Reading Strategies for Students with Visual Impairments: A Classroom Teacher's Guide

This 26-page guide from SET BC (Special Education Technology British Columbia) offers a selection of strategies to address the reading needs of students with visual impairments. It highlights specific strategies to promote reading skills with students who are blind or visually impaired.

Key Considerations and Checklists

To effectively support students, the guide outlines several foundational areas for review:

• Environmental Considerations
• Student Considerations
• Reading Strategy Checklist

Section 1: Paper Strategies

When working with physical documents and paper-based materials, educators should consider the following options:

• Provide Regular Print
• Use Handheld Magnification with Regular Text
• Enlarge Small Amounts of Text, Pictures, Diagrams, Charts on Photocopier
• Provide Large Print Version of the Text
• Use Stand-alone Video Magnification
• Use Video Magnification with Computer Integration
• Provide Paper Copies in Braille

Section 2: E-text Strategies

Electronic text provides various ways to customize the reading experience for students with visual impairments:

• Provide E-text with no Enhancements
• Change Appearance of Text and/or Background
• Magnify Text and/or Computer Screen
• Provide E-text with Tracking Support
• Provide E-text with Auditory Support
• Provide E-text with Refreshable Braille

Section 3: Auditory Strategies

Auditory support is a vital component of literacy for many students. The following strategies are recommended:

• Use a Live Reader
• Provide Auditory Books on CD
• Provide Books in Digital Audio Format