Overview: Visual impairment

Advance preprint of an overview chapter from the forthcoming Disability Studies in Inclusive Education open textbook edited by Judith McKenzie, Kofi Nseibo, Chantal Samuels and Amani Karisa.

After completing this section, you will be able to:

• Describe important eye conditions that lead to visual impairment, and how these present.
• Examine the effect of low vision or blindness on visually impaired children in the classroom.
• Identify barriers to learning experienced by learners who are blind or have low vision.
• Apply teaching strategies for inclusive learning in their own educational context for learners who are blind or have low vision.
• Analyse how the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be used to create conducive learning environments for learners who are blind or have low vision.
• Explain the importance of the expanded core curriculum to learners with visual impairments.
• Describe a range of assistive technologies for learners with visual impairments.
• Explain the importance of human rights and legal issues for learners who are blind or have low vision.
• Reflect on the experiences and psycho-emotional issues in the lives of learners with visual impairments and their families in an empathetic way.