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Please use the contact form below to contact Families and SEN. Set out briefly the issues you want to discuss with your contact details and I will get back to you:
Please use the contact form below to contact Families and SEN. Set out briefly the issues you want to discuss with your contact details and I will get back to you:
Education: The Great Equaliser!
Hello and welcome,
The following points have been expanded in the books available via my web site. They contain much more about accessing learning and the development of valuable skills.
Rgds Clive.
If You Don’t Do It Who Will?
Introduction
A dilemma exists regarding the access needs of those with a disability in the build environment: should we adapt the home, school, college, university and wider community or teach people to cope? Given that no environment will be perfect, we probably need to do both; that is,
Teach skills in order to cope
Design suitable buildings
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Etc
The built environment can help or hinder …
A Few Basic Principles
Following are a few principles to consider and address in order to assist those with low vision:
Décor
Décor aids or hinders light levels and access to the environment …
Contrast and Clarity
A contrast between surfaces anywhere might need highlighting to distinguish both. This can be achieved by using different colours or tones …
Suggestions
It is generally accepted that we use light tones for bigger areas and darker ones for smaller areas …
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Etc
Clutter
To avoid frustration, wasted time and danger, a space should be orderly; for example,
Visual clutter should be avoided
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Etc
Accessing Public Information
To help access a space on a par with fully sighted peers,
Notice boards should be at an accessible height
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Etc
De-Clutter and Define Activities According to Space
Floor covering and furnishing can provide useful clues about an area; for example,
Designated spaces should be clearly marked
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Etc
Wearing highly pattered clothes can cause visual clutter …
Suggestions
Table tops and work surfaces should not have reflective surfaces
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Etc
Lighting
Lighting suitably delivered is probably the most effective low vision aid …
Suggestions
Consider the overall impact of light in a given area …
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Etc
Ideally, light should come from behind a learner ...
Glare
Glare can be a major problem,
Light refracted off surfaces can cause discomfort, be very confusing and can generally disable
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Etc
Generally speaking, ensure that your child or young person’s position in relation to a light source is suitable and safe …
Sounds and Masking Information
Environmental sounds can be useful or a hindrance. Therefore, sound should ideally be,
Meaningful or interesting
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Etc
A radio or TV playing in the background can mask useful sounds which provide clues to life generally.
Sound Quality
A sound’s quality is affected by,
The number of people in a room
The activities taking place and competing in the room
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Etc
Suggestions
Don’t assume that your child or young person knows a sound’s source. Mention it because it might prove to be a useful reference point
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Etc
A Useful Exercise
Following is an exercise to help you consider if an environment is suitable for someone with low vision. To begin, ask yourself,
Is the space hindering the child or young person?
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Etc
Identify the Following
Identify an area where there is,
Glare from windows
Glare from surfaces
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Etc
Poor control of,
a. Natural lighting
b. Electric lighting
Poor control of natural light could be highlighted by no blinds or curtains at a window …
Identify an area where there is,
Good control of light levels,
a. Natural light
b. Electric light
Identify an area where there is,
Confusing audible information
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Etc
Then, to achieve a less confusing environment,
Consult your child or young person
Prioritise areas needing attention
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Etc
It can of course be difficult not being budget led. Some changes to the environment will cost more and take longer to implement. Therefore, highlight need as soon as possible but above all remember, safety must be a major consideration.
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