Planning for a Pupil With Sight Loss

Textbooks

Textbooks should be converted into Braille, audiotape or large print as soon as their booklist is available. Find out what format the pupil requires. Every year, the NCBI library produces an audio recording of textbooks from the primary and second level curriculum. Books are available on audiotape or DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System), a digital talking book format that is very easy to navigate. NCBI are currently producing educational material on CD or MP3 according to the DAISY standards. Send the pupil’s booklist to NCBI as soon as it is available, as this will give NCBI time to record the textbooks onto audiotape over the summer months. St Joseph’s School for the Visually Impaired provides school textbooks in large print and in Braille. The NCBI library also stocks thousands of talking, large print and Braille junior books on a range of topics and interests.

Moving around safely and independently

Pupils with sight loss may need some help initially with familiarising themselves with the layout of the school. Give the pupil the opportunity to visit the school before starting and if required apply for orientation and mobility training from the NCBI.

Using magnifiers

Prescribed magnifiers can assist pupils with low vision with close reading of print as well as distance viewing of the blackboard. Parents can contact their local NCBI office to discuss their child's requirements in terms of NCBI's low vision service. The visiting teacher can also assist children with using their magnifier at home and in school.

Aids and appliances

An extensive range of large print, audible and tactile aids and appliances are available from NCBI resource centres. Some of the items useful for schools include the tactile globe, large print Harper Collins bilingual dictionary in French, Spanish or German, talking calculator, tactile ruler, and talking and tactile watches.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology offers pupils with sight loss an excellent way of reading and writing at school. This technology can magnify text or images, making them easier to see. It can enlarge text on the pupil’s computer screen or laptop and read aloud what is on the screen.

Choosing assistive technology

The visiting teacher will match the pupil with the assistive technology that best suits their needs at school. NCBI's technology service can advise and demonstrate a range of technology and give pupils the opportunity to try out the technology hands-on. Once the pupil gets their assistive technology, it will be set up to ensure the pupil gets maximum benefit. The pupil will be provided with training and support in using this equipment.

Applying for equipment

The Department of Education and Science offers a grant to schools towards the purchase of assistive technology. Applications for equipment are made by the school. The visiting teacher will submit a report on the pupil's level of vision and the equipment most appropriate to their needs to accompany the school's application. One teacher in the school should be given responsibility for managing the equipment and making sure it is used effectively. The school is usually required to obtain three quotations for equipment. NCBI's technology service is a principle supplier for many assistive technology options and can provide a quote.

To apply to the Department of Education and Science, Tel: 01 873 4700.

Examination arrangements

When a pupil with sight loss is sitting state examinations it is essential that the visiting teacher or school make contact with the Special Education Section of the Department of Education and Science early in the academic year to confirm necessary arrangements. A pupil should have the opportunity to put forward their needs and requirements and an application for special arrangements should be made well in advance of the examination. Find out more about adaptations that can be made for candidates sitting examinations.

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