Instruction in science can be difficult for students with visual impairments due to the use of visual instruction that is often used for conceptual understanding. Pedagogical approaches to teaching science continue to evolve, with inquiry-based science instruction as a primary instructional method used in current classrooms. In teaching students…

This article describes a case study of teaching German at the college level for four semesters with a student born blind (with increasing hearing loss). It presents an assessment tool to measure the qualitative and quantitative efficacy of disability/blindness-inclusive language teaching methods using multimodality and Universal Design principles.…

A key factor in promoting the outcomes described in the mission statement of the National Plan for Training Personnel (NPTP) to Serve Children with Blindness and Low Vision is the teacher. Specifically, knowledge of subject matter tied to national standards along with effective pedagogy can positively influence student learning. For aspiring…

We would describe teaching literacy through braille as one of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of the role of a Qualified Teacher for the Visually Impaired (QTVI). This article focuses on teaching literacy through braille in mainstream settings whilst promoting inclusion and meeting the social-emotional needs of children who use braille.…

Diagram describing texts are integral part of science and engineering subjects including geometry, physics, engineering drawing, etc. In order to understand such text, one, at first, tries to draw or perceive the underlying diagram. For perception of the blind students such diagrams need to be drawn in some non-visual accessible form like tactile…

Despite the need for braille literacy, there has been little attempt to systematically evaluate braille-instruction programs. The current study evaluated an instructive procedure for teaching early braille-reading skills with 4 school-aged children with degenerative visual impairments. Following a series of pretests, braille instruction involved…

This study examined the usability of an assessment-for-learning (AfL) system that provides audio-tactile graphics for algebra content (geometric sequences) for individuals with visual impairments--two who are blind and two with low vision. It found that the system is generally usable as a mathematics AfL system. (Contains 4 tables.)

This study investigates teaching methods regarding color comprehension and color categorization among blind students, as compared to their non-blind peers and whether they understand and represent the same color comprehension and color categories. Then after digit codes for color comprehension teaching and assistive technology for the blind had…

In South Africa, higher education policy documents propose technology and resource-based teaching and learning to prepare youth for the knowledge and information society, and for a socially transformed society. However, the extent to which these policies are being implemented is still uncertain. This article reports on a technology-based English…

Promoting the inclusion of students with disabilities in e-learning systems has brought many challenges for researchers and educators. The use of synchronous communication tools such as interactive whiteboards has been regarded as an obstacle for inclusive education. In this paper, we present the proposal of an inclusive approach to provide blind…

The importance of literacy, and braille literacy in particular, cannot be understated, as it maximises the potential for educational as well as vocational success, and it is also the basis required to reap the benefits of new technological advances, such as the usage of personal computers. There is an ongoing debate in the literature about the…

Anadolu University has a technical infrastructure, well-qualified faculty, and operates in an innovative and flexible frame. It takes an initiative role to meet the needs of higher education in Turkey by providing equal opportunity not only to satisfy those who value the principle of lifelong education but also seeks new information via distance…

Questionnaires assessed the Braille instructional needs of 200 people who had lost their sight after learning to read and were enrolled in Braille courses. Findings indicated that Braille instructional sessions were often only once or twice a month instead of the recommended daily frequency. Individualized teaching methods and materials are also…