1. The Visual Process & Implications of Visual Disabilities Robyn D. Fillman, Ph.D. The Ohio State University College of Education School of Teaching and Learning

2. What is Low Vision? Legal Blindness Partial Sight Functionally Blind Low Vision Visual Function & Efficiency

3. Demographics 70% population of visually impaired are elderly 10% of blind have no vision at all 60% of visually impairment in U.S. Third leading cause of impairment in U.S.

4. A Team Approach Individual with low vision and family members Eye care providers Education/Rehabilitation specialists Human service/allied health personnel

5. Service Providers Clinical Services Educational Services Rehabilitation Services

6. Psychological and Social Implications of Low Vision Attitudes that affect adjustment Initial reactions to low vision Fear of losing vision Issues related to personal identity Use of optical devices The dilemma of driving

7. Environmental Manipulations Lighting Contrast Color Distance Size

8. Visual and Nonvisual Techniques Use of optical devices Use of computers Nonvisual approaches

9. Factors That May Affect Choices Type of visual impairment Fluctuating vision Stamina Self-advocacy & self-perception

10. Model to Increase Visual Functioning Arrange environment Target specific visual attending behaviors Foster use of visual behaviors in specific tasks

11. Low Vision and Literacy Braille legislation Issues of definition Emphasis on use of vision Lack of assessment procedures Print media Confounding factors

12. Issues for Adults Congenital or adventitious Biggest losses are reading and driving Many not referred to low vision clinics Many already lack adequate literacy skills

13. Three Types of Literacy Emergent literacy Academic literacy Functional literacy