FTCE Visually Impaired flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Legal blindness definition

Best-corrected central acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less in the better eye.

Functional vision definition

The vision a student actually uses to perform daily tasks, shaped by lighting, contrast, fatigue, and environment, not just the clinical acuity number.

Low vision

Visual impairment that is not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery and that interferes with everyday activities but permits some usable vision.

Cortical visual impairment

A brain-based visual dysfunction in which the eyes may be healthy but the brain cannot interpret visual information consistently; a leading pediatric cause.

Cone cells

Retinal photoreceptors concentrated at the fovea that detect color and fine detail and function best in bright light.

Rod cells

Retinal photoreceptors that detect dim light and peripheral motion; they do not detect color and dominate outside the fovea.

Myopia

A refractive error in which the image focuses in front of the retina, making distance vision blurry while near vision often remains clear.

Optic chiasm

The structure where nasal retinal fibers cross to the opposite side while temporal fibers stay ipsilateral; damage after it causes homonymous field loss.

Retinopathy of prematurity

A disorder of premature infants in which abnormal retinal blood vessel growth can lead to detachment; staged 1 to 5, with oxygen therapy as a risk factor.

Albinism

A genetic reduction of melanin causing foveal hypoplasia, nystagmus, photophobia, and reduced acuity; refractive correction and tinted lenses help.

Family-centered practice

An approach that treats the family as the constant in the child's life and builds supports around family priorities, routines, culture, and preferences.

Learned helplessness

Passivity that develops when a child's actions do not produce predictable results; infants with visual impairment are at risk and need contingent, responsive feedback.

Disability spread

Overgeneralization in which peers and adults assume that a visual impairment limits all functioning, leading them to underestimate the student's competence.

Sighted guide etiquette

Offer an arm and ask before assisting; the traveler grips above the elbow and stays half a step behind, and the guide announces stops and turns.

Functional Vision Assessment

A TVI-conducted evaluation of how a student uses vision across settings, lighting, and tasks; it informs accommodations and instruction rather than diagnosing eye disease.

Learning Media Assessment

A systematic procedure to determine which sensory channels and literacy media (braille, print, auditory, tactile) the student uses most efficiently for learning.

Ecological assessment

Observation of the student performing real tasks in natural routines such as hallways, cafeteria, and playground, because clinic measures predict performance imperfectly.

Expanded Core Curriculum

Nine disability-specific areas, including compensatory access, O&M, social interaction, independent living, recreation, careers, AT, sensory efficiency, and self-determination.

Sensory efficiency instruction

Systematic teaching of how to use residual vision, touch, and hearing effectively, including scanning, eccentric viewing, lighting, and tactile discrimination.

Self-determination instruction

Teaching choice-making, goal setting, self-advocacy, and knowledge of one's own visual condition and needed accommodations so the student directs their life.

Universal Design for Learning

A framework offering multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression so varied learners can access content without retrofit accommodations.

Unified English Braille

The literary braille code used in the US since 2016; it uses 189 contractions, including alphabetic word signs, strong contractions, lower signs, shortforms, and groupsigns.

Nemeth Code

The braille code for mathematics and science; numeric and letter indicators distinguish digits from letters and require explicit code switches.

Numeric indicator

In Nemeth Code, the cell using dots 3-4-5-6 placed before a digit to show it is a numeral rather than a letter.

Tactile graphics design

Simplified raised-line figures with a clear key, distinct textures, and consistent orientation; excessive detail lowers comprehension.

Refreshable braille display

A device with movable pins that renders digital text as braille, supporting reading and editing when connected to a computer or mobile device.

NIMAS and NIMAC

The National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard defines file formats publishers submit to the NIMAC, the national repository for conversion to braille, large print, or digital text.

Screen reader prerequisites

Accessible digital content needs headings, alt text, table headers, and logical reading order for screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver to work.

Orientation versus mobility

Orientation is knowing one's position and spatial relationships; mobility is moving safely and efficiently through the environment.

Constant-contact cane technique

The cane tip stays on the ground and slides side to side, detecting drop-offs and surface changes, useful on stairs and uneven terrain.

Landmarks and clues

Landmarks are fixed objects used for orientation; clues are sensory information such as sounds, textures, or temperature that confirm location.

Pre-employment transition services

VR-funded services for students with disabilities, including job exploration, work-based learning, postsecondary counseling, workplace readiness, and self-advocacy training.