Visual Impairments Jason Christian TLSE 457视觉障碍的杰森基督教化457.ppt

Visual ImpairmentsJason ChristianTLSE 457 ...to ensure the rights of all blind and visually impaired infants, children, and youth, professionals must do more than react to crises; the must become proactive. The unique needs of blind and visually impaired students must be understood by all service providers--including regular education teachers, administrators, and legislators. Billie MilesSpecial Education DirectorSan Antonio ISD, San Antonio, Texas Defining Visual Impairments Visual impairment is the consequence of a functional loss of vision, rather than the eye disorder itself. Eye disorders which can lead to visual impairments can include retinal degeneration, albinism, cataracts, glaucoma, muscular problems that result in visual disturbances,corneal disorders, diabetic retinopathy, congenital disorders, and infection. Types of Visual Impairments  Refractive Disorders: The way the eye focuses light is impaired, as in myopia (near sightedness), hyperopia (far sightedness), and astigmatism (blurred vision). Muscle Disorders: The ability to control eye movements is impaired, as in strabismus (crossed eyes). Receptive Disorders: The ability to receive and process signals from light is impaired, as in retinal detachment caused by glaucoma or a blow to the eye. Causes of Visual Impairments Among children under 5 years of age, prenatal cataract is the leading cause of legal blindness, accounting for 16% of all cases. This is followed by optic nerve atrophy (12% of all cases) and retinopathy of prematurity (9% of all cases) (National Society to Prevent Blindness, 1980). Blindness occurs mainly among children with birth weights below 1,000 grams (2 lbs, 3 oz) at rates of 5% to 6% (Hack, Klein, Taylor, 1995). Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is the leading cause of blindness among premature infants in developed, and rapidly developing, countries (World Health Organization, 1997a). Prevalence Rate Based on data from the 1996 National Health Interview Sur