The Visual Process & Implications of Visual Disabilities Robyn D. Fillman, Ph.D. The Ohio State University College of Education School of Teaching and Learning

What is Low Vision? Legal Blindness Partial Sight Functionally Blind Low Vision Visual Function & Efficiency

Demographics 70% population of visually impaired are elderly 10% of blind have no vision at all 60% of visually impairment in U.S. Third leading cause of impairment in U.S.

A Team Approach Individual with low vision and family members Eye care providers Education/Rehabilitation specialists Human service/allied health personnel

Service Providers Clinical Services Educational Services Rehabilitation Services

Psychological and Social Implications of Low Vision Attitudes that affect adjustment Initial reactions to low vision Fear of losing vision Issues related to personal identity Use of optical devices The dilemma of driving

Environmental Manipulations Lighting Contrast Color Distance Size

Visual and Nonvisual Techniques Use of optical devices Use of computers Nonvisual approaches

Factors That May Affect Choices Type of visual impairment Fluctuating vision Stamina Self-advocacy & self-perception

Model to Increase Visual Functioning Arrange environment Target specific visual attending behaviors Foster use of visual behaviors in specific tasks

Low Vision and Literacy Braille legislation Issues of definition Emphasis on use of vision Lack of assessment procedures Print media Confounding factors

Issues for Adults Congenital or adventitious Biggest losses are reading and driving Many not referred to low vision clinics Many already lack adequate literacy skills

Three Types of Literacy Emergent literacy Academic literacy Functional literacy