Definition and Classification
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Visual Impairments are
defined as an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s
educational performance. (IDEA, 2004) Visual impairments include both partial sight and
blindness.
Characteristics
When it comes to visual impairment characteristics there are many. Some characteristics
are motor and developmental delays. Another characteristic would be the inability to mimic cues
and behaviors of peers due to difficulty with visibility. These students may have no desire to
explore objects and or environments.
Causes
There are many causes that can lead to vision impairment. Common causes that lead to
vision impairment are eye injury, infections, underlying medical conditions, or inherited
conditions. Some conditions that can cause visual impairments are glaucoma, cataract, diabetic
retinopathy, cancer of the eyes, and amblyopia.
Prevalence
According to the U.S. Department of Education, less than 1 percent of all students
classified as special education represent Visual Impairments. represents less than 1.0 percent of
all students having a classification in special education. Total number of students with visual
impairments are not represented by this since visual impairment students also may have other
impairments.