Individuals with vision impairment may experience any of the limitations discussed below.  The degree of limitation will vary among individuals. Not all students with vision impairment will need the same CAMS (compensations accommodations, modifications, strategies) to perform in school and many others may only need a few CAMS. Regardless, each student’s case should be evaluated on an individual basis with an Independent Needs Assessment Protocol done by an Educational Strategist & Consultant or a Special Educational Needs Consultant (SEN).  The following is a sample of possible CAMS for students with vision impairment.  Other CAMS solutions may exist so check with an Educational Strategist & Consultant or Special Educational Needs Consultant (SEN) for more information.          

Consider:

1. What limitations the student with vision impairment is experiencing?

2. How these limitations affect the student and the student's school performance?

3. What specific activities or tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations?

4. What CAMS are available to reduce or eliminate these problems?

5. Are all possible resources being used to determine possible CAMS?

6. Has the student with vision impairment been consulted regarding possible CAMS?  Does the student know how s/he learns best?

7. Once CAMS are in place, would it be useful to talk with the student and/or team to evaluate the effectiveness of the CAMS and to determine whether additional or different CAMS are needed?

8. Do parents and school staff need training regarding vision impairment?

9.  Schedule time to meet with the Educational Strategist & Consultant or Special Educational Needs Consultant (SEN) to determine how to communicate needed CAMS with the school team and how to document.

CAMS:

Reading Information from Printed Materials:

For those who benefit from magnification & other modifications

·        Provide a hand/stand magnifier

·        Enlarge information on photo copier

·        Provide information in large print

·        Reduce glare on paper copy

·        Use color acetate sheets

·        Improve lighting or use task lighting

·        Provide a closed circuit television system (CCTV)

·        Provide alternative optical wear, i.e. clip-on monocular or loupes; prism spectacles; binocular systems, or a hand held monocular

·        Allow frequent breaks to rest eyes when fatigue is a factor

For those who do not benefit from magnification

·        Provide an optical character recognition system (OCR)

·        Use tactile graphics

·        Provide a qualified reader

Reading Information from a Computer Screen:

For those who benefit from magnification and other modifications

·        Increase font size or change Accessibility Options in Windows Accessories control panel

·        Add locator dots and/or large print labels to computer keyboard

·        Provide an external computer screen magnifier         

·        Provide screen magnification software           

·        Use an anti-glare or anti-radiation computer screen guard

·        Provide special computer glasses to reduce glare   

·        Allow frequent breaks to rest eyes when fatigue is a factor

For those who do not benefit from magnification

·        Provide screen reading software

·        Provide a computer Braille display

·        Provide a qualified reader

Taking Notes, Completing Forms, Writing, Reporting, or Documenting:

For those who benefit from magnification & those who do not

·        Use an audio or digital recorder

·        Use a Braille stylus/Braille plate

·        Use a Braille Printer or Embosser

·        Purchase special pens, e.g. a bold felt tip or lighted pen

·        Purchase special paper, e.g. with tactile lines, bold print, or less glare

·        Use a form guide

·        Use electronic Braille or talking note takers and organizers

·        Add voice output to the computer

·        Provide closed circuit television system

·        Provide a scribe

Using Speech Output on Computer:

·        Use a headset    

·        Provide an earplug for the computer

Improving Mobility:

For those who benefit from magnification & for those who do not

·        Allow the use of a service animal for assistance with mobility

·        Provide mobility and orientation training

·        Use a mobility aid (cane, electronic aid, other)

·        Install detectable warning service

·        Install colored edges on stairs for improved color contrast

·        Improve lighting in area

·        Provide a traveling/emergency evacuation partner

·        Provide a verbal landmark system

Sensitivity to Light:

·        Lower wattage of overhead lights

·        Provide task or alternative lighting

·        Use full spectrum lighting and/or filters

·        Install flicker free lighting           

·        Provide optical wear (Protective eye glasses)

·        Move work space or desk to another spot

·        Place blinds on windows

Distinguishing Between Colors:

·        Label items                     

·        Use X-Chrome lens

·        Provide prescription glasses for color discrimination

·        Provide a color analyzer

·        Use colored acetate sheets      

·        Provide a coach to identify colors

Transportation:

·        Assist with access to and use of school or public transportation

·        Ride with a coach

·        Allow modified or flexible school schedule

Accessing the Internet:

For those who benefit from magnification & for those who do not

·        The hardware/software options previously mentioned

·        Use text based web browser

·        Redesign Web sites or Intranet (i.e., student handbook online)

·        Provide reader to describe pictures and materials; print out Web page information and enlarge text on a photo copier, Closed Circuit Television, or use Optical Character Recognition Systems