Vision Supports

PURPOSE: To provide visual and tactile stimulation to students with visual disabilities or enhanced sensory experience for younger children or individuals with cognitive impairments. Many of our students use these light boxes in the classroom already.

Please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gYfd7SOvSs

MATERIALS:

Plastic Box with a clear lid, about 24” x 18” x 7” (example below). Or, the size of box can depend on if your child will be seated or if they will stand while they play. The important thing is proper positioning for easy reaching and relaxed shoulders.

Clear Box

LED string of white lights: LED lights do not burn as hot as the standard holiday lights, as I mentioned in the video. I prefer the rope-type lights for safety reasons. The number of stings or bulbs one would need also depends on the area of the box. However, the light should be bright enough to illuminate the area enough. Arrange the lights so that they are evenly distributed.

Black or dark cardboard and tissue paper: This is optional. One can line the sides of the box to keep the light focused on the top. The tissue paper or even a large white plastic bag with no writing can be used on the top to diffuse the light. Secure the cardboard and tissue paper with tape.

****If you decide to use the bulb-type LED or especially the non-LED lights, I recommend leaving out the tissue paper and cardboard for fire-safety reasons.

Items for manipulating and viewing:

These beaded gel packs are fun to look at over light, teach shapes and colors, and have a cool tactile feel. However, they are rather expensive. I purchased the one in the video at Dollar Tree. Gel packs are also made for heat packs, so one may find some at a drug store.

Sensory Shapes

I made the one pictured below with hair gel, translucent and colorful bingo chips, small round beads, or anything that is colorful and will show light through it. I used a vacuum sealer for persevering/freezing food to make this one.

Colored plastic toys or lids can be used as is or cut into shapes. These are difficult to grasp, but a wine cork or cap from a bottle could be glued with a glue gun into the center for grasping. Any translucent and brightly colored toy will also work.

Finally, translucent files of different colors can be used. Put a puff paint for other paint that sticks up on it to make a pattern (parallel lines, finger maze, a spiral, letters, or any design that you want). Your child can then run his or her finger over the design for tactile fun.

Brand Poly Project Tab Folder

MOST IMPORTANTLY -- HAVE FUN!!!!