SMART Target Examples for Visual Impairment
in Irish Primary Schools
Visual impairment includes a spectrum from low vision to blindness, affecting how students access visual information in the classroom. In Irish schools, students with visual impairment may need adapted materials, assistive technology, and environmental modifications, with support from the Visiting Teacher for the Visually Impaired service.
Prevalence in Ireland
Approximately 1-2 per 1,000 children in Ireland have a significant visual impairment. Additional children have milder visual difficulties that affect classroom learning.
SMART Target Examples by NEPS Need Area
These targets are mapped to NEPS need areas and categorised by Continuum of Support level. Replace [student] with the student's name and [date] with your review date (typically 6-8 weeks).
Literacy
By [date], [student] will read a passage in enlarged print (N18 font) at [X] reading level with 90% accuracy, as assessed by the SET/Visiting Teacher.
By [date], [student] will use a screen reader to navigate a digital text and answer 3 out of 5 comprehension questions independently.
By [date], [student] will type a 5-sentence paragraph using a keyboard with screen magnification within 15 minutes, on 3 out of 5 occasions.
Physical / Motor
By [date], [student] will independently navigate from the classroom to the school hall using learned routes on 4 out of 5 occasions.
By [date], [student] will use a white cane to navigate the school corridor safely on 4 out of 5 occasions, as observed by the orientation and mobility specialist.
Self-Care & Independence
By [date], [student] will independently organise their adapted materials (magnifier, sloped desk, large-print books) at the start of each lesson on 4 out of 5 occasions.
By [date], [student] will independently eat lunch using adaptive strategies taught by the OT on 4 out of 5 days.
Social & Emotional
By [date], [student] will initiate a conversation with a peer by calling their name first on 3 out of 5 occasions during break time.
By [date], [student] will explain their visual impairment to a new classmate using a pre-prepared description on 2 out of 3 occasions.
Attention & Concentration
By [date], [student] will sustain engagement with an adapted task for 15 minutes using enlarged materials and optimal lighting, on 4 out of 5 occasions.
Common Strengths
- Strong auditory memory and listening skills
- Excellent verbal communication and vocabulary
- Good tactile and spatial awareness (if taught early)
- Determination and independence
- Strong musical and auditory processing ability
- Ability to concentrate for extended periods on auditory tasks
Common Needs
- Adapted and enlarged materials or braille versions
- Assistive technology (screen magnification, screen readers, braille display)
- Environmental modifications (lighting, contrast, clutter-free)
- Orientation and mobility training
- Pre-teaching of concepts that rely on visual demonstration
- Support with social interaction and non-verbal communication
Example SSF Phrasing
Copy-paste ready phrasing for the Strengths and Needs sections of the Student Support File.
Strengths Phrasing
- “[Student] has excellent auditory memory and can recall detailed information from oral presentations.”
- “[Student] has strong verbal communication skills and a wide vocabulary.”
- “[Student] is determined, resilient, and shows independence in familiar environments.”
- “[Student] demonstrates strong listening skills and concentrates well during auditory tasks.”
Needs Phrasing
- “[Student] needs all classroom materials provided in enlarged print (N18 font minimum) or digital format.”
- “[Student] requires assistive technology (screen magnification/screen reader) for curriculum access.”
- “[Student] benefits from verbal descriptions of visual information and pre-teaching of visual concepts.”
- “[Student] needs orientation and mobility support to navigate the school environment safely.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SMART targets for a child with visual impairment in Irish schools?
What is the Visiting Teacher for the Visually Impaired?
Does a child with low vision need to learn braille?
Official Irish References
Essential Guides
Related Conditions
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