Visual Impairments

Students who are blind will commonly need printed materials in alternative formats such as audio-tape or Braille and alternative testing arrangements that may include access to assistive technology.

Access to Alternatively Formatted Materials

Please make sure that materials to be Brailed or audio taped reach the Learning Center at least 48 hours before they are needed.

Communicating

When speaking with a student who is blind, always identify yourself to him or her.

Service Animal

A student is permitted to bring a service animal anywhere on campus, including classes, activities and residence halls. If necessary, help others to remember that the dog is a "service animal," not a pet, and needs to be treated as such, i.e. refrain from petting the dog or speaking to it.

Students with limited vision are not able to read conventional print and often cannot read material written on the "white board" or material which is projected. Some students might have difficulty with peripheral, central, or color vision. The degree of sight impairment will vary by student.

Access to Printed Material

Remember to enlarge all handouts, tests, forms, etc. Work with the student to determine what size print she/he requires. Some students might need to have handouts/ tests/forms printed on colored paper. Check with the student to determine an effective color.

The Learning Center has an embosser and can convert written text into Braille. The library has assistive technology which can read text (e.g. reference materials, periodicals) to the student. Both the library and the Learning Center have software pro-grams which can enlarge screen print.