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Understanding Vision Impairment
Sight is something many of us take for granted; arguably the most powerful of all the senses, it provides instant access to information and helps us understand and navigate the world. According to studies, 90% of learning is typically achieved through vision. A vision impairment can impact significantly on achievement and educational outcomes.
“Vision impairment” is an umbrella term that is used to describe a multitude of conditions. Not all vision impairments are the same. Eyes communicate with the visual cortex of the brain via the optic nerve. A vision impairment can occur when these messages are not fully transmitted. This can be due to problems with the visual cortex or the optic nerve, or within the eye itself, or difficulties with eye movement.
A child's degree of vision impairment will depend on the particular eye condition, what aspect of the visual system is affected, as well as the extent of light/colour or shape perception, and the levels of near, distance and peripheral vision. Glasses, surgery and medication can often help youngsters with vision impairment but frequently do not bring levels of vision up to normal levels.
Individuals with severe visual impairments are often considered blind, however this doesn’t always mean they can’t see anything at all. Children described as educationally blind may be able to see light, shapes, colours and even objects, depending on their condition.
Children and young people with vision impairments can do almost everything that sighted children can, however they learn to do them in different ways, often using different tools or materials. Their other senses, as well as any residual vision, are central to their learning experience.
Even without being able to rely on visual learning, with effective adaptations, specialist teaching and support, children with vision impairments can achieve their full potential.
Access to a qualified teacher of the visually impaired (QTVI) and a qualified paediatric habilitation specialist is absolutely vital to ensure these adaptations are made available.
A QTVI will work with the child’s parents, teachers, teaching assistants and other professionals to help the child navigate the world around them. This includes:
Enabling full access to the curriculum via the use of large print, adapted resources, diagrams and equipment
Direct teaching of Braille and Moon
Advice on specialist equipment including Perkins Brailler, Braille Note, Braille edge, Brailliant, Prodigi, embossers, accessibility software, touch typing, etc
Provision of large print, audio and Braille documents.
A Qualified Habilitation Specialist provides:
Assessment of a child’s requirements for mobility and orientation.
Advice on independent travel, within school, around the local community and even internationally.
Audits and risk assessments to ensure a safe school environment.
Independent living skills designed to promote self-reliance and self-esteem.
Vicky Taylor is both a QTVI and QHS and can therefore facilitate the specialist provision required by all babies, children and young people with vision impairment, including those with complex needs.