The Classroom
Grade 2
Visual Impairments

In 2nd grade, students are introduced to the program with the question, “What does a disability look like?”  The unit then focuses the discussion of disabilities on the challenges of people who are visually impaired or blind. The students learn how the eyes work, why some of us see differently, and how alternative strategies can help accomplish daily activities when visually impaired. Throughout the weekly sessions, the children experience several activities which simulate visual impairments, such as “eating out” in a classroom restaurant scene and taking a walk, all while blindfolded and with assistance from a partner who can see. They also experiment with aids and appliances that allow visually challenged people to walk, write, and even read independently.  With further discussion, students are challenged to ask themselves, “How has my view of what it means to be disabled changed?”