bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Social Support among Adolescents with and without Visual Impairments in Jordan: A Case Study from the Arab Region
Authors: Hadidi Muna S. , Khateeb Jamal M. Al 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Research to date on social support for adolescents with visual impairments (that is, blindness or low vision) has been primarily carried out in developed countries, and very little is known about the social support systems that are available for such adolescents in developing countries such as those in the Arab world. In the present study, social support among adolescents with and without visual impairments was investigated in Jordan, which is considered a developing country. Methods Study participants included 86 adolescents with visual impairments and 73 sighted adolescents. The instrument used to collect information in this study was an Arabic version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results The level of social support reported by adolescents with visual impairments was higher than that reported by sighted adolescents. In all three domains of the MSPSS (family, friends, and significant others), students with visual impairments reported receiving more social support than those without impairments. However, there was no statistically significant effect for gender. Discussion The results of the study are not consistent with findings of previous studies, all of which were conducted in Western countries. The disparities in experiences of adolescents with visual impairments in developed and developing countries may be attributed to differences in cultural values as well as to the conceptualization of support by those involved. Implications for practitioners Special education teachers need to be aware of the cultural backgrounds of their students and to develop and implement culturally appropriate programs for them.
The Recreation and Leisure Pursuits of Employed Adults with Visual Impairments in Nigeria: Part 1
Authors: Kelly Stacy M. , Ajuwon Paul M. , Wolffe Karen E. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This qualitative study explored the recreation and leisure activities of employed Nigerians with visual impairments. Methods A questionnaire was developed that examined the work, recreation, and leisure activities of adults with visual impairments. The sample included 172 adults with visual impairments living and working in Nigeria. Participant responses to the open-ended survey questions about recreation and leisure activities are presented in this article. Results Although most participants (89%) reported engagement in some sort of recreation or leisure activity on a regular basis, the vast majority of recreation and leisure activities reported were sedentary (69%) or solitary in nature such as listening to the radio, watching television, reading, or cooking. Participants identified the lack of personal funds or time, facilities, and adapted equipment as challenges to their recreation and leisure participation. Transportation issues and environmental barriers, discrimination, and inadequate assistance or training of human supports were also included in the challenges reported. Discussion Choices for recreation and leisure involvement were severely limited for participants. Active and community-based recreation and leisure offerings were virtually nonexistent. Although the respondents were employed, their economic status as workers was not adequate to support their engagement in a variety of recreation and leisure activities. The underlying turmoil of social, political, and economic issues described by participants was a highly restrictive obstacle. Implications for practitioners Practitioners and other stakeholders in developing countries are encouraged to intervene in the remediation of extrinsic and intrinsic barriers to recreation and leisure participation on behalf of their students and clients. Public awareness efforts, professional development courses, and disability-specific skill training programs are essential components in the improvement of the overall life satisfaction of people with visual impairments.
Orientation and Mobility Skills and Outcome Expectations as Predictors of Employment for Young Adults with Visual Impairments
Authors: Cmar Jennifer L. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Youths with visual impairments attend post-secondary school at high rates, yet these individuals have low rates of employment. In this study, factors associated with post-school employment were investigated in a nationally representative sample of youths with visual impairments. Methods In a secondary analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2, multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate employment outcomes for youths with visual impairments based on orientation and mobility skills and outcome expectations. Results Youths with high community travel scores were significantly more likely to be employed in Wave 4 (up to six years post–high school; B = .25, p = .003) and those with high outcome expectations were significantly more likely to be employed in Wave 5 (up to eight years post–high school; B = .33, p = .04). Discussion Results suggest that independently traveling to places outside the home, using public transportation, and arranging airplane or train trips predict post-school employment for youths with visual impairments. Positive self-beliefs about work for pay, financial self-support, and independent living were also associated with employment. Implications for practitioners Professionals can support students in gaining these vital skills by providing community experiences, positive role models, and verbal encouragement. Research-based predictors of employment should be considered when planning transition services for adolescents with visual impairments.
Psychological Stress in People with Dual Sensory Impairment through Usher Syndrome Type II
Authors: Högner Nadja 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Due to their dual, sensory impairment, people with Usher syndrome are assumed to have a high risk of stress. The purpose of this study was to assess stress in people with Usher syndrome type II (USH2) and the influence of personal variables such as age, gender, and employment on stress. Methods Two questionnaires were used: A self-developed questionnaire (SQ) to investigate the frequency and intensity of stress by external stressors within six life domains and the German standardized stress questionnaire Trierer Inventory of Chronic Stress (TICS) to compare frequency of stress between the USH2 sample group and a reference group ( n = 604). The questionnaires were filled in by an ad hoc sample of 262 persons with USH2 (response rate: 93%), mainly recruited from self-help groups (ages 17–79, mean age = 51; 53% female; 32% employed). Differences were determined by using methods of classical test theory. Results The evaluated SQ shows good indices in terms of item and factor analysis. The greatest stress was seen in the factor “Orientation and Mobility”; in TICS it was in the scale “Chronic Worry.” In TICS the USH2 sample showed significantly higher stress on scales that indicate a lack of social-emotional need fulfillment and less stress in those with high expectations ( p = .05). In both questionnaires, stress was dependent on personal variables. Discussion The results indicate the need for rehabilitation arrangements to reduce stress in people with USH2, especially in the areas of orientation and mobility, chronic worry, and social isolation. In intervention, particular attention should be paid to older, female, and unemployed people. Implications for practitioners Internal and external resources for people with dual sensory impairment need to be strengthened and systematic programs for learning how to cope with stress need to be established in order to provide clients with successful problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies.
Retinal Disorders and Sleep Disorders: Are They Genetically Related?
Authors: Murphy Caitlin , Duponsel Nathalie , Huang Xi Sheila , Wittich Walter , Koenekoop Robert K. , Overbury Olga 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Sleep is important for optimal physical health and vitality. Recent studies have shown that individuals with visual impairments may be at risk for sleep problems. This research examines the prevalence of sleep problems among those with retinal disorders and the possibility of a genetic link. Methods Subjects with retinitis pigmentosa ( n = 33), Stargardt's disease ( n = 31) and age-related macular degeneration ( n = 43) were recruited from the ophthalmology department of Montreal Children's Hospital. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Genetic testing was conducted by the Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Retinal genes were identified as having retina only or pineal and retinal expression. Results The expression patterns of genes causing retinal disorders did not predict sleep quality. The PSQI indicated poor sleep quality in 56% of participants with retinitis pigmentosa, 48% of those with Stargardt's disease, and 53% of those with age-related macular degeneration. The ESS showed that daytime sleepiness was experienced by 20% of individuals with retinitis pigmentosa or Stargardt's disease, and by only one individual with age-related macular degeneration. Discussion Approximately 50% of people with retinal disease have sleep problems. This number compares with up to one-third of the general population. Gene expression did not correlate with sleep quality, and the explanation for such a large percentage of sleep disorders needs further investigation. Implications for practitioners Eye care and rehabilitation specialists need to be aware of the high prevalence of poor sleep quality in individuals with retinal disorders, since this situation may have an important impact on memory and learning, both of which are vital in successful rehabilitation.
The Accessibility of Multifunction Printers: An Updated Usability Study of Accessible Multifunction Printers and a Survey of Multifunction Printer Users with Vision Loss
Authors: Packer Jaclyn , Reuschel William 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This article investigates the use of multifunction printers by individuals with vision loss, and explores current accessibility solutions to determine the extent of accessibility and usability for those who are visually impaired, with suggestions for improvement. Methods A usability study conducted in early 2014 recruited 10 volunteers with varied degrees of vision loss and user experience. Each performed four tasks on the Lexmark, Canon, and Ricoh multifunction printer accessibility solutions. An online survey conducted between October 2011 and April 2012 used a volunteer sample recruited through advertising and distribution in private organizations. The sample consisted of 26 individuals who were blind and 34 who had low vision; all participants had experience using multifunction printers. The sample was comprised of 58% women, 83% white, and 78% college graduates. The median age range was 45 to 54 years old. Results The usability study respondents had a high success rate in performing tasks, averaging a rating of 4.5 out of 5, and scores increased over the four tasks. Participants preferred the Lexmark machine due to its familiar QWERTY keyboard interface. Most survey respondents (80%) use a multifunction printer at home for personal use; 67% use multifunction printers in the workplace. Fifty-eight percent used assistive technology with their multifunction printers. The most important multifunction printer function was printing, followed by scanning and copying. Faxing was least important. Those with low vision were more likely to use the multifunction printer's copy function than those who were blind ( p < .002). To improve accessibility, respondents suggested higher contrast, larger characters, speech output, and tactile controls. Discussion People with vision loss use multifunction printers at work and home. Current accessibility solutions for multifunction printers work well for individuals with vision loss, but there is much room for improvement. Manufacturers should be urged to implement suggestions from research participants to increase the accessibility of their products.
Preventive Service Utilization among People who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Authors: Bennett Kevin J. , McDermott Suzanne , Mann Joshua R. , Hardin James W. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Visual impairment (that is, blindness or low vision) is a condition that has substantial implications for independent living and is associated with poorer health, mental health issues, and reduced access to health care service. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of visual impairments and the association between visual impairment status and receipt of United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF, 2014) recommended services among U.S. adults. Methods Pooled data from the 2000–2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2014) were used to estimate nationally representative visual impairment prevalence and receipt of USPSTF services (mammography, Pap test, colorectal cancer screening, influenza vaccinations, and cholesterol tests) among adults with and without visual impairments. Eligibility for services was based upon gender, age, and year in which the service was received, according to USPSTF recommendations. Descriptive statistics and adjusted odds ratios were calculated. Covariates included demographic characteristics and health-related variables. Results Controlling for other factors, those with visual impairments were less likely to have colorectal cancer screenings (AOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49–0.90) or cholesterol tests (AOR: 0.69, 95% CI:0.50–0.96), more likely to have influenza vaccinations (AOR: 1.33, 95% CI:1.06–1.67); and equally likely to have mammogram or Pap tests compared with those without visual impairments. Discussion The findings suggest that adults with visual impairments, compared with those without, are less likely to receive USPSTF recommended screenings for cholesterol and colorectal cancer. Additional research is needed to ascertain the reasons behind these differences. Limitations This analysis is limited by sample selection, a conservative condition identification process, and the small sample sizes available in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data. Implications for practitioners Practitioners should be aware of the particular needs of patients with multiple chronic conditions; when serving these patients, care needs to be taken to not let their primary condition overshadow the need for other preventive services.
Socialization and Self-Determination in Different-Age Dyads of Students who Are Deafblind
Authors: Bruce Susan M. , Zatta Mary C. , Gavin Mary , Stelzer Sharon 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Deafblindness limits access to social cues and social feedback, thus restricting the development of social skills. Many children with CHARGE syndrome, a leading cause of deafblindness, experience challenges with emotional self-regulation and anxiety that may interfere with socialization. Learning about self-determination skills such as goal setting, problem solving, and choice making, in the context of socialization instruction, may improve emotional regulation and social skills. Methods This collaborative action research study employed grounded theory design, with ongoing data analysis. The primary research question was: How will interactions between adolescent students with CHARGE syndrome and younger students with mixed etiologies of deafblindness change over time, in the context of an arranged interaction space? Data sources were videotaped observations of interaction and feedback sessions, evaluation forms, and field notes. Independent qualitative analysis by two raters and member checks enhanced the trustworthiness of findings. Results The younger students learned to make toy choices when presented with them by the adolescent students. Joint attention challenges occurred, as adolescent students did not understand their pals’ visual latency and play skills. The adolescent students learned to interact more effectively with younger students while rehearsing self-determination skills such as goal setting and problem solving. Discussion Adult support was essential to successful interactions and to adolescent students’ engagement in self-reflection and self-evaluation during the feedback sessions. More research is needed on socialization and self-determination instruction of children who are deafblind, including those with CHARGE syndrome. Implications for practitioners Children who are deafblind require direct instruction for social skills and opportunities to practice interactions with differently aged children. They also require opportunities to problem solve in the context of socialization opportunities. Support from familiar adults may reduce the anxiety experienced during socialization.
The Effect of Career Mentoring on Employment Outcomes for College Students who Are Legally Blind
Authors: O'Mally Jamie , Antonelli Karla 
Published: December 2018

Introduction College graduates with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) often face challenges in securing competitive employment after graduation. Working with a mentor who is also visually impaired, and working in the same field, can provide important benefits to overcome these barriers. Methods A nationwide longitudinal study, involving random assignment to an intervention group working with a mentor or a comparison group given traditional career resources, evaluated changes in job-seeking self-efficacy, assertiveness in job hunting, and career adaptability over the course of one year as legally blind college students prepared to graduate and enter the job market. Employment outcomes, job satisfaction, and evaluation of the mentoring program were also measured. Results Those working with mentors demonstrated increased job-seeking self-efficacy, career adaptability, and significant gains in assertiveness in job-hunting compared to those receiving only traditional job-search resources. Although no significant differences were found between groups for employment rate or job satisfaction, participants reported high satisfaction with the program. Discussion Working with a mentor demonstrated positive trends for self-efficacy, career adaptability, and significant increases in job-hunting assertiveness among visually impaired college students with legal blindness. Participants were highly committed and found the program beneficial. Small sample size may have limited the ability to detect significant differences in employment outcomes.
Fitness Wearables and Youths with Visual Impairments: Implications for Practice and Application
Authors: Colgan Joanna C. , Bopp Melissa J. , Starkoff Brooke E. , Lieberman Lauren J. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Individuals with visual impairments are at risk for chronic health-related illnesses attributed to low physical activity and low fitness levels. This study aimed to determine device preference of three physical activity–monitoring wearables for youths with visual impairments, taking into account gender and visual impairment level, and to discern beneficial and impeding device components and suggested device changes. Methods For this cross-sectional and descriptive study, a convenience sample of 25 youths and young adult volunteers (16 males, 9 females, aged 9–22, M = 13.80, SD = 3.27) were recruited from a week-long sports camp for youths with visual impairments. Participants were assigned to wear all three wearables at once. Data was collected through demographic questionnaires and evening focus groups and was analyzed using qualitative coding software to determine beneficial and impeding aspects and suggested device changes. Results Responses varied by level of visual impairment, such as with auditory and visual contrast components, and varied slightly by gender, such as with aesthetic components. All responses for beneficial and impeding components and suggested changes fell into coded themes of access to data, comfort, display, data measured, auditory, waterproof, aesthetics, goal-setting, and music. Discussion Beneficial and impeding components helped participants suggest changes to make devices more usable, accessible, easy and enjoyable to wear, and motivating for this population. Limitations include the short device usage time for each participant, financial constraints, and the number of participants who consented. Implications for practitioners Physical activity technology can be developed that is more usable by more members of the general population and that allows more individuals to meet daily and weekly physical activity recommendations and health goals. In terms of reducing health disparities, this technology can mass-target physical activity levels in individuals with visual impairments as part of low-cost health and physical activity promotion interventions and could increase the overall quality of life of at-risk individuals.
Targeted Vision Function Goals and Use of Vision Resources in Ophthalmology Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Comorbid Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Casten Robin , Rovner Barry W. , Fontenot Joseph L. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This study characterizes self-reported functional vision goals and the use of low vision resources (for example, services and devices) in ophthalmology clinic patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and comorbid depressive symptoms. Methods From July 2009 to February 2013, we assessed 188 consecutive patients (age 65 +; mean 84.0 years; 70.2% female) with AMD (best corrected distance acuity 20/70 or worse) enrolled in a 12-month randomized clinical trial to test the efficacy of a multi-component intervention that combined low vision optometry and home-based occupational therapy to prevent depression (Low Vision Depression Prevention Trial [VITAL]). A geriatric nurse conducted in-home assessments to measure visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, self-reported functional vision, functional vision goals that were personally important yet difficult to achieve (targeted vision function goals), and the use of low vision resources (defined as services, devices and strategies utilized by low vision patients to compensate for visual deficits). This study reports on baseline data collected prior to randomization. Results Only 9.6% of the sample had received formal low vision services. The five most common goals were newspaper reading, leisure and entertainment, computer use, personal communication, and correspondence. Participants engaged in targeted vision function goals less frequently since being diagnosed with AMD, despite using low vision resources and reporting low to moderate difficulty in using them. Discussion Few patients with AMD seen in ophthalmology clinics received low vision rehabilitation. Patients who utilized resources engaged in goals less frequently since being diagnosed with AMD. Implications for practitioners Patients with AMD are underutilizing low vision rehabilitation resources. Strategies for increasing low vision referrals are suggested.