Demonstrates difficulty with visual processing

Problem: Demonstrates difficulty with visual processing

Visual processing is the ability to make sense of information taken in through the eyes. The problem is not with a person’s eyesight but with the way the brain processes visual information. Reading and mathematics are two subjects that are greatly affected by visual processing disorders. Both subjects require the accurate perception of symbols (letters, numbers, punctuation, math signs.)

Strategies and Accommodations:

• The student is likely to experience extreme difficulty in copying material from chalkboards or textbooks and completing tasks that involve aligning information, such as writing basic math problems. Provide the student with a copy of notes from the board, as well as textbooks that she/he can write in.
• Limit near- or far-point copying activities. When copying is necessary, do not require speed or accuracy.
• Do not require the student to copy problems from his/her math or other textbooks. Instead, provide the student with clear worksheets that contain only a few problems and plenty of white space.
• When the student is working on a worksheet with different sections, and activities, enhance the spatial organization of the page by using colors and frames. Use the following suggestions separately to avoid adding to the visual confusion:
  1. Draw a frame or border around each major section with a marker or highlighter.
  2. Place boxes on the paper in the places where the student will write important information.
  3. Number the items, in a different color, on the worksheet in the order in which the student is to do them.
• When the student is copying math problems onto his/her paper, have him/her write the problem itself with a colored, fine-point marker but work the problem in pencil. The color contrast will help distinguish between the digits in the problem and his/her own computation.
• Provide verbal information to support information the student receives visually.
• Allow the student to use a place marker or follow with his/her finger.
• Provide repeated exposures to printed visuals.

Note: Of all of the cognitive abilities, visual processing is least related to academic performance. Thus, students with weaknesses in visual processing may not require any accommodations.