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Vision impairment in educational terms is any diagnosed condition of the eye or visual system that impacts on access to learning. Disease, damage or injury causing vision impairment can occur to any part of the visual system i.e. the eye, the visual pathway to the brain or visual centre of the brain. Vision impairment can be present at birth, occur at any time from disease or accident, be part of a medical condition or syndrome. Most visual conditions in children are stable and vision remains relatively unchanged. Some conditions, however, are progressive, resulting in reduced vision over varying periods.[1]
As indicated on the Special Education home page, inclusion is a preferred educational option wherever this is possible and every effort is usually made to achieve this. Where this is not possible, special classes or special schools involving curriculum and staffing modifications are used.
This page looks at associations, selected educational sites, vision information, vision technology, other resources, parent sites, children’s sites, government bodies, strategies, techniques, magazines, journals and other information.
The Special Education Resources page provides further options from Australia and overseas.
If you are aware of any worthwhile information which is not included, suggestions or additions are welcome and will be given due consideration.
Associations
Australian Sites
- Blind Citizens Australia
‘Our mission is to achieve equity and equality by our empowerment, by promoting positive community attitudes, and by striving for high quality and accessible services which meet our needs.’ - Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind
‘Australia’s premier provider of educational services to children with hearing and/or vision impairment.’ Their Internet Resources list is worth visiting. - Seeing Eye Dogs Australia
‘Seeing Eye Dogs Australia provides Australians who are blind or vision impaired with the opportunity to participate as active members of the community.’ - The Fred Hollows Foundation
- Vision 2020 Australia
‘A partnership of over 50 organisations from the eye health and vision care sector working together to eliminate avoidable blindness and improve vision care.’
State Bodies
- Association for the Blind of WA
Also includes Guide Dogs WA. Information, publications, personal stories. - Blind Citizens Australia
Victorian. Branches, consultants, equipment, other links. - CanDo4Kids
‘We provide a range of community services to South Australian children and young people who have sensory impairments.’ - Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Guide Dogs and more in vision impairment. - Guide Dogs Victoria
Guide Dogs and more in vision impairment. - Queensland Blind Association
Information multiple directories, topics from Adaptive Technology to Queensland Support Groups. - The Royal Society for the Blind
‘Providing services to South Australians who have a severe vision impairment. These services are delivered by a professional, committed and highly qualified team supported by volunteers.’
International Sites
- Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
Working ‘to increase awareness of rights and responsibilities, so blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted individuals can have equal access to the benefits and opportunities of society.’ - American Foundation for the Blind
Information grouped under 4 main headings plus a search engine. If something needs to be covered then you will find it here. - Canadian National Institute for the Blind
Information, resources. In English and French. - Fighting Blindness [Ireland]
‘Committed to finding treatments and cures for all forms of blindness and related sensory loss through the promotion of research, to supporting those who are affected by degenerative blinding conditions and to providing information.’ - National Federation of the Blind
‘The largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. Improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.’ - Royal National Institute of the Blind
UK organisation. An array of information and resources. - Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind
‘New Zealand’s primary provider of vision-related services to blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people.’ - Sightsavers International
‘Works to combat blindness in developing countries, restoring sight through specialist treatment and eye care.’ - World Blind Union
‘The only organisation entitled to speak on behalf of blind and partially sighted persons of the world, representing 162 million blind and visually impaired persons from about 600 different organisations in 158 countries.’
Education Sites
Sites covering education and schooling. Check other relevant state/territory links on the main Special Education page.
- ACT Special Education Section
Covers special education including those with a visual disability. - Disability Programs NSW
Covers all aspects of special education including those with a visual disability. - Program for Students with Disabilities Handbook
Victorian. Information, downloadable documents, vision impairment support, guidelines. - Special Options SA
Information, downloadable PDF files showing special class, unit and school locations, including those for Vision. - Vision Brochure - TAFE NSW
Covers blindness and vision impairment assistance available for TAFE students. For other help in finding Services at individual institutes of TAFE in& NSW, use this link. - Vision Impairment ?
Education Queensland. Information search, publications, activities, support strategies. For more information on Vision Impairment ?, go here. - Vision Impairment - Northern Territory
Overview then links to further information.
Selected Schools & Teaching Centres
- Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind
One of Australia’s largest educators of children with special visual needs. - St. Edmund’s [NSW]
‘A co-educational Catholic special high school for students who are blind, vision impaired or with other special needs.’ - St Lucy’s School [NSW]
‘Excellence in education for children with disabilities.’ Primary. - South Australian School for Vision Impaired
Information includes this specific school and services which it co-ordinates across the state. - Vision Impairment Service
[Tas]
‘Works collaboratively with all participants in the support of children with a vision impairment and their families in home, school and community settings.’ Overview and contacts.
Vision Technology
Low Technology
Includes aspects such as audio and large print, braille, etc..
- Audio Books and Large Print Suppliers
Links, many Australian, under both headings.
Braille
- Braille
Multiple directories including Fact Sheets, General Information, Instruction, Transcription, Books & Magazines, Other Indexes. - Braille [Wikipedia]
The alphabet, the Braille Cell, writing Braille, Braille transciption, Braille for other scripts, links. - Braille Bicentenary
‘Braille, how Braille works, learning braille, resources for schools and more. From the Royal National Institute of Blind People in the UK. - Braille Bug
Helps primary level children, without vision difficulties, gain a better understanding of Braille. - Braille Factsheet
Better Health Victoria in conjunction with Vision Australia. - Braille Resources
Introduction to Braille, companies for Braille products [mostly US], other tactile applications, resources & organisations.
- Technology Information Sheets
‘Technology for people with sight problems. Download the technology information sheets.’ Several are provided such as Mobile Phones.
High Technology
Includes areas such as software, technical equipment, etc..
- Access Technology For Students with Vision Impairments
‘Products and support available for students with vision impairments - includes computer access [voice, enlargement, braille, scanning etc.], calculators, curriculum support materials [dictionaries, e-text, atlases, literacy tools etc.], electronic magnification devices.’ - Adaptive Technology
Brief description of several formats. Links to suppliers. Most are international. - Adaptive Technology Links
Annotated links for suppliers, information and specific technology from books to high tech materials. - Assistive Technology - General
Annotated links to information and technology. - Assistive Technology Options
Links to information on technology from audio players & recorders, computers & calculators, lighting & magnifiers. Some high tech, others low tech. - Checklist for Adaptive Technology Choices
‘Can form the basis of initial investigations and discussions. Careful consultation, assessment and planning is necessary in order to achieve successful selection and introduction of technology.’ - Suppliers of Assistive Technology
Australian and international suppliers. Contact details or web sites provided. - Technologies for the Visually Impaired Inc.
‘An exciting array of adaptive devices, software and accessories specifically designed for use by blind or visually impaired individuals.’ - Technology for Students With Vision Impairments
‘A summary of some of the technology options for students with a vision impairment.’ Links and information about software, tutorials, advice, etc., for computer usage and skills. - Trekker
‘A revolutionary system that uses GPS and digital maps to help blind persons find their way in urban and rural areas. GPS lets them know their location, anywhere in the world, with continually growing precision.’ Fits in the palm of their hand. - Software : check the Education Software pages for software in this area.
Resources
Children’s Sites
Sites designed for children of all ages, rather than adults and professionals.
- Feelix Library
‘Vision Australia has a unique braille book library developed specifically for children who are blind or vision impaired aged from birth to six. The library, known as Feelix, makes picture books accessible for the first time to children who are blind or vision impaired.’ - Recreation
For South Australian children and their families. Activities in which they can be involved. - RNIB Young People
‘If you’re 11 to 16 years old and have a sight problem, this site is for you.’ UK Based.
Other Resources
- About Sight Loss, Changing the Way We Think About Blindness
Answering questions about sight loss through questions and related responses. Royal National Institute of the Blind [UK]. - A - Z of Topics
Multiple areas. Some special to the UK but many provide worthwhile information. - Blind-Gamers
‘Games specifically designed for vision-impaired and blind players.’ All Free. - Blindness Resource Centre
US. Links in directories. Extensive Online Resources list. - Information For and About the Blind
‘Articles available on the web written especially for and about the blind and visually impaired.’ - Louis Braille Audio
‘The largest producer of unabridged Australian audio books. First produced for borrowers of the Braille and Talking Book Library, now Vision Australia. Our titles include both literary, genre, popular fiction and non-fiction. Children’s titles include popular recreational reading as well as books currently set as texts. We also produce a range of reading kits - the Outloud range.’ - Louis Database
Of Accessible Materials for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired. ‘Louis contains information on nearly 200 000 titles in accessible formats including braille, large print, sound recording, and electronic files.’
This is US and Fee-based [though not onerous]. - Low Vision Gateway
‘Your starting point to the world’s resources for vision loss, vision-impairment, blindness, low vision aids.’ - Statewide Vision Resource Centre
‘To promote an understanding of the educational needs of students who are blind or have low vision, provide professional development to school communities and provide students with text books in their preferred format.’ Based in Melbourne. Their Support Networks listing is peculiarly Australian. - Tasmanian Living Technology
‘Information and reviews of the latest adaptive technology software and hardware designed to help low vision users. We work with the Tasmanian Education Department and many articles are useful for teachers working in special education.’ - The International Electronic Braille Book Library
‘Over 1 000 titles; the largest collection of electronic Braille [e-Braille] books in the world.’ - Vision Impairment Resources
Books, mailing lists, links, resources,links to educational information [mostly US]. - Read ’Em and Speak !
‘All sites and resources to which Read ’Em and Speak is linked are either intrinsically speech and braille-friendly, or have been extensively re-indexed locally so as to ensure easy and immediate access by the blind/VI cybernaut.’
Parental Involvement, Information & Support
Support for parents as well as providing them with information and assistance.
- Books and Web Sites for Parents
‘For parents of blind and visually handicapped children.’ Annotated links. - Children’s Services
‘Vision Australia provides training and resources for families to help children who are blind or vision impaired increase their choices and reach their full potential.’ - Peer Support Groups
‘Ensure that people who have vision loss or who have been newly diagnosed with a vision impairment have the opportunity to meet with others who may be experiencing similar feelings.’ - V.I. Guide
‘Internet resources about visual impairments for parents [Parenting] and teachers.’
Resources for Professionals
- Caring for Patients who are Blind or have Low Vision
‘People who are blind or have low vision have special needs for interpreting their environment. By following simple guidelines you can help make their hospital stay easy and comfortable.’
DAISY
- Open XML to DAISY XML Translator
‘The Free, downloadable add-in for Microsoft Word enables the translation of millions of Open XML documents into DAISY XML, the lingua franca of the globally-accepted Digital Access Information SYstem [DAISY] standard for digital talking books.’ - The DAISY Consortium
‘Formed in May, 1996 by talking book libraries to lead the worldwide transition from analog to Digital Talking Books. DAISY denotes the Digital Accessible Information SYstem.’
- Neurological Eye Simulator
‘Simulates interactive eye motion and allows various neurological pathologies to be simulated. Requires the Macromedia Shockwave plug-in 6.0 or later.’ - Teaching Students With Sensory Impairments
Strategies for Mainstream Teachers. ‘Result of an international,collaborative effort among educators in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, who work with students with vision or hearing impairments.’
Tools, Techniques & Strategies
Primarily designed for teachers and other educational personnel, but also usable by parents.
- How to Guide People With Sight Problems
‘Guidelines offering suggestions for assisting people with sight problems.’ Royal National Institute of the Blind [UK]. - Sighted Guide Tips
10 common sense tips on working effectively with vision impaired people of all ages. - Strategies for Teaching Students With Vision Impairments
Advice on everything from courtesy to research and testing. Worth viewing. - Tips for Teachers and Teachers Aides
Victorian. A wealth of general, common-sense material on this site. - Visually Impaired Resource Guide - Learning Skills
British Columbia. Information for school levels in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.
Other Information
Australian Sites
- Disability Information and Resource Centre
Information on disability issues. - Retina Australia
‘Scientific research and support to people and families affected by retinal degenerative diseases.’
Government Agencies & Bodies
This includes those at both state and federal level and includes both agencies and government-related groups.
- Disability Online [Victoria]
‘For people with a disability, their families and carers.’ - Vision Australia
‘Largest provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia, enabling more than 41 000 children and adult clients to live the lives they choose.’
International Sites
- Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library
It is in New York. No, you can’t borrow. However, its listings may make you more aware of just what is available and perceived to be of good quality. - Blind Links
Links in directories from Adaptive Technology to WWW & Homepages. - Deafblindness Web Resource Page
Annotated links to information. - Links to Vision Related Web Sites
Links, some peculiar to the US [e.g. schools], others of value wherever you are. - SERI Vision Impairment Resources
Resources, information, links to organisations. The home page also has links to other fields for children with specific needs and disabilities. - Tiresias
‘For professionals who work in the field of visual disabilities and for all people who have an i nterest in solving the problems faced by people with disabilities.’
Magazines & Journals
Includes online and print versions.
- Blind World Magazine
‘Where the world keeps up-to-date with the latest news and goings-on in the blind and visually-impaired communities. A Free online magazine’ - EP Magazine
Covers all areas of disability including vision. Need to register. - Insight Magazine
‘Providing inspirational and practical information on the education of children and young people, including those with additional or complex needs.’ UK, Fee-based. - Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness
Issues since 1998 available online, in large print as well. - Special Child
‘Online publication dedicated to parents of children with special needs.’ Covers multiple areas.
Vision Information
This includes information on eyes and diseases and conditions linked to loss vision.
Diseases & Conditions
- Eye Conditions
‘There is no typical eye condition. Blindness and vision impairment may come in many forms. The most common causes of blindness and vision impairment among Australians however, are age related - with age related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma being the most common causes of blindness and vision impairment.’ - Eye Conditions [RNIB]
‘Simple guides designed to help you understand more about your eye condition. Our information on individual eye conditions is medically checked.’ - Eye Diseases and Conditions
Albinism to Usher’s Syndrome. Multiple links for each section. - Vision Disorders in Children
‘Find Vision impairments that affect at least 15 out of 100 people … yet, frequently go unrecognized and untreated.’
The Eye & How it Works
- Children’s Vision
‘General Children’s Vision Information.’ Multiple topics. - How the Eye Works
Information and graphics in a clear presentation. - The Anatomy of the Eye
Information and graphics in a clear presentation.
References
- 1. Vision Impairment - What is vision impairment [VI] ? Education Queensland, 18 Sept. 2007. Web. 20 Jan. 2010. http://education.qld.gov.au/studentservices/learning/disability/generalinfo/vision/vi2.html.