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Your vision may have changed, but it's unlikely your imagination has! Simple everyday arts and crafts can be inspired by any product, any experience, at any time. Here are some ideas to try if you are blind or have low vision.
Source: Vision AwareJAN has the answers to your questions about ADA regulations, workplace accommodations, advocacy and accessibility. JAN is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, in the U.S. Department of Labor
Assessing vision as part of an early intervention program for infants and children who have additional or multiple disabilities and visual impairment (MDVI).
Source: Scottish Sensory CentreDoris Willoughby offers specific ideas for the assessment of children with a visual impairment, including adaptations of existing instruments, as well as observation of the child in activities of daily living.
Source: National Federation of the Blind (NFB)Download the complete text of this resource by Chapters in Word or PDF. Chapter 12 is specific to Blindness and Low Vision.
Source: WATI (Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative)Find out the purpose of assessments and learn more about some of the different types.
Source: FamilyConnectA 73-page handbook on the assessment of functional vision; includes advice on low vision training. Link also includes access to book 1, covering screening for impaired vision.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)In this 60-minute presentation Frances Mary D'Andrea addresses the importance of monitoring students’ progressive skills as they develop as readers and writers.
Source: Perkins eLearning Tutorial and WebinarThis one-hour webinar explores the role of the teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) in reading and writing instruction, both as a collaborator with the general classroom teacher and as a provider of specific instruction. The importance of monitoring students’ progressive skills are emphasized, with specific approaches and tools for monitoring progress of students using braille. Also available as a self-paced tutorial.
Source: Perkins eLearningThis page presents a brief overview of vision-related and developmental assessments.
Source: FamilyConnectSighted guide techniques with illustrations. A PDF is also available.
Source: Community Eye Health JournalGuidelines for offering practical assistance to people who are blind or visually impaired, including etiquette tips and sighted guide techniques. Available as a PDF.
Source: Community Eye Health JournalThe Perkins Assistive Device Center is a workshop that creates customized materials for children with disabilities. Custom-made items meet the unique needs of individuals while being affordable, durable and attractive.
Source: Perkins School for the BlindThis section of the Teaching Visually Impaired website includes an Overview of Assistive Technology (AT); Types of VI AT; AT Instruction; Apps for VI; Braillewriter Repair; AT Resources; and Vendors.
Source: Teaching Visually ImpairedBegin your understanding of assistive technology with this overview of the tools and devices used by the visually impaired to assist their daily activities, and then browse resources and activities on topics such as 3D printing, apps, coding, iPads and tablets, and screen readers.
Source: Paths to LiteracyLooking for a template for assessing students with visual impairments? TSBVI provides an example for download, which can be modified as needed. Includes assessment of accessing and producing written communication, physical requirements for computer use, and recommendations. Other templates are available in PDF and RTF form for the major types and brands of assistive technology for users who are blind or visually impaired.
Source: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)This 10-page document defines commonly used terminology associated with assistive technology.
Source: Georgia Project for Assistive TechnologyA self-paced online course for teams assessing the assistive technology needs of students with visual impairment. Includes videos to demonstrate assessment techniques and student interaction with the potential equipment..
Source: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)A brief overview of some of the primary types of assistive technology for people with visual impairments, including Screen-Reading Software, Magnification Software, Dictation Software, Refreshable Braille Displays, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Systems, Video Magnifiers or Closed-Circuit Televisions (CCTVs), and Portable Magnifiers.
Source: Mobility International USAExplore information designed for parents and family members on a range of assistive technology topics, including Accessing Printed Information; Accessing Electronic Information; Tools for Writing; Taking Care of Assistive Devices; Students Using Technology; and Kitchen Appliance Accessibility.
Source: FamilyConnect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments