Support Available for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Part 1 Information for Students

Part 2 Additional Information for Teachers

Part 1 Information for Students

Please see Helene Loizides-Dickson in C12 to find out what kind of help is available for you. You may need an assessment to determine your need for exam support, such as extra time and/or modified papers. You may require texts in alternative formats, such as large print, mp3 or braille. Additionally, we have a range of equipment, assistive technologies and software, for example, electronic magnifiers, reading software/devices and dictaphones.

Texts in Alternative Formats

·        Large print documents

·        Electronic copies of documents and some coursebooks for use on computer and/or with reading software.

·        Braille

·        Mp3 voice files of documents

Assistive Equipment and Technology

·        Handheld magnifiers

·        Portable electronic magnifiers

·        Static CCTV magnifiers for reading, art and practical work.

·        Electronic portable readers

·        OCR portable reading devices

·        Reading software; Supernova, Read & Write Gold

·        Dictaphones

·        Writing frames

·        Enhanced visibility keyboards

·        Tinted overlays to reduce glare

·        Sonar (cursor enhancing software)

·        Magnifying software for home and college use.

·        Book/document stands

In addition, there are a number of features and modifications which can be made on your pc/computer to enhance visibility. Icons can be enlarged and the resolution can be changed to increase size. Also, using ctrl and scroll on your keyboard will enlarge your document or internet pages.

Please speak to your classroom teachers about the following things:

·        The best place for you to sit in the classroom to see the whiteboard/projector etc

·        The lighting conditions; too dim, too bright, shadow cast?

·        Providing you with descriptions of pictures and videos

·        Making arrangements to produce/supply texts in alternative formats specific to you.

Part 2 Additional Information for Teachers

·        Discuss seating arrangements and lighting with your student.

·        Check that materials and resources in an alternative format are provided for your student, if needed. Seek advice from Additional Support regarding specialist equipment, technology and software.

·        Be prepared to write a short description/summary of images and videos shown in class.

·        Acknowledge the use of assistive technology and equipment that the student may bring into class.

·        Discuss examination support needs.

·        Recognise that a student with a visual impairment may take longer to read and write in the classroom.

For additional information, further explanation and advice, please contact Helene on ext 2108, pop in to C12 or email helene.loizides-dickson@chichester.ac.uk