Blind Students

I am taking a class for my education degree and I am required to teach a "mini lesson" to the class about blindness / visual impairments. I want to teach my class what it is like to be blind and the challenges that blind students in the classroom face. I want the approach to be fun and interactive (quick, 5-10 minutes, and not messy) but I want it to leave an impact. Any suggestions?

Without involving food (messy) I would suggest that the class count change (coins) under a blindfold. Vary the amount and have 3-5 students count at a time, under a time limit.

Show and have the class learn how to be a sighted guide. Then have them demonstrate with a student that has been blindfolded. (Read about being a sighted guide or better yet talk to an Orientation and Mobility Specialist at your school or local Rehab. facility.

2009-04-13 13:41:27 by Robert B

First-year law student Jennifer Coulter talks about when she lost her sight, the skills she had to learn and the resources on campus for the ...

I am an elementary education major and I have to take a special needs class as a prerequiste.

For my assignment I have to create a powerpoint about a disability of my choice, and I chose blindness. I have to talk about specific categories regarding this disability. The one I'm having problems finding information about is different resources. I did find some technology information that is available to these students but I need to know how the behavior management is, physical set up of the classroom, and teaching methods that are used. Does anyone know of any websites that I could check out or are there any teachers that can provide me with any information?

Thank you!

There are national associations for the blind and there may also be one for your state. Also google "low vision" and "braille" to see if that pulls up anything.

The biggest thing about the physical set up of the room is to keep it constant and for the things (book bags, etc) to be out of the walking path. I would also tend to keep the students desk out of the main walking paths around the room. Too much noise and potential distraction. A place close enough to hear extremely well is ideal - even if it's from a location where you can't see the board. Behavior management plans would probably include instead of a red/yellow/green stop light to signify behavior.. on with textures. Soft, medium and hard/rough perhaps. You would still use the colors, but the textures would signify how he was doing that day. They have preferences that you could take away and/or reward with just like any other child. Music or an extra trip to the computer seems to be reward that would work with someone with vision problems or other kids alike. Teaching methods - as much hands on as possible. Reading about ducks - bring in a stuffed duck. Studying the wind? Make sure you have something to blow and to feel. Math class is almost always done with manipulatives. Talking stopwatches and clocks are fun, too. Reading is done with braille or adaptive technology (special computer programs, zoom text, etc). They would use voice to text or a keyboard with braille to give answers. Social studies would have raised maps, etc. Science/health would need hands on models - skeletons, models, etc. PE would have balls that made a noise as they came near. (Adaptive PE equipment sites are available on the web.)

2008-05-01 14:34:07 by me.

Price: $29.95 $26.99

This was on the news today; students in Chicago schools are required to pass Driver’s Ed in order to graduate.

To clarify it was just the written exam and not the driving exam. It infuriates me the way organized bureaucracies put policies in place that are designed to help people and in turn discriminate against specific situations. These children are wasting valuable learning time which could be preparing them to the special challenges they will face in the real world. They will always be discriminated against them as being less of a functional person. In the job market, in the dating world and I applaud them for not sitting back and taking the test and questioning this BS rule. I once asked my blind uncle why there is Braille on an ATM machine. I really hurt feelings by my belittling his functioning on his own. Although, that was never my intention. He explained that he could use an ATM just fine. The problem was he can't count the money it gives him back.
Hooray to those students for standing up to this injustice they are facing. Hopefully it will help prepare them for all those challenges they will face for the rest of their lives.

2006-03-12 19:50:19 by WindyGale

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Most of the College members were accomodated at Dorton House in Buckinghahsire, but a small number (including a blind friend of mine) were based at Kinlett Hall. Are there any "Kinlett Hall" Blind Students with memories of their stay?

if theyz blind
howz they gone be reed'n this? !!!!!!!!!!!

2006-11-22 07:42:46 by adrianfalks

It simply stems from the fact that society had, and still do have low expectations for everyone who has a disability. Which could help explain why States Rehab. Services are quick to push jobs that involves cleaning up after the "normal" people of society on everyone who requests help from them.

2008-09-18 06:30:05 by rdearborn19532000