Magnetic Whiteboard Presentation

Disability Awarness: Vision Impairment

What is Vision Impairment?

Vision Impairment occurs when someones eyes do not see as clearly as you. It could mean they dont see things far away, close up, or even things on the sides. Sometimes people can only see shadows and light or may have blurry vision. Vision impairment can come in many forms but it doesnt stop them from doing the things we all love to do.

Helpful ways to think about vision impairment!

1. Imagine your self trying to see through a foggy window or something that could be underwater. It would be much harder to make out the details of what you are seeing.

3. Some people cannot see at all and this is called total blindess. They can use a guide dog or cane to help them live their normal lives. They read using touch which is called Braille

2. Some people cannot see color as well or even have a harder time seeing in the dark of night or even with the bright light of the day.

What are leading types of Vision Impairment

• Cataracts cause cloudy vision affecting the eyes lens
• Refractive errors effect the shape of a persons eye leading to vision loss
• Optic nerve atrophy occurs when visual signals cannot be sent to the brain
• Night blindness is due to effects on the retina
• Color deficiency ranging from full color blindess to a limited range of color
• Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve

There are many different types of visual impairment and each of them has a range of effects and degree of severity depending on the individual person

How is vision Impairment Caused?

• Some people are born with vision impairments which means that they inherited it genetically
• Some people may have experienced an injury which has caused them to become a visually impaired
• Certain people with diabetes may develop vision impairments
• Cataracts can develope and cause clouding of the eyes lens impacting a persons vision
• As we age vision impairments are more common as well

What are the treatments/Cures for vision Impairment

• Some vision Impairments can be cured with laser therapy, corrective surgeries, and stem cell therapies
• Others cannot be cured but can be treated with glasses/contacts, therapy, guide dogs, medication, surgery, low vision devices and much more.

Speaker!

Next you will paint the glasses with a thin layer of vasoline to simulate blurry vision

Activity Time!

Once you have your glasses finished first try writting your name on a piece of paper

Today we will be making goggles to simulate vision impairment. Please remeber to be kind when trying the activities .

Next, try playing catch with your partner or even giving a high five!

Throughout all of these activities you will be able to feel empathy and respect for the visually impaired community

You and a neighbor can grab a pair of goggles and fit them correctly to your head.