SCHOOL OF COMMERCE

Course: Inclusiveness (SNIE1012)

GROUP ASSIGNMENT-VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
SECTION-THREE (3)

GROUP MEMBERS
1. LEUL-MENGISTU (UGR/1284/17)
2. MATTEWOS-TSEHAIE (UGR/4554/17)
3. KIDUS-SOLOMON (UGR/6053/17)
4. BASLEAL-SOLOMON(UGR/5699/17)

Submitted TO: D.R

TSIGE G.
DATE: - DECEMBER 25
Introduction

Visual impairment refers to a significant loss of vision that cannot be corrected fully with
conventional means such as glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. It ranges from mild
vision loss to complete blindness and can affect individuals of any age, though it is more
prevalent among older adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that at least 2.2
billion people globally have a vision impairment or blindness, highlighting the widespread
impact of this condition.

Visual impairment can result from a variety of causes, including congenital conditions, injuries,
and diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and age-related macular
degeneration. Some individuals are born with visual impairments, while others may acquire them
later in life. The degree of vision loss can vary widely; some people might only have trouble
seeing in low light, while others may experience total blindness. Importantly, vision loss affects
more than just the ability to see — it influences education, employment opportunities,
independence, and quality of life.

The definition of visual impairment also encompasses both functional vision loss and legal
blindness. Functional vision loss refers to practical difficulties with everyday activities due to
reduced vision, while legal blindness is a term used to describe a specific threshold of vision loss
as recognized by law, often qualifying an individual for certain benefits and services. In many
countries, legal blindness is defined as visual acuity worse than 20/200 in the better eye, even
with corrective lenses, or a restricted field of vision less than 20 degrees.

Living with visual impairment presents many challenges, but advances in technology, education,
and rehabilitation services have greatly improved the ability of visually impaired individuals to
lead fulfilling lives. Assistive technologies such as screen readers, braille displays, magnification
software, and mobility aids like white canes and guide dogs enable greater independence.
Additionally, inclusive education systems and workplace accommodations help ensure that
visually impaired individuals can participate more fully in society.

Despite these improvements, barriers still exist. Many visually impaired individuals face societal
stigma, lack of accessibility, and limited resources, particularly in low-income countries.
Awareness, advocacy, and inclusive policies are essential in creating environments where those
with visual impairments can thrive.

Understanding visual impairment is crucial not only for supporting affected individuals but also
for building more inclusive communities. By recognizing the challenges and possibilities, we can
work towards a society where vision loss does not determine a person's potential or worth.
Causes of Visual Impairment and Types & Degrees of Visual
Impairment
Visual impairment is a global public health issue which has a wide impact on the quality of life,
mobility, and independence of an individual. Visual impairment has been defined as any vision
loss whether partial or total. It is important to research the causes, types, and degrees of visual
impairment for its prevention, early detection, and appropriate intervention.

Causes of Visual Impairment

There are numerous causes of visual impairment, ranging from correctable conditions to
irreversible damage. Refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia
(farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia, are one of the most common causes. These are
conditions that affect the manner in which light enters the eye and are usually correctable with
glasses or contact lenses. A second major cause is cataracts, which involve clouding of the eye's
natural lens and blurred vision and eventual blindness if left untreated. Cataracts most frequently
result from aging but may also be caused by trauma, radiation, or genetics. Glaucoma, a group
of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve—most frequently caused by high intraocular pressure
—is a second significant cause. Glaucoma frequently has no noticeable symptoms until
permanent damage has occurred.

Macular degeneration, and particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD), impacts the
central part of the retina, leading to the loss of central vision, which is crucial for reading and
recognizing faces. Diabetic retinopathy is a common cause, primarily among individuals with
uncontrolled diabetes. It involves damage to the retinal blood vessels and can result in blindness
if not diagnosed.

In addition to these, retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary disorder, and optic nerve atrophy, due to
damage to the optic nerve by trauma or neurological disease, also result in visual impairment.
Visual impairment is also brought about by infection, injury, and congenital anomalies.

Types of Visual Impairment

Visual impairment can broadly be classified into two broad categories: partial sight and total
blindness. Partial sight, also referred to as low vision, is where the individual has poor visual
capacity even with corrective lenses. It affects independent functioning in daily tasks. Total
blindness is where the individual has no vision whatsoever, and they cannot perceive light or
forms.

Degrees of Visual Impairment

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines visual impairment based on the best corrected
visual acuity in the better eye. It is classified as follows:

 Normal Vision: Visual acuity between 6/6 and 6/18.

 Moderate Visual Impairment: Visual acuity worse than 6/18 but better than or equal to
6/60.
 Severe Visual Impairment: Visual acuity worse than 6/60 but better than or equal to 3/60.
 Blindness: Subdivided into further categories as:
 Profound Blindness: Visual acuity less than 3/60 but equal to or more than 1/60.
 Near-total Blindness: Visual acuity less than 1/60 but with light perception.
 Total Blindness: No perception of light at all.

This classification helps in diagnosing the level of blindness and determining the type of support
and rehabilitation services required.

Impact of Visual Impairment on Daily Life and the Role of Assistive

Technologies

Living with visual impairment affects nearly every aspect of daily life, from simple tasks like
reading and walking to more complex activities like navigating public transportation, using
technology, or maintaining employment. The extent of the impact depends on the severity of the
impairment, the individual's environment, and the resources available to them.

One major area affected is mobility and navigation. Individuals with limited vision often face
difficulties moving around safely and independently. Everyday environments filled with
obstacles, poor lighting, or inaccessible signage can become major hazards. As a result, even
routine activities like going to school, shopping, or visiting friends may require assistance or
careful planning.

Communication is another challenge. Reading printed text, interpreting facial expressions, and
engaging with digital content are activities many people take for granted, but for someone with
visual impairment, they may require special tools or support. Accessing information can become
a slow and frustrating process without proper accommodations, limiting educational and
professional opportunities.

Moreover, social interactions and mental health are often impacted. Feelings of isolation,
dependence, or frustration are common among those adapting to vision loss. Difficulty
participating fully in social activities can lead to lower self-esteem and an increased risk of
depression. Visual impairment also affects employment opportunities, as many workplaces are
not fully adapted to accommodate the needs of individuals with vision challenges. This can
contribute to higher rates of unemployment or underemployment among visually impaired
populations.

Despite these challenges, assistive technologies and tools have revolutionized the way visually
impaired individuals interact with the world, greatly enhancing their independence and quality of
life.

Assistive Technologies and Tools

Assistive technologies for visual impairment encompass a wide range of devices and applications
designed to help with communication, navigation, reading, and everyday tasks.

One of the most well-known tools is the white cane, which helps individuals detect obstacles
and changes in surface texture while walking. Another important aid is the guide dog, trained to
lead its handler safely through various environments. These mobility aids significantly boost
confidence and independence.

Screen readers like JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and NVDA (Nonvisual Desktop Access)
are software programs that read the text displayed on a computer or smartphone screen aloud,
allowing users to navigate the internet, send emails, and perform other digital tasks.
Magnification software such as Zoom Text enlarges text and images on screens for users with
low vision, while braille displays convert digital text into braille characters that can be read by
touch.

For reading printed materials, there are portable magnifiers, electronic readers, and text-to-
speech scanners that can recognize and vocalize printed text. Some smartphones have built-in
accessibility features like Voiceover (iOS) or Talkback (Android), providing easier access to
apps, messaging, and the internet.

Recent technological advances have introduced wearable devices like OrCam MyEye, a small
camera mounted on glasses that reads text aloud and recognizes faces, products, and colors.
Navigation apps specifically designed for the visually impaired, such as Be My Eyes and Seeing
AI, offer real-time assistance by connecting users to volunteers or providing audio descriptions
of surroundings.

In educational settings, tools like braille notetakers, audio books, and adaptive learning
software ensure that students with visual impairments can access the same curriculum as their
peers. Similarly, workplaces are increasingly offering accessible technology and inclusive
practices, enabling visually impaired employees to perform a wide range of jobs successfully.

Overall, while visual impairment presents significant daily challenges, the development and
availability of assistive technologies have opened up remarkable opportunities for greater
autonomy, participation, and empowerment. Continued innovation and awareness are key to
creating an even more accessible and inclusive world.
Education Support and Inclusive Practices – Visual Impairment
Inclusivity means people with visual impairment are integrated in the system and not separated, hence
they are taught in normal classes. To ensure that these learners gain maximum educational benefits,
schools need to implement some policies and measures including:
 Elevation of Learning Materials: This constitutes braille books, audio files, tactile images and
large prints enabling students with visual impairment to receive similar education.
 Supportive Technology: Equipment provided to learners, which include modern technology like
computers, mobile phones, electronic braille, reading machines, and talking calculators which
empowers students to use digital tools and perform academic activities without assistance.
 Specialized Instruction: Teachers provide hands-on strategies and techniques like verbal
instructions and safe room guidance for easy movement and navigation.
 Prepared Personnel: Teachers and other relevant staff attend workshops in order to understand
how blind students operate and how they can be assisted in a normal schooling system and
setting.
 Student Activism and Social Support: All students are encouraged to participate in group
activities which enables students to interact socially, helps build self-esteem, reduces withdrawal
and promotes confidence.
These approaches enable students with visual impairments engage positively in learning exercises.

Government Policies and Legal Rights for People with Visual Impairment
Government policies play a key role in protecting and promoting the rights of individuals with visual
impairments, especially in education:
 Right to Inclusive Education: International agreements like the UN Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and national laws require that children with visual impairments
have equal access to quality education in mainstream settings.
 Anti-Discrimination Laws: Legislation prevents schools, employers, and service providers from
discriminating based on disability, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities.
 Resource Allocation: Governments are responsible for funding accessible materials, assistive
technologies, specialist staff, and support services to create inclusive environments.
 Support Services: Policies ensure access to specialized professionals, mobility and orientation
training, and counseling services for students and families.
 Monitoring and Implementation: Legal frameworks often include systems to monitor progress,
ensure schools follow inclusive practices, and hold institutions accountable when rights are
denied.
These legal protections and government initiatives are essential in ensuring people with visual
impairments can fully participate in society and reach their potential.
Generally, Inclusive education for visually impaired learners relies on tailored support, assistive
technology, and teacher training, backed by strong legal frameworks. Governments must ensure policies
are effectively implemented to uphold the rights of VI individuals in education and society
Employment and Economic Participation
Barriers to employment include accessibility challenges and societal misconceptions. Vocational training,
workplace accommodations, and promoting entrepreneurship are critical for economic inclusion.
Social Life and Recreation
Social participation is essential for quality of life. Adaptive sports, cultural accessibility (audio-described
movies, tactile museums), and community programs help foster inclusion.
Mental Health Considerations
Counseling, peer support networks, and mindfulness practices can help manage the emotional challenges
associated with vision loss.
Future Technologies and Research
Emerging technologies like bionic eyes, gene therapies, and AI-based aids promise new solutions for
restoring or compensating for vision loss.
Global Perspectives
Low-income regions face disproportionate burdens. Public health campaigns, better healthcare
infrastructure, and inclusive policies are necessary to address global disparities.
Legal Rights and Advocacy
Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and international treaties like the UN Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) protect the rights of visually impaired individuals.

Conclusion

Visual impairment remains a major global challenge that affects millions of individuals across all
age groups. It impacts not only the ability to see but also influences nearly every aspect of daily
living — from education and employment to personal independence and social participation.
While the causes and degrees of visual impairment are diverse, the shared experience of
navigating a visually-centered world demands comprehensive support systems.

Thanks to technological innovations, inclusive education practices, and increased awareness,

individuals with visual impairments now have greater opportunities to achieve independence and
lead fulfilling lives. Assistive technologies, legal protections, and advocacy efforts continue to
break down barriers, although significant work remains to ensure equity and full inclusion.

Building an accessible society requires a collective commitment to understanding,

accommodation, and empowerment. By promoting inclusive policies, expanding access to
assistive resources, and fostering positive societal attitudes, we can create a world where visual
impairment is not a limitation, but simply one aspect of a person's diverse human experience.

Ultimately, addressing visual impairment is not just about restoring sight — it is about enhancing
opportunity, dignity, and quality of life for all.
Reference
 UNESCO. (2020). Inclusive education: Ensuring access to quality education for all.
 World Health Organization. (2022). World report on vision.
 World Economic Forum. (2022). Emerging technologies for disability inclusion.
 Inclusive module