An Analysis of Parents' Reports on Educational Services for Their Children with Albinism

2018 ◽  
Vol 112 (6) ◽  
pp. 667-682
Author(s):  
Anne L. Corn ◽  
Kelly E. Lusk
Keyword(s):  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
The United States ◽  
Educational Services ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Idea 2004 ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Education Act

Introduction The purpose of this study was to gain information from parents in the United States about their children with albinism. The first article (in this issue) focused on the data from this study that addressed medical and low vision care. This article focuses on information and services related to the education of children with albinism. Methods An online questionnaire was used to collect data for this study from parents of children with albinism. Representing 223 children with albinism from 40 states in the U.S., 192 parents completed surveys and had opportunities to submit additional information. Results A snapshot of the data indicates that, as a whole, parents perceive their children to do well academically, but they experience social and emotional challenges; 98 children were receiving direct instruction from a teacher of students with visual impairments and 84 were receiving consultation services. Although parents were generally satisfied with their level of involvement in the development of their children's education plans, many could not provide key information about the assessments their children had received, their children's reading rates, or the services with which their children were being provided. Discussion These data illuminate the fact that, despite the premise of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) that parents be equal partners in the education of their children with special needs, these parents of children with albinism were not as informed about the assessments and services that their children were receiving as might be expected. Findings also suggest the possibility that students with albinism may not be receiving appropriate educational services to address the limitations imposed by their low vision. In particular, it appears that these students, most of whom will be non-drivers, are not receiving orientation and mobility services. In addition, there was evidence that over half of these children may not be receiving instruction in the use of low vision devices. Implications for practitioners The data gathered in this study provide directions for educators who work with children who have albinism and their families, as well as for those who design and administer services for children with visual impairments. Based on these reports from parents, it appears that children with albinism are not being assessed in the areas key to understanding their functioning and, although as a group they are doing well academically, other needs related to the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) are not being addressed as frequently. Teachers of students with visual impairments may want to be more explicit when describing to parents the assessments on which their educational recommendations are being made. Further research is needed to determine if children with low vision are being provided with educational services based on educational assessments and needs or if other administrative factors are driving these services.

Reports from Parents about Medical and Low Vision Services for Their Children with Albinism: An Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 112 (6) ◽  
pp. 655-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne L. Corn ◽  
Kelly E. Lusk
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Medical Service ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
The United States ◽  
Optical Devices ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Vision Care ◽  
Legal Blindness

Introduction The purpose of this study was to gain information from parents in the United States about their children with albinism. The article focuses on information and services related to medical care and low vision care. Methods An online questionnaire was used to collect data, and parents had opportunities to submit additional information. One hundred ninety-two families, representing 223 children with albinism from 40 U.S. states, completed surveys. Results A snapshot of the data indicates that for 8.6 out of 10 families, there were no known relatives with the condition; 55.8% of the children had visual acuities that met the criteria for legal blindness in the United States; and 48% of the children using optical devices had received clinical low vision evaluations by optometrists or ophthalmologists who specialized in low vision. Implications for practitioners The data gathered suggest recommendations for medical service providers, including clinical low vision specialists who perform evaluations for improving the functional use of vision.

The Expanded Core Curriculum Areas Experienced by Campers during Camp Abilities: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 115 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-41
Author(s):  
Lauren J. Lieberman ◽  
Katie Ericson ◽  
Maria Lepore-Stevens ◽  
Karen Wolffe
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Structured Learning ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Expanded Core Curriculum ◽  
Children With Visual Impairments

Introduction: The expanded core curriculum (ECC) refers to the generally accepted nine areas of instruction that children who are visually impaired (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision) must learn through explicit instruction in order to live independently as adults. Children with visual impairments must experience immersion in the ECC in their daily lives throughout the year rather than only being taught these skills during the school year by teachers of students with visual impairments. Therefore, this research was undertaken to determine whether athletes attending Camp Abilities, a sports camp for children with visual impairments, experienced new ECC skills or practiced previously learned ECC skills and if so, how. Method: Researchers chose to interview 10 athletes from a purposeful sample of 30 children who had previously attended camp. The 10 coaches who worked with these athletes one-on-one participated in focus group discussions at the end of the weeklong camp. In addition, all athletes and coaches attending camp listed their thoughts on posters describing how all athletes attending experienced areas of the ECC. Finally, researchers documented observations of athletes’ opportunities to practice ECC content throughout the weeklong program. Researchers transcribed interviews and focus group discussions and reviewed for themes relating to ECC areas that were part of the students’ lived experience during camp. Results: Three major conclusions emerged from reviews of the interviews, discussion group transcripts, posters, and observations: (1) athletes and coaches were initially unclear about what the ECC areas were and how the athletes experienced the ECC in their everyday academic and home activities; (2) following clarification of the ECC areas, the athletes came to recognize how they learned and applied ECC skills during the camp experience; and (3) a more structured instructional approach to applying the ECC at camp may further enhance their experiences. Discussion: The youth participants were not able to list and describe all of the ECC areas when interviewed at the end of camp. However, adult participants (coaches) listed most ECC areas and described how athletes experienced the ECC during camp in their focus group discussions. Once researchers clarified ECC areas for athletes, they identified self-determination, recreation and leisure, social interaction, and independent living as the areas of the ECC most often experienced during camp. Implications for practitioners: Practitioners need to pay attention to structured learning of the ECC areas and consider articulating for students which areas overlap in their everyday lives, so that they are fully aware of the multiple skills they are acquiring. Camp Abilities is a functional way for youths with visual impairments to experience all areas of the ECC.

Promoting Self-Determination for Students with Visual Impairments: A Review of the Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-113
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Cmar ◽  
Kasey Markoski
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Quality Indicators ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Transition Planning ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Introduction: Self-determination is a highly valued but under-researched component of the expanded core curriculum for students with visual impairments. In this study, the authors present results of a literature review on self-determination for children and youths with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision). Method: Self-determination studies were identified through searches of electronic databases for articles published from 2003 to 2016. Two researchers reviewed the articles and rated them in terms of quality indicators for research in special education. Results: Eleven articles, using correlational, qualitative, group experimental or quasi-experimental, and single-case research designs, met inclusion criteria for this literature review. Adherence to the quality indicators varied from 33% to 100%. Discussion: Students with visual impairments need age-appropriate opportunities to develop self-determination skills in school, home, and community settings. Short-term, focused programs and interventions may be promising methods for teaching self-determination skills; however, more research needs to be conducted to establish evidence-based practices in this area. Implications for practitioners: Practitioners can facilitate development of self-determination skills by supporting students in making decisions affecting their lives, encouraging involvement of students in the education and transition planning processes, and promoting self-advocacy.

Procedures and Tools Used by Teachers When Completing Functional Vision Assessments with Children with Visual Impairments

2017 ◽  
Vol 111 (5) ◽  
pp. 441-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin T. Kaiser ◽  
Tina S. Herzberg
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Visual Fields ◽  
The United States ◽  
12Th Grade ◽  
Visual Skills ◽  
Functional Vision ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
K 12

Introduction This study analyzed survey responses from 314 teachers of students with visual impairments regarding the tools and procedures used in completing functional vision assessments (FVAs). Methods Teachers of students with visual impairments in the United States and Canada completed an online survey during spring 2016. Results The majority of participants reported that they primarily assess pre-academic and academic students in kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12). More than 95% of all participants indicated that they assess near and distance visual acuity. Other commonly assessed skills and abilities were tracking ( n = 298; 95%), peripheral visual fields (n = 296; 94%), and color perception (n = 293; 93%). Approximately 50% of survey participants indicated that they use a screening tool in determining the need for an orientation and mobility (O&M) evaluation. Discussion The procedures and tools used by participants in completing FVAs varied based on the specific student being assessed. There was also considerable variation in visual skills assessed, as well as in what was included in the assessment report by the participants. Based on comments from participants, it appears that there are complex factors that influence the decision-making process regarding possible referrals for an O&M evaluation or a clinical low vision evaluation. Implications for practitioners Teachers should reflect on their own practices and procedures to determine whether they are including all pertinent information in their FVA reports, as well as explore whether they should assess additional visual skills in order to provide a rich description of how the student uses his or her vision throughout the day in a variety of environments.

The Effects of Ecologically Valid Intervention Strategies on the Locomotor Skills of Children With Visual Impairments

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Brian ◽  
Laura Bostick ◽  
Angela Starrett ◽  
Aija Klavina ◽  
Sally Taunton Miedema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Intervention Strategy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
Physical Educator ◽  
Schools For The Deaf ◽  
Children With Visual Impairments

Children with visual impairments often exhibit difficulties with locomotor skills (e.g., the ability to move one’s body from one place to another), warranting the need for ecologically valid interventions with conditions that attempt to match the real world in a variety of settings. Parents and physical education teachers are the ones choosing to provide movement opportunities for children with visual impairments and must be included in any ecologically valid intervention strategy. This was a descriptive-analytic study. To support the greatest diversity in settings, the authors recruited 94 participants (blind = 44 and low vision = 50; Mage = 13.01 years, SD = 3.26) from schools for the deaf and blind in the United States (teacher led, n = 17) or Latvia (teacher led, n = 57), through an online LISTSERV throughout the United States (parent led, n = 10), and a control subgroup (n = 10). At the pretest, no participant’s motor development met age expectations. Children with visual impairments from multiple locations and cultures significantly improved compared with controls who did not. Results were most favorable when the physical educator was the interventionist. However, further research is needed to replicate these findings.

Divergent Thinking: The Performance of Students with Visual Impairments on Abstract and Scenario-Based Tasks and Their Correlates

2020 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-314
Author(s):  
Kim T. Zebehazy ◽  
Rachel C. Weber ◽  
Meagan Murphy ◽  
Aisha Ghani
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Divergent Thinking ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Crucial Component ◽  
Technology Instruction ◽  
Practice Opportunities

Introduction: Divergent thinking is a crucial component of effective problem-solving. This study investigated the divergent thinking of students with visual impairments (i.e., blindness or low vision) in three countries and explored the correlates of their performance on two tasks. Methods: A sample of 52 students with visual impairments completed two divergent thinking tasks, one traditional Alternate Uses task, and one scenario-based task created for this study. Each student’s teacher of students with visual impairments completed a questionnaire containing demographic, curriculum, and student characteristics. Results: Of the correlates examined, teacher-rated academic independence, working on grade level, number of expanded core curriculum (ECC) areas of instruction currently received, and ongoing receipt of assistive technology instruction were significantly related to task performance. Discussion: Findings demonstrate the strong relationship between real-life problem-solving, divergent thinking, and academic functioning in students with visual impairments. Further investigation is needed about the relationship between aspects of problem-solving instruction and student outcomes as they relate to divergent thinking. Implications for practitioners: Given the connection of divergent thinking to overall problem-solving ability, teachers should assess these skills in students. Using similar scenario-based real-life tasks, they can also incorporate practice opportunities for divergent thinking within ECC instruction.

Intercountry Adoption of Children with Visual Impairments: An Exploratory Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 112 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-247
Author(s):  
Paula Wenner Conroy
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
The United States ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Adopted Children ◽  
Intercountry Adoption ◽  
Children With Visual Impairments

Introduction Although there is much research related to the adoption of children with disabilities in general, there is none that focuses specifically on the experiences of parents who have adopted children with visual impairments (that is, who are blind or have low vision) from outside of the United States (also called “intercountry” or “international” adoption). Methods Fifteen parents of children who were adopted from outside the United States and had visual impairments were interviewed in this exploratory study. The participants all lived in the United States following the adoptions and volunteered to participate in this study in 2015. Research questions focusing on pre-adoption (why and who), challenges, and supports framed the open-ended interviews. The interviews were transcribed and themes emerged through the process of coding. Results Parents shared their personal experiences through interviews. All 15 parents had similarities in the process of adoption. Parents adopted in order to begin or enlarge their families, but did not necessarily go into the process desiring to adopt a child with a visual impairment. Challenges were experienced in the areas of medical, educational, and social-emotional needs. Parents agreed that supports were necessary before, during, and after the adoption process. Discussion The need for supports throughout the entire process of inter-country adoption of a child with a visual impairment was made clear through this study. Adoption agencies and agencies for visually impaired individuals are in a good position to set up support networks and mentorship programs. Implications for practitioners This study only scratches the surface of the topic of intercountry adoption of children with visual impairments. By sharing experiences, attention can be given to issues, and systems can be put into place to better support families in raising internationally adopted children with visual impairments.

Bridging the Gap between Physical Therapy and Orientation and Mobility in Schools: Using a Collaborative Team Approach for Students with Visual Impairments

2017 ◽  
Vol 111 (6) ◽  
pp. 495-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Szabo ◽  
Rajiv K. Panikkar
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Orientation And Mobility ◽  
Specialized School ◽  
Common Goals

This article explores transdisciplinary collaboration and role-release strategies that would allow physical therapists and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists to more effectively support students with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) and additional disabilities with their expanded core curriculum (ECC) goals. Through examining public and specialized school special education documentation for 20 school-aged students, the authors seek to better understand current practice patterns of both O&M and physical therapy professionals who are working with students who are visually impaired with additional disabilities, and suggest ways in which educational team members from both disciplines can work together toward common goals for their students.

Assistive Technology for Students With Visual Impairments: A Resource for Teachers, Parents, and Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sultan Turki Bin Tuwaym ◽  
Ann Bassett Berry
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Individualized Education Program ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Disabilities Education Act ◽  
Key Features ◽  
Education Act ◽  
Teachers And Parents ◽  
And Function ◽  
Teachers Training

Assistive technology (AT) for students with visual impairments (VI) is an essential part of their educational program. AT allows students to develop skills, engage in the academic environment, and function independently. Despite the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandate for AT as part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), research has found that rural schools use fewer AT devices when compared with urban schools. The extent of AT use is significantly determined by the level of teachers’ training and their familiarity with AT. In this article, the authors present an AT resource they created to provide teachers and parents with current, helpful information on AT for students with VI. The resource details (a) application/devices about which teachers need to know more, (b) the type of VI with which an application/device is most helpful, (c) key features, (d) cost, (e) sources for additional information, (f) product guides and research evaluating the AT, and (g) organizations that provide additional information.

scholarly journals Estimation of loneliness in students with visual impairments

2017 ◽  
Vol 74 (11) ◽  
pp. 1013-1018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragana Stanimirovic ◽  
Branka Jablan ◽  
Sladjana Stojkovic ◽  
Miroslav Stamankovic
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Young People ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Loneliness Scale ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
Visually Impaired Students ◽  
Social Loneliness

Background/Aim. Loneliness is becoming more frequent, especially in young people. Some authors believe that visual impairments increase the risk of loneliness. Empirical data on its manifestation in persons with visual impairments are contradictory. The aim of this research was to determine the degree of loneliness in students with visual impairments and their peers from general population. Methods. A comparative research was conducted on a sample consisting of 36 visually impaired students and 101 students without visual impairments (control group). Students with visual impairments were divided into 3 subgroups with regard to the degree of visual impairments (students with low vision, legally blind, and totally blind students). University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (which assesses the general loneliness) and Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale (which assesses social loneliness, family loneliness, and romantic loneliness) were used in our investigation. Results. The results showed that the general loneliness was significantly lower in the group of students with visual impairments than in the control group (t = 2.121; p = 0.036). There were no significant differences in the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale between the group with visual impairments and the control group. No significant differences were determined in the level of loneliness among students with a different degree of visual impairments. There are significant differences in the manifestation level of social loneliness, family loneliness, and romantic loneliness (Wilk?s lambda = 0.604; p ? 0.000) in the group of students with visual impairments. Romantic loneliness was manifested the most, followed by social loneliness, while family loneliness was the least manifested. Conclusion. With regard to the results of our research, visual impairment alone is not a crucial factor of loneliness in students with visual impairments. Further studies on protective factors of loneliness can contribute to its prevention in young people with visual impairments.

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