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We process 80% of external sensory information through our vision and at least 35 areas of our brain interprets visual information. Children with disabilities tend to have a higher incidence of vision impairment including eye disorders. Per the National Eye Institute, the number one vision impairment for children in the United States is cortical vision impairment, a brain based vision impairment. Additionally, as health care providers and teachers, we receive minimal education regarding the visual system and we may not be aware that a child has a vision impairment, a hidden disability. Therefore, we do not always initiate implementing vision supports into our plan of care or lesson plans or fully understand how to take into consideration how vision impacts mobility, fine motor, communication, and overall global development. It can also affect a child s progress towards their medical and educational goals when their team does not identify a possible vision impairment. Additionally, parents are seeking how to support their child s vision development in the home with simple, everyday strategies integrated into routines. This course will provide opportunities to learn about the complexity of the visual system, how to identify children with suspected vision impairment, where to refer for assessment and intervention, how vision impairment affects all areas of development, and to learn practical application and strategies to support a child with vision impairments in the classroom, clinic, and home. |
