The term VI refers to anyone who is blind or partially sighted and has a clinical diagnosis. 

STRATEGIES 

• Take advice from specialist teams related to reasonable adjustments such as font size and style

• Give as many first hand real multisensory experiences as possible 

• Ensure correct seating in relation to IWB, teacher, TAs, taking account of levels of vision in each eye

• VI pupils should be near the front, but not facing a window  

• Explore different paper and smartboard colours to try to find the best contrast

• Consider lighting – natural v artificial – which is the most comfortable? Most VI pupils prefer a high level of lighting, but some need reduced light or shade Use of blinds and curtains to reduce glare

• Avoid shiny work surfaces or glossy books which may reflect light and cause dazzle/glare

• Intersperse short spells of visual activity with less demanding activities

• Eliminate copying from the board, books, screens etc.. 

• Avoid extensive handwritten recording –use ICT, bullet points, mind mapping, printout of IWB to annotate 

• Ensure appropriate print size, clear well spaced print is provided  when reading, completing worksheets etc.. Consider the reduction of visual clutter – is that picture really necessary 

• Ensure a range of writing materials is available so the pupil can chose the most appropriate to maximise vision

• Always use verbal explanations when demonstrating to the class. Read aloud as you write on the board

• Address the pupil by name to get their attention

• Avoid standing in front of windows – your face becomes difficult to see

• Avoid sharing books, texts, screens, monitors unless doing so is a priority for social reasons 

• Some pupils may need to move to adjust to changing light conditions and may  have difficulty when moving from a well lit to a dimly lit environment needing  time to adjust 

• Avoid leaving bags, coats, lunch boxes on the floor. Tilted chairs and doors left ajar are a hazard

• Clean the board regularly to maintain maximum contrast – use a high contrast whiteboard pen (avoid green)

• Ensure there is no glare or reflection on the whiteboard 

• Tone of voice s more meaningful then facial expression 

• Pre-learning – prepare pupil for lessons explaining concepts that rely on vision for understanding 

• Use ICT to act as a magnifier eg ipad camera 

• Allow pupils with a VI to use a pen rather than a pencil – this will increase the contrast on the paper.

• Pupils with a VI may struggle with cursive handwriting and this should not be forced