Low Vision Aids
by Heather Mason
Training Checklists
(i) Near vision aid skills
Name
Type of LVA
Please date any entry
| SKILL | introduced | with help | no help |
| Can hold/handle aid correctly | |||
| Can explain the purpose of aid | |||
| Shows understanding of working parts | |||
| Cleans aid appropriately | |||
| Stores aid appropriately | |||
| Can replace batteries | |||
| Can replaces bulb | |||
| Understands 'focusing' | |||
| Can
locate reading/viewing material (including page numbers) |
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| Can maintain focal length | |||
| Tracks smoothly left to right | |||
| Tracks at speed appropriate to reading level | |||
| Has appropriate hand/head/eye coordination | |||
| Move smoothly from line to line | |||
| Develops concentration/stamina for longer use | |||
| Chooses to use aid for particular tasks, eg; | |||
| Demonstrate skills in a variety of activities, eg; |
General Comments:
(ii) Near vision study/living activities
Name
Type of LVA
Please date any entry
| ACTIVITIES | introduced | with help | no help |
| Dictionary work | |||
| Contents pages | |||
| A-Z Road Atlas | |||
| Atlas | |||
| Phone Book | |||
| Graph work | |||
| Timetables | |||
| Calendars | |||
| Word searches | |||
| Picture interpretation | |||
| Dot-to-Dot | |||
| Rapid scanning | |||
| Price labels/washing instructions | |||
| Contents/ingredients/instructions | |||
| Reading measuring equipment | |||
| Newspapers | |||
| Reading medicine labels | |||
| Reading till receipts |
General Comments: eg; need for further training
Additional Activities:
(iii) Distance aids skills, eg; telescopes, binoculars
Name
Type of LVA
Please date any entry
| SKILL | introduced | with help | no help |
| Holds device correctly | |||
| Understands the purpose of the aid | |||
| Cleans aid appropriately | |||
| Stores aid appropriately to prevent damage | |||
| Understands concept of focusing | |||
| Understands basic principles of focal length | |||
| Scan without LVA to locate stationary object | |||
| Focus aid to identify stationary objects | |||
| View a large object via scanning | |||
| Adjusts focus for objects at varying distances | |||
| Modify scanning procedure to locate info | |||
| Track a moving object using fixed focus | |||
| Focus and track a moving target | |||
| Develop stamina in use of aid | |||
| Demonstrate skills in a variety of activities |
General Comments, eg; comments on any difficulties or extra training
needed and attitudes to using LVA, eg; well motivated, motivated, only uses
with encouragement, reluctant user, refuses to use LVA.
(iv) Distance aids activities
Name
Type of LVA
Please date any entry
| ACTIVITIES | introduced | with help | no help |
| Reading a notice board | |||
| Blackboard/whiteboard work writing | |||
| Blackboard/whiteboard work numerals | |||
| Shop names | |||
| Road signs | |||
| Road names | |||
| Watching TV | |||
| Theatre visits | |||
| Menus, eg; MacDonalds | |||
| Bathroom scales | |||
| Identifying moving objects | |||
| Locating and reading bus numbers |
General Comments: eg; indicate type of activities if necessary, leisure
activities at
home (any comments from parents), general enthusiasm and motivation, any
postural difficulties
Additional Activities:
(v) CCTV skills
Name
Please date any entry
| SKILL | introduced | with help | no help |
| Explain purpose of the device | |||
| Operate following controls efficiently: | |||
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| Appreciate controls are interdependent | |||
| Operate the X-Y platform efficiently | |||
| Scan printed material L-R | |||
| Scan printed material from line to line | |||
| Systematic scanning of irregular print: | |||
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| Skimming skills: | |||
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| Simple writing activities: | |||
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General Comments:
(vi) CCTV activities
Name
Please date any entry
Closed circuit televisions are used primarily for reading and writing activities but can be used in other subjects such as science, geography, technology to observe demonstrations or to look at objects in some detail. CCTVs can be used when the student is experiencing visual fatigue when using a hand-held LVA, eg; for reading or for use with homework tasks.
The activities included in the Near Vision/Study/ Living Skills Section are appropriate for developing CCTV skills. Students should also be aware of their potential in other areas including a selection of the following.
| ACTIVITY | introduced | with help | no help |
| Completing forms | |||
| Filling in answers on worksheets | |||
| Geometrical constructions | |||
| Filling in and signing cheques | |||
| Notetaking | |||
| OS mapwork | |||
| Science activities (close inspection) | |||
| Stamps | |||
| Photographs | |||
| Coins and notes |
General Comments: eg; described the actual activity and skill being
assessed if not obvious, need for additional training, other activities.
Course materials