Low vision students may also use accommodations such as large print magnification devices, enlarged print screen programs for the computer, and tape recorders for in-class notes. Some students use recorded books on tape or talking computers depending upon their individual needs and preferences. Both low vision and blind students need additional time to take exams and use readers, scribes, and assistive technology. Visual impairments include disorders in the sense of vision that affect the central vision acuity, the field of vision, color perception, or binocular visual function. Legal blindness may be caused by tumors, infections, injuries, retrolental fibroplasis, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, vascular impairments, or myopia.
Visual disabilities vary widely.
Some students may use a guide dog, others a white case, while others may not require any mobility assistance. Guide dogs should not be petted. When serving as a sighted guide, let the student take your arm just above the elbow. A lower noise level in the classroom is important for hearing. Students may require a reader for assignments and exams and may use a note taking device in class to take notes.