bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Model of how Discounting High-Priced Brands Affects the Sales of Low-Priced Brands
Authors: Sethuraman Raj
Published: December 2018

Drawing on a consumer preference distribution structure postulated in analytical modeling research, the author develops a Separate Effects Model that separates the total discount effect of a competing high-priced brand on the sales of the focal low-priced brand into discount effect in the region where price of the competing brand is (1) above the price of the focal brand, (2) equal to the price of the focal brand, and (3) below the price of the focal brand. The author applies the model to store-level data on fabric softener and illustrates the steps involved in the estimation and usefulness of model results. In particular, he shows that the Separate Effects Model can (1) identify the source of the discount effect observed in the conventional model, (2) uncover discount effects not detected in the conventional model, and (3) guide managers’ decisions related to discount sizes and provide some insights about brand strength. An interesting substantive finding from the empirical analysis is that the leading national brand can draw sales from competing brands without reducing its price below the price of the other brands.
Modeling Consumer Choice among SKUs
Authors: Fader Peter S. , Hardie Bruce G. S.
Published: December 2018

Most choice models in marketing implicitly assume that the fundamental unit of analysis is the brand. In reality, however, many more of the decisions made by consumers, manufacturers, and retailers occur at the level of the stock-keeping unit (SKU). The authors address a variety of issues involved in defining and using SKUs in a choice model, as well as the unique benefits that arise from doing so. They discuss how a set of discrete attributes (e.g., brand name, package size, type) can be used to characterize a large set of SKUs in a parsimonious manner. They postulate that consumers do not form preferences for each individual SKU, per se, but instead evaluate the underlying attributes that describe each item. The model is shown to be substantially superior to a more traditional framework that does not emphasize the complete use of SKU attribute information. Their analysis also highlights several other benefits associated with the proposed modeling approach, such as the ability to forecast sales for imitative line extensions that enter the market in a future period. Other implications and extensions also are discussed.
Development of Family Triadic Measures for Children's Purchase Influence
Authors: Kim Chankon , Lee Hanjoon
Published: December 2018

Many past investigations of family members’ perceptions of their relative influence in family decision making show a lack of convergence in multiple reports. This, in turn, represents a serious threat to validity in attempts to depict the structure of family decision influence. These studies warn against using single-item measures of family members’ influence even in cases involving multiple respondents. In this study, using multiple-respondent, multiple-item data, the authors develop triadic measures of children's influence in four categories of product purchase decisions that exhibit desirable levels of convergent and discriminant validity. The process of measure development and validation demonstrates a methodology that combines the traditional measure purification process, confirmatory factor analysis, and multiple-influence, multiple-rater data analysis procedures.
Understanding Cooperative Advertising Participation Rates in Conventional Channels
Authors: Bergen Mark , John George
Published: December 2018

Cooperative advertising plans feature prominently in marketing programs in conventional channels and make up the majority of marketing funds in some product categories. Available data show that cooperative plans vary greatly with respect to their principal feature: the participation rate offered by manufacturers (the fraction of the reseller's advertising costs that the manufacturers pick up). The authors develop two formal models to study the effects of advertising “spillovers,” differentiation across competing retailers, and differentiation across competing manufacturers on the participation rate. The models show that more generous participation rates are called for with less targetable media, less differentiated retailers, more differentiated brands, and more upscale products within a category. The authors sketch out a managerial decision framework that incorporates these findings and offer some suggestions for empirical research.
Kalman Filter Estimation of New Product Diffusion Models
Authors: Xie Jinhong , Song X. Michael , Sirbu Marvin , Wang Qiong
Published: December 2018

The authors introduce a new estimation procedure, Augmented Kalman Filter with Continuous State and Discrete Observations (AKF(C-D)), for estimating diffusion models. This method is directly applicable to differential diffusion models without imposing constraints on the model structure or the nature of the unknown parameters. It provides a systematic way to incorporate prior knowledge about the likely values of unknown parameters and updates the estimates when new data become available. The authors compare AKF(C-D) empirically with five other estimation procedures, demonstrating AKF(C-D)'s superior prediction performance. As an extension to the basic AKF(C-D) approach, they also develop a parallel-filters procedure for estimating diffusion models when there is uncertainty about diffusion model structure or prior distributions of the unknown parameters.
Pie-Expansion Efforts: Collaboration Processes in Buyer–Supplier Relationships
Authors: Jap Sandy D.
Published: December 2018

The business press has coined the term “pie expansion” to refer to the collaborative process of creating mutually beneficial strategic outcomes between buyers and suppliers. In this research, the author provides an explanation of this process, hypothesizing that such outcomes are achieved through the use of coordination efforts across organizational boundaries and specialized investments. The author investigates the facilitating roles of various environmental, interorganizational, and interpersonal conditions in this process. The results of a longitudinal survey of more than 220 buyers and suppliers indicate that the collaboration process is worthwhile, with coordination efforts and investments leading to enhanced profit performance and the realization of competitive advantages over time. Environmental dynamism and demand motivate suppliers to form collaborative exchanges with buyers and facilitate the dyad's willingness to create idiosyncratic investments. Goal congruence and interpersonal trust facilitate coordination effort, and complementary capabilities facilitate both effort and investments.
Investigating Household State Dependence Effects across Categories
Authors: Seetharaman P.B. , Ainslie Andrew , Chintagunta Pradeep K.
Published: December 2018

Brand choices over time are dictated not just by households’ intrinsic brand preferences, but also by marketing variables and state dependence effects. The authors examine brand choice behavior across five product categories as a function of these variables. Choice within a category is modeled with a multinomial probit model. A Bayesian variance components approach is used to model the covariation of household response parameters across categories. The model enables the authors to identify similarities in households’ state dependence effects across categories. On the basis of purchase data from a panel of 785 households, they also (1) estimate the correlations between household parameters for the marketing mix and state dependence, (2) study whether state dependence effects diminish over time, (3) investigate whether state dependence for a household is related to its demographic and behavioral characteristics, and (4) analyze whether category variables influence state dependence.

The results indicate that households display similar state dependence effects across the five categories, with two categories exhibiting significantly lower state dependence levels than the other three. Furthermore, significant correlations exist between state dependence effects and marketing mix sensitivities. A household's level of brand choice inertia diminishes with time elapsed since the previous purchase. State dependence is influenced by shopping behavior variables but not by demographics.
Influence of Ambient Sound Fluctuations on the Crossing Decisions of Pedestrians who Are Visually Impaired: Implications for Setting a Minimum Sound Level for Quiet Vehicles
Authors: Kim Dae Shik , Emerson Robert Wall , Naghshineh Koorosh , Myers Kyle
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Following the passage of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act in the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is setting a minimum sound level for hybrid and battery electric vehicles. With an aim to aid this effort, the present study investigated the timing and performance of critical street-crossing decisions by pedestrians who are visually impaired (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) at selected intersections.

Methods

Fourteen visually impaired adults with typical hearing along with a sighted experimenter made street-crossing decisions by indicating when they would initiate crossing using radio controller handsets. Participants’ decisions were compared with the sighted experimenter's decisions to determine the level of their risk.

Results

At the residential intersection, the percentage of risky crossing decisions by participants was significantly lower when the decisions were made at lower ambient sound levels (M = 8.9%, SD = 6.9%) than when they were made at higher ambient sound levels (M = 35.3%, SD = 21.2%), p < .001. The participants were able to make significantly fewer risky crossing decisions during the windows of time when the ambient sound level was lower at the major-and-minor-street intersection as well ( p = .001).

Discussion

Participants were often able to take advantage of the troughs in ambient sound for making street-crossing decisions, and the decisions made in lower ambient sound level conditions were generally less risky than those made in higher ambient sound level conditions.

Implications for practitioners

Given the finding that the level of ambient sound detected when participants made crossing decisions was much lower than the average ambient sound level at a given intersection, as long as there are noticeable dips in ambient sound, average ambient sound level at a given intersection may not be the most relevant measure of background sound level when determining a minimum sound level for the hybrid and electric vehicles.
Virtual Environments for People who Are Visually Impaired Integrated into an Orientation and Mobility Program
Authors: Lahav Orly , Schloerb David W. , Srinivasan Mandayam A.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The BlindAid, a virtual system developed for orientation and mobility (O&M) training of people who are blind or have low vision, allows interaction with different virtual components (structures and objects) via auditory and haptic feedback. This research examined if and how the BlindAid that was integrated within an O&M training program could be of help when teaching those who are blind or visually impaired to develop O&M skills.

Methods

Using qualitative and quantitative methods, this research focused on 16 participants during their O&M course, and studied virtual environment exploration and orientation tasks in virtual environments.

Results

The encouraging results of the current study indicate the potential strengths of the BlindAid system as an O&M training device for visually impaired people.

Discussion

Follow-up research evaluating transference of knowledge from virtual environments to real spaces could contribute to O&M training for people who are visually impaired.

Implications for practitioners

BlindAid could play a central role in three potential applications: a training simulator for O&M, a diagnostic tool for O&M specialists to track and observe participants’ spatial behavior, and a technique for advanced exploration of unknown spaces.
Braille Reading Accuracy of Students who are Visually Impaired: The Effects of Gender, Age at Vision Loss, and Level of Education
Authors: Argyropoulos Vassilis , Papadimitriou Vassilios
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The present study assesses the performance of students who are visually impaired (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) in braille reading accuracy and examines potential correlations among the error categories on the basis of gender, age at loss of vision, and level of education.

Methods

Twenty-one visually impaired Greek school-aged children participated in the present study. The students who participated were enrolled in different educational settings; that is, special schools and mainstream educational settings. The research tool was a subset (three subscales) of a standardized instrument (Test A, Padeliadu & Antoniou, 2008) that evaluates reading accuracy in Greek. All interactions between researchers and students were videotaped, and the analysis of the obtained data was focused on phonological and nonphonological-type errors.

Results

Significant differences in performance were found between male and female participants— t(19) = 2.12, p < .05—as well as between students who attained primary and secondary education: t(19) = 1.96, p ≊ .05. The average number of errors in the three subscales correlated very highly, signifying that performance was very similar. Positive correlation was found between replacement and subtraction types of error ( p < .05), and replacement and recognition ( p < .001), and the total number of errors was positively correlated with replacement ( p < .001), subtraction ( p = .001), and recognition errors ( p < .001). Male participants made more replacement errors: t(19) = 2.09, p ≊ .05; participants in secondary education made significantly fewer errors of recognition: t(19) = 2.49, p < .05; and students who were congenitally blind made significantly more errors of addition: t(19) = 1.96, p ≊ .05. Regarding the recognition type of error, there was a significant interaction effect between grade and age at loss of vision: F(3/17) = 3.09, p = .05.

Discussion

Participants did not benefit exceptionally from semantic information, and it is unclear whether a higher school level leads to the improvement of braille reading accuracy. “Reading the entire word” seems the most effective decoding strategy. Nevertheless, further research is needed to obtain relevant data from longitudinal studies.

Implications for practitioners

Listing and analyzing braille reading errors systematically may reveal error patterns. Based on these patterns, teachers would be able to differentiate their instruction to improve students’ performances in braille speed and accuracy.
Teaching Two Critical Locomotor Skills to Children who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Authors: Samalot-Rivera Amaury , Lieberman Lauren J. , Haibach Pamela
Published: December 2018

Alexandria has retinopathy of prematurity. While attending elementary school, she received the services of a teacher of visually impaired students, an adapted physical education teacher, and an orientation and mobility instructor. Her instructors praised her running and never provided any constructive feedback on the movement patterns of her running, so Alexandria assumed that she was running with proper form.

It was not until Alexandria advanced to middle school that a physical educator informed her that she had a shuffling gait and needed to swing her arms while running. Through tactile modeling and physical guidance, Alexandria's gait improved dramatically; however, she was embarrassed that her form was not corrected at a younger age.
Technologies Used in the Study of Advanced Mathematics by Students who Are Visually Impaired in Classrooms: Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: DePountis Vicki M. , Pogrund Rona L. , Griffin-Shirley Nora , Lan William Y.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

This research examined the perspectives of teachers of students who are visually impaired regarding the use and effectiveness of high-tech assistive technology purported to assist visually impaired students in advanced mathematics.

Methods

The data for this study were collected via a mixed-methods online survey distributed through professional networks to reach teachers with experience supporting students who are braille readers in advanced mathematics. A device matrix was used to ask participants about three interrelated issues. First, which of the 35 assistive technologies presented did they use to aid students? Second, how was the technology implemented? And third, how did they rate the effectiveness of each device used? Open-response items provided space for additional tools and other feedback.

Results

A total of 82 surveys were completed through the device matrix question. Results conclusively indicated that 20 of the 35 technologies were used; of these, 13 were used regardless of subject. More than half of the participants indicated that the same four technologies were implemented for student information access during class, guided practice, and independent practice. Participants recommended seven technologies not included in the device matrix through the open-response questions.

Discussion

This survey revealed that teachers of visually impaired students are using assistive technology for multiple functions. A core set of 13 devices emerged, as well as varying subsets for specific tasks across different subjects. Limitations of the study were the small sample size and possible survey fatigue.

Implications for practitioners

By examining the uses of technology presented in this article, teachers can determine which assistive technology might be worth exploring to use for preparation of materials for students and which to teach others to use independently for reading or preparation of assignments in advanced mathematics courses.
Changing what it Means to be “Normal”: A Grounded Theory Study of the Mobility Choices of People who are Blind or Have Low Vision
Authors: Ball Elizabeth M. , Nicolle Colette A.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The ability to travel to destinations outside of the home is important to social inclusion and quality of life, and it is one of the most significant challenges for people who are visually impaired (that is, those who are blind or have low vision). There has been little research into the underlying concerns of people who are visually impaired when making decisions about mobility.

Methods

This grounded theory study explored the main mobility-related concerns of people who are visually impaired. It uses qualitative data drawn from a combination of online discussions; face-to-face, telephone, and e-mail interviews; and focus groups with people who are visually impaired and rehabilitation practitioners.

Results

The primary concern of people who are visually impaired when making choices about where to go, and when and how to do so, was a desire to see oneself and to be seen by others as “normal.” Self-identity and perceived “normality” are subjective and changeable and are continually internally coreconstructed (that is, simultaneously and interdependently reinterpreted and reconceptualised) to achieve congruence between them. The mobility strategies used are those that are perceived as most “normal.”.

Discussion

Perceived “normality” has a powerful influence on behavior. By acknowledging this influence, rehabilitation services may be better able to promote autonomy and self-reliance.

Implications for practitioners

To promote independence, rehabilitation services must change people's perception of what is “normal.” People must be supported to come to perceive fulfillment of valued social roles, autonomy, and self-reliance as “normal.”
Using Constant Time Delay to Teach Braille and the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation to Students Making the Transition from Print to Braille
Authors: Ivy Sarah E. , Hooper Jonathan D.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Many students with adventitious vision loss or progressive vision loss need to transition from print to braille as a primary literacy medium. It is important that this transition is handled efficiently so that the student can have continued access to a literacy medium and make progress in the core curriculum. For this study, we used constant time delay to teach literary braille contractions and Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation (hereafter, Nemeth Code) braille symbols to learners with visual impairments who were making the transition from print to braille.

Methods

A single-subject, multiple-probe research design was used to test the effectiveness and efficiency of constant time delay to teach literary braille or Nemeth Code. Three female students, aged 13 to 15 years, participated at a specialized school for students with visual impairments. The students’ braille and math instructor delivered interventions in the classroom. Procedural fidelity and interobserver agreement data were collected.

Results

Two students each learned 40 short-form literary braille contractions, and one student learned 28 Nemeth Code symbols throughout the study. Students appeared to generalize learning after instruction with the first word set to identify similar contractions. Students maintained learning throughout the study at high levels. Visual analysis of the data suggests a functional relationship between constant time delay and contraction identification.

Discussion

This study replicated previous work (Hooper, Ivy, & Hatton, 2014) to expand understanding of the scope of the usefulness of time delay in braille education.

Implications for practitioners

For students making the transition from print to braille, constant time delay may be an efficient method to help students acquire braille. The efficiency itself may increase students’ confidence and motivation to learn braille.
Restoration of Vision following Long-Term Blindness: Considerations for Providing Rehabilitation
Authors: Geruschat Duane R. , Dagnelie Gislin
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this article is to introduce the reader to a new area of research and practice known as vision restoration. The various approaches to restoration will be introduced and the implications of restored vision on rehabilitation strategies will be presented.
Implications of Deafblindness: The Physical and Mental Health and Social Trust of Persons with Usher Syndrome Type 3
Authors: Wahlqvist Moa , Möller Claes , Möller Kerstin , Danermark Berth
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to describe health and social trust in persons with Usher syndrome type 3 (USH3) in relation to hearing and visual impairment.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the Swedish Usher database. Twenty-one persons with USH3 received two questionnaires, which covered a wide range of domains related to health and social trust. Fifteen individuals, 4 men and 11 women aged 19–71 years, responded. Each outcome measure within every domain reported by the individual was structured into a matrix, which included auditory and visual findings.

Results

Severe problems with health and social trust were apparent for persons with USH3. Differences in the number of reported problems were suggested. Three persons had cochlear implants, and they reported far fewer problems with physical health, mental health, and social trust than the others.

Discussion

Three major patterns emerged. The first was that the group was heterogeneous with regard to the problems reported in the biopsychosocial dimensions; that is, general health, physical health, and mental health, as well as social trust. The second was that none of the biopsychosocial dimensions could be disregarded when describing health among persons with USH3. The third major pattern was that a cochlear implant might benefit the health of persons with USH3.

Implications for practitioners

The results suggested poor physical and mental health and severe social trust problems for people with USH3. Interdisciplinary strategies are required to facilitate the rehabilitation of persons with USH3 throughout their lifespan.
Health-Related Physical Fitness among Young Goalball Players with Visual Impairments
Authors: da Cunha Furtado Otávio Luis Piva , Morato Márcio Pereira , Potenza Michael , Gutierrez Gustavo Luiz
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The purpose of our study was to determine the passing rates on health-related physical fitness tests of young goalball players. More specifically, we compared their passing rates according to gender and visual impairment classification.

Methods

Participants included 40 Brazilian goalball players with visual impairments (20 female [B1 = 7, B2 = 8, B3 = 5]; 20 male [B1 = 6, B2 = 4, B3 = 10]), with a mean age 17.3 (SD = 1.6). The Brockport Physical Fitness Test, a health-related, criterion-referenced protocol, was employed to evaluate percentage of body fat, shoulder stretch, back-saver sit and reach, trunk lift, curl-ups, push-ups, and the one-mile run or walk.

Results

A significant difference was found in passing rates between genders only in the one-mile run or walk. More than half the participants were able to pass in at least four out of the seven tests. No significant differences were found between groups regarding the proportion of athletes who reached the protocol standards.

Discussion

Irrespective of gender or visual impairment classification, the participants of this study had high passing rates on most tests. Nonetheless, athletes had low passing rates on specific areas (cardiovascular and muscular strength), which need to be acknowledged. Future studies with a bigger sample could seek to determine the effects of specific training regimens not only on youths, but also on adult groups.

Implications for practitioners

As a Paralympic sport likely to be of interest to visually impaired children and adolescents, goalball seems to be a feasible game to support the achievement of ideal physical activity levels in this population, leading to higher levels of health-related physical fitness.
An Artificial Intelligence Tutor: A Supplementary Tool for Teaching and Practicing Braille
Authors: McCarthy Tessa , Rosenblum L. Penny , Johnson Benny G. , Dittel Jeffrey , Kearns Devin M.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

This study evaluated the usability and effectiveness of an artificial intelligence Braille Tutor designed to supplement the instruction of students with visual impairments as they learned to write braille contractions.

Methods

A mixed-methods design was used, which incorporated a single-subject, adapted alternating treatments design as well as qualitative teacher interviews and surveys.

Results

Students seemed to reach 100% accuracy faster when using Braille Tutor (average = 7.0 sessions; range 1.0 to 12.0 sessions) than when they did not (average 9.6 sessions with a teacher of students with visual impairments; range 3.0 to 16.0 sessions). Also, students who used Braille Tutor more often tended to learn more contractions overall during the study (average = 21.25; range 13.0 to 30.0) than students who used it less (average 9.0; range 9.0 to 9.0).

Discussion

The first trend noted was that students in the teacher of students with visual impairments plus Braille Tutor phase (hereafter, TVI+Tutor) tended to learn contractions more quickly. A second trend surfaced: The students in the TVI+Tutor phase tended to get more frequent reinforcement as opposed to students in the TVI Only phase. A third trend was noted: Students in the TVI+Tutor phase saw a quicker initial jump and tended to be more consistent in that initial jump. Although the prototype version of Braille Tutor in this study needs further development to broaden its capabilities, some students found its use highly motivating.

Implications for practitioners

Although there is strong evidence that advanced technologies are not suitable replacements for braille literacy instruction, technology can be used along with quality instruction by a teacher of visually impaired students to enhance proficiency in braille literacy.
The Current Experiences of Physical Education Teachers at Schools for Blind Students in the United States
Authors: Haegele Justin A. , Lieberman Lauren J.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

It has been well established that children with visual impairments tend to be less physically active and more delayed in motor skills than their sighted peers. As a result, there has been some research focusing on inclusive physical education for these children. However, there is a clear lack of research on the current status of physical education for children in residential schools.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the current experiences of physical education teachers at schools for blind students in the United States.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to 51 physical education teachers from 35 schools for blind students across the country. Data from closed-ended and short-response open-ended questions were analyzed descriptively, using frequencies and percentages, across four main areas: teacher characteristics, teaching practices, student populations, and facilities.

Results

Most physical education teachers reported that their schools employ certified physical educators, use curricula that are tied to state or national standards, possess a variety of facilities for their students to use in physical education, offer a variety of sports (with the most common being wrestling), and teach a varied population of students.

Discussion

A number of findings emerged from this study. Positive findings include: schools are hiring teachers who are certified in physical education or adapted physical education; they are utilizing curricula that are tied to their state and national standards; and they are offering a variety of sports after school. The few factors of concern are: the lack of validated assessments in the field of adapted physical education and, therefore, the limited use of validated assessments; and the need for additional training for teachers related to children who are deafblind and students with both visual impairments and autism spectrum disorder.
Needs and Challenges of Seniors with Combined Hearing and Vision Loss
Authors: McDonnall Michele C. , Crudden Adele , LeJeune B. J. , Steverson Anne , O'Donnell Nancy
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to identify the needs and challenges of seniors with dual sensory loss (combined hearing and vision loss) and to determine priorities for training family members, community service providers, and professionals who work with them.

Methods

Individuals (N = 131) with dual sensory loss between the ages of 55 and 99 years participated in a survey designed to collect information about their most important needs, challenges encountered associated with sensory losses, and the training requirements of the people who interact with them. Results were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and comparisons were made between persons with early and late onset of sensory loss.

Results

The most commonly identified needs were transportation, technology training, assistance with errands, and improved communication. Medical providers were identified as the service providers who most need training about dual sensory loss. A majority of respondents thought their local community members, friends, and family also need education. Some differences were noted based on age of onset of sensory losses.

Discussion

Needs differed by age of onset group: needs of participants with early onset of one or both sensory losses focused on transportation and training to use technology, while needs for those with later onset focused on information about devices to improve hearing or vision and better ability to communicate with family.

Implications for practitioners

Training to use technology is an important area of need that may not always be addressed for this population by service providers, but it may contribute to overall improved quality of life, since it has the potential to improve communication options and reduce feelings of isolation. Health care providers are an important group to target for education regarding how to interact with people with dual sensory loss.
Adapting the Brief COPE for Chinese Adolescents with Visual Impairments
Authors: Yuan Wei , Zhang Li-fang , Li Bing
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The present research pioneered the effort in assessing adolescents’ coping with visual impairment through adapting the Brief COPE in an eastern context. The first study preliminarily explored the applicability of the Brief COPE to Chinese adolescent students with visual impairments. Based on the results, the Brief COPE was modified and renamed, COPE-Revised. The second study tested the internal psychometric properties and the criterion-related validity of the COPE-Revised. Criterion-related validity was obtained through investigating the correlation between coping and self-esteem.

Method

The first study involved 176 adolescent students with visual impairments, comprising a survey using the Brief COPE and follow-up interviews. In the second study, another cohort of 170 adolescent students with visual impairments responded to the COPE-Revised together with an inventory assessing self-esteem.

Results

The COPE-Revised showed adequate psychometric properties. Three higher-order factors, namely self-directed, other-directed, and relinquished-control coping, were identified. The way in which self-esteem was correlated with these three dimensions of coping provided evidence for the criterion-related validity of the COPE-Revised.

Discussion

The findings indicate that the COPE-Revised has sound psychometric properties among adolescents with visual impairments. Limitations regarding the sample-selection bias and the means of questionnaire survey among visually impaired adolescents are noted.

Implications for practitioners

This research tailored a coping inventory for educators, counselors, and researchers who are interested in investigating adolescents’ ability to cope with visual impairments. The relationship between coping with visual impairment and self-esteem found in this research has reference significance for educational and counseling services for visually impaired adolescents.
Adaptation of a Developmental Test to Accommodate Young Children with Low Vision
Authors: Ferreira Viviana , Albuquerque Cristina P.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

This study analyzed the effects of accommodations for children with low vision in the Griffiths Mental Development Scales–Extended Revised (GMDS-ER).

Methods

The sample comprised 25 children with low vision and chronological ages between 28 and 76 months. There were two assessment phases: in the first, the Griffiths Scales were administered according to the procedures described in the manual; about two to four weeks later, a second assessment was performed with the same instrument that had been adapted for low vision.

Results

The results indicated that there were some favorable differences in the use of item accommodations for children with low vision, including statistically significant improvements of scores in sub-scales A, locomotor; C, language; and E, performance, as well as in the full scale. All children, except one, increased their full scale score; in the subscales, the number of children that increased their scores varied. The combination of different types of accommodations (materials, administration conditions, and success criteria) generated the best results. Still, many children increased their scores with only accommodations to materials (for instance, enhancement of contours and greater visual contrast).

Discussion

The results demonstrated the importance of adapting developmental standardized tests for children with low vision. Future studies should increase the sample size and control variables related to type of visual impairment.

Implications for practitioners

Test developers and test users should consider accommodations for young children with low vision. That way, the developmental level could be described more precisely and intervention could be better adjusted to each child's abilities. Furthermore, a more accurate developmental assessment of effective child's competencies and difficulties may be useful in terms of eligibility criteria for special education services.
Lessons Learned from the Creation of a Center of Excellence in Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation in Wenzhou, China
Authors: Marinoff Rebecca , Heiberger Michael H.
Published: December 2018

A model Center of Excellence in Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation was created in a health care setting in China utilizing an inter-institutional relationship with a United States optometric institution. Accomplishments of, limitations to, and stimuli to the provision of low vision and vision rehabilitation services are shared.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Tablet Computer Application (App) in Helping Students with Visual Impairments Solve Mathematics Problems
Authors: Beal Carole R. , Rosenblum L. Penny
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The authors examined a tablet computer application (iPad app) for its effectiveness in helping students studying pre-algebra to solve mathematical word problems.

Methods

Forty-three visually impaired students (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) completed eight alternating mathematics units presented using their traditional literacy medium or an iPad app. Twenty percent of the mathematics problems included graphics such as maps, line graphs, and bar graphs. During each session, teachers of visually impaired students rated the amount of support they provided for students and the student motivation.

Results

Students answered more mathematics problems correctly when using the iPad app and, overall, teachers reported that their students were more motivated with the app than with their traditional literacy medium. Students often used the hints provided in the app when they did not solve a problem correctly the first time.

Discussion

Visually impaired students and their teachers found the app and graphics to be easy to use and motivating. The built-in Scratch pad was used by almost all students who were print users.

Implications for practitioners

The study results contribute to the growing body of knowledge about the potential value of tablet-type devices for use by visually impaired students.
VoIP Accessibility: A Usability Study of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Systems and a Survey of VoIP Users with Vision Loss
Authors: Packer Jaclyn , Reuschel William
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Accessibility of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems was tested with a hands-on usability study and an online survey of VoIP users who are visually impaired. The survey examined the importance of common VoIP features, and both methods assessed difficulty in using those features.

Methods

The usability test included four paid participants who are blind and four who have low vision. Four different tasks using four different VoIP systems (two Windows-based, two iOS-based) were presented in random order. The online survey included participants with prior VoIP experience: 50 individuals who were blind and 22 who have low vision.

Results

Usability test participants found that receiving an incoming call was the easiest task and transferring a call was the most difficult. Those with previous iOS experience had a large advantage with the two iOS systems over those with little experience. For the online survey, most respondents (81%) had used VoIP at home for personal use and 49% had used it in their workplace. The caller ID feature was most important to participants, yet only slightly more than half found the feature easy to use; this feature was the most discrepant between importance and ease of use (p < .01). Call management was the most difficult feature for respondents. Generally, those with low vision found features to be more accessible than did those who are blind.

Discussion

Almost, all usability study participants reported that they could use all four systems in a real-world setting. Although some of the features were readily usable, many of the VoIP features that respondents to the online survey considered to be important were difficult for them to use. This finding indicates a serious gap between what is presently offered and what is needed for true accessibility by those with vision loss, indicating the necessity of adding accessible features to all VoIP systems.

Implications for practitioners

Rehabilitation staff members and teachers of young adults with vision loss should become familiar with current VoIP systems and introduce them to their clients and students in order to increase their future prospects for employment.
Drivers with Low Vision: Characteristics and Transportation Issues
Authors: Crudden Adele , Steverson Anne C. , Cmar Jennifer L.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

This study provides descriptive information about drivers with low vision and transportation issues, including their own self-imposed driving restrictions.

Methods

An electronic survey administered online in late 2013 to early 2014 obtained data from 592 adults with visual impairments. Of those, 17 had a valid driver's license. These 17 provided information about their employment, activity limitations, public transportation use, services received, and transportation self-efficacy.

Results

Approximately half of the low vision drivers were employed. Most had not received vocational rehabilitation or orientation and mobility (O&M) services. Most drivers limited their night driving and over 70% noted that transportation problems limited their participation in entertainment or leisure activities. Most drivers had access to public transportation, but did not frequently use it. Drivers were generally confident in their ability to perform transportation- related tasks, although overall, drivers using bioptic devices tended to be more confident. Drivers who did not use bioptic devices were least confident in arranging a fair price for daily transportation to work with a driver.

Discussion

Drivers with low vision who limit their activities and employment due to transportation issues may not be receiving the vocational rehabilitation or O&M services that could help them compensate for these limitations. Further research examining the behaviors and service needs of low vision drivers is indicated, particularly for younger drivers. Study limitations include the small sample size, non-probability sampling method, and electronic data collection.

Implications for practitioners

Low vision drivers may benefit from evaluation by O&M specialists and vocational rehabilitation providers to determine if additional services are needed. Persons with low vision should be informed about evaluation for bioptic devices, and vocational rehabilitation providers should network with bioptic providers and other professionals to obtain referrals of persons with low vision who are not yet vocational rehabilitation recipients.
Intercountry Adoption of Children with Visual Impairments: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Conroy Paula Wenner
Published: December 2018

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.
Participant Experiences in an Employment Mentoring Program for College Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Antonelli Karla , O'Mally Jamie , Steverson Anne
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Mentors can help college graduates with visual impairments (that is, those with blindness or low vision) prepare for and seek employment in their chosen fields by serving as role models and sharing their experiences with mentees. Identifying mentoring activities and discussions most valued by mentees with visual impairments will facilitate the design of future mentoring programs.

Methods

A nationwide mentoring program for college students with legal blindness was implemented using an experimental longitudinal research design. Career mentors with legal blindness worked with mentees to develop knowledge and skills related to securing employment. Data included engagement in job-seeking activities, most helpful aspects of the mentoring relationship, and a participant evaluation of the program.

Results

Most mentees indicated that program activities and discussions related to visual impairment (for instance, disclosure and accommodation planning) and field-specific issues (such as career exploration and professional development) were of greatest value. Participants evaluated the program positively.

Discussion

Mentees valued knowledge, support, encouragement, and career guidance provided by mentors. Mentors valued the opportunity to contribute to the growth of young professionals with visual impairments.

Implications for practitioners

Students with visual impairments find value in specific aspects of mentoring relationships, and mentors are eager to work with students seeking employment. Topics and activities for future mentoring programs should include disclosure, accommodations, blindness skills, and job-search skills. Level of visual impairment and the career field should both be considered when pairing mentors with students with visual impairments preparing for employment.