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High Contrast

Author-Avatar Deirdre Galvin-McLaughlin

5/14/2018 10:27 PM

By Deirdre McLaughlin CF-SLP and Kayley McDonald OTD candidate

The impact and importance of using high contrast for visual attention and object identification is an important feature to consider when working with kids with CVI. By having a simple, black background with a bright symbol or object in the center, it eliminates the visual clutter or complexity and allows the child to visually focus on the main object or symbol. High contrast attracts the visual attention of a child with CVI without visual information competing for their attention.

Apps on the iPad are useful ways to utilize the strategy of high contrast when supporting the functional use of vision for children with CVI to learn how to interact with and access devices, while sustaining their visual attention. There are Apps that are best for children with CVI because they provide support of high contrast and these Apps can be used as a preparatory method for AAC, as well as working on fine-motor control.

Links to blog posts with CVI App suggestions with high contrast Apps for kids with CVI:

http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/cvi-apps
http://littlebearsees.org/2012/07/13/favorite-apps-for-children-with-cvi/
http://babieswithipads.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-10-favorite-apps-for-children-with.html

The following image is an easy strategy to present symbols of the real image on a high contrast background. It is a black velcro wedge - it is useful to use with velcro on back of images and store images on the back, while presenting a single image to the child on the front. 

The following image is an example of using a high contrast symbol sets using the high contrast strategy (Boardmaker). UNC Project Core have some available low tech books with high contrast symbols on their website if you’re looking for a resource: http://www.project-core.com/4-square/

Visual Behavior,Speech-Language Pathologist,Parent/Family Member,Occupational Therapist,Other,Intervention Strategies

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