Laboratory exercises can be accessible to students if equipment is available that allows them to access, interpret and understand the results of laboratory exercise. Such devices include audible readout voltmeters, calculators, talking thermometers, talking compass and scales, and magnifiers.
Additions suggestions for laboratory exercises include:
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1. Teaming the student with a sighted student or providing a tutor to describe the activities and outcomes as they are observed.
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2. A hot plate can be used instead of a Bunsen burner
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3. A micro projector can be used to help a visually impaired student examine images from a microscope
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4. Allow more time for laboratory activities
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5. Describe and factually and spatially familiarize student with lab and equipment
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6. Location of materials, supplies, equipment and how it is used. They should be kept in the places and a Braille or large print label should
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be used. Braille or large print tags can be used on containers
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7. Overhead projector or opaque projector is helpful for some to show step-by-step instructions. A low vision closed circuit television can be used to magnify images up to 720 times.
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8. Taking a trial run on the equipment will help the student to become familiar
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9. Use tag shapes for showing relationships (such as distance comparison) buttons, or other markers on a "layout" board
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10. Portable communication board can be used to provide auditory scanning of laboratory materials such as: pictographic symbols, letters or words. Obtain laboratory equipment that have adaptive outputs such as: a large screen, print materials, various audio output devices, Braille and large print translations of books prior to enrollment
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11. Allow more time for laboratory activities
FIELD EXPERIENCE MODIFICATIONS
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1. Provide handouts, safety information and assignments available in appropriate form including regular or large print, Braille, audio cassette.
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2. Provide a detailed description and narration of objects seen in science centers, museums and field activities
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3. Ask a classmate to act as a sighted guide
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4. A laser cane or Mowatt sensor are electronic travel aid that can be helpful in assisting the student in unfamiliar surroundings
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5. Provide a tape recorder for use by the student.
RESEARCH MODIFICATIONS
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1. Tape record, computer, various Braille devices to assist in reading and note- taking
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2. Use of appropriate lab and field strategies according to the nature of the research
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3. Make arrangements for tactile examination if allowed by the museum or research center
TESTING ADAPTATIONS
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1. Allow additional time for testing.
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2. Testing should be present in a form that will be unbiased for visually impaired
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3. The student may be able to help you understand which method is most accessible
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4. Talking and large print display calculators should be available.
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5. Record test questions on tape and allow students to record their answers on tape
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6. The activity script, directions or readings can be taped
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7. 3-D tactile models can be used
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8. Modifications may be made or specialized equipment such as talking thermometers, talking scales, etc.
READING
There are a number of devices that can be used to assist vision impaired students when reading including closed circuit televisions which enlarge pages of written material. They can be very portable and provide the student with instant enlargement of pages.
Tutors or volunteer readers or writers can assist student with tests, materials, research by reading materials for students.
The teacher of the visually impaired should arrange with Talking Book Service or Recording for the Blind for audio books to be produced of textbooks or other reading materials.
