Classroom accommodations for visual processing issues

By Amanda Morin

Expert reviewed by Ginny Osewalt

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When students have difficulty processing visual information, it can get in the way of learning. What can teachers use in the classroom to help students with ? Here’s a look at some strategies and tools.

Classroom materials and routines

  • Post visual schedules, but also say them out loud.

  • Describe visual presentations aloud and/or provide narration.

  • Build in time to summarize the important information from each lesson.

  • Provide uncluttered handouts with few or no nonessential images.

  • Use a reading guide strip or a blank index card to block out other lines of text while reading.

  • Provide a highlighter to use to highlight information while reading.

  • Provide a slant board (or three-ring binder) to bring work closer to student’s visual field.

  • Use audiobooks or text-to-speech software.

  • Provide wide-ruled paper and darken or highlight lines and margins to help form letters in the right space.

  • Provide graph paper (or lined paper to be used sideways) to help line up math problems.

  • Provide a note-taker or a copy of class notes.

  • Have loop scissors available to make it easier to control cutting and following a line.

  • Provide colored glue sticks to use on white paper.

  • Use Wikki Stix to create a border for areas to color or glue.

Giving instructions

  • Say directions and assignments out loud.

  • Clearly space words and problems on a page.

  • Write directions in a different color from the rest of an assignment (or highlight them).

  • Include simple diagrams or images to help clarify written directions.

  • Use highlighting or sticky-note flags to draw attention to important information on worksheets.

  • Allow time for the student to ask questions about directions.

Completing tests and assignments

  • Allow oral reporting instead of written responses.

  • Allow the student to submit answers on a separate sheet of paper rather than on fitting them into small spaces.

  • Reduce visual distractions by folding a test or using blank pieces of paper to cover up part of the page.

  • Provide extended time on tests.

  • Provide a quiet room for tests if needed.

What’s next?

Do you think your child may need accommodations? Explore conversation starters for talking to the teacher about learning differences.

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