Access to Print for Students with Low Vision

Abstract

Children with low vision who use print as their primary reading mode may receive large type, regular type with optical devices, or a combination of these modes to access print. This article reports on a study of the information provided by 109 teachers related to issues surrounding the use of large type and optical devices, such as teachers’ confidence in instructing students to use optical devices and the criteria used to choose reading modes for individual children. The teachers also completed questionnaires for 351 students in graded classes and 48 students in self-contained classes on such topics as reading speed, reading achievement, fatigue factors, and reasons for the nonuse of prescribed optical devices. Although the data corroborate studies conducted in the 1970s, they highlight the advantages to students of using optical devices to read regular type. Cost factors and availability of large-type materials are also discussed.