Are you a bit nervous about how a student who is visually impaired or blind, will be able to use a microscope?
First of all, relax! In a few steps you can provide a science learning experience that is meaningful and improves overall concept development. Here are several techniques that will help you make the experience hands-on and positive:
If your student is visually impaired…
- Enlarge all drawing you pass out in a font size (between 18-24 pts) that will accommodate your student.
- Take extra time in training to learn how to use the microscope.
- If the microscope you have is connectable with a computer and computer screen or even a TV monitor, you can further enlarge the slide you are viewing for maximum magnification and detail.
If your student is blind…
- Prepare a tactile picture of a microscope using an enlarged diagram and outlining the diagram with a hot glue gun. Add Braille labels using a Braille label maker.
- You should still teach your student how to use a microscope.
- Prepare tactile pictures (with less detail as the actual slide) by hand drawing and using a hot glue gun or Wikki Stixs.
Anything you can do (and this can take time) to enhance the learning experience in laboratory settings will be time well spent for you and your student. Enjoy!
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