Environmental Factors That Influences Participation in Children Within The Educational Setting

Environmental Factors That Influences Participation In Children Within The Educational Setting

Environmental factors that influence children's participation within the educational setting (school) that have learning related vision disorders

Anglada,( 2008) argued that visual impairment is essentially an umbrella term used to describe the loss of sight that can be a consequence of a number of different medical conditions. Some common causes of visual impairment are glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, cataracts, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cortical visual impairment, infection and trauma (Wren, 2011). These are just a handful of dozens of conditions impacting sight, and each condition has its own unique characteristics and clinical features(Fadem, 2012). In addition, the impact of the visual impairment on individual learning is also tied to the onset, the severity, and the type of visual loss, as well as to any coexisting disabilities that may be present in the child. For this reason, all classroom accommodations, modifications, and strategies must be designed with the individual needs of each student with a visual impairment in mind. There is no one-size-fits-all model(Walline, 2009).

According to Grosvenor, (2008), in addition to decreased visual acuity and visual field, a number of other vision problems may also impact the visual functioning of the student with visual impairment. There may be issues with sensitivity to light or glare, blind spots in their visual fields, or problems with contrast or certain colors. Factors such as lighting, the environment, fatigue, and emotional status can also impact visual functioning in many of these students throughout the day. Students who have the same visual condition may use their sight quite differently (Wren, 2011). To ensure accessibility to classroom instruction, it is essential that you know how your student is using his/her vision. A specially trained teacher of students who have visual impairments, working with the IEP team members, can help determine the best adaptations and learning media to use with each student (Beck, 2009).

Woliver, (2009) argued that students with visual impairments face an extra challenge when traveling around the school building. Most areas of the school present potential problems. Procedures such as fire drills, changing classes, going to the library and assemblies require that a plan of action be in place. Assess each room that the student will be using for potential hazards. These suggestions will help provide a safe environment.

Familiarize the student with the school building as soon as possible.

Limit clutter in the hallways, stairs and classrooms that the student will be using.

Students with low vision should become familiar with the location of all furniture and fixtures in the room. If furniture must be relocated, be sure to inform the student.

Highlight the edges of stairs and steps with contrasting coloured tape or paint.

Keep all cupboard or closet doors closed (Whooley, 2011).

Train teachers and other students in the sighted guide technique.

When going on a field trip or traveling in an unfamiliar environment, arrange for

a buddy.

Unless the student is familiar with your voice, ...