Research on visual impairment among Guarani and Kaiowá indigenous populations is scarce. The general objective of this study consisted of mapping and identifying visual impairment of indigenous students of the Grande Dourados region, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). The specific objectives were: to select and evaluate indigenous students who were visually impaired or had blindness; to uncover the causes of visual disabilities in this population; to describe specific educational special needs of visually impaired students. The data collection procedures were: field observation and ocular triage of six thousand students; ophthalmologic, functional evaluation of vision, and also of specific and educational needs of students that had been identified. Results point to a high incidence of visual impairment in the studied population: nine blind, of which four have no access to education; three among seven with low vision capacity are not in school; another student presents multiple disabilities. The prevalent causes are optic atrophy and retinal changes. The evaluations point to some adjustments: distance for the identification of objects, pictures, obstacles; compensation of the visual field for locomotion and daily activities; adaptation of pedagogical materials related to contrast, letter size, colors and lighting control; requirements of special optical and non-optical resources. It is possible to conclude that the effectiveness of the right to education and health for these students is neglected by public authorities; there is multiple denial of rights: given the combination of poverty and disability, there was no access to eye health or specialized educational services.
Special Education; Visual Disability; Indigenous Education
