VIDBE-Q Volume 68 Issue 4
66
were beneficial for this population, which would indicate that this evidence-based
practice for promoting fluency holds promise. Further, Corn and Koenig (2002)
noted that specific reading issues for low vision include reading speed and stamina,
which indicates the need for interventions that address reading fluency.
To explore the possibilities of adapting Read Naturally for use with students
with visual impairments, a pilot study was conducted. Given the statement that
utilizing fonts larger than 24 size would negate the effects of the program, the pilot
study focused on the implementation of Read Naturally Encore with students
whose learning media exceeded this size. This pilot study was approved through
the Institutional Research Board of Texas A&M University-Commerce. The results
of this pilot study inform the literature regarding methods for adapting Read
Naturally and the program's effectiveness for improving reading fluency rates with
students who have low vision.
The Pilot Study
Participants
Two students, whose names were changed for anonymity, with identified
reading media of higher than 24-point print participated in the pilot study. Laura,
age 9 years, had hereditary optic atrophy with a near acuity of 20/100 when using
both eyes with best correction. According to her current Learning Media
Assessment, her recommended reading medium was large print, on paper, at 26
