According to IDEA, “Visual impairment including blindness means an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness.” Levels of blindness in order to highest visibility to lowest visibility are:
- Low Vision
- Legal Blindness
- Cataracs
- Complete Blindness
In the classroom, teachers can incorporate arts to include students with Visual Impairments by creating projects that allow tactile and kinesthetic learning. Teachers should try and use contrasting colors and outline images so that students with visual impairment can make out what is being shown.
There are many well known artists, and celebrities who are blind. Showing students who are blind role models can support a culturally responsive classroom, where students of all abilities can be uplifted.
- Keith Salmon (Abstract Artist)
- John Bramblitt (Painter)
- Michael Williams (Painter)
- Kodi Lee (Singer and Winner of America’s Got Talent)
- Stevie Wonder (Singer)
Need a quick glance at all this information? Check out our Visual Impairment Cheat Sheet below!