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Module 4: Accommodations for Vision Impairments

Working in the Lab or Field

When educators work in the lab or in the field, they may be carrying out experiments or studies themselves (to test a procedure or to demonstrate to students), or they may be supervising their students in the performance of these activities. Educators must be able to access lab or field work areas, make observations, use measuring devices, and manipulate or control laboratory equipment. All of these tasks must be performed in a safe environment.

Educators with acuity or field limitations may find it difficult or impossible to make visual observations -- both of close-up work and the overall view of student’s working. Color-blindness may impact observations that are dependent on identifying color. In addition, educators with acuity limitations may have difficulty reading measurement devices or equipment controls.

Accommodation options may include:

General

• Position equipment where it can be easily and accurately located.
  Position work materials so that they are close-by and within the teacher’s field of vision or within easy reach for tactile identification.

Low Vision

• Use lighting to maximize visibility while avoiding glare.
• Use large print labels or high contrast marks to mark desired amounts (length, needle position on a meter) .
• Use large print measurement devices.
• Use high contrast marks or large print labels to indicate a particular key or control.

More Significant Vision Loss or Blind

• Use non-slip surfaces to reduce the risk of accidentally slippage.
  Non-slip surfaces may reduce the risk of knocking over an object when a person is trying to find it by touch.
• Use auditory / tone-producing sensors to supplement observations and measurements.
  Examples include liquid level detectors and light sensors (designed to identify whether an LED is on or off).
• Use talking sensors and measurement devices.
  Examples may include color identifiers, talking tape measures, talking scales, talking thermometers, timers, etc.
• Use tactile marks to mark desired amounts (length, needle position on a meter).
• Use Braille measurement devices.
  Examples include Braille rulers, Braille thermometers, Braille timers, and Braille compasses.
• Use tactile marks to indicate a particular key or control.