The student will find the exits, learn the bench configurations, memorize the positions of the utilities, and so forth. The laboratory becomes familiar and comfortable. This orientation session can also be used to explain the safety rules and outline fire drill and other procedures. It is also the time to explain what locations in the laboratory pose the greatest potential hazards. Blind students who have guide dogs may decide not to take them into the laboratory.
Guide dogs are obedient and accustomed to waiting.
Students with partially impaired vision may require no special laboratory assistance at all. One lab station may be better than another because the lighting is better, for example. Some students with partial sight may need larger letters on reagent bottles, a magnifying glass to read burettes, or a larger notebook than prescribed for the course. The development of special equipment to facilitate laboratory work for students with impaired vision is a relatively new area of research, but progress is being made rapidly. Some deaf students do not speak at all.