The Mind Map of Blindness
Mind Map Design
The mind map begins with blindness which by definition is the inability to see light or to see light or anything in particular or having such little ability to see with the eyes that one has to use hearing and touch as the main means of acuity. There is another form of blindness known as legal blindness. By definition, legal blindness is a situation whereby he or she has the equivalent of 20 out of 200 and below visual acuity in the better eye even with corrective measures put in place or having the field of sight that is less than 20 degrees (Hartmann, 2011). Blindness is a defect in the eyes, as such, it is important to know the parts of the eye, which if affected would lead to some form of visual defect. The first is the aqueous humor a clear liquid that covers the surface of the eye.
Many defects can occur to the eye. Some of them include congenital cataracts and glaucoma. These two diseases rarely cause blindness but they do cause blurred vision, tearing excessively among many other discomforts to the eye. There is also myopia, which is caused by the elongation of the eye. Ocular albinism causes extreme sensitivity to light. Optic atrophy is very sensitive since it is caused by damage to the optic nerve; it causes loss of central vision, color vision among other defects. Finally, there is retinopathy of prematurity, an eye defect condition that is caused by prematurity and may cause defects such as loss of peripheral vision and blurred sight (451).
The choroid is responsible for the nourishment of the eye. The conjunctiva, which is the mucous layer, offers some protection from dust and microscopic organisms by trapping them. The cornea is responsible for the transmission of light. The iris controls the size of the pupil and the amount of light that gets into the eye. The lens focuses the received light. The optic nerve carries the message from the retina to the brain. The sclera forms the outermost protective cover of the eye. Finally, the vitreous body provides the filling of the eyeball that supports the lens (453).
The second stage of the mind map is the characteristics of blindness. Some major factors that characterize blindness include lack of visual acuity from close or far proximity. The second characteristic is the lack of binocular vision. The third characteristic is that those that have visual impairments lack color preferences. This might be because the defects that they have do not allow them to see color. The third characteristic is that those with visual defects lack central or peripheral visibility either partially or fully.
The third part comprises of the effective instructional practices that are useful for the visually impaired. Many instructional practices are effective for the visually impaired, fully or partially. First, the instructor must come up with ways in which the blind can learn the multiple forms of communication that exist. Second, for the partially blind especially, the instructor must teach them how to use whatever visual ability they have left. Third, to help them learn, it is more effective to help them know how to use their other senses to compensate for their lack of vision. Fourth, their self-esteem should be boosted so that they can be able to communicate in a manner that they are most comfortable with. Finally, the most effective instructional practice is by incorporating activities that can be learnt using their daily routines.
The fourth part is the placement of options available for the blind. Several placement options are available for the student that is blind or visually impaired in some way. The first option is the regular classrooms. This is most suitable for the students that are not fully blind. They have some visual disability and therefore need a bit more care and attention than the rest of the class. This is beneficial to the student in that in due time, he, or she is able to feel integrated in a community setting. The second placement is that of a special class in a special school. This setting provides the child with the opportunity to learn with other students that have the same disability as him (DB project, 2014). The third placement setting is one that has the student put in a special classroom within a regular school. This provides the student with the opportunity of the student studying under special care with other students, with similar disabilities. However, during their free time, they spend it with the other students. In this setting, the student knows how to deal with both the handicapped and the other students in a social setting. The fourth is a residential school whereby the guardian of the student is the special needs instructor who comes to assist the student at home.
In such placements, some measures must be put in place when dealing with the students. First, the student should be addressed by name. Second, words such as look or see should be freely used to make the student feel at ease. Third, the teacher should read aloud so that the blind student may know what is going on. Additional do’s when it comes to the visually impaired student include encouraging independence among others. Some don’ts in the school settings include; taking note before touching the student. Second, do not be overprotective. Third, the teacher and other students should not be over cautious when dealing with the student. This makes the student feel more at ease (469).
Finally, the mind map concludes with the current research advancements that have been made in the medical field for the visually impaired. The current research that is done on blindness is extensive, and therefore, advances with each passing day. Measures are being taken by researchers to cure ailments that cause blindness in cost effective ways. Such treatments and technological advancements have made it possible for the blind and visually impaired to learn in the same level. Even more, research has been put in place to figure out means by which blindness can be avoided all together. Some of the institutions that have been put in place for such activities include American Printing House for the Blind, and American Foundation for the Blind among others (474). Those that undergo eye treatments are being fitted with new equipment that allow for better care of the eye. For instance, it is now a common practice to implant contacts after a cataract surgery is done. This lowers the chances of the cataract reoccurring in future.
Advanced means of diagnosis have made the chances of detection when it comes to eye infections even higher, which means that their damage can be mitigated. Illnesses that cause blindness like glaucoma have been reduced by half in the past decade due to advancements in technology and research. The old folks home facilities have been fitted with eye care equipment, therefore, the elderly have a better chance of seeing for a longer period than they could have at home. Finally, the sidewalks have been fitted with apparatus to help the blind navigate their way better (YouTube, 2014). For instance, the use of tactile strips located in the sidewalks could help the blind not walk into the path of traffic whenever they do not have assistance. Even so, they need to be taught how to use such equipment if it is to be of any benefit to them.
Interesting Research
What is interesting to note is the fact that famous people who have visual impairments have used their celebrity status to help in the viewing of other disabled people in a better light. The fact that most people in the society tend to identify on some level with these celebrities has helped boost the status of the visually impaired in the society. These has helped the visually challenged to get independence and achieve acceptance in the society.
Lesson Learnt
The lesson got from the mind map is that the inability to see does not necessarily mean the end of opportunities. There are many facilities that are dedicated to take care of those that are visually challenged. Consequently, the blind will be able to enjoy all the opportunities that are available for those that have a perfect eyesight.
Mind Map in a Classroom Setting
In a classroom setting, the mind map could be used for a variety of reasons. The major reason is as a visual aid. The simplicity of the mind map helps students understand the concepts that are being put across. The simple to understand procedure is quite easy to follow and understand.
References
Hartmann, E. (n.d.). ERIC - Universal Design for Learning. Practice Perspectives--Highlighting Information on Deaf-Blindness. Number 8, National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness, 2011-Sep. ERIC - Universal Design for Learning. Practice Perspectives--Highlighting Information on Deaf-Blindness. Number 8, National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness, 2011-Sep. Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED531767
MN DeafBlind Technical Assistance Project - Education. (n.d.). MN DeafBlind Technical Assistance Project - Education. Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://www.dbproject.mn.org/education.html
Trying to use the Tactile Sidewalk Strips for the Blind (Tokyo, Japan). (n.d.). YouTube.
