How to give Better Education to the Blind Students

1. How to give Better Education to the Blind Students

2. Introduction • As a special education or classroom teacher, it is important to be able to identify your students' needs whether physical, emotional or cognitive. • When dealing with a large group, this may be difficult. • However, through close observation and parent conferences, you can figure out what each of your students needs to succeed both academically and socially. • Students who have visual disabilities can appear to struggle to see the board, squint at their paper or a book, walk into things or slow their movements around large objects, or may socially outcast themselves and choose not to be part of a group during play or free time.

3. Classroom Changes and Arrangements • Making a few changes to your classroom can help a visually impaired student succeed in a normal classroom setting. • Position the student in a seat near the front of the room and close to the board. • Visually impaired students struggle with light sensitivity, so sitting them away from windows and glaring lights will help them to see the board and increase concentration. • Another adaptation is to provide ample space around the classroom. • Leave extra space between desks, tables, cabinets and other classroom objects. Keep classroom furniture in the same positions so visually impaired students become accustomed to the layout of the classroom and can easily move around without bumping into objects.

4. Aids for Student Use • Provide visually impaired students with classroom aids to assist in the learning process. • Write with dark colors on the dry erase board, using large print letters. • If possible, provide students with a printed copy of the class notes, either in large, bold print (14-20 pt.) or tape record them so they can better absorb the information. • Check out audio copies of stories read in class so students can listen to the text again. • Record lessons, class discussions and visual presentations offering descriptive details so students can take the copies home and listen to them again.

5. What You Can Do • Explain everything in detail – Lessons, lectures, presentations, visuals on the overhead, diagrams should all be explained in detail for those students who are blind and have no vision. • Make sure to always give directions orally. • Help with directional movement and body orientation (move to the left, the board is straight ahead of you, your test is slightly to the left side of your desk, etc.) • Always offer to read written information aloud. • Always identify people including yourself by name in case they cannot see well enough to identify them, you or the students in their group.

6. Testing • Make sure the test format suits their visual ability (Braille if needed, large print, recorded, etc.) Reading the test aloud may also be the best method for test implementation. • Allow for more time and repeat questions if necessary. • Try adding visuals with bold or distinct contrasting colors that will help them to identify certain objects in a diagram, graph, etc. Also, using tactile learning through 3D objects can help in a lab or science setting. • Allow the use of large-buttoned or talking calculators, provided they do not distract other students. • Allow after school time to review or repeat any questions missed during class (only if they have concentration or focus problems).

7. Monitor Student Progress • Maintaining consistent goals and expectations is necessary to ensure academic success. • Students shouldn't use their visual impairment as an excuse for late or unfinished work. • Teachers should hold the same expectations for visually impaired students as other students. • Check in often to ensure they understand the lesson and review topics they didn't comprehend. • Provide visually impaired students with extra tutoring before and after school. • Encourage other students in the class to help. Assigning a student to act as a mentor to the disabled student will provide both of them with a valuable learning experience. Monitor student progress in other classes as well.

8. Conclusion • People with vision impairment experience the world through entirely different mechanisms. • If you are looking to help blind, reach Rakum, the best Blind children school in Bangalore. • They strive hard to redress the requirements of visually challenged persons within the community. For more details, visit http://rakumblindschool.org