The booklet Photosensitivity: A Seat up the Back near the Window, please is a companion to this website.


The booklet is now available in digital format.






  • Top Ten Tips for Students Checklist
  • Teacher Observation Sheet
  • Introductory Letter to Medical Professional
  • Headache diary


Forms and Links

Classroom Strategies

Here are some of the top 

suggestions developed from

medical research

News


Welcome to photosensitivity australia.  This site is for students, teachers and parents wanting to find out more about visual light hypersensitivity (VLH).  Students with VLH can have unexpected responses to lights of any types... from fluorescent lights, phone screens, interactive whiteboards to sunlight. This website focuses on how to support students with visual light hypersensitivity who work with digital media in classrooms.


Digital media use in classroom is increasing around the world.  The wealth of information available online is amazing.  However, some students find working with digital media challenging as it can trigger adverse reactions from the artificial lighting including headache and blurred vision - this is an example of photosensitivity.  Rather than stopping students from working with digital media, we suggest strategies for use in the classroom to decrease the risks involved, provide templates for teachers, and build links with medical professionals.

Disclaimer 

No advice 

This site contains general information about medical conditions and management. The information is not advice, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be treated as such. The reader should always consult their professional healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. 


Limitation of warranties 

The medical information within this site is provided "as is" without any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no representations or warranties in relation to the accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance for the reader’s purpose of the medical information on this site, and does not warrant that the medical information in this document is complete, true, accurate, up-to-date, or non-misleading. 


Professional assistance 

You must not rely on the information from this site as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If

you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you

may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard

medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information within this document. 


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​Photosensitivity: A Seat up the Back near the Window, please.

© Wendy Binks.  Fundraising painting created by Wendy Binks.  stunnedemu.com.au

New Research


Digital Media in Schools

How much is currently being used in the classroom?  What devices are being used?  



photosensitivity australia

2021

Paper Published

Review of Digital Media Guidelines for Students (Sproul et al., 2021)

a comprehensive review of academic, manufacturer and school guidelines.

Few safety parameters were evidenced in Australian school policy.  Evidence based guidelines recommended.


14 July 2021

CONSTAWA conference Perth

​Inclusive Practices and Differentiation 

This workshop is designed for  school teachers and incorporates the Review of Digital Media Guidelines for Students (Sproul et al., 2021)

 

7 August 2021

WAIER conference Perth

Digital Media; a cultural barrier to active participation for students with VLH

This presentation highlights the potential for digital meida to decrease the activie participation of some students in learning activites. The proposal uses a Vygotskian lens and applies the theory to contemporary secondary school classrooms post-Covid.