Simulations Activities - Visual Impairment

In my bag there were only three eye masks, one had both eye covered, one had one eye covered, and one had no eyes covered (my guess was to understand what it's like to wear glasses). For the fourth one I created it myself, since I do wear contacts I decided to go an hour without wearing my contacts or my glasses. 

I have to say that I thought that this assignment would be a lot easier than it was. I started out with the eye mask that covered one eye and I never realized how important it is to have two eyes. For some reason my balance was off, my hand eye coordination also had issues (it took me longer than normal to try and grab things) which I thought was really strange, for some reason I never connected hand eye coordination with two eyes. Although it does make sense that eyes from two different positions help you find things more accurately. Both eyes open was pretty normal for me, I wear glasses a lot of the time once I get home. I remember that it did take a while to get use to because you don't have that complete vision field like you use to, because it does get partially cut off because of your glasses. The third mask was the hardest for me (the one where you couldn't see at all). I did try to get up and do things such as eat some food, put on my pj's and go to the bathroom and I definitely got frustrated. 

I have no idea how they can stay so happy and optimistic without seeing I know that I would struggle so much and I am so independent it would be difficult for me to ask for help but I know I would need it. The hardest part would have to have been eating food because I had to pour myself cereal and I was really nervous about spilling. I definitely have a new respect for those that are blind and have to get to classes and across campus without being able to see. 

Having my glasses off with no contacts I haven't done for a while and the first thing I noticed was how sore my neck was because I can hardly see without my glasses on I was squinting and leaning forward a lot!! It definitely must be difficult for those children that have a hard time seeing but don't realize that they can get glasses and help that.

 

 I hardly remember when I had to get my glasses for the first time but I do know that I was in 3rd or 4th grade and I remember coming out with my glasses on and being able to see so far away. I do have to say that I know that as a teacher it will be important to keep a watch on kids and if any of them are struggling it' important to figure out why that is and it really can be something as simple as not being able to see the board because they need glasses. 

I also realized how important it is to have accommodations or even modifications for those that do have these issues because it does impact their life very severely. Overall it was a very eye-opening experience and I know that I will work hard remember the experience that I had doing this for those students that have these disabilities and I will do my best to help them out with what they need so their learning can be equal to that of my other students.