Accommodations to the Physical Environment: Setting Up a Classroom for Students with Visual Disabilities (Archived)
Challenge
View the movie below and then proceed to the Initial Thoughts section (time: 0:56).
Transcript: Challenge
Yesterday, just three days before the first day of school, Ms. Milton found out that she would have two students with visual disabilities in her class. Evan is blind, and Emily has low vision. Their IEPs say that they should be seated in the front of the room. Emily needs a larger desk for equipment and access to an electrical outlet. Ms. Milton had already put all of the students’ desks in groups because she wants her students to do a lot of group work this year.
Earlier this morning, a deliveryman arrived with boxes of equipment from the special education department. Looking at this stack of strange devices, Ms. Milton realizes she doesn’t even know the names of most of this equipment, let alone how to use it or where to put it.
Here’s Your Challenge:
What resources should Ms. Milton consult to learn more about Evan and Emily’s needs?
What should Ms. Milton consider when planning her room?
What is all this equipment? Where should Ms. Milton put it?
