Date
03 December 2024
11459 [Low-vision-2-002.jpg]

Low vision and learning

Classroom strategies supporting students' learning and wellbeing across the curriculum.​

On this page:

​Understanding low vision

Learn about key concepts and terms, key concerns and experiences of students with low vision. 

Summary of important concepts:

Strategies for action

Four key strategies to support students with low vision in their learning.

Show material for:

Identify needs and how to provide support

Work closely with the student and their whānau.  Take an evidence-based, team approach to supporting learning and wellbeing.  Monitor progress closely.

Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:

  1. Ask the student what will help

    Includes:

    • Resources
  2. Partner with whānau

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources
  3. Planning and monitoring

    Includes:

    • Resources
  4. Organisations, programmes and resources

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

Key areas to support

The Expanded Core Curriculum, personal organisation, and social interactions are areas students with low vision need specific support. Explore recommended approaches.

Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:

  1. Expanded Core Curriculum

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources
  2. Support access to information

    Includes:

    • Resources
  3. ​Support personal organisation

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources
  4. Support social interaction​

    Includes:

    • Video
    • Resources

Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8

Approaches that are useful for students with low vision are often valuable for everyone.

Video hosted on Youtube http://youtu.be/MCm1Emtqo_Q

This one-minute video highlights how we can unknowingly create barriers to learning.

Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:

Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13

Approaches that are useful for students with low vision are often valuable for everyone.

Video hosted on Youtube http://youtu.be/E8-_sf7Hbtk

A student with low vision reflects on his use of technology, effective partnerships, and the need for self-advocacy skills.

Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:

Key resources

File

How low vision can influence learning

A summary of the challenges students with low vision experience at school, with an outline of teaching opportunities to support learning.

Students who are blind or have low vision A resource for educators

Students who are blind or have low vision: A resource for educators

This booklet examines how blindness and low vision can influence learning and provides strategies teachers can use in the classroom.

Website

BLENNZ: Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ

Information about the national network of services for students with low vision and their families.

Publisher: BLENNZ: Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ

Website

BLENNZ Learning library

Read time: 4 min

Each story focuses on one of the Key Competencies in the New Zealand Curriculum describing one aspect of a learning progression for a student, and the rationale behind the associated actions of the teacher and the education team.

Publisher: BLENNZ: Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ

Website

Paths to literacy

This blog provides strategies and information on literacy for blind and visually impaired students.

Publisher: Perkins School for the Blind and Texas School for

Website

Assistive technology

Information about assistive technology (AT), specialised equipment that students with additional learning needs use in class to increase or improve their ability to participate and learn.

More options

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