Applying the Foundational Concepts from Early Intervention to Services Provided to Young Children with Visual Impairments: A Literature Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 112 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mindy S. Ely ◽  
Michaelene M. Ostrosky
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Adult Learning ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Infants And Toddlers ◽  
Early Intervention Services ◽  
Family Centered

Introduction The foundational concepts of early intervention are: family-centered and relationship-based practices, natural environments, child learning, adult learning, and quality team practices (Pletcher & Younggren, 2013). In this literature review, the authors consider the application of these concepts to services provided to families of infants and toddlers with visual impairments (that is, those with blindness or low vision) by vision professionals. Methods Three databases (ERIC, ProQuest, and PsychINFO) were used to search for articles from 1997 to 2016, focusing specifically on infants and toddlers with visual impairments. Twenty-seven articles met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Results Family-centered practices are valued by virtually all researchers in the field of visual impairment. Practices that promote parent-child relationships are especially important, given the specialized needs for early communication and the development of strong social relationships. Concerning the natural environment, commentators from the field of visual impairment are critical of federal definitions of natural environments; however, a broader definition of natural environments is supported. Child and adult learning are viewed as important for the promotion of positive outcomes for children and families who receive early intervention services, as is practice that promotes the formation of quality teams. Discussion The foundational concepts of early intervention (Pletcher & Younggren, 2013) have applicability to professionals working with infants and toddlers with visual impairments and their families. Research supports these concepts as beneficial in achieving positive child and family outcomes. Implications for practitioners Pre-service and in-service training programs for visual impairment should include early intervention principles and concepts in a manner that prepares the workforce to address the unique needs of this population.

Self-Efficacy of Providers of Early Intervention Services to Young Children with Visual Impairments and Their Families

2020 ◽  
Vol 114 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-126
Author(s):  
Mindy S. Ely ◽  
Michaelene M. Ostrosky ◽  
Meghan M. Burke
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Infants And Toddlers ◽  
Efficacy Measures ◽  
Recommended Practices ◽  
Children With Visual Impairments

Introduction: Anthony cautions that the training of teachers of students with visual impairments (i.e., blindness and low vision) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists covers a broad age range, which may result in limited curricular content essential for those who will work with very young children with visual impairments. The current study focuses on the self-efficacy of vision professionals regarding their work with infants and toddlers in using evidence-based approaches found in the early childhood literature. Methods: Teachers and O&M specialists ( n = 109) from 11 states participated in a survey of perceptions of self-efficacy and working with infants and toddlers with visual impairments. Correlates of preparedness, experience, vision-specific self-efficacy, and early intervention self-efficacy were investigated. Results: Participants indicated that they felt inadequately trained to work with infants and toddlers. Self-efficacy measures regarding motivation to implement vision-specific recommended practices were higher than motivation to implement early intervention practices; however, self-efficacy measures for early intervention confidence and practice were higher than vision-specific confidence and practice. Although participants’ ratings of the vision training program they attended were not correlated with their own self-efficacy measures, the amount of early childhood education content reported by participants was significantly correlated with all self-efficacy measures. Further, experience was correlated with self-efficacy. Discussion: Results support the need for a greater emphasis on early intervention content in visual impairment training programs. Additionally, the fact that half of the respondents in this study were over 50 years of age suggests that a turnover in personnel is imminent. Inevitably, this new workforce will lack experience. Information for practitioners: Professional preparedness that includes a strong foundation in recommended practices in early childhood will strengthen the workforce and should ultimately improve services to infants and toddlers with sensory disabilities and their families. Practitioners may need to seek out this specialized training.

Survey Results for Training and Resource Needs Cited by Early Intervention Professionals in the Field of Visual Impairment

2017 ◽  
Vol 111 (6) ◽  
pp. 527-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mindy S. Ely ◽  
Michaelene M. Ostrosky
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Infants And Toddlers ◽  
Efficacy Evaluation ◽  
Visually Impaired Students ◽  
Early Intervention Professionals

Introduction Professionals working with infants and toddlers with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) were surveyed regarding their preservice training and their awareness and use of 29 resources related to young children who are visually impaired. Methods Early intervention visual impairment professionals ( n = 109) from 11 states completed a survey called the Early Intervention Visual Impairment Self-Efficacy Evaluation. The online tool was distributed to all professionals in each target state. Results Thirty-eight percent of respondents indicated that the preservice program at which they received training as teachers of visually impaired students or orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists did not include content or experiences related to infants and toddlers with visual impairments. In addition, given three types of resources including books and curriculum ( n = 12), websites ( n = 5), and online or “eLearning” courses ( n = 12), websites were rated as most frequently used, and eLearning resources were least frequently used for professional development. Resources on the topic of cortical or cerebral visual impairment (CVI) were more frequently rated as used, compared to resources on topics such as multiple impairments. Discussion Results demonstrate that some training programs for teachers of visually impaired students and O&M specialists do not include content that prepares professionals to work with infants and toddlers with visual impairments, leaving professionals with a need for additional training to serve this population. In addition, workshops and web-based resources were respondents' preferred means of professional development. Implications for practitioners As they consider future professional training efforts, individuals responsible for workforce preparation and development in the field of visual impairment need to take into account the training needs and preferred training formats of early intervention professionals.

Bottom Line: Who Pays the Bill for Early Intervention Services?

ASHA Leader ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 26-27
Author(s):  
Janet McCarty ◽  
Laurie Havens
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
Infants And Toddlers ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Early Intervention Services ◽  
Intervention Services

Medicaid, federal education funds and private insurance all cover the costs of speech-language and hearing services for infants and toddlers. Learn who pays for what.

Effects of a Disability Simulation Activity on the Achievement, Efficacy, Attitudes, and Interests of Preservice Professionals

2021 ◽  
pp. 0145482X2110466
Author(s):  
Alexandra Hollo ◽  
Carla B. Brigandi ◽  
Casey M. Jelsema ◽  
Mingming Shi
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Cluster Randomized Trial ◽  
Single Class ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Disability Simulation ◽  
Experimental Group

Introduction: Disability simulation activities are commonly used for various purposes in higher education; however, instructors may be unaware of controversies regarding their use. The purpose of this research was to assess the effects of an activity using low vision goggles to simulate visual impairment in the context of an undergraduate course in special education. We highlight the need for instructors to consider the appropriateness of disability simulation activities given possible countertherapeutic effects. Methods: In this cluster-randomized trial, 11 classes (248 students) of preservice education and related services professionals were randomized to experimental (lecture + simulation) or control (lecture only) conditions. During a single class session, all students received basic information about visual impairment and watched a video on being a human guide. Students in the experimental group then practiced guiding and being guided while wearing low vision goggles. At the end of class, students completed three Likert-type surveys and later completed a quiz using publisher-developed materials. Results: Results showed individuals in the experimental group reported higher levels of interest and enjoyment than those in the control condition; however, there were no statistically significant differences in attitudes toward persons with visual impairments, confidence or self-efficacy for working with students with visual impairments, content knowledge, or perceptions of activity usefulness. Discussion: Findings of positive engagement in the absence of harmful effects indicate that disability simulation activities should be neither promoted nor denigrated wholesale; instead, instructors must weigh carefully potential benefits and drawbacks. Discussion includes considerations for professional education programs in using such simulations to promote skill acquisition via positive and respectful learning experiences. Implications for practitioners: Instructors who use disability simulation activities are encouraged to consider whether to discontinue this practice or incorporate principles recommended by the disability community and assess outcomes to ensure they are not perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Role of the Pediatrician in Family-Centered Early Intervention Services

PEDIATRICS ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 107 (5) ◽  
pp. 1155-1157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Early Intervention Services ◽  
Intervention Services ◽  
Family Centered

Luminance Contrast of Accessible Tactile Indicators for People With Visual Impairment

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-15
Author(s):  
Aldyfra Luhulima Lukman ◽  
Catherine Bridge ◽  
Stephen John Dain ◽  
Mei-Ying Boon
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Luminance Contrast ◽  
Safety Standard

Australia is one of only two known countries with a safety standard specifying levels of contrast required to provide accessible environments for people with visual impairment. However, these requirements were not developed based on empirical research involving people with vision loss. We investigated whether the level of luminance contrast in Australian accessibility standards, 30%, is adequate for people with visual impairments to detect and identify discrete tactile ground surface indicators over a range of contrasts with the background flooring before contact. We found that the 30% luminance contrast is adequate for people with low vision, although they preferred higher contrast.

Family-Centered Early Intervention Visual Impairment Services through Matrix Session Planning

2017 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mindy S. Ely ◽  
Kateri Gullifor ◽  
Tara Hollinshead
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Family Centered
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