A child is considered ‘legally blind’ if they cannot see beyond six metres where someone with full 20/20 vision can see up to 60 metres. They are also considered ‘legally blind’ if their visual field is less than 20 degrees in diameter (versus 140 degrees for a person with normal vision).
A child with ‘low vision’ has permanent vision loss that cannot be corrected with glasses, affecting their ability to complete everyday tasks. Children with a vision impairment often have a degree of vision. As a teacher, it is important to know about the type and severity of vision impairment a child has. This will allow you to develop ideas about ways to make activities safe, fun, and as inclusive as possible.
Use clear and explicit verbal instructions when describing dance movement. For example: “With your knees bent, take a small step forward with your right leg”.
Help them to prepare for changes (e.g. walking surface, direction, elevation) in advance by telling them what is coming.
For blind and low vision students, physical demonstration means that the instructor must facilitate learning by guiding the student’s body or using tactile modelling to teach movement skills.