Speaking with a person who is blind or may have low vision is the same as saying with anyone else. However, because someone blind can't see you, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make the interaction more pleasant and rewarding. A student with vision loss may experience eye strain while reading, be unable to read specific print, font size, and colors, and maybe have a sensitivity to light. For students who are blind, the age of onset may affect mobility, spelling, and written communication.
What can you do to prepare for class?
Create accessible PowerPoint presentations:
To create an accessible PowerPoint, you must consider the accessibility of all the information in the document, including elements like the document structure, hyperlinks, lists, and images. When your slide deck is accessible, you can unlock your content to everyone, and people with different abilities can read and use your slides.
Make the PowerPoint accessible available to the student via Brightspace or email.
Create accessible Word Documents:
To create an accessible Word Document, you will need to consider the accessibility of all the information in the document, including elements like the document structure, hyperlinks, lists, and images. When your Word Document is accessible, you can unlock your content to everyone, and people with different abilities can read your Word Document.
Emphasize "people" first, before the disability, to avoid negative connotations
Identify yourself and greet the person by name. Even if the person has some vision, do not assume they can see you well enough to know who you are. Always greeting the person by name lets them know you are talking to them.
Describe all visual elements when presenting a PowerPoint or using a Whiteboard.
Provide electronic copies of the materials you'll be handing out or presenting via PowerPoint before the start of class.
Speak naturally unless the person is deaf or hard of hearing. There is no need to assume you must change your vocabulary for them or that they need you to speak slowly or loudly.
When the conversation ends, verbally indicate this to the person you are speaking to.
Do not simply walk away without letting the person know you are leaving.
Avoid speaking in the third person. A person who is blind does not need translation of a conversation through a third person.
Remember that much of our communication is visual: facial expressions, smiles, and eye contact convey much information. We must emphasize communicating through words and tone of voice rather than facial expressions and body language.
Do not interact with a working guide dog. A guide dog is similar to an extension of the body of a person who is blind. When a guide dog is working, leave them to focus on their job without interference.
Describe the layout of the classroom and lab and clear all walkways.
Let the person know if the door is fully opened or closed.
Encourage others to clap as opposed to raising hands in the classroom.
Give verbal indications when the class has ended and dismiss the class.