Student Services > Learning and Disability Support > Disability Support > General Information on Disabilities > Vision impairment >

What are the educational implications?

The majority of learning generally occurs through vision. The student with vision impairment may have restricted capacity to obtain information through observation and visual demonstrations. Other specialised strategies may need to be employed in order for the student to learn new skills. Therefore, vision impairment can significantly impact on all aspects of the student's education, including:

academic areas
communication
mobility
independent living skills
social interactions.

These frequently need to be explicitly taught to the student. In addition, these students are likely to require a considerable increase in time allocation for learning new tasks.

For a student with vision impairment to access the curriculum and learning environment, adjustments may need to be considered regarding:

presentation of learning materials in alternative formats
alternative formats for class activities and assessment items
specialised equipment including low vision aids or Braille equipment
assistive technology
time allowed to complete tasks
accessibility within the learning environment for safe and independent access and mobility
extra time and opportunity to preview and review audio visual material
environmental conditions such as lighting and glare.

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