Art and design at KS1 and visual impairment

The impact of a visual impairment on learning is similar across subject areas. Begin by reading the information on challenges faced by visually impaired children across the curriculum and at all levels, plus the suggestions for inclusion.

You can:

• Support the child with clear speech and logical connections between concepts and activities. Explain why the child is undertaking a task - it will help them to build practical experiences onto their expectations.
• It is hard for a visually impaired child to work out what is happening when practically exploring a concept, so providing more detail is helpful, as long as the vocabulary you use is clear.
• Try using fluorescent materials (paint, card) then looking at them under ultraviolet light. The effect can be powerful to a child with some sight as ultraviolet stimulates part of the brain more effectively than normal light. (Take safety advice on ultraviolet light sources first)
• Work with textures and in 3-D for the child to experience the feel of different shapes and types of artwork.
• Use a moon-printer to recreate their drawings as textured surfaces. For the pupil with some vision texture can be helpful for adding colour to different areas.