Art Beyond the Eyes: A Handbook For Visual Art Teachers Working with Students with Visual Impairments

This handbook is designed to help visual art teachers make accommodations for students with visual impairments, addressing the needs of children with low vision and those who are blind. The first section, “Understanding Students with Visual Impairments,” provides suggestions about where to find information about students with visual impairment as well as tips for working with Teachers of students with Visual Impairments and paraprofessionals. It also considers ways to adapt the classroom environment. The second section is the nuts and bolts of making an art program accessible for students with visual impairments, with a focus on media. For each medium there are sample lesson plans, a list of alternative materials, and suggestions for adapting materials and techniques for students with low vision, those who are blind, and those with multiple disabilities. While lessons are geared toward the elementary level, the accommodations work equally well with middle and high school students.