Nystagmus and school
The first list below highlights some of the problems that children with nystagmus have to cope with on a daily basis. The second list suggests ways for schools, teaching staff and parents to minimise those problems.
Some of the points raised below will apply to any child with a visual impairment.
Some of the difficulties children face in school as a result of nystagmus:
1. Seating position in class. It can be isolating to sit at the front at all times. On the other hand, children do not always get to sit in the best seat for their vision.
2. Lighting conditions (especially with albinism as well as nystagmus).
3. Impact of head movement/position on social relations and interactions.
4. Finding friends in the playground.
5. Difficulties with activities that involve movement.
6. Fluctuating vision.
7. Fatigue and its impact on nystagmus.
8. Visual clutter and visual processing.
9. Not having enough time to complete work/taking longer to finish work.
10. Scanning work sheets.
11. Slow reading speed.
12. Tests and stress.
13. Sports and playing games, especially ball games.
14. Seeing the board/electronic whiteboard, etc.
15. Lack of contrast in the materials the children use.
16. Scanning and spacing.
17. Interactive work.
Some strategies for overcoming those difficulties:
1. Make sure that the child can sit at the front of class and that teachers know where the child should sit.
2. Consider the positioning of LSA (Learning Support Assistant), resources, etc.
3. Having a laptop. Using teacher’s laptop instead of whiteboard.
4. In sports -- smaller teams, audible signals, larger balls, etc.
5. Modify worksheets, avoid clutter.
6. Enlarge materials, use large print.
7. Prepare material for a child’s worst vision.
8. Provide enough time for tasks and allow breaks when necessary.
9. Improved lighting and use of contrasted materials.
10. Make teachers aware that visual acuity is likely to fluctuate and vary during the day/week.
11. Plan visually tiring activities early in the day/week.
With thanks to the Hampshire visual impairment education support team who helped compile the above lists.
© John Sanders, 2008
Email: John Sanders
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