Module 3A: Introduction to Visual and Hearing Condition - Special Considerations for Learning
In this module we will look at the different visual and hearing conditions that learners may present with and how best to support them. Learners may present with a visual or hearing condition, or both, as well as having autism and/or more complex learning needs.
Vision and hearing are both ‘distance senses’ and major coordinating senses. A reduced ability to see or hear can be caused by:
- Physical damage to structures of the eye or ear
- Issues with the brain struggling to interpret the electrical impulses it receives from the optic or acoustic nerve (cortical visual conditions or a sensori-neural hearing condition)
Reduced vision and/or hearing skills can affect the general development of:
- Early thinking skills
- Speech and language development
- Fine motor control
- Social interaction skills
- Social and emotional wellbeing
Module 6 gives on an overview of some equipment that may support learners with visual or hearing conditions.
Key Points
- Vision and hearing are distance senses
- A visual or hearing condition can be the result of structural damage to the eyes or ears; or the brains inability to interpret the sound and visual information it receives
- Visual and hearing conditions have implications for successful learning
Thinking Point
Put one of your most recent teaching activities on your interactive whiteboard. Stand at various points in the room to see how clearly it can be seen.
Now repeat this and squint your eyes slightly and again, assess how visually clear your activity is.