This document discusses Jose, a 4-year-old boy with low vision who recently moved to Toronto from Winnipeg. It provides information about Jose's needs and strategies for supporting him in the preschool environment. Key points include: - Jose will need an inclusive environment with adapted materials to support his visual impairment and allow interaction with other children. - It is important to make Jose and his family feel welcome and supported by providing resources about local services. - The physical environment can be modified with adaptations like larger toys, high contrast colors, and soft surfaces to prevent injury to accommodate Jose's low vision needs. - Teaching strategies like using props, audio books, and individual activities may need to be incorporated to support Jose

1. Low Vision
Brittany Pachouris – 300658690
Lisa McCaie
ECEP- 233

2. Jose
You are working as an ECE in a preschool room.
Jose (age 4) is a child with low vision who has
just started in your room. Jose has just moved to
Toronto. He had been in a childcare center in
Winnipeg before his father was transferred. Jose
in an only child in a two-parent family, both
parents work. Jose’s parents ask you about
services in the Toronto area.

3. Meeting the Needs of the Child
Jose will need to be in an inclusive environment
that supports his visual impairment. In order to
do that I will provide materials that will fit his
needs. I want to ensure that Jose meets other
children and can interact during social play just
like all the other children. “Can struggle with
symbolic and social play, communication and
self-confidence.” (Class notes- Children with
Physical Challenges Page:2) It is important to
make Jose feel welcome when he enters the
room and to have activities that will meet his
specific needs. It is hard for a child to start fresh
somewhere else so having a welcome child care
center is very important.

4. Meeting the Needs of the Family
I want Jose’s parents to know that they have
support at the child care center. Families need to
know that they can rely on the educators to
provide a safe and nurturing environment for
their children.
Providing resources to help families will show
that you care about that family and that you are
willing to help them in different ways.
Coming to Toronto from Winnipeg I want to learn
about the help they got there so we can

5. Defining Low Vision
Low vision can happen to both males and
females and it can also happen at any age.
Some people may develop having low vision but
in most cases it is caused by a disease. “Most
people develop low vision because of eye
diseases and health conditions like macular
degeneration, cataract, glaucoma and
diabetes.”(http://www.lowvision.com/information/low-vision-defined)
When people have low vision things such as
glasses and surgery don’t help the vision
improve all the way because they will always
have difficulty doing every day things such as
reading the paper, watching TV and doing any
daily routines that would take place.

6. Defining Low Vision Continued
It is good to make eye appointments annually
because you never know when your vision has
changed. If you do notice your vision has
become less focused it is always important to get
it checked out even if it turns out to be nothing.
Some signs that you may be losing your vision
you had before could be noticed while you are
doing tasks you would normally do such as,
washing dishes, reading a book, driving, etc…

7. Video Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWRhirsJUD0
The lady in this video talks about how the stress you
give your eyes can affect how strong or weak a
child’s eye can be. When children spend more time
focusing on computer screens and TV’s it strains
their eyes which could weaken how well they see.

8. Visual Testing Tool
http://precision-vision.com/index.cfm/product/302_11/patti-pics-colenbrander-low-
vision-chart.cfm?CFID=33532537&CFTOKEN=34b423b39f79ecc-D6EAF421-0C71-
27E6-90B4C14FB30DE9C4

9. Visual Testing Tool
http://precision-vision.com/index.cfm/product/302_11/patti-pics-colenbrander-low-vision-
chart.cfm?CFID=33532537&CFTOKEN=34b423b39f79ecc-D6EAF421-0C71-27E6-
90B4C14FB30DE9C4

10. Meeting the Needs of Children in
the Physical Environment
I will meet Jose’s low vision needs by ensuring I
provide a safe and healthy environment. The
environment will be inclusive and accessible no
matter what the child’s needs are. When you
have a child with a special need it is important to
provide materials that will help the child learn and
feel part of the group. I would plan and
incorporate new materials for Jose so that it
makes his day easier and he can learn just like
everyone else. The environment can be modified
to meet Jose’s needs and also during transitions
periods. The flow will be simple and accessible.

11. Meeting the Needs of Children in
the Physical Environment
Continued
In the room I want to make sure the materials for
Jose are well designed to help him focus better. I
know from researching low vision that even
glasses and surgeries may not help but by
talking to Jose’s parents I could get an idea of
what I could do to help and what I could add in
the room to help Jose.

12. Meeting the Needs of Children in
the Physical Environment
Continued
When Jose first starts in the room I would show him
around the room so that he becomes familiar with the
furniture in the new environment. If he needed any
materials that would help him while he eats, uses the
washroom or to walk I would arrange the furniture
around so it is easy for him to walk around. Safety is
important which is why I don’t want him to walk into
anything due to low vision. I would watch Jose close
at first so I had an idea of what his needs are. Using
hand over hand for something may be important in
the every day routine. “Physical Prompts are the
greatest amount of support most helpful with new
skills. It involves using your hands over the child’s
hands.” (Class Handout- ConnectABILITY- Prompting
and Fading Workshop)

13. Meeting the Needs of Children in
the Physical Environment
Continued
Some toys are often small but having larger toys
it would be easier for Jose to manipulate.
Bringing in bigger paint brushes to do art with
would help him when grasping this object. I
understand the vision may not be particularly
clear but it could help him to find the objects.

14. Meeting the Needs of Children in
the Physical Environment
Continued
Having bright colours and light can attract Jose’s
eyes. It is very hard to see and focus your eyes
on things that seem dull so by adding in abstract
colours it will help it be more interesting. Doing
things such as this will help Jose with his needs.
Every child deserves to have a fair right in all
activities and changing the environment is
something that could hugely impact a child. This
will allow the child to feel included with the other
children and that is so great to focus on.

15. Meeting the Needs of Children in
the Physical Environment
Continued
Reading may be difficult for this child. It will strain
Jose’s eyes and that is the least thing I would
want to do to a child or anyone for that matter.
Having a recorded book on tape can allow this
child to hear the book instead of reading it. Also
having a book of felt can help Jose with his
sensory. He may not be able to see the cat but
he can feel a material of how a cat would feel.

16. Meeting the Needs of Children in
the Physical Environment
Continued
Putting soft material around the room on corners
could prevent any dangerous accidents. Jose can not
see clearly so in case of any fails he will have a safer
landing. During transitions times allowing Jose to
have enough time to get from one place to another is
important. By having Jose at the front you can help
guide him so he will adapt to the daily routine.
“Inclusive practices build processes that support
inclusion.” (Class Handout- Inclusion of Children with
Special Needs) Having Jose doing the routines with
all the children will help him fit right in and not feeling
left out.

17. Changes in the Teaching
Strategies
The way the room runs could vary depending on
how much focus Jose may need. When Jose first
starts in the room I will make the initial
observations that will help me identify what
teaching strategies I would like to use. Since
Jose can not see well I would add in different
props I use in a daily routine. I need to see how
well Jose adapts. Doing research and finding tips
that could help me be a better ECE for Jose is
important to do. You have to be knowledgeable
when dealing with a child with needs.

18. Changes in the Teaching
Strategies
When working one on one with Jose I will plan
activities that Jose will be able to do. When painting I
will use bright colours, when reading a book I will try
to provide a audio with it. This may not be something
you always do but if it helps build Jose’s knowledge
and understanding then it is key. “Creating and
implementing individual program plans and individual
educational plans can happen. This includes
providing thoughts, ideas, observations, strategies
and solutions”(Class Handout- The role of the early
childhood educator) When doing the initial
observation it will allow me to see what plans I need
to do separately and what plans to do as a group.

19. Including the Child in a Group
Setting
Having a friendly inclusive environment is important when
including a new child such as Jose. “Built on the foundation
of respect, fairness, justice and equity.” (Class Handout-
Inclusion of Children with Special Needs) Teaching the
children that everyone has the right to play and allowing
them all to come with ideas that would work for a friendly
environment. Having all children together to matter what
needs children may have is something to make sure is
clear. “Inclusion is the right thing to do legally, morally,
effectively, and societally.” ” (Class Handout- Inclusion of
Children with Special Needs) Children like to feel accepted
which is why it is important to make every child feel
special. Allow Jose to get to know the other children and
see how he interacts with them. Find out what Jose’s
interests are and put things out that will draw his attention.

20. Including the Child in a Group
Setting

21. The Needs of the Family as a
Whole
When first meeting the family I would have known they
came from Winnipeg. I would want to know what needs
were met there so I could try and provide the same support
they had gotten before. I want to be able to sit down and
talk to the family so that I can have a better understanding
of Jose and how he is because not everything you
research may relate to the child. The concerns and
questions the family should be addressed so that the
families needs can be met. I believe that you should try
your best to help families especially when they are coming
to an unfamiliar place. Providing agencies can help
families. Both of Jose’s parents work which can get
stressful for them when trying to find agencies that could
provide support to them. “Data collection is a key
component of skill building. It helps you track the progress,
know when to fade assistance and to identify areas that
need extra teaching.” (Class Handout- ConnectABILITY-
Take Analysis)

22. The Needs of the Family as a
Whole

23. Connecting Families with Agencies
in the Local Area
It is important to help families find agencies that
could help support Jose’s needs as well as
theirs. It not only shows that you care but it helps
this family to adjust to a new setting.

24. Connecting Families with Agencies
in the Local Area
MINISTRY OF CHILDREN AND
YOUTH
SERVICES
Name: Ontario Ministry of children and youth services
Service: “The program provides education and support for parents
so they can encourage the healthy development of their children.
Parents learn to help their children develop the skills they need for
daily activities at home and in early learning and care settings.”
http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/earlychildhood/blindne
sslowvision/brochure.aspx
Referral Process: N/A
Cost: N/A
Location: 225 Duncan Mill Road, Suite 201,Toronto,Ontario M3B
3K9
Contact: 416-338-0025
www.tpsls.on.ca
www.children.gov.on.ca

25. Connecting Families with Agencies
in the Local Area
Name: Surrey Place Centre
Service: “This family-centred service provides supports to
children and their families in natural settings including the
home and early learning settings. The goal of the service
is to mitigate the risks of the visual impairment on the
child’s development.”
http://www.surreyplace.on.ca/Clinical-
Programs/Developmental-Disabilities/Blind–Low-Vision-
Program/Pages/Main.aspx
Referral Process: N/A
Cost: N/A
Location: Families living in Toronto - Toronto Public Health
Contact: 416.338.8255

26. Connecting Families with Agencies
in the Local Area
Name: Finch Avenue Optometry
Service: This is a service that will deal with people who face
low vision.
Referral Process: N/A
Cost: N/A
Location: 77 Finch Avenue West, Suite 100
North York, ON, M2N 2H5
Contact: 416-222-7788

27. Bibliography
(n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.etsy.com/listing/108316362/teddy-ruxpin-
teddys-winter-adventure
(2013). (Cabrillo Community College District)
Retrieved 03 17, 2013, from Cabrills College:
www.cabrillo.edu
(2013). (© 2013 Etsy, Inc.) Retrieved 03 17, 2013,
from Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/108316362/teddy-ruxpin-
teddys-winter-adventure
Biolabs, R. (2012, 05 07). Common eye problems:
Common eye problems in children. (R. Biolabs,
Producer) Retrieved 03 10, 2013, from You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWRhirsJUD0

28. Bibliography
Blind – Low Vision Program . (2009). Retrieved 03 16, 2013,
from Surrey Place Center:
http://www.surreyplace.on.ca/Clinical-
Programs/Developmental-Disabilities/Blind–Low-Vision-
Program/Pages/Main.aspx
Blind/ Low eye vision. (2010). Retrieved 03 17, 2013, from
Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services:
www.tpsls.on.ca
Cassidy, K. (2013). Parent/Teacher/Child Interview.
(Copyright © 2013 Yahoo! Canada Co All rights reserved.)
Retrieved 03 16, 2013, from Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathycassidy/2047324036/
Childcare, A. P. (2013). Day Care Rio Rancho - ABC
Preschool - 3 year old room 2. (Copyright © 2013 Yahoo!
Canada Co All rights reserved.) Retrieved 03 16, 2013, from
Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/70314377@N03/6456387395/

29. Bibliography
Kids Need to Gear Up for Eye Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved 04
02, 2013, from Out Look:
http://www.nei.nih.gov/nehep/newsletter/2008/0408.asp
lori1123. (2013). paint pallette. (Copyright © 2013 Yahoo!
Canada Co All rights reserved.) Retrieved 03 16, 2013,
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Canada Co All rights reserved. ) Retrieved 03 16, 2013,
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DAYCARE: http://mycoronadaycare.com/?page_id=100

30. Bibliography
Patti Pics™ Colenbrander Low Vision Chart. (2013).
Retrieved 03 10, 2013, from Precision Vision :
http://precision-vision.com/index.cfm/product/302_11/patti-
pics-colenbrander-low-vision-
chart.cfm?CFID=33532537&CFTOKEN=34b423b39f79ecc
-D6EAF421-0C71-27E6-90B4C14FB30DE9C4
pjun1054. (n.d.). New Glasses Cartoons and Comics.
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31. Bibliography
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defined