Visual impairment (VI) affects many young people, including those who require special education needs (SEN). However, not all visual impairments are the same. We’ll look at the different types of VI, how they affect learning, and how schools can help meet such requirements.
What is visual impairment?
Visual impairment refers to a significant loss of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. It can range from mild to severe, and can affect one or both eyes.
Living with VI can present many challenges for young people in their daily lives. Tasks that most people take for granted, such as reading street signs, identifying faces, or even walking, can become incredibly difficult without support.
They may also have trouble seeing objects, distinguishing colours, or perceiving depth. This can affect their ability to read, write, walk, and complete daily tasks. Because of this, visual impairment is considered as a special education need (SEN).
Types of visual impairment
Low Vision
In some cases, people with visual impairment may have what is known as low vision. This means that they have some remaining vision, though they are still impaired. Because of this, students can struggle to carry out everyday learning activities without help.
There are 4 types of low vision:
- Central vision loss – unable to see things in the centre of your vision
- Peripheral vision loss – unable to see things out of the corners of your eyes
- Night blindness – unable to see in low light
- Blurry or hazy vision – unable to see clearly or sharply
Blindness
On the other end of the spectrum is blindness, where people have little to no peripheral vision. It can be challenging for them to see anything, navigate their surroundings, or do tasks that require sight.
Blindness can be present from birth or develop later on due to illness, injury, or genetic conditions. People who are blind may rely heavily on tactile and auditory cues to move, communicate, and learn.
Colour Blindness
Colour blindness is a genetic condition which impacts a person’s ability to distinguish between certain colours, particularly red and green. This can make it hard to read colour-coded materials, identify objects based on colour, and visual information that relies on colour cues.
Colour blindness can present plenty of challenges for learning, as many educational materials are colour coded. Thankfully, tools and resources are widely available to help identify colours.
Cerebral vision impairment (CVI)
With CVI, the issue lies not with the eyes themselves, but with how the brain processes visual information. This can cause difficulties with visual perception, recognition, and interpretation.
For more information, see: Tips for parents of children with CVI vision impairment
Retinitis pigmentosa
This is a rare genetic disorder that affects the cells in the retina, causing gradual vision loss. Symptoms can include difficulty seeing in low light, tunnel vision, and trouble with depth perception.
This condition can impact a person’s ability to see clearly. They may have difficulty reading text, distinguishing objects in low light, or perceive depth accurately.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This can cause blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty with everyday tasks such as reading and writing.
It can make it hard for learners to focus on coloured objects accurately, as well as carrying out simple tasks. On top of this there is also the struggle to read books, follow along with lessons on a whiteboard, or participate in visual activities.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss if left untreated. It is often difficult to detect early on, until significant damage has already occurred.
Those with glaucoma may experience tunnel vision, blind spots, and difficulty seeing in low light conditions. This can impact their ability to read, write, as well as participate in visual activities at school.
Diabetic Retinopathy
One type of visual impairment that affects young people is diabetic retinopathy. This occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing vision loss and potential blindness.
As they may struggle to see clearly, young people may face challenges reading small print, or identifying objects. It can also impact their ability to participate in school activities and engage with their peers.
How can visual impairment impact learning?
There are three main barriers that young people with VI face:
Physical barriers – These can include difficulty reading small print, seeing clearly from a distance, distinguishing between different colours, or seeing objects. This can make it harder for learners to participate in visual activities in the classroom. As such, they may require adaptations to the learning environment.
Mental/emotional barriers – For some students, some days may feel different to others. Sometimes they may find tasks easier to complete, while other times they face difficulties. This can include feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, or isolation as a result. In which case they’ll need support to understand and overcome these feelings.
Social barriers – Students with visual impairments may need help making friends or engaging as a group activities. They may feel left out or isolated if they are unable to fully engage with their peers. This in turn can make them feel disconnected from their classmates. Instead, classes should be encouraged to include and support peers with any form of SEN.
VI can also affect a student’s learning in various ways, including:
- Trouble with reading and writing
- Being unable to see distant objects such as whiteboards or screens
- Difficulty in following along with lessons and instructions
- Difficulty with visual tasks such as identifying shapes, colours, or patterns
- Challenges moving to and from classrooms and other areas
What can schools do to help?
Because of these challenges, it is essential for schools and teachers to make provisions for students with VI. This can include doing things like:
- Provide materials in accessible formats such as large print, braille, or audio.
- Use tactile markers and other tools to help students navigate the school environment.
- Work with students and their families to develop an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan) addressing specific needs and goals.
- Provide assistive technology and tools such as screen readers or magnifiers to help students access educational materials.
- For colour blind students, provide alternative ways of presenting information without relying on colour.
- Encourage peer support and inclusion to help students with VI feel valued and included in the classroom.
- Equip classrooms with proper lighting and contrast to aid students with VI.
- Install physical accommodations such as ramps, handrails, and accessible seating
- Giving learners more time and patience to complete tasks
How can InFocus College help?
Not all schools have the resources or expertise to adequately support visually impaired students. As a result, they may not receive the best possible education and may struggle to reach their full potential.
Our specialist College provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 16-25, where they can feel comfortable and confident in their abilities.
We have experienced staff, trained in working with students with SEN and visual impairment. Our small class sizes and tailored learning approach ensure that each student receives the support they need.
Students with VI at InFocus College receive access to:
- Personalised curriculum plans
- Specialist facilities, such as our 25m heated swimming pool and sensory room
- Tutors in braille and other access technologies
- Mobility and habilitation training to help walk safely and develop essential techniques for travelling
- CVI range assessments to understand individual needs and strengths
- Cross-campus sessions to promote the integration of peer groups
- Enrichment activities including art, dance, gardening, music, VI Radio, and sensory exploration
- Activities that focus on developing self-advocacy, independence, and decision-making skills
- Activities aimed at improving self-care skills and skills necessary for daily life
- Work-related learning, such as work experience and supported internships
- Support with employment after college
InFocus Podcast
We also have a podcast episode sharing expert insight on supporting vision impairment in specialist education settings.
Available on:
Learn more about InFocus College
For more information about learning at InFocus College, please see our college prospectus. Or why not book a visit for a tour of our campus and facilities. We’d love to discuss your needs and how we can support you on your educational journey.
You can contact us via email or call 01392 454200. We look forward to meeting you!