Here are a few ideas for teachers:

• Invite people who are blind or visually impaired to speak about their life and describe the aids they use (e.g. white canes, guide dogs and special computers)
• Create a display of print materials on blindness and visual impairment
• Ask students to try to accomplish everyday activities wearing a blindfold or Simulator Spectacles if you have them (e.g. tying shoelaces, writing one’s name, etc.). How would everyday activities have to be altered to cope with visual impairment?
• Ask students to write a Braille message and have a classmate read it back to them (go to www.cnib.ca/school-package/4.htm for the Braille alphabet, worksheet and other information on Louis Braille)
• Ask students to identify common things using other senses.
  Some examples would be:
  • smell – soap, spices, fruit
  • hearing – a sound effects soundtrack
  • taste – different foods, drinks
  • touch – guessing items in a bag
  • There are some great ideas for these sense activities at the following URL: www.rnzfb.org.nz/IrisWorld/test_your_senses.php
• Brainstorming as a precursor to class/group discussions – see www.rnzfb.org.nz.IrisWorld/brainstorming2.php