Resources to Support the Blind or Visually Impaired (BVI) Population
Blind or Visually Impaired (BVI)
Visual impairment generically covers a continuum of visual functioning and can include the following terms: blind, legally blind, partially sighted, low vision, or cortically visually impaired. For educational purposes, an individual with visual impairment is one whose visual acuity is not sufficient for the student to participate with ease in everyday activities. The impairment interferes with optimal learning achievement and can result in a substantial educational disadvantage unless adaptations are made in the methods of presenting learning opportunities, the materials used and/or the learning . ~Quick Guide Supporting Children & Youth From Low-Incidence Populations
These resources are intended to provide professional learning for professionals working with Blind or Visually Impaired (BVI) Children and Youth.
Access to Core Vocabulary Using 3D Tactile Symbols with Kathy Look Howery (Part 1)
New research is challenging the commonly held belief that students who have severe visual impairment, significant intellectual disability and complex communication needs must focus their symbolic communication with symbols that have a concrete referent. (Snodgrass, Stoner & Angell, 2013)
It is now commonly understood in the field of augmentative and alternative communication that all students need access commonly used core vocabulary. Core vocabulary is a small set of simple words, in any language, that are used frequently and across contexts. (Cross, Baker, Klotz & Badman, 1997)
This webinar will introduce you to a newly developed set of 3D tactile symbols created by the Centre for Literacy and Disability Studies. Current research and practice focusing on the use of these symbols to support language development and expressive communication will be also shared. You will also be directed to resources that can assist you in teaching and modelling use of core-vocabulary throughout the day for students whose challenges come in multiples.
Length: 59:30