Children with Visual Impairments

Book excerpt: This book is aimed at the mainstream class teacher who has little or no experience of providing effective learning experiences for children with visual impairments. It is designed both as an introductory guide to assessment and provision. It also has a strong focus on social interactions, since many teachers are confused as how to help children with visual impairments make friends. The book sets out the basis for addressing the individual with a wide range of visual impairments. Chapters cover: the identification and assessment of aspects of vision visual impairment and individual needs practical advice on the development of concepts, language and literacy and social skills the use of low vision aids, appropriate decor and physical layouts, lighting and IT educational policy and the Code of Practice Drawing on very recent research, this book presents new insights into the needs of children with visual impairments as learners, arguing that it is the quality of the child's social interactions which promotes play, language and learning.