Low Vision

For some people with visual impairments the standard size of letters on the screen or printed in documents are too small for them to read. Some people cannot distinguish one color from another. Fortunately, specialized hardware and software can make computer systems usable by individuals with visual impairments.

Input

Most individuals who have visual impairments can use standard keyboards, but large-print keytop labels are sometimes useful, particularly when they are learning to type.

Low vision is used to describe a loss of visual acuity while retaining some vision. It applies to individuals with sight who are unable to read a newspaper at a normal distance of viewing, even with the aid of glasses or contact lenses. People with low vision often need adaptations in lighting and/or enlarged print to read something. There are two specific types of low vision:

Although each situation is different and the student is the best source of information regarding useful accommodations, the following accommodations are typical for a student with low vision:

The Internet hosts a large quantity of websites and electronic discussion lists that contain information of interest to individuals with visual impairments and their family members, friends, mentors, advocates, educators, employers, and coworkers. Topics addressed include education, accommodations, definitions of different types of visual impairments, employment, social development, transportation, and support networks.

Background

My name is Erica. I am a college sophomore with low vision taking a multimedia and design course. I use screen magnification software to access electronic information on the computer.

Background

My name is Marika and I'm a math major in college. I'm visually impaired. I can read large print but have trouble seeing the content on a computer screen, especially when the lighting is poor. For the most part, I am able to read large-print text without any problems.

Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act, which took effect in 1996, requires that telephone products and services be accessible to people with disabilities to the extent access is "readily achievable." The American Foundation for the Blind has a web page for consumers, Cell Phones, Tablets, and Other Mobile Technology for Users with Visual Impairments.

Since each student's accommodation needs are unique and the student is often most knowledgeable about effective accommodations, be sure to talk with the student about what accommodations they might need.

Some specific accommodations that might be useful to a student with low vision in a science lab include the following: