Visual Disability

Visual disability refers to the state of an individual in which he suffers from the impairment and defects of his eyes to such an extent as to make him feel disabled or handicapped in terms of his visual ability and perception.
This disability may represent a continuum, ranging from poor and defective vision to no preception of light at all. 

We can classify the visual disability on the basis of one aspect or the other in the following ways-

1. Partial Sightedness 

Here individuals are found to suffer from some visual problems resulting in their partial perception of the object seen.

2. Low Vision Disability

It refers to a moderate to severe visual impairment, not necessarily limited to distance vision. It applies to all the individuals with sight who are unable to read the newspaper at a normal viewing distance, even with the aid of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

3. Legal Blindness

It includes the individuals having less than 20/200 vision in the better eye after correction or a field of vision at a maximum of 20°. It has been defined in the Rights of Persons with Disability Bill, 2012.

4. Total Blindness

Here the person has no vision, i.e., no perception at all of the objects seen and can learn via braille or other non-visual media.

5. Congenial and Adventitious

• Congenial - Disability present at birth.

• Adventitious - Disability occur after birth due to illness or accident.

Characteristics of Visual Impairments Visible in the Child's Behaviour

• Child often complains of eye pain, itchiness or discomfort.

• Constantly reading close to the face. 

• Attempts to brush away a blur. 

• Excessive rubbing of eyes. 

• Constant frowning.

• Shutting or covering one eye for visual tasks. 

• Head-tilt when looking at something 

• Leaning forward to see better. 

• Undue sensitivity to light. 

• Difficulty in reading letters on the blackboard. 

• Using finger as a line marker while reading. 

• Excessive blinking.

• Confusion about words during reading.

Problems of Visual Impaired Children 

• Educational retardation

• Inadequate development of personality

• Problems in adjustment

• Slow speech development

• Low intellectual development

• Defects in perceptual ability

Educational Needs (Provisions) of Visual Impaired Children 

• Right classroom arrangement with adequate light, air and seating arrangement. 

• Print materials with bold font and font size of 10-24. 

• Braille script books (6 dot cell) 

• Use of special equipments like - 

  • Talking calculator

  • Tape recorder 

  • Magnifying glass 

• Inclusive education 

• Co-Curricular activities like Music, Debate, Speech etc. 

• Vocational training in fields like Craft, Horticulture etc.

Role of Teacher in Education for Visual Impaired Children

• To treat and provide them learning experiences at par with the regular students.

• Extra time provided for solving questions and problems. 

• Encouraging them to participate in co-curricular activities.

• Observe their tasks regularly.

• Writing words in large size on blackboard.

• Using different teaching aids during teaching.

• Maintaining a healthy environment in classroom.

• More focus on verbal instructions than non-verbal instructions. 

• Seek regular guidance from special teacher. 

• Provide vocational training to students according to their abilities.