Visual Strategies
Why do children with Down syndrome have visual impairments?
The eyes of a person with Down syndrome are different then those of their typically developing peers. Usually people with Down syndrome have eyes that are slanted upwards and may contain Brushfield’s spots, which are white dots on the iris. Children with Down syndrome are more likely then their peers to experience problems with their vision; these problems can range from overactive tear duct to blindness. Common vision problems in children with Down syndrome
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What Can a Teacher Do
- Worksheets and workbooks that are large in print (size 18-21 pts)
- Display pictures with spoken words
- Make sure the child has adequate lighting.
- Select materials that are clear, have adequate spacing, and are on non-glossy paper
- Use audiocassettes: These teach the child to actively listen.
- Voice access: The child is able to work on a computer by using voice commands. This is great for children with Down syndrome who often struggle with fine motor impairments.
Screen Readers
How can Screen Readers help children with Down syndrome? This is a type of software program that reads text out loud. The information on the computer is sent to a voice synthesizer and it is directed out of the speakers. This allows the child with Down syndrome to listen to instructions instead of view them visually. How can it be used in the classroom? Many teachers have their handouts typed out, therefore all the teacher has to do is upload the text to the computer software that the child with Down syndrome is using and then it will read it out loud. This way the child it still receiving the same work and information as his/ her peers, leading the child to feel included and a sense of belonging. |
Here is a short example of what a Screen Reader sounds like.
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Descriptive Video Services
How can these video services help children with Down syndrome?
When movies are presented in class, many times the child with Down syndrome will miss out on meaningful images due to their visual impairment. However, this video service describes all the movies elements; the action, characters, locations, costumes, and set to the child with Down syndrome, without ruining the dialogue of the movie. This way the child is still able to watch and enjoy the movie with their peers.
How can it be used in the classroom?
This strategy is really easy to administer in the classroom, and can be used for fun end of the year movies, or for more educational films. The teacher can get these types of films online, from the library, or order them off the internet. The child can watch the movie on the in class computer, iPad, or on a portable DVD player with headphones. This allows the child to watch the movie with their peers, but in a style that they can fully enjoy.
How can these video services help children with Down syndrome?
When movies are presented in class, many times the child with Down syndrome will miss out on meaningful images due to their visual impairment. However, this video service describes all the movies elements; the action, characters, locations, costumes, and set to the child with Down syndrome, without ruining the dialogue of the movie. This way the child is still able to watch and enjoy the movie with their peers.
How can it be used in the classroom?
This strategy is really easy to administer in the classroom, and can be used for fun end of the year movies, or for more educational films. The teacher can get these types of films online, from the library, or order them off the internet. The child can watch the movie on the in class computer, iPad, or on a portable DVD player with headphones. This allows the child to watch the movie with their peers, but in a style that they can fully enjoy.
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This video is a demonstration of how a popular children's movie "The Lion King" would sound when being played as a descriptive video. This allows children who are visually impaired to still enjoy the movie.
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"Audiobooks" By Cross Forward Consulting, LLC
A great free app that can be accessed in the iTunes app store that allows children who are visually impaired to access books and have them read aloud. Students with Down syndrome can really benefit from these types of book, because they are still able to participate in their regular class and follow along with the stories being read. Another reason this app is so great is because it limits distractions, while the child is wearing the headphones they are no longer able to hear all the other sounds going on around them. All the child needs is a device in which the app can be downloaded, the teacher can then use the app to find the reading material that they want the child to learn. |
Created by Laura Rizvi
References
Audiobooks. (2015). Cross Forward Consulting, LLC. (Version 6.2.1) [Mobile Application Software]. Retreived from http://itunes.apple.com/
Brad Wilmot. (2012, June 12). Descriptive Video Demonstration – The Lion King [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT5AsjzgIC4
Carney, S., Engbretson, C., Scammell, K., & Sheppard, V. (2003). Teaching Students with Visual Impairments: A Guide for the Support Team. Retrieved from http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/vision
Down Syndrome Ireland. (n.d.). Vision. Retrieved from http://www.downsyndrome.ie/information-centre/health/vision/
Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan. (2010). Supporting the Student with Down Syndrome in Your Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.kcdsg.org/files/content/Supporting%20the%20Student%20with%20Down%20Syndrome%20in%20Your%20Classroom-Teacher%20Manual.pdf
Down Syndrome Education Online. (2014). Accessing the curriculum - Strategies for differentiation for pupils with Down syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.down-syndrome.org/information/education/curriculum/?page=3
NCSU IT Accessibility. (2013, October 16). Language Attributes and Screen Readers. [Video file] Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP94u7y_KkQ
NDSS. (2012). Vision and Down Syndrome: National Down Syndrome Society. Retrieved from http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Health-Care/Associated-Conditions/Vision--Down-Syndrome/
Woodhouse, M. J. (2011). Eye and Vision Problems in Children with Down’s Syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.intellectualdisability.info/physical-health/eye-and-vision-problems-in-children-with-downs-syndrome
Audiobooks. (2015). Cross Forward Consulting, LLC. (Version 6.2.1) [Mobile Application Software]. Retreived from http://itunes.apple.com/
Brad Wilmot. (2012, June 12). Descriptive Video Demonstration – The Lion King [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT5AsjzgIC4
Carney, S., Engbretson, C., Scammell, K., & Sheppard, V. (2003). Teaching Students with Visual Impairments: A Guide for the Support Team. Retrieved from http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/vision
Down Syndrome Ireland. (n.d.). Vision. Retrieved from http://www.downsyndrome.ie/information-centre/health/vision/
Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan. (2010). Supporting the Student with Down Syndrome in Your Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.kcdsg.org/files/content/Supporting%20the%20Student%20with%20Down%20Syndrome%20in%20Your%20Classroom-Teacher%20Manual.pdf
Down Syndrome Education Online. (2014). Accessing the curriculum - Strategies for differentiation for pupils with Down syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.down-syndrome.org/information/education/curriculum/?page=3
NCSU IT Accessibility. (2013, October 16). Language Attributes and Screen Readers. [Video file] Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP94u7y_KkQ
NDSS. (2012). Vision and Down Syndrome: National Down Syndrome Society. Retrieved from http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Health-Care/Associated-Conditions/Vision--Down-Syndrome/
Woodhouse, M. J. (2011). Eye and Vision Problems in Children with Down’s Syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.intellectualdisability.info/physical-health/eye-and-vision-problems-in-children-with-downs-syndrome