bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The (Deep) End of Empathy
Authors: Hart Tobin , Ingle Micah
Published: June 2019

Following an overview of the trends in contemporary scholarship on empathy, this article describes the lived experience of individuals with deep empathic sensitivity. Narrative accounts were drawn from 30 participants who were identified as deeply empathic. The epistemic contours are sketched through five themes describing: the complexity of boundary permeability, embodied knowing, expansive spiritual identifications, reacting versus responding, and various keys to developing and integrating resonant knowing. Both significant difficulties and profound meaning were described, highlighting the problems with and potential in deep empathic capacity. This resonant knowing captures an epistemic style more consistent with contemporary understanding of embodied cognition as well as concepts of a more interconnected worldview. Implications for integrating knowing and being for both individual growth and for an emergent cultural episteme were identified.
Emanating Effects: The Impact of the Oregon Citizens’ Initiative Review on Voters’ Political Efficacy
Authors: Knobloch Katherine R , Barthel Michael L , Gastil John
Published: June 2019

Deliberative processes can alter participants’ attitudes and behavior, but deliberative minipublics connected to macro-level discourse may also influence the attitudes of non-participants. We theorize that changes in political efficacy occur when non-participants become aware of a minipublic and utilize its deliberative outputs in their decision making during an election. Statewide survey data on the 2010 and 2012 Oregon Citizens’ Initiative Reviews tested the link between awareness and use of the Citizens’ Initiative Review Statements and statewide changes in internal and external political efficacy. Results from a longitudinal 2010 panel survey show that awareness of the Citizens’ Initiative Reviews increases respondents’ external efficacy, whereas use of the Citizens’ Initiative Review Statements on ballot measures increases respondents’ internal efficacy. A cross-sectional 2012 survey found the same associations. Moreover, the 2010 survey showed that greater exposure to—and confidence in—deliberative outputs was associated with higher levels of both internal and external efficacy.
Reports and Victims of Sex and Labor Trafficking in a Major Midwest Metropolitan Area, 2008-2017
Authors: Koegler Erica , Mohl Amanda , Preble Kathleen , Teti Michelle
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine the number, risk factors, and demographic characteristics of potential human trafficking victims from tips reported to a social services agency in a major Midwest metropolitan area from 2008 through 2017.

Methods:

The agency, comprising 90 employees serving more than 10 000 persons annually, received federal funding to raise awareness about trafficking and to identify and support persons who are at risk for trafficking through training, coalition building, direct outreach and service, and case management. We, the authors, counted the numbers of tips and potential victims reported to the agency by year, type of trafficking, economic sector, sex, region of origin, and age and looked for new risk factors for trafficking.

Results:

Data were available for 213 tips received from September 1, 2008, through June 30, 2017, and for 82 potential victims identified from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2017. Labor trafficking (126 tips, 57 potential victims) was more common than sex trafficking (59 tips, 17 potential victims). The number of tips varied during the study period. Tips and potential victims were diverse and included male and female children and adults. Most victims were from Mexico (n = 68), the United States (n = 47), Asia (n = 31), and Central and South America (n = 23). Potential victims were exploited in several industries including agriculture, construction, commercial sex, and landscaping. New risk factors for trafficking were exploitation within marriage and work in the sales industry.

Conclusions:

Domestic and foreign-born men, women, and children are all at risk for labor and sex trafficking. Direct outreach to foreign-born victims should be a priority. The new risk factors should be explored.
‘The kind of things we’ve heard keep people in the district’: White racial exclusion and the evolution of school choice policies in Portland Public Schools
Authors: Serbulo Leanne
Published: June 2019

This policy history traces the evolution of Portland Public Schools’ school choice programme from the early 1970s until 2010 and examines its impacts on the historically black Albina neighbourhood. The purpose of this research is to identify the ideologies and assumptions that led to the establishment of the initial school choice programme and continued to influence decision makers as the programme evolved into a more neoliberal marketplace of schools. The district originally embraced controlled choice as a means to manage integration so it would not significantly tip the racial balance in predominantly white schools. By opting to make integration voluntary for students in predominantly white schools, the board legitimised white parents’ preferences for racially exclusionary school settings. In Portland Public Schools, white racial exclusion laid the foundation that shaped the technologies of the school choice programme as it developed into a more neoliberal iteration.
Current Depression, Lifetime History of Depression, and Visual Acuity in Hispanic Adults
Authors: Lee David J. , Gómez-Marín Orlando , Lam Byron L.
Published: June 2019

This study used data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine associations between bilateral visual acuity and depression among Cuban American, Mexican American, and Puerto Rican adults. Among Mexican Americans, the odds of current depression were significantly higher for those with moderate and greater impairment distance acuity (20/80 or worse). Among Cuban Americans, the odds of lifetime history of major depressive disorder were significantly higher for those with a distance visual acuity worse than 20/50. There were no significant associations between either past or current depression and impaired visual acuity in Puerto Ricans. These findings provide only limited support for the hypothesis that odds of past and current depression are greater in Hispanics with impaired visual acuity than in Hispanics who are fully sighted.
A National Outcomes Assessment of the Rehabilitation of Adults with Visual Impairments
Authors: De l'Aune William R. , Welsh Richard L. , Williams Michael D.
Published: June 2019

This article discusses the development of self-report functional outcomes instruments in two years of a three-year large-scale national research project on the rehabilitation of adults with visual impairments. It describes the history of the effort, the process involved, and the methods used in establishing the instruments’ reliability, validity, and responsivity and the results of intermediate analyses of the data.
A Geriatric Assessment of Functional Status in Vision Rehabilitation
Authors: Head Daniel N. , Babcock Judith L. , Goodrich Gregory L. , Boyless James A.
Published: June 2019

This article describes the development of a geriatric functional status measure used to assess treatment outcomes in vision rehabilitation. The 14-item scale, comprising three subscales, was used to assess 230 veterans with visual impairments at admission and discharge.
The Effectiveness of External Bus Speaker Systems for Persons who are Visually Impaired
Authors: Wiener William R. , Ponchillia Paul , Joffee Elga , Rutberg-Kuskin Judith , Brown John
Published: June 2019

The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines provide a regulatory framework for internal stop announcements on fixed-route buses, but do not provide standards on external-speaker announcements to identify incoming buses. This study examined the effectiveness of external-speaker announcements, including the placement of external speakers, the ability to understand simultaneous bus announcements, and the speech enhancement of announcements.
The Motor Development of Sighted Children and Children with Moderate Low Vision Aged 8–13
Authors: Bouchard Danielle , Tétreault Sylvie
Published: June 2019

A study of the motor skills of 60 children aged 8–13—30 who were sighted and 30 who had moderate low vision—found that the children with low vision had poorer motor skills than did the children who were sighted. Furthermore, the children with low vision had weaker gross motor skills, especially balance, than fine motor skills. Implications for intervention are discussed.
New Age Levels of the Reynell-Zinkin Developmental Scales for Young Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: Vervloed Mathijs P. J. , Hamers Jo H. M. , van Mens-Weisz Marion M. , Timmer-Van de Vosse Hanneke
Published: June 2019

This article describes new developmental age levels and some psychometric properties for the Reynell-Zinkin scales for young children with visual impairments. Besides the standard error of measurement, psychometric properties are available on item variation, scale reproducibility, and internal consistency. The usefulness of age levels of the Reynell-Zinkin scales is discussed in relation to the aim of the scales, which is to have guidelines for assessment and developmental advice.
Interactive Factors in the Reading Rehabilitation of Elderly Persons with Low Vision in Sweden
Authors: Bäckman Örjan
Published: June 2019

This study of the interaction between some background variables and visual deficits in the reading training of elderly participants with low vision found that differences between the participants in a three-year period did not seem to be related primarily to changes in visual ability. Rather, other factors, especially aging and all its consequences, were more influential in maintaining reading ability.
Effects of Background Noise on the Perception of Speech by Sighted Older Adults and Older Adults with Severe Low Vision
Authors: Osborn Richard R. , Erber Norman P. , Galletti Alison B.
Published: June 2019

A videotape of a speaker saying a set of test words and phrases was presented in background noise to 10 sighted older adults and 10 older adults with severe low vision (age-related maculopathy), all of whom had normal hearing. It was found that the word- and phrase-identification scores of the low vision group were significantly lower than those of the sighted group at all levels of background noise. Strategies are suggested for optimizing face-to-face communication in background noise for people with visual impairments.
Visual Impairments in Elderly People under Everyday Viewing Conditions
Authors: Brabyn John A. , Haegerström-Portnoy Gunilla , Schneck Marilyn E. , Lott Lori A.
Published: June 2019

This study measured the conventional high-contrast visual acuity, low-contrast visual acuity, low-contrast, low-luminance (SKILL) acuity, contrast sensitivity, disability glare sensitivity, glare recovery, stereo acuity, and visual fields of 900 elderly persons, including 450 aged 75–100. Although the prevalence of legal blindness and low vision were relatively low under conventional conditions, there were dramatic increases in these two conditions under low luminance or glare conditions. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Mothers with Visual Impairments who are Raising Young Children
Authors: Conley-Jung Connie , Olkin Rhoda
Published: June 2019

Interviews with 42 visually impaired mothers found no significant relationship between the degree of visual impairment and the amount of advance preparation for child care tasks, trial-and-error learning, or initial reactions to the mothers’ pregnancy. The totally blind mothers thought that more information on childbirth and parenting was available than did the mothers with some residual vision. The mothers’ key concerns were their children's safety, the extra time needed to accommodate the impairment, transportation, and handling the reactions of others.
British Antidiscrimination Legislation and Wayfinding in Buildings in Scotland
Authors: Robertson Brian S.
Published: June 2019

This article presents the results of a study of the impact of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 on the provision of wayfinding aids in local authority buildings in Scotland. The study found that although the DDA has raised awareness in local authorities of the needs of disabled users of buildings, it has not necessarily led to the incorporation of wayfinding aids in new or refurbished buildings.
Interactions in an Inclusive Classroom: The Effects of Visual Status and Setting
Authors: McGaha Cindy G. , Farran Dale C.
Published: June 2019

This study examined the effect of visual status (visually impaired or sighted) and setting (indoor or outdoor) on the social behaviors of preschool-age children in an inclusive setting. It found that regardless of their visual status, the children spent significantly more time near sighted children than near visually impaired children.
Adding Audio Description: Does it Make a Difference?
Authors: Schmeidler Emilie , Kirchner Corinne
Published: June 2019

A television viewing experiment—preceded and followed by interviews about attitudes, usual television viewing patterns and demographics—was conducted with 111 legally blind adults who were convened in groups. The research examined the impact of watching television science programs with and without audio description. The experiment showed that respondents gained and retained more information from watching programs with description. Respondents reported that description makes programs more enjoyable, interesting, and informative; and that they are more comfortable talking with sighted people about programs that had been described. The positive impact of added description was greater for the program with less narration in its original format.
Parenting Styles and Self-Esteem: A Study of Young Adults with Visual Impairments
Authors: Cardinali Gina , D'Allura Tana
Published: June 2019

This exploratory study of young adults with visual impairments examined the relationship between their mothers’ parenting styles—permissive, authoritative, and authoritarian—and the young adults’ self-esteem on the basis of the young adults’ and mothers’ reports. Findings indicated that both young adults’ and mothers’ reports of parenting styles were related to self-esteem.
Health-Related Fitness of Children who are Visually Impaired
Authors: Lieberman Lauren J. , McHugh Elaine
Published: June 2019

This study tested 46 children with visual impairments (26 girls and 20 boys) on the Fitnessgram health-related fitness test. It found that fewer than 20% of the children with visual impairments passed at least four items on the Fitnessgram, compared to 48%–70% of the sighted children.
Examining Communicative Behaviors in a 3-Year-Old Boy who is Blind
Authors: Perfect Michelle M.
Published: June 2019

The communication patterns of a 3-year-old boy who is blind were observed during 35 videotaped classroom sessions to determine if his echolalic responses varied according to school activity and message category. The observations revealed that although C. M. was expressive with adults, he had difficulty communicating with his peers and in producing spontaneous speech in general.
One Professor's Perspective: Preparing Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments at a Distance
Authors: Rosenblum L. Penny
Published: June 2019

This article describes the components of the courses and gives examples of activities that one professor used in a program to prepare teachers of children with visual impairments using a combination of live and Internet delivery.
Preparation of Teachers of Visually Impaired Students via Distance Education: Perceptions of Teachers
Authors: Cooper Holly , Keefe Charlotte Hendrick
Published: June 2019

This study examined the perceptions of 12 students or graduates of a distance education training program in teaching students with visual impairments. Participants in the study discussed their experiences with courses delivered via interactive video, over the Internet, and by live instructors.
Distance Education for Master's Students with Visual Impairments: Technology and Support
Authors: Cain Hal M. , Merrill Zandria
Published: June 2019

Master's degree students with visual impairments preferred alternative teleconferencing to the use of real-time Internet for the delivery of distance education courses, although most did not have to learn new assistive technologies to participate in the program. They thought that the program's faculty and staff were more accessible than other university personnel using e-mail and phone and that the program's web site was a good source of general information.
The Hadley School for the Blind: A Pioneer in Providing Distance Education
Authors: Wolffe Karen E.
Published: June 2019

This article discusses the distance education program of the Hadley School for the Blind. The school provides correspondence courses free of charge to people with visual impairments and their families, as well as to professionals and paraprofessionals in the field of visual impairment. The article describes the school's programs and services, as well as strategies that the school uses to reach out to students.
Web-based Teacher Preparation in Visual Impairment: Course Development, Teaching, Learning, and Quality Assurance
Authors: Bruce Susan M. , Hwang Tom T.
Published: June 2019

The development and teaching of web-based courses places new demands on university faculty and students. Development structures, online pedagogical practices, and issues of evaluation are presented by two faculty with online experience in the areas of visual impairment and orientation and mobility.
Sources of Stress in Mothers of Young Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: Tröster Heinrich
Published: June 2019

This study found that mothers of children with visual impairments aged 8–87 months experienced more stress than did mothers of children with no disability, particularly in areas involving the children's behavior and when the children had multiple disabilities. The major resource for the families was the availability of social support.
Change in Visual Perceptual Detection Distances for Low Vision Travelers as a Result of Dynamic Visual Assessment and Training
Authors: Ludt Richard , Goodrich Gregory L.
Published: June 2019

This study evaluated the ability of a dynamic visual assessment and training protocol to improve the ability of 65 persons who were legally blind to detect environmental hazards. Training improved the ability of the majority of subjects to detect hazards, and the assessments identified those who did not need training or would not benefit from it.
Psychosocial Adjustment and the Meaning of Social Support for Visually Impaired Adolescents
Authors: Kef Sabina
Published: June 2019

This article presents research derived from a nationwide study conducted at the University of Amsterdam into the psychosocial adjustment and the meaning of social support for Dutch adolescents with visual impairments. The findings indicate that social support, especially the support of peers, is important to adolescents with visual impairments. The differences between visually impaired and sighted adolescents proved to be small, but significant.
The Phonological-Awareness Skills of Children who are Blind
Authors: Gillon Gail T. , Young Audrey A.
Published: June 2019

The phonological-awareness skills of 19 New Zealand children who are blind and were using braille as their reading medium were compared to those of a reading-age-matched control group of sighted children who were three years younger. Children who had difficulty reading braille were delayed in their development of phonological awareness, demonstrating strengths and weaknesses that were similar to those of the younger sighted children.
The Effects of the Physical Features Associated with Albinism on the Self-esteem of African American Youths
Authors: Gold Moniqueka E.
Published: June 2019

This study explored the effects of the physical features associated with albinism on three groups of African American youths with albinism: those with no identified disabilities, those with visual impairments, and those with oculocutaneous albinism. No significant differences in self-esteem were found among the three groups.
Standards for Competence in Braille Literacy Skills in Teacher Preparation Programs
Authors: Amato Sheila
Published: June 2019

This article reports on a descriptive study of standards and criteria for competence in braille literacy within teacher preparation programs and the specific role played in the achievement of proficiency in braille literacy by university teacher preparation programs in blindness and visual impairment. It contains a summary of the need for such research, historical background, research methods, and a discussion of standards and implications for personnel preparation.
Impact of a Communication Intervention Model on Teachers’ Practice with Children who are Congenitally Deaf-Blind
Authors: Bruce Susan M.
Published: June 2019

This article presents findings from a larger study on the thinking and practices of two teachers regarding communication intervention for students who are congenitally deaf-blind, prior to and following an in-service program with follow-up coaching. After they were instructed on the communication intervention model, teachers were able to plan and implement communication interventions that addressed the students’ needs across all aspects of communication.
Access to Multimedia Presentations for Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Corn Anne L. , Wall Robert S.
Published: June 2019

This survey of the use of technology and multimedia presentations by 410 teachers of students with visual impairments found that the teachers were more at ease with general technology than with technology designed specifically for students with visual impairments. When adapting traditional materials, the teachers tended to use simpler, less technological solutions even when they were not entirely appropriate.
Production of Textbooks and Instructional Materials in the United States
Authors: Wall Robert S. , Corn Anne L.
Published: June 2019

This survey found a wide range of capabilities and issues regarding the production of textbooks and instructional materials for students with visual impairments in 42 states. Shortages of qualified braille transcribers and inadequate funding were often cited as barriers to developing better services. The most effective model of production and delivery was a centralized center in each state.
Athletes with Visual Impairments: Attributes and Sports Participation
Authors: Ponchillia Paul E. , Strause Brad , Ponchillia Susan V.
Published: June 2019

This study of the athlete members of the United States Association of Blind Athletes assessed the factors that affect their participation in and attitudes toward sports. Perhaps the most significant finding is the positive effect of school activities on subsequent participation in sports.
Experiences of Older Adults who Stopped Driving Because of their Visual Impairments: Part 1
Authors: Rosenblum L. Penny , Corn Anne L.
Published: June 2019

The experiences of 162 adults over the age of 60 who had to stop driving due to a visual impairment are explored in this article. The participants, 50% of whom had macular degeneration, primarily stopped driving on their own and most had not driven in more than five years. Two-thirds of the participants had at least one form of public transportation in their communities, but only one-third used such methods of transportation.
The Effect of Spatial Tasks on Visually Impaired Peoples’ Wayfinding Abilities
Authors: Blades Mark , Lippa Yvonne , Golledge Reginald G. , Jacobson R. Daniel , Kitchin Robert M.
Published: June 2019

Thirty-eight people with visual impairments learned a 483-meter novel route through a university campus in four groups: verbalization, modeling, pointing, and control. The performance of all four groups improved with greater experience of the route, but the modeling group improved more than did the control group.
A Comparison of Three Nonvisual Methods for Presenting Scientific Graphs
Authors: Roth Patrick , Kamel Hesham , Petrucci Lori , Pun Thierry
Published: June 2019

This study implemented three different methods for presenting scientific graphs to visually impaired people: audition, kinesthetics, or a combination of the two. The results indicate that the combination of both audio and kinesthetic modalities can be a promising representation medium of common scientific graphs for people who are visually impaired.
A Grass-Roots Endeavor to Develop a Permanent University Program for Vision Professionals: The North Carolina Model
Authors: Walker Brad R. , Bozeman Laura A.
Published: June 2019

This article describes a collaborative process parents, teachers, consumers, and advocacy groups in North Carolina used to successfully establish a permanently funded university training program specializing in visual impairments. Within this process several factors were identified that contributed to the successful implementation of this program. Though specific to North Carolina, general strategies employed should be replicable for other regions.
Reading and Spelling Competence of Dutch Children with Low Vision
Authors: Gompel Marjolein , Van Bon Wim H. J. , Schreuder Robert , Adriaansen Julia J. M.
Published: June 2019

This comparison of the reading comprehension, decoding, and spelling skills of 404 children with low vision and a norm sample of same-age fully sighted children found that the children with low vision with no additional disabilities performed less well than the sighted children only on decoding, whereas those with additional disabilities performed less well on all the tests.
Experiences of Older Adults who Stopped Driving Because of their Visual Impairments: Part 2
Authors: Corn Anne L. , Rosenblum L. Penny
Published: June 2019

This article is the second in a three-part series that provides data from interviews of 162 adult subjects aged 60 and older who stopped driving due to a visual impairment. Part Two describes the availability and use of different forms of transportation, ways subjects access transportation to carry out daily activities, subjects’ experiences with drivers, and how nondriving has affected subjects on a personal level. Of special interest is how emotions change over time.
Changes in Biomechanical Features of the Two-point Touch Technique as it is Learned
Authors: Wall Robert S. , Ashmead Daniel H.
Published: June 2019

This study sought to chart biomechanical changes in the performance of the two-point touch technique as it was learned by four sighted, blindfolded adults with no previous cane experience. The results indicate that these participants acquired the basic biomechanical movements of the two-point touch technique rapidly, and their performance approached that of the levels of experts after minimal training.
Development of a Standardized Instrument to Assess the Performance of Computer Tasks by Students with Low Vision
Authors: Vincent Claude , Dumont Claire , Bouchard Danièle , Lespérance Françoise
Published: June 2019

The Assessment of Computer Task Performance was developed to evaluate the performance, both in terms of speed and accuracy, of children with low vision when using sequences of actions that result in a computer command. The results with 22 students aged 4–12 showed that four standardized tasks in the test have a high degree of reliability, and one has a moderate degree.
Sensorial Afferents, Expectations, and Craniocervical Postural Relations in Adults who are Blind and Sighted
Authors: Sforza Chiarella , Eid Luca , Michielon Giovanni , Fragnito Nicola , Ferrario Virgilio F.
Published: June 2019

In this study, the neck and head relative to the ground were more flexed, while the head relative to the neck was more extended, in the subjects who were blind than in the sighted subjects. The introduction of external (sound) or proprioceptive (mandibular position, look ahead) inputs modified craniocervical posture and relationships (extension) in both groups.
Counseling Theory as a Tool for Vocational Counselors: Implications for Facilitating Clients’ Informed Decision Making
Authors: Ryder Bonnie E.
Published: June 2019

This article examines the benefits of applying conventional counseling practices to facilitate clients’ informed decision making during vocational rehabilitation. It also presents examples of how certain techniques associated with counseling theories help to empower consumers.
Strategies Used by Visually Impaired Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments to Manage the Visual Demands of Their Professional Role
Authors: Lewis Sandra , Corn Anne L. , Erin Jane N. , Holbrook M. Cay
Published: June 2019

Teachers of students with visual impairments who were visually impaired themselves were interviewed and observed to determine the strategies they have developed to address issues of transportation, access to information, assessment, and instructional responsibilities. They reported that while barriers to assessment could be overcome, transportation and planning presented the greatest challenges.
Visual Input and Orthographic Knowledge in Word Reading of Children with Low Vision
Authors: Gompel Marjolein , Janssen Neeltje M. , van Bon Wim H. J. , Schreuder Robert
Published: June 2019

This study investigated whether the difficulties with reading of children with low vision are a matter of reduced visual input or also a consequence of a lack of orthographic knowledge because of less reading experience. The results indicated that reduced visual input is the only cause of these children's lower reading performance.
The Hidden Demand for Participation in Activities and Travel by Persons who are Visually Impaired
Authors: Marston James R. , Golledge Reginald G.
Published: June 2019

As part of a larger field experiment using remote infrared audible signage, 30 participants who were legally blind provided data about their current travel behavior and activities, the number and types of additional trips they desired to make, and what trips they would make if more environmental cues were available. The results showed a large demand for participation in activities and travel that is not being met, but would be if relevant information was available.
Patients’ Perceptions of the Need for Low Vision Devices
Authors: Stelmack Joan A. , Rosenbloom Alfred A. , Brenneman Carl S. , Stelmack Thomas R.
Published: June 2019

This pilot study of the perceptions of 149 men and women, aged 50 and older, of their need for low vision devices found that the most frequently reported uses of low vision devices were for close, intermediate, and distance reading tasks; television viewing; recognizing people; and finding items.
Wired to Work: A Qualitative Analysis of Assistive Technology Training for People with Visual Impairments
Authors: Wolffe Karen E. , Candela Tony , Johnson Gil
Published: June 2019

This article details the qualitative results of focus groups with adults who are visually impaired and received assistive technology training (AT) and with AT trainers. The participants described the state of AT training in the United States at the beginning of the 21 st century from their perspectives as students and teachers. Their insights cover the critical needs of people with visual impairments who want to learn AT and the competencies required of their trainers.
Reading by Children with Low Vision
Authors: Gompel Marjolein , Van Bon Wim H. J. , Schreuder Robert
Published: June 2019

This study of the reading of text found that despite their lower reading speed on a reading-comprehension task, the children with low vision comprehended texts at least as well as did the sighted children. Children with low vision need more time to read and comprehend a text, but they seem to use this time with enough efficiency to process the semantic, as well as the syntactic, information.
Stated Preferences for Components of a Personal Guidance System for Nonvisual Navigation
Authors: Golledge Reginald G. , Marston James R. , Loomis Jack M. , Klatzky Roberta L.
Published: June 2019

This article reports on a survey of the preferences of visually impaired persons for a possible personal navigation device. The results showed that the majority of participants preferred speech input and output interfaces, were willing to use such a product, thought that they would make more trips with such a device, and had some concerns about the cosmetic acceptability of a device and the use of a single or stereo headphone interface.
Knowledge of Dental Health and Oral Hygiene Practices of Taiwanese Visually Impaired and Sighted Students
Authors: Chang Chien-Huey Sophie , Shih Yeng-Hung
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the dental health knowledge and oral hygiene practices of 95 students with visual impairments and 286 sighted students in Taiwan. It found that the students with visual impairments were less knowledgeable about dental health and less frequently completed oral hygiene practices than did the sighted students.
Students with Visual Impairments in Texas: Description and Extrapolation of Data
Authors: Wall Robert , Corn Anne L.
Published: June 2019

This study found that between 2000 and 2002, the percentage of students with visual impairments in the general student population of Texas was close to a previously quoted figure of 0.15%. In addition, the percentage of students with visual impairments who were identified as totally blind was found to be 4%–5% higher than the previous estimate of 20%. There was some indication that the prevalence or reporting of visual impairment in school-age children was different across different ethnic groups.
Access to Vocational Rehabilitation: The Impact of Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Giesen J. Martin , Cavenaugh Brenda S. , Sansing William K.
Published: June 2019

This study, of racial and ethnic minorities’ access (application and entry) to the state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) system, found that access percentages were higher for African Americans, lower for Whites, and about the same for Hispanic Americans relative to the percentages of persons of the same race and ethnicity who are visually impaired in the national population. It concluded that the socioeconomic disadvantages of African Americans who are visually impaired increase their need to access VR relative to Whites who are visually impaired.
Facing the Challenges of Itinerant Teaching: Perspectives and Suggestions from the Field
Authors: Correa-Torres Silvia Maria , Howell Jennifer Johnson
Published: June 2019

Interviews with 23 itinerant teachers of students with visual impairments in Colorado gathered information on their views of the position, the challenges they face, and ways to improve the training of future itinerant teachers. The results offer insights into the positive and negative aspects of itinerant teaching, detail essential skills for successful itinerant teaching, and provide recommendations for improving the preparation of future itinerant teachers.
Exploring Functional Disability in Older Adults with Low Vision
Authors: Travis Linda A. , Boerner Kathrin , Reinhardt Joann P. , Horowitz Amy
Published: June 2019

This article reports on a study that explored the prevalence and predictors of functional disability that are due to visual problems as opposed to functional disability that is due to other health problems. It also discusses the implications for psychosocial and rehabilitative interventions that target different types of disability.
Factors that Affect the Employment Status of Working-Age Adults with Visual Impairments in New Zealand
Authors: La Grow Steven J.
Published: June 2019

Of the 150 working-age visually impaired adults in this study, 59 were in paid employment, 36 were either actively seeking employment or interested but not actively seeking it, and 55 were not interested in employment. Of the 59 who were employed, 22 were considered to be underemployed. The amount of usable vision, gender, and the presence of other disabling conditions were found to have significant affects on the rates of employment, unemployment, and labor force participation and some apparent affects on underemployment.
Equal Protection, the ADA, and Driving with Low Vision: A Legal Analysis
Authors: Marta Mary R. , Geruschat Duane
Published: June 2019

This article describes federal and state laws that affect the opportunity of people with low vision to drive and to obtain driver's licenses. Discrimination against individuals with low vision is discussed in the context of equal protection and the Americans with Disabilities Act. A review of relevant case law and implications for drivers with low vision are presented.
The Effectiveness of Comprehensive Low Vision Services for Older Persons with Visual Impairments in New Zealand
Authors: La Grow Steven J.
Published: June 2019

This study evaluated the effects of providing comprehensive low vision services to elderly persons with visual impairments in New Zealand. The 93 participants were matched on age, gender, and visual function with 93 who did not have access to comprehensive low vision services. No significant differences were found between the groups at posttest and follow-up on the three primary dependent variables of visual function, instrumental activities of daily living, and quality of life.
Characteristics of Children Evaluated at a Pediatric Low Vision Clinic: 1981–2003
Authors: Wilkinson Mark E. , Trantham Carole S.
Published: June 2019

The records of 1,661 children and adolescents who received 3,188 clinical low vision evaluations from a single examiner at low vision clinics sponsored by the Iowa Braille School over a 22-year period were surveyed to determine the characteristics of this population. The factors that were reviewed included age, sex, ocular condition, best-corrected vision at far and near, habitual working distance, and recommended optical devices.
Experiences of Childhood Sexual Abuse among Visually Impaired Adults in Norway: Prevalence and Characteristics
Authors: Kvam Marit Hoem
Published: June 2019

This study compared the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among visually impaired children and sighted children in Norway. Visually impaired women and men aged 18–65 who lost their sight before age 18 reported sexual abuse with contact before age 18 more often than did the sighted group, and the abuse of the visually impaired children was more severe. Implications for parents and teachers are presented, and the need for adapted sexual education is stressed.
Castrating Depictions of Visual Impairment: The Literary Backdrop to Eugenics
Authors: Bolt David
Published: June 2019

Whether consciously or unconsciously, attitudes toward visual impairment are likely to be influenced by its representation in fictional literature. Critical of a supposed link between visual impairment and castration, this article examines a sample of literary works that are found to unify with eugenics—not only in geographic and historical circulation, but in ideological content.
The Application of Werner and Kaplan's Concept of “Distancing” to Children who are Deaf-Blind
Authors: Bruce Susan M.
Published: June 2019

Through the process of distancing, children develop an understanding of the differences between themselves and others, themselves and objects, and objects and representations. Adults can support progressive distancing in children who are congenitally deaf-blind by applying strategies, such as the hand-under-hand exploration of objects, the selection of communication forms that are based on children's level of representation, the use of cues for recall that are based on children's experiences, and modeling of more complex play schemes.
Emotional Status and Development in Children who are Visually Impaired
Authors: Ophir-Cohen Michal , Ashkenazy Eyal , Cohen Ayala , Tirosh Emanuel
Published: June 2019

This study examined the developmental attainments of children with visual impairments, aged 6–59 months, with and without emotional deficits, behavioral deficits, or both. It found that an emotional or behavioral deficit was significantly related to gross motor and visual motor integration, expressive and receptive language, and social or personal development, and that there was an interaction between the effect of the mother's education and the child's age on the child's perception of language.
Crossroads: Modern Interactive Intersections and Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Authors: Barlow Janet M. , Franck Lukas
Published: June 2019

This article discusses the interactive nature of modern actuated intersections and the effect of that interface on pedestrians who are visually impaired. Information is provided about accessible pedestrian signals (APS), the role of blindness professionals in APS installation decisions, and techniques for crossing streets with APS.
Modern Roundabouts: Access by Pedestrians who are Blind
Authors: Long Richard G. , Guth David A. , Ashmead Daniel H. , Emerson Robert Wall , Ponchillia Paul E.
Published: June 2019

This article describes the key differences between roundabouts and traditional intersections that have traffic signals or stop signs and discusses how these differences may affect the mobility of pedestrians who are visually impaired. It also provides a brief summary of the authors’ research on this topic and suggests strategies for addressing the access issues that roundabouts sometimes create.
Impact of Planning for Support Services on Students who are Deaf-Blind
Authors: Giangreco M.F. , Edelman S.W. , Nelson C.
Published: June 2019

This article presents a study of the use of the Vermont Interdependent Services Team Approach (VISTA) by seven individual student planning teams and its impact on the students with deaf-blindness they educated in general education classes with individually determined support services.
A Portable Control Device for Promoting Independent Indoor Travel by Persons with Severe Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Lancioni G.E. , Oliva D. , Bracalente S.
Published: June 2019

A portable control device linked via radio to acoustic sources was used for promoting independent travel and activity in two adolescents with severe multiple disabilities. The control device allowed the subjects to enter activity destinations with a simple, standard response, which activated acoustic sources that indicated the way to each destination. Both adolescents learned to use the device effectively and were successful in reaching the destinations and carrying out activities on their own.
Determining Reading and Writing Media for Individuals with Visual and Physical Impairments
Authors: Heller K.W. , D'Andrea F.M. , Forney P.E.
Published: June 2019

For persons with both visual and physical impairments, learning media assessments need to take into consideration various factors in addition to the typical areas that are addressed, including visual and physical efficiency, the types and prognoses of the visual and physical conditions, and the effectiveness of modifications to improve visual and physical efficiency. This article examines the areas of physical efficiency that are important to reading and writing braille or large print and conditions and modifications that may be used to make the selected media effective.
Play, Social Interaction, and Motor Development: Practical Activities for Preschoolers with Visual Impairments
Authors: Zanandrea M.
Published: June 2019

Children with visual impairments (who are blind or have low vision) should be given the chance to develop locomotor and social interaction skills at the same time as sighted students. Since play is a natural medium through which children learn, a number of activities can easily be incorporated into peer-play situations at school. These activities enable children to practice moving and orienting themselves properly in relation to others and their surroundings and to be better prepared for social interactions with sighted children.
Responsibilities of Colleges and Universities to Provide Print Access for Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Senge J.C. , Dote-Kwan J.
Published: June 2019

This article reviews the legislation related to the accessibility of information in colleges and universities. On the basis of statements and letters of findings from the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, it discusses the responsibilities of colleges and universities in this area.
Using Tactile Maps to Improve the Practical Spatial Knowledge of Adults who are Blind
Authors: Espinosa M.A. , Ochaíta E.
Published: June 2019

This study evaluated the effects of three instructional methods—direct experience, cartographic representation, and verbal description—on the spatial knowledge of 30 adults who are blind. During four sessions, the participants learned a large, complex route in Madrid that included eight landmarks. In the first session, the experimenter guided the participants along the route, and in the subsequent sessions, the participants guided the experimenter. The results showed that the participants’ practical spatial knowledge was better when they learned the route with a tactile map than in either of the two other conditions.
Relative-size Magnification versus Relative-distance Magnification: Effect on the Reading Performance of Adults with Normal and Low Vision
Authors: Lovie-Kitchin Jan , Whittaker Steve
Published: June 2019

In the study reported here, the effect of character size on the reading rates of adults with normal and low vision was measured using both relative-size magnification (by which the print size is increased) and relative-distance magnification (by which the reading distance is decreased with appropriate optical correction). With relative-distance magnification, the reading rates of the subjects with normal vision were slower at close distances, but the results were small and inconsistent. For the subjects with low vision, the magnification method did not affect their reading rates.
Assessing the Literacy of Adults who are Visually Impaired: Conceptual and Measurement Issues
Authors: Reid Juliet M. V.
Published: June 2019

This article reviews the research related to the definition of literacy and the comparability of various reading media and their implications for the vocational assessment of the literacy skills of visually impaired adults. It suggests that the characteristics of literacy, together with the media and working methods used in criterion situations, are represented in assessment tasks. It also recommends the review of the content validity of literacy tests to ensure that they reflect the literacy demands of adults who are visually impaired.
Self-reports of Psychological Distress in Connection with Various Degrees of Visual Impairment
Authors: Karlsson Jon S.
Published: June 2019

This article describes a study of the relationship between the degrees of visual impairment and self-reports of psychological distress by 167 Icelanders aged 18-69 and 100 aged 70–97 who were blind or had low vision. The study found that self-reports of psychological distress and perceptions of unhappiness vary significantly with the degree of visual impairment.
Responses to Ambiguous Stimuli by Three Toddlers who are Blind as a Measure of Mother-Child Communication
Authors: Recchia Susan L.
Published: June 2019

Three toddlers who are blind were observed in their homes within the context of ongoing family activities. The observations focused on interactive communication between the children and their mothers in response to spontaneous events, both routine and novel, and to a series of novel events that were introduced systematically to the children and their mothers. The findings support the use of quasi-experimental observations of responses to ambiguous stimuli as a tool for assessing interactional strengths and weaknesses in the communication of blind toddlers and their mothers.