Visual Activities and difficulties with Cognition
Remember, disability is a highly individualised experience. People with the same disability may have very different capabilities and/or needs, so it is always best to discuss any adaptations to practice, the environment or equipment directly with the disabled person themselves rather than making assumptions about what adjustments may be suitable.
Cognitive difficulties affect people's ability to interpret what they see and hear, or to link information from different parts of the brain. Cognitive difficulties can result from a wide range of medical conditions (for example, Alzheimers) and/or impairments (for example brain disease or brain injury from accidents or stroke). They can also result from taking prescribed medication for certain mental health conditions. People with Learning Disabilities, for example those with Down’s Syndrome, or people significantly affected by Cerebral Palsy, generally have a lower than average IQ, and their thinking processes may be slower than others.
Difficulties with cognition can pose problems in the classroom if the nature of the visual activity is demanding, or if it requires a concentrated attention to detail such as using a microscope or identifying fine detail in drawings. If possible, simplified illustrations and/or diagrams should be offered, or it may help to use a highlighter pen to pick out the salient features.
If videos/films are an integral part of the course, it may be helpful for the person with cognitive difficulties to have someone, possibly a buddy, sit with them to answer any questions they may have, if they find difficulty following the theme or storyline.
