Blind/Visually Impaired

The following academic tips should assist you in working with students who are blind or visually impaired in post-secondary education. 

Academic Tips...

  • Offer preferential seating, i.e.: up front or closer to professor

  • Understand the level of visual impairment

  • Maintain regular contact with DRS office and student for accessibility needs

  • Verbalize any written or visual information

  • Provide visual and auditory cues

  • Review general room layout (exits, desks, lecture location, etc.)

  • Use directives, i.e.: left, right, step up, step down

  • Use enhanced verbal descriptions

  • Give comparisons and analogies with familiar objects that do not depend on prior visual knowledge

  • Ignore assist dogs, they are not to be touched or talked to

Common Assistive Technology:

  • Screen Magnification software: MAGic
  • Alternative text: Braille, e-text, large print
  • Screen Reading software: Jaws
  • Dual monitor set up for computer classes