Adapting Laboratory Curricula for Visually-Impaired Students

 

Jane E. Caldwell & Kristi Teagarden

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2007, Volume 28

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Abstract

At West Virginia University (WVU) we have adapted our General Biology lab exercises to accommodate several blind students. Upon reflection, we found that most standard lab exercises have a strong visual orientation, and some processes (e.g. mitosis) that are mainly explained through diagrams are difficult to understand from a verbal description alone. To address this problem we developed tactile models and developed Braille-labeled “manipulables” that allow blind students to make their own observations with the help of “seeing-eye student” assistants. We describe the models we have created and the way we have accommodated visually impaired students at WVU.

Keywords:  visual disability

Purdue University (2006)

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