Color blindness is a predominantly male problem. It is genetic in nature. Although not a serious type of impairment it can cause difficulties. Certain of the strategies below will make the learning environment easier for the teacher and the student with color blindness.
Students with color blindness can become adept at hiding their deficiencies. (They learn to watch their classmates and copy their behaviors and responses.) They need to have closely monitored activities to assure appropriate observations.
Students with color blindness will exhibit a broad range of unusual responses to school activities, from loss of interest to complete withdrawal from participation. These and negative social interactions should be attended to as soon as they are n
oticed.
Upon suspicion of a color deficiency, administering the Ishihara or American Optical Tests for early diagnosis is recommended.
Color deficiency teaching strategies are quite dependent on the type of color blindness and consultation with the student will result in appropriate mitigative strategies of color adjustment or black and white alternatives.
Last modified:
July 7, 1997