A website for teachers who are blind or visually impaired.

Connecting with Disability Support Services

Nearly all colleges and universities which provide teacher education also provide services to students with disabilities. These services are often offered through the Student Services office, and sometimes have an office of their own called Disabled Student Services (DSS) or similar. The DSS office offers a wide range of support services to students with disabilities, including many to students with visual impairments. Different offices have different eligibility criteria, but proof of a disability (with documentation from an eye care professional) is often required. It is important that you have an idea of the types of accommodations you will require before meeting with the staff off the DSS office. Although their job is to provide many of the services you may need, it is your job to ask for those services. An example of the services that might be provided to students with visual impairments include:

  • Textbooks and course materials in large print, e-text, audio, or braille formats
  • Exams in large print, braille, audio, or e-text, as well as a scribe and reader if needed
  • A notetaker for classes, if needed
  • A reader to assist with library research
  • Adaptive equipment, either in a computer lab or library

It is also the responsibility of the DSS office to rpovide accommodations to students during practicums or student teaching experiences. The accommodations requires during this portion of study may be very different from the types of accommodations you use while taking classes. Examples of some accommodations you might request as a student teacher include:

  • Equipment such a sa portable CCTV or laptop computer to use in the classroom
  • A teaching assistant to assist with reading and paperwork (it is important that this person does not teach)
  • Teaching resources and classroom materials in alterante formats
  • Contracting an orientation and mobility specialist to assist you orientation to your school

It is important to connect with the DSS office before the start of classes or even the start of your program. Doing so will allow you to meet with staff and find out abotu the services offered, collect any needed documentation, and begin the process of acquiring equipment or getting materials transcribed itno alernate formats. This office also exists to help you advocate to university staff and faculty about meeting your needs or issues surrounding discrimination, so it is a good idea to make connections early in case you encounter such issues during the application process or early in your coursework.