As you get older, you will need to describe your own vision needs to teachers, friends, and other people in your community. You may also want to find more resources outside of school that you can lean on when you're in college or have your first job. The vision portfolio assignment is a good step toward getting you ready to self-advocate for yourself.
Make a folder on your computer and name it "Vision Portfolio." Your vision portfolio will be complete when you have finished the following tasks:
1. Write a "vision statement" that explains to others what you can see and what helps you to see. You may want to include examples of things your teachers can do to help you do your best in class, the print size you can read without a magnifier, the type of lighting you like best, the technology you use, or where you like to sit in a classroom. Here are some examples: example 1 example 2 example 3
Before writing your own vision statement, you may want to learn more about low vision vocabulary.
2. Make a list of the tools that you use and how they help you.
3. Write down the contact information for any eye specialists you visit (ophthalmologists, low vision specialists). Include their name, address, telephone numbers, and e-mail address/web page.
4. Describe the major parts of the eye and their jobs (sclera, cornea, iris, lens, optic nerve, pupil, retina, vitreous humor, rod cells, cone cells, macula). Use a model of the eye to identify each part.
5. Write a description of your eye condition. Include the following information: name of eye condition, cause, and the resulting effect on vision. Your teacher will have you go on a webquest where you will read some information about your eye condition.
7. Get a copy of your last eye report to keep in your portfolio. Discuss it with your teacher. Here is a list of abbreviations often used in eye reports.
8. As a student with a visual impairment, it is valuable to learn more about the various advocacy groups you can join and their differences. Visit the following websites to learn more about each group: American Council of the Blind