scholarly journals STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS: BRAILLE READING RATE

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Daniela Dimitrova Radojichikj
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Reading Rate ◽  
Reading Performance ◽  
Braille Reader ◽  
Significant Difference

A comparison reading performance was done between 8 students who are using Braille and 14 students who are using enlarged print to read. Reading performance was determined using reading rate (words per minute, wpm). Reading rate results showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between those using the Braille (16.62±11.61 wpm) and those using the enlarged print (27.21±24.89 wpm). This study has shown that Braille reader students read at lower reading rate compared to print reader students with visual impairment.

scholarly journals Effects of Line Spacing on Reading Performance of Normally Sighted and Simulated Visually-Impaired Subjects: A Pilot Study Using Arabic Words

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Abdullah Z. Alotaibi
Keyword(s):  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Reading Rate ◽  
Reading Performance ◽  
White Background ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Line Spacing ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Letter Size ◽  
Visually Impaired Persons

The study aims to evaluate the role of line spacing during reading in normal and visually-impaired persons. A total of 225 normally-sighted participants with mean age of 23.7 years were asked to read Arabic sentences in a randomized order. Each Arabic sentence contains 7 lines with and without simulated cataract. The words were printed with black letters on white background to enhance contrast and fonts were in Times New Roman and of N12 letter size. The reading pages were placed on reading stand situated 25 cm away from the subject’s eyes. The simulated cataract was created by using a Bernell Cling Patch Occluder. This reduced the visual acuity of all subjects to 20/60. Each line of the text was separated by different line spacing namely: single space, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 4.0 which represents, 0.5 cm, 0.8 cm, 1.1 cm, 1.4 cm, 1.7 cm and 2.0 cm, respectively. The sheets were presented randomly and participants’ voices were recorded as they read under a controlled time. The tape was analysed later and reading rate was calculated. There was a significant difference (p<0.0001) in reading rates between the normal sighted persons and the visually impaired persons for all line spacing. Modifying the spacing between lines in prints had a significant impact (p<0.0001) on the reading rate of the visually impaired but not in normally-sighted persons (p˃0.05). Intermediate line spacing (2 and 2.5) increased the reading rate of the visually impaired persons significantly more (p<0.001) than other line spacing, but smaller or larger line spacing slowed their reading rate, significantly (p<0.001). The visually-impaired persons reported that they felt the difference in reading prints with larger line spacing as compared with normal sighted participants who did not. It is beneficial to adequately modify the line spacing in prints commonly read by low vision persons. For Arab subjects the optimum line spacing to significantly improve reading in the visually impaired should range from 0.8 to 1.1 cm. This finding may be a useful for publishers of Arab prints targeting the visually impaired persons. Thus, the implication of the study in the field of health is that by establishing the least common line spacing visualized optimally among normal and simulated visually impaired persons would be fixed as default line spacing for Arab printing to achieve better reading performance.

scholarly journals Children with visual impairments may have altered joint movement: an observational case-control study

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-160
Author(s):  
Silvia Maria Amado João ◽  
Michelle de Pádua ◽  
Ulisses Tirollo Taddei ◽  
Yuri Carvalho Mendes ◽  
Juliana Ferreira Sauer
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Joint Movement ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Normal Visual Acuity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Lateral Rotation

To assess the articular range of motion in children with congenital visual impairment. Were evaluated 75 children between five and twelve years old, 49 with normal visual acuity and 26 visually impaired. Two evaluators performed the measure of active and passive range of motion by goniometry of shoulder and hip in all axes of motion. All examiners made a test of correlation between data obtained, to determine the inter-rater reliability, using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). In individuals with visual impairments was statistically significant difference, with higher range of motion in individuals with visual impairments to medial and lateral rotation of shoulder and hip lateral rotation. Were found: high correlation in the inter-rater reliability (ICC>0.70) for 9 (22.5%) groups of articular range of motion, moderate correlation (0.7>ICC>0.5) for 25 (62.5%) groups and low correlation to 6 (15%) groups ranges of motion. Sampled children with congenital visual impairment showed greater joint mobility for rotational range of motion of the shoulder and hip than children with normal visual acuity, although they have also shown lower values for articular range of motion in abduction and extension in shoulders.

Locus of Control in College Students with and Without Visual Impairments, and the Visual Characteristics that Affect It

2021 ◽  
Vol 115 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-54
Author(s):  
Javad Abbasi Jondani
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Statistical Population ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Visual Characteristics

Introduction: According to previous research, locus of control (LOC) has a crucial role in an individual’s psychological well-being. The purpose of this study was 3-fold: (1) comparing LOC of college students with and without visual impairments while controlling for gender, educational level, and age; (2) investigating the relationship between LOC and visual characteristics in college students with visual impairments; and (3) predicting LOC of these students using their visual characteristics. Methods: The design of this study was causal-comparative. The statistical population included a sample of college students with and without visual impairments who were enrolled at the University of Isfahan, Iran. Fifteen of the 20 college students with visual impairments were selected through convenience sampling and amongst sighted students, 15 individuals were selected in a way that they were matched with college students with visual impairment regarding gender, educational level, and age. The Rotter Locus of Control Scale was used to measure LOC. Also, visual impairment characteristics and demographic data were collected. The results were analyzed by t-test and stepwise regression analysis. Results: Results indicated no significant difference between LOC of college students with and without visual impairments ( p > .05), and both groups tended to have internal LOC on average. The results indicated that adjustment to visual impairment and the recent status of visual impairment might predict the LOC of a college student who is visually impaired and explained 59.2% of its variance with this sample ( p < .005). Discussion: LOC of college students with visual impairments was similar to their sighted counterparts. The better adjusted the person was to his or her visual impairment and the less worsening the status of visual impairment was, the higher internal LOC he or she had. Implications for practitioners: Families and society can help individuals with visual impairments build their internal LOC, by teaching them how to adjust to their disability and providing them the conditions to increase their independence. At the same time, preparing them for entering university may also help them develop their sense of internal LOC.

The Association Between Presenting Visual Impairment, Health, and Employment Status

2021 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-214
Author(s):  
Michele C. McDonnall ◽  
Zhen S. McKnight
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Labor Force ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Labor Force Status ◽  
The People ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Study Participants

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of visual impairment and correctable visual impairment (i.e., uncorrected refractive errors) on being out of the labor force and on unemployment. The effect of health on labor force status was also investigated. Method: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999 to 2008 ( N = 15,650) was used for this study. Participants were classified into three vision status groups: normal, correctable visual impairment, and visual impairment. Statistical analyses utilized were chi-square and logistic regression. Results: Having a visual impairment was significantly associated with being out of the labor force, while having a correctable visual impairment was not. Conversely, having a correctable visual impairment was associated with unemployment, while having a visual impairment was not. Being out of the labor force was not significantly associated with health for those with a visual impairment, although it was for those with correctable visual impairments and normal vision. Discussion: Given previous research, it was surprising to find that health was not associated with being out of the labor force for those with visual impairments. Perhaps other disadvantages for the people with visual impairments identified in this study contributed to their higher out-of-the-labor-force rates regardless of health. Implications for practitioners: Researchers utilizing national data sets that rely on self-reports to identify visual impairments should realize that some of those who self-identify as being visually impaired may actually have correctable visual impairments. Current research is needed to understand why a majority of people with visual impairments are not seeking employment and have removed themselves from the labor force.

Evaluation and Comparison of Artificial Intelligence Vision Aids: Orcam MyEye 1 and Seeing AI

2021 ◽  
pp. 0145482X2110274
Author(s):  
Christina Granquist ◽  
Susan Y. Sun ◽  
Sandra R. Montezuma ◽  
Tu M. Tran ◽  
Rachel Gage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Human Performance ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Light Level ◽  
Viewing Distance ◽  
Light Perception ◽  
Time To Completion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Text Reading ◽  
Size Contrast

Introduction: We compared the print-to-speech properties and human performance characteristics of two artificial intelligence vision aids, Orcam MyEye 1 (a portable device) and Seeing AI (an iPhone and iPad application). Methods: There were seven participants with visual impairments who had no experience with the two reading aids. Four participants had no light perception. Two individuals with measurable acuity and one with light perception were tested while blindfolded. We also tested performance with text of varying appearance in varying viewing conditions. To evaluate human performance, we asked the participants to use the devices to attempt 12 reading tasks similar to activities of daily living. We assessed the ranges of text attributes for which reading was possible, such as print size, contrast, and light level. We also assessed if individuals could complete tasks with the devices and measured accuracy and completion time. Participants also completed a survey concerning the two aids. Results: Both aids achieved greater than 95% accuracy in text recognition for flat, plain word documents and ranged from 13 to 57% accuracy for formatted text on curved surfaces. Both aids could read print sizes as small as 0.8M (20/40 Snellen equivalent, 40 cm viewing distance). Individuals successfully completed 71% and 55% ( p = .114) of tasks while using Orcam MyEye 1 and Seeing AI, respectively. There was no significant difference in time to completion of tasks ( p = .775). Individuals believed both aids would be helpful for daily activities. Discussion: Orcam MyEye 1 and Seeing AI had similar text-reading capability and usability. Both aids were useful to users with severe visual impairments in performing reading tasks. Implications for Practitioners: Selection of a reading device or aid should be based on individual preferences and prior familiarity with the platform, since we found no clear superiority of one solution over the other.

Using Labels: A Study of Client Preference

1990 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 218-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Abaglo ◽  
J. Downing
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Handicapped Person ◽  
Significant Preference ◽  
Client Preference ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Visually Handicapped

Fifty-one adolescents and adults with a variety of visual impairments were interviewed to determine their preference for different labels used to describe them. Participants were asked to choose among labels that state the disability before the person (“the visually handicapped person”) and labels that state the person before the disability (“the person with a visual impairment”). Results showed no statistically significant preference. Reasons provided by participants for their preference were characterized and presented thematically. The importance of stressing abilities and needs to be treated as normal were the most common reasons given by the participants for their selections. Participants who chose the person-first labels cited these reasons more often than those who chose the disability-first labels.

Pilot evaluation of a partner-supported online reading intervention for Grade 3–6 children

2021 ◽  
pp. 026565902198940
Author(s):  
Jessica Dean ◽  
Michelle Pascoe ◽  
Jane le Roux
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
Reading Intervention ◽  
Reading Difficulties ◽  
Reading Rate ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Reading Accuracy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Reading Partners ◽  
And Control

Information and communication technology (ICT)-based reading interventions have potential to help children with reading difficulties, especially those in resource-constrained environments who otherwise might not have access to support. This pilot study aimed to describe the impact of an online, partner-supported reading intervention designed for South African children with reading difficulties. Objectives were to qualitatively describe participants’ experience of the intervention, and quantitatively evaluate changes in reading accuracy, rate, comprehension and receptive vocabulary after intervention. Two studies were conducted: (1) A retrospective analysis using data from intervention in mainstream Cape Town schools with peers as reading partners; (2) A prospective study in a Cape Town school with special needs educational provision where speech-language therapists served as reading partners. Both studies used matched participant, pre/post intervention designs. A total of 40 children in grades 3 to 6 participated. In each study the intervention group ( n = 20) received intervention 3 times per week (30 minutes per session) for 10 weeks, while the control group ( n = 20) continued with regular school activities. Participants enjoyed the ICT-based intervention, valued the role of the reading partners, believed they had made literacy gains, and reported positive attitudinal and behavioural changes related to reading. Retrospective analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups. The prospective study found a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups’ gains on one measure of reading rate, but no significant difference in reading accuracy, vocabulary or reading comprehension gains. The study provides a preliminary description of one ICT-based reading intervention. Although an intervention effect could not be demonstrated, the changes noted in reading rate together with qualitative findings suggest a need for further research.

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.

Behavioral Correlates of Depression Among Adults with Visual Impairments

2021 ◽  
pp. 0145482X2110466
Author(s):  
Justin A. Haegele ◽  
Xihe Zhu ◽  
Sean Healy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Negative Predictor

Introduction: This study sought to examine: (a) the associations between physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep duration, as discrete behaviors, with depression among adults with visual impairments; and (b) the impact of meeting none, one, two, or three of the guidelines for these behaviors on depression among adults with visual impairments. Materials: One hundred eighty-two ( Mage = 44.8) adults with visual impairments, recruited via email through two visual impairment organizations in the United States, completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, a sleep duration question, the Major Depression Inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. Based on results from the questionnaires, dichotomous variables for meeting or not meeting physical activity, sleep, and sitting guidelines were created. Data were analyzed using three components: a descriptive analysis, Pearson product-moment correlation analyses, and hierarchical regression analyses. Results: Overall, 14.8% of participants were categorized as having some degree of depression. Meeting the sleep guideline was a significant negative predictor of depression scores in the hierarchical regression analyses. The number of guidelines met was a negative predictor for depression score controlling for other variables. Discussion: Adequate sleep, as well as meeting all three guidelines synergistically, was meaningful in influencing depression among this population. The current study’s results should prompt the continued examination of health-behaviors among adults with visual impairment using a more holistic 24-hour activity cycle framework. Implications for practitioners: This study supports the utilization of multi-behavioral interventions to reduce the risk of depression by enhancing physical activity and sleep, while reducing sitting time, among this population.

scholarly journals Neuroplasticity in visual impairments

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Ramiler Silva ◽  
Tiago Farias ◽  
Fernando Cascio ◽  
Levi Dos Santos ◽  
Vinícius Peixoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Cortical Reorganization ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Visual Areas ◽  
Visual Acuity Loss ◽  
The Brain

The visual acuity loss enables the brain to access new pathways in the quest to overcome the visual limitation and this is wellknown as neuroplasticity which have mechanisms to cortical reorganization. In this review, we related the evidences about the neuroplasticity as well as cortical anatomical differences and functional repercussions in visual impairments. We performed a systematic review of PUBMED database, without date or status publication restrictions. The findings demonstrate that the visual impairment produce a compensatory sensorial effect, in which non-visual areas are related to both cross (visual congenital) and multimodal (late blind) neuroplasticity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document