Spinal Injuries

IDEA Definition

(13) Visual impairment including blindness means an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness.

Degrees of Visual Acuity

Visual Acuity

Legal Blindness: May be able to see constructs but most vision is lost
Travel Vision: Can move throughout space and see stationary objects
Light Perception: Bright lights
Total or complete blindness: Cannot see any light
Tunnel Vision: Field vision of 20” or less and as if they are looking through a tunnel
Motion Perception: Can see objects moving while stationary

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION/ PHYSICAL EDUCATION CONSIDERATIONS

Characteristics

Students with a visual impairment may show actions of self-simulation (ex. Blindisms: rocking back and forth) and overstimulation, specifically sound.

Strategy

In physical education, sensory integration techniques are essential for students with visual impairments. These students may need specialized approaches to address sensory processing challenges and enhance their participation and skill development. Educators utilize verbal cues, tactile feedback, and environmental modifications to promote sensory exploration and movement experiences tailored to each student's needs, fostering inclusive and meaningful participation in physical activities. (Check Sensory Integration Link Below)

Use of different adapted equipment (eg. Noise makers, bell balls, beepers) can help aide with regulating the student within class activities as well as provide the student with the necessary equipment to succeed. (Check Goalfix Equipment Link Below)

Characteristics

Students' who have a visual impairment early on may have deficiencies in balance.

Strategy

The biggest think is to get a baseline for students' vision either from the child first or from the family. From there create illumination in the areas of play as well as create contrast with equipment, area, or objects. This little fix may help aide with the students' improvement of balance by becoming acquainted/comfortable with the environment. (Check Environmental Accommodations Link Below)
Kinesthetic awareness, often referred to as body sense, encompasses our brain's ability to perceive the positions and movements of our body parts, even without visual observation. It involves sensing the relative positions, movements, and tension of our muscles and joints. This awareness is vital for coordinating movements and sustaining balance, both in stationary and dynamic situations. (Check Balance in PE Link Below)

Characteristics

Tendency to be overweight due to the lack of physical activity and the opportunities for physical activity.

Strategy

There are many different approaches to this such as increasing cardiovascular fitness (eg. Tandom biking, guide running, walking, swimming), and even muscular endurance/strength. The use of repetition and part to whole are great strategies for helping students' learn the content at hand. (Check Fitness Link Below)
Socialization through peer buddies or group activities is another great approach to building motivation and inclusion with students' who have visual impairments. (Check Socialization Link Below)

Links & Supports