Visual disabilities cause impairment in perceiving or processing visual information and can occur across a broad spectrum. A legally blind person is one whose vision, while wearing corrective lenses, does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye, or whose visual field is less than an angle of 20 degrees. Ninety percent of individuals who are identified as legally blind have some useful vision or light perception. Total darkness is rare. Color blindness and visual processing disorders are other types of visual disabilities.
Visual disabilities are not always obvious. Students may navigate independently or a use guide dog or white cane to enhance mobility. Students with visual disabilities may use magnification or text to speech software to access printed or electronic material.
Barriers to access for students with visual disabilities:
- Accessing printed materials
- Small font size
- Light sensitivity and contrast sensitivity
- Color perception
- Navigating new environments
Further Information
Related Links
- Texas Workforce Commission-Blind Services
- Austin Chapter-National Federation of the Blind
- Austin Council-American Council of the Blind of Texas
- Learning Ally
- A Guide to Visual Disabilities from Affordable Colleges Online
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