Children with Disabilities

Visual Impairment

Children below the age of 18 experience moderate vision impairments at a rate of 12.2 for every 1,000, or 1.22 percent. Those that are diagnosed with severe visual disabilities (i.e. legally or completely blind) occur approximately .06 per 1,000, or .006 percent. The four terms used to describe children with eyesight problems include:

• Partially sighted -- poor vision requires enrollment in special education classes.
• Low vision -- severely poor vision including nearsightedness and farsightedness. Anyone who lacks the ability to read a book from an acceptable distance is deemed to have low vision, even if they are wearing glasses or contacts. These children use eyesight as well as the other four senses to educate themselves. In the process, they may need to make adjustments to the lighting, the size of the font they are reading, and in rare cases, use Braille.
• Legally blind -- vision is limited to under 20/200 in the stronger eye, or their line of sight spans 20 degrees at its maximum point.
• Totally blind -- complete vision loss requires teaching via the use of Braille and other non-visual learning tools.

Visual impairment amounts to a functional loss or deterioration of eyesight, but it is not directly a result of an eye disorder. The following eye conditions may lead to visual impairment:

• Retinal degeneration
• Albinism
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Muscle irregularities
• Corneal disturbances
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Birth defects
• Infections

The consequences of visual impairment on a child's maturation and educational growth process is based on the degree of loss, the age when the problem starts, and the child's general ability to function. Children suffering from more than one disability may possess a visual impairment that causes mobility, thought processing, and/or social developmental hindrances.

We are well aware that children are inherently curious, but one with an eye disorder will not be inclined to investigate their surroundings. In turn, they may unintentionally avoid potential educational experiences. This lack of inquisitiveness could last until steps to intervene are taken.

If a child's vision is so poor that they cannot see the people involved in their everyday lives, they may not learn to mimic social tendencies or comprehend nonverbal behavior. In short, this kind of handicap can inhibit a child's ability to become independent and may contribute to awkward moments.

If your child has a visual impairment that requires correction, you may be eligible to receive financial assistance to resolve the problem. Find out if you qualify by talking to a Florida social security disability attorney.