Blind Students?

Question

I am an elementary education major and I have to take a special needs class as a prerequiste.

For my assignment I have to create a powerpoint about a disability of my choice, and I chose blindness. I have to talk about specific categories regarding this disability. The one I'm having problems finding information about is different resources. I did find some technology information that is available to these students but I need to know how the behavior management is, physical set up of the classroom, and teaching methods that are used. Does anyone know of any websites that I could check out or are there any teachers that can provide me with any information?

Thank you!

Answer 1

check out some websites for state blind schools. The one in GA is

http://www.gabmacon.org/

Answer 2

There are national associations for the blind and there may also be one for your state.  Also google "low vision"  and "braille" to see if that pulls up anything.  

The biggest thing about the physical set up of the room is to keep it constant and for the things (book bags, etc) to be out of the walking path.  I would also tend to keep the students desk out of the main walking paths around the room.  Too much noise and potential distraction.  A place close enough to hear extremely well is ideal - even if it's from a location where you can't see the board.   Behavior management plans would probably include instead of a red/yellow/green stop light to signify behavior.. on with textures.  Soft, medium and hard/rough perhaps.  You would still use the colors, but the textures would signify how he was doing that day.  They have preferences that you could take away and/or reward with just like any other child.  Music or an extra trip to the computer seems to be reward that would work with someone with vision problems or other kids alike.  Teaching methods - as much hands on as possible.  Reading about ducks - bring in a stuffed duck.  Studying the wind?  Make sure you have something to blow and to feel.   Math class is almost always done with manipulatives.  Talking stopwatches and clocks are fun, too.  Reading is done with braille or adaptive technology (special computer programs, zoom text, etc).  They would use voice to text or a keyboard with braille to give answers.   Social studies would have raised maps, etc. Science/health would need hands on models - skeletons, models, etc.  PE would have balls that made a noise as they came near.     (Adaptive PE equipment sites are available on the web.)