Telescope Skills

RATIONALE : To allow visually impaired students to independently obtain distant visual information in their environment. To allow visually impaired students to independently obtain distant visual information in their environment. A Monocular telescope can be used to see objects/information in the distance i.e. businesses, street names. A Monocular telescope can be used to see objects/information in the distance i.e. businesses, street names.

TECHNIQUE : Holding the Monocular Show telescope Show telescope Demonstrate grip Demonstrate grip Wrap fingers and thumb around ocular end of telescope Wrap fingers and thumb around ocular end of telescope Pressing index finger and thumb against orbit to block out light. Pressing index finger and thumb against orbit to block out light. Rest elbow on desk or table. Rest elbow on desk or table. Fold non-dominant arm across chest Fold non-dominant arm across chest Rest elbow of dominant arm on fist of other hand. Rest elbow of dominant arm on fist of other hand.

TECHNIQUE: Focusing Use overhead Use overhead Focus black and white line drawing on wall Focus black and white line drawing on wall Bring image into clear focus Bring image into clear focus Take image out of focus Take image out of focus Student will focus overhead Student will focus overhead

TECHNIQUE: To Spot Look at target at 10 to 15 feet Look at target at 10 to 15 feet Bring monocular to eye with best acuity using Bring monocular to eye with best acuity using hand on the same side if possible. Focus adjustment ring with opposite hand Focus adjustment ring with opposite hand while looking through telescope at target while looking through telescope at target Move the puppet Move the puppet Ask student what the puppet is doing Ask student what the puppet is doing When the student uses the monocular for the first time, keep the target in same area so student does not have to scan When the student uses the monocular for the first time, keep the target in same area so student does not have to scan

Technique: To Trace Look at target on blackboard Look at target on blackboard Tack two straight lines of words across the blackboard Tack two straight lines of words across the blackboard Begin at the top left corner. Begin at the top left corner. Draw a bold line connecting the words Draw a bold line connecting the words Focus monocular on blackboard Focus monocular on blackboard Read the word Read the word Complete first line Complete first line Drop view down locate beginning of second line Drop view down locate beginning of second line Always follow lower edge back to find the next line. Always follow lower edge back to find the next line. Remind student to trace forward with the monocular, then backward on the same line before dropping down to read words on the second line, third line and so on from left to right. Remind student to trace forward with the monocular, then backward on the same line before dropping down to read words on the second line, third line and so on from left to right.

Technique: Tracking Move the ball slowly from the left side of the room to the right. Move the ball slowly from the left side of the room to the right. Make a complete lap around the room. Make a complete lap around the room. Use a large bright colored ball. Use a large bright colored ball. Move toward student. Move backward. Move toward student. Move backward. Move the target to her right and left Move the target to her right and left Repeat each exercise three times. Repeat each exercise three times.

Technique: To Scan Focus monocular on board. Focus monocular on board. Look top, left, and move to the right to find the word in order as they appear. Look top, left, and move to the right to find the word in order as they appear. Move in a systematic pattern. Move in a systematic pattern. Move words around on the board. Move words around on the board.

CONCEPTS NEEDED FOR Telescope Skills: A.SELF: fingers, thumb, hand, grip, wrist, lower arm, upper arm, elbow, eyes, face, fist, chest B.ENVIRONMENT: blackboard/dry erase board, table, objects, people, walls, desk, pictures, ball. C.SELF TO ENVIRONMENT: above, beside, top, bottom, in front, behind, outside, inside, against, next to. D. ENVIRONMENT TO ENVIRONMENT: corner, word cards,

Teaching Suggestions Check focus. If you can see out of it, the student should be able to as well. It at least gives them a starting point. Check focus. If you can see out of it, the student should be able to as well. It at least gives them a starting point. Student will use his dominate eye. Student will use his dominate eye. Student should always wear the lanyard (neck strap) around her neck.. Student should always wear the lanyard (neck strap) around her neck..

Street Signs Standing on one corner looking for sign across the street: Standing on one corner looking for sign across the street: Look in front of feet, scan directly upward until the curb on opposite side is located. Trace the curb toward the parallel street until base of pole is located. Look in front of feet, scan directly upward until the curb on opposite side is located. Trace the curb toward the parallel street until base of pole is located. Trace the pole upward to the sign and read left to right. Trace the pole upward to the sign and read left to right.

Telescope basics Have feet or seat stationary when using a telescope. Have feet or seat stationary when using a telescope. Have telescope supported in steady position. Have telescope supported in steady position. Do not use a telescope while walking. Do not use a telescope while walking. However you can use a telescope while moving, on a bus, in a car, plane, etc. However you can use a telescope while moving, on a bus, in a car, plane, etc.