps while walking

Problems of Visual Impairment in Classroom

Less chance of acquiring information visually ( like maps, charts, etc )

Learning Difficulties :- May read very slowly – fall behind thereby difficulties in meeting the general educational demands

Social Difficulties :- inability to understand non-verbal cues from

others ,

inability to judge distance ( i.e. stand too close

while socializing )

Educational Provisions for Visual Impairments

Decision concerning educational placement :-

a) Regular Classroom

b) Itinerant teacher program

c) Resource room program

d) Full time special class

Educational Provisions

Decision concerning Curriculum

a) Personal competence, self adjustments and daily living skills

b) Orientation and Mobility

c) Communication Skills

d) Vocational guidance and career advancement

e) Use of special aids and equipments like :-

- tape and cassette recorders

-talking books

- personal computers and typewriters

- Braille

- Large type materials

Educational Provisions

Decision concerning curriculum implementation

a) Development of essential skills for gaining information and

knowledge

Training in the use of Braille system

Provision of necessary aids necessary training

b) Development of listening skills

c) Orientation and mobility training

d) Development of independent living skills

Tools and Technology for the Visual Impairments

Special software programs and close circuits televisions enlarge the text on a screen until it is large enough to read, E.g.

kyan

Computerised speech system read text directly from the screen to the user. The text can be converted into Braille that is displayed directly on a specially modified keyboard and read by touch.

Audio description that helps people with sight problems enjoy television , DVD or theatre.

Thank you