British Journal of Visual Impairment recent issues

Editorial

Mccall, S., McLinden, M., Douglas, G. — 2009-08-20

Auditory discriminations of typographic attributes of documents by students with blindness

Argyropoulos, V. S., Sideridis, G. D., Kouroupetroglou, G., Xydas, G. — 2009-08-20

The general purpose of the present study was to test the effectiveness of various psycho-acoustic manipulations for the understanding of specific information (typographic attributes such as bold and italic) which was included in texts by individuals with and without blindness. Thirty blind and thirty sighted students participated and were asked to distinguish a number of controlled conditions of auditory components, as well as to express their preferences and opinions on the prosody of the selected acoustic features (pitch, volume and speed of the synthetic speech). Findings indicated that there were significant interactions between groups and experimental conditions across variables. The outcomes of the present study provided a rough assessment of the auditory means that may be conducive to the understanding of the specific typographic attributes. Based on these findings Text-to-Speech systems can deliver such information with all the appropriate auditory prosody in order to facilitate blind students’ memorization and comprehension and enhance inclusion.

Activity-based intervention for multiple-disabled visually impaired people

Magne Tellevik, J., Elmerskog, B. — 2009-08-20

The article describes assessment, planning and training for people with multiple disabilities and visual impairment (MDVI). The ImPAct MDVI project, an EU Comenius programme, addressed concerns expressed by teachers of children and young people with MDVI as to how they are expected to integrate the diverse curriculum elements and particular skills they have been taught into a meaningful educational process. The aim of the project was to develop a holistic teaching approach, based on activities, participation and involvement in real life situations, aiming at involving people with MDVI in their social and physical context. This was achieved by applying a 5-step working model (Tellevik and Elmerskog, 2001), which sought to support the development of assessment and planning intervention strategies.

The Tactual Profile: Development of a procedure to assess the tactual functioning of children who are blind

Withagen, A., Vervloed, M. P.J., Janssen, N. M., Knoors, H., Verhoeven, L. — 2009-08-20

The Tactual Profile assesses tactual functioning of children with severe visual impairments between 0 and 16 years of age. The Tactual Profile consists of 430 items, measuring tactile skills required for performing everyday tasks at home and in school. Items are graded according to age level and divided into three domains: tactual sensory, tactual motor and tactual perceptual. The development of the instrument is described and the psychometric properties that were studied reported. Most items had an acceptable difficulty level, and test—retest reliability proved to be good. The analyses for the construct validity showed moderately high correlations between the Tactual Profile and intelligence tests. These correlations were higher for the haptic performance subtests than for the verbal tests. High correlations with other haptic tests were found. However, these associations disappeared after factoring out intelligence, possibly because current methods for examining tactual functioning are strongly affected by intelligence. A summary of work planned in further development of the procedure is provided.

Network 1000 Scotland: A report on the opinions and circumstances of blind and partially sighted people in Scotland

Cairns, C., Herriotts, P., Douglas, G., Corcoran, C., Pavey, S. — 2009-08-20

The report provides an insight into the views, experiences and needs of blind and partially sighted people in Scotland, helping to inform Scottish policy. Direct interviews with 165 blind and partially sighted people in Scotland were undertaken by telephone. The interviews took place as part of a UK-wide data collection exercise in 2006 (Douglas et al., 2006). A range of findings were produced: 52 per cent of the population lived alone; 10 per cent of the population did not know the name of their eye condition; only 25 per cent of the working-age population were in employment; 70 per cent of the population reported having long-term health problems in addition to their visual impairment; and 40 per cent of the population said they would like to leave home more often. The report highlights for the first time the situation facing registered blind and partially sighted people in Scotland at the beginning of the 21st century.

Exploring the musical interests and abilities of blind and partially sighted children and young people with Retinopathy of Prematurity

Matawa, C. — 2009-08-20

This study explores the musical interests and talents of children and young people who are blind or partially sighted as a result of retinopathy of prematurity (RoP). The results from questionnaires completed by 37 parents were analysed using methods drawn from Ockelford et al.’s (2006) study of the musical interests and abilities of children with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD). The findings suggest that music plays a significant part in the lives of children with RoP and these children may display above typical music ability.

Book Review: Educating Children with Complex Conditions: Understanding Overlapping and Co-existing Developmental Disorders, 1st edn: Winand H. Dittrich and Rona Tutt SAGE Publications, 2008, 114pp. ISBN 978-1-84787-317-0, {pound}62.00 (hbk); 978-1-84787-318-7, {pound}20.99 (pbk)

Jones, I. — 2009-08-20

Editorial

Douglas, G., McCall, S., McLinden, M. — 2009-04-17

An exploratory qualitative study of equity and the social care needs of visually impaired older people in England

Charles, N., Manthorpe, J. — 2009-04-17

This article describes the findings of a small study of the ways in which social care practitioners describe their assessment practice with visually impaired older people in England. The study interviewed 14 social care staff in three local authorities that had different organizational arrangements for assessments. Using a vignette method, the study explored staff's definitions of social care needs. Possible differences between the practice of specialists in visual impairment and those who were not working or trained specifically in the area of visual impairment are explored, as is the context of policy assessments for social care services. The potential impact of differences and context on equity is discussed.

Factors affecting the reading media used by visually impaired adults

2009-04-17

The aim of this study was to examine reading media (braille, cassettes, screen-reader, screen-magnifier, large print, low vision aids, CCTV) used by visually impaired adults. This article reports the results of a research project involving 100 people with visual impairment. The participants were interviewed and asked to fill in a questionnaire to gather data on use of different reading media and the training in use of reading media, as well as age, gender, age of onset of visual impairment, education, and place of residence. We also explored participant perceived advantages and disadvantages of the various reading media, and the perceived suitability of each reading medium for daily, educational, and professional tasks.

Psychosocial adjustment in age related macular degeneration

Stanford, P., Waterman, H., Russell, W. B., Harper, R. A. — 2009-04-17

This article describes longitudinally the psychosocial adjustment to visual impairment of patients with age related macular degeneration (AMD). As part of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT), the present study design consisted of the use of prospective qualitative diaries completed over 12 months by patients with AMD who were newly referred to a low vision clinic. Out of the patients recruited (n = 226), the completion rate of a full set of four diaries (n = 37) and one three-month diary (n = 194) was very good. Vision related to daily life in patients with AMD appears to decline over 12 months with limited psychosocial adjustment to visual loss. Seven themes were generated from the patients' accounts of their experiences, as recorded in the diaries: safety, loss of independence, isolation, support mechanisms, mood, effects of the media and psychosocial adjustment. There was little evidence in the diaries of psychosocial adjustment to visual loss. The relevance of the theory of grieving and cognitive and rational-emotional theory in the context of AMD is explored in detail.

Testing the effectiveness of a tactile signal to deliver navigation information while the participant's attention is otherwise engaged

Gustafson-Pearce, O., Billett, E., Cecelja, F. — 2009-04-17

This article reports on a pilot study conducted with sighted and visually impaired participants, which sought to determine how effective a vibro-tactile interface would be in eliciting a physical response from a human user, if the user's conscious attention were diverted by a complex audio/verbal task.

From novice to expert: an investigation into the professional development of Rehabilitation Workers through a study of practice in technical rehabilitation interventions

Dodgson, A., Mccall, S. — 2009-04-17

Using the five-stage model of skill acquisition originally proposed by Dreyfus and Dreyfus (1986), this study investigates the professional development of Rehabilitation Workers (RWs) in the UK through analysis of their practice in training people with a vision impairment in the area of orientation and mobility. From interviews with RWs a clearer picture has emerged of the lack of professional development opportunities and the access to the knowledge of others required to facilitate progression from Novice to Expert in this specialized profession.

Book Review: Cortical Visual Impairment: An Approach to Assessment and Intervention C. Roman-Lantzy New York: AFB Press, 2007, 185pp. ISBN 978 0 89128 829 9, $49.94 (pbk)

Wright, R. — 2009-04-17

Editorial

Douglas, G., Mccall, S., Mclinden, M. — 2008-12-11

Visual acuity impairment and vision-related quality of life: the Barbados Eye Studies

Wu, S.-Y., Nemesure, B., Hennis, A., Leske, M. C. — 2008-12-11

In addition to clinical criteria, self-perceptions of vision-related functioning and well-being are recognized as important measures for characterizing the disability associated with visual impairment. This report assessed the impact of visual impairment in a subset of the African-origin participants of the population-based Barbados Eye Studies, using the US National Eye Institute's 25-item Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). Visual impairment was associated with significantly (P ≤ 0.01) lower VFQ scores in multidimensional aspects of vision-related quality of life (QOL), including vision-related activities and psychosocial functioning. Adjusted mean composite scores were 12 points (95% confidence interval: 9.5, 14.5) and 31 points (26.7, 34.6) lower for low vision and blindness, respectively, compared with no impairment, and 13 points (7.7, 17.6) lower for visual impairment not correctable, compared with correctable with refraction. In this population with high rates of visual disability, impaired visual acuity adversely impacted the self-perceived QOL, as measured by this instrument.

Trait anxiety among Japanese massage practitioners with visual impairment: what is required in Japanese rehabilitation education?

Donoyama, N., Munakata, T. — 2008-12-11

This questionnaire-based study of Japanese massage practitioners with visual impairment (n = 155, 126 males, 29 females, mean age = 41 years) found that measures of self-repression, helplessness and `daily hassles' were positively correlated to measures of trait anxiety. Also, trait anxiety was negatively associated with measures of self-esteem and perceived emotional support. Participants with moderate visual impairment (able to read print) showed significantly higher trait anxiety than those with severe visual impairment (those who read braille). Moreover, compared to sighted people in other medical professions, the participants in this study demonstrated higher levels of self-repression. Regarding onset of impairment, people with onset in adolescence had significantly higher self-repression scores than those with onset in adulthood. Overall, the results of this study are used to argue the importance of establishing social support systems in the workplace as well as incorporating psychological approaches with communication skills training in rehabilitation education for people with visual impairment.

Spelling performance of visually impaired adults

2008-12-11

Visual processes undoubtedly play an important role in print reading as well as in spelling. In the present study we intend to compare the spelling performance of visually impaired individuals (both individuals who are blind and individuals with low vision) with that of their fully sighted peers. An analysis of errors (misspelled words and spelling mistakes) was conducted. The influence of certain factors — such as gender, age, educational level and the most common medium of reading — over spelling performance was also assessed. Our results suggest that the severity of the visual disability appears to have a negative effect on the spelling performance of visually impaired adults, although the number of errors declines as the subject's level of education increases. Blind or severely visually impaired subjects who used braille frequently seem to perform better at spelling compared to those who rely on other media. Adults with low vision who use magnifying lenses frequently seem to make more spelling mistakes than those who use braille, large print, CCTV or the computer (screen-reading or screen-magnification software).

A wayfinding pilot study: the use of the Intelligent Public Vehicle by people with visual impairment

Neuville, E., Izaute, M., Trassoudaine, L. — 2008-12-11

This pilot study on wayfinding for people with visual impairments concerns the viability of the Individual Public Vehicle (IPV). The results showed that the participants positively evaluated this new wayfinding aid because it requires little attention and little physical effort, and gives satisfaction. Moreover, as far as identifying the location of the IPV is concerned, an auditory message activated by users is judged less stressful. The IPV seems to be adapted to safe travel.

Including visually impaired students in physical education lessons: a case study of teacher and pupil experiences

Herold, F., Dandolo, J. — 2008-12-11

Following recent education policy and curriculum changes in England, the notion of inclusion of children with special educational needs in physical education has increasingly become a topic of research interest and concern. It was the aim of this study to explore personal experiences and perspectives of inclusion in physical education. To this end this study used a series of interviews and observations with a visually impaired (blind) pupil, a physical education teacher and a learning support assistant at a school for children with moderate learning difficulties. The findings highlighted four significant areas of impact: the role of teacher training and development; the role of learning support assistants; resources; and the limitations of the National Curriculum in Physical Education as a framework for inclusion. Recommendations on how to address these issues in order to improve the standards of inclusion for visually impaired pupils in physical education are made.

Book Review: Space and Sense Susanna Millar Hove: Psychology Press, 2008 ISBN 978 1 84169 525 9, {pound}29.95 (hbk)

Tobin, M. — 2008-12-11

Book Review: Housing for People with Sight Loss. A Thomas Pocklington Trust Design Guide Bracknell: IHS BRE Press, 2008 ISBN 978 1 84806 029 6, {pound}40 (pbk)

Suttie, A. J. — 2008-12-11

Editorial

Mccall, S., Mclinden, M., Douglas, G. — 2008-08-11

Effects of prior experience in raised line materials and prior visual experience in length estimations by blind people

Dulin, D. — 2008-08-11

The purpose of this research was to examine the role of expertise (as a result of previous training) in the use of raised line materials, and of visual experience by blind adults (congenitally, early and late blind), by means of tasks involving size estimation of common objects and length estimation. Results showed that, depending on the size of the objects, most participants were more successful in size estimations of common objects than in length estimations. They also showed an effect of visual experience in common object size estimation and an effect of expertise in length estimation. The results on length estimation suggested that, in this type of task, the advantage provided by prior expertise in raised line materials could surpass the one generally brought by the duration of visual experience. The findings suggest that blind people could improve their spatial mental imagery through being encouraged to use raised line materials.

Support for children with a visual impairment in Northern Ireland: the role of the rehabilitation worker

Gray, C. — 2008-08-11

This article reports findings from one aspect of a large scale research project funded by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, to investigate the mobility, independence and life skills education available to children and young people with a visual impairment between 0 and 19 years of age in Northern Ireland (NI). Here the focus is on the nature of the support provided by rehabilitation workers for this age group. A mixed method approach (questionnaire survey, focus group and one-to-one interviews) was utilized to triangulate the findings. Whereas the results show that rehabilitation workers (RWs) in NI support some 147 children and young people across NI, most of this support is aimed at parents and takes the form of advice about service provision. At the outset of the project, only one part-time contracted Rehabilitation Worker (RW) had specialist training in working with children; during the project he was redeployed to adult services. In contrast to the small number of children catered for by the service, the majority of RWs work with adults over the age of 65. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Motivating visually impaired and deaf-blind people to perform regular physical exercises

Surakka, A., Kivela, T. — 2008-08-11

The aim of this study was to examine the different ways in which visually impaired and deaf-blind people can be motivated to perform regular physical exercises through the use of a physical training programme. The programme was designed for visually impaired and deaf-blind people with the aim of reducing their most common physical problems: those of balance, posture, coordination, tense neck and shoulder muscles, and loss of spinal rotation and reciprocal arm swing. Twenty-seven participants (23 visually impaired, 4 deaf-blind; mean age 54 years, range 31 to 75) participated in a 5—6 week physical training programme (three 60-minute sessions per week) in four groups. Twenty-four participants completed the programme, 12 of whom had a `physically active' lifestyle and 12 a `sedentary' lifestyle. After the intervention, the participants assessed the effect of it through a questionnaire. Drawing upon their responses, three different indicators were examined further: physical condition, mental state and balance. All except one of the 24 participants who completed the programme reported that at least one of these indicators had improved.

Knitting in the dark: narratives about the experience of sight loss in a counselling context

Dale, S. — 2008-08-11

This report seeks to demonstrate how the telling of stories both within a counselling and research setting enables people to reconnect with strengths and abilities that `enable' rather than `disable' and how, by resisting disabling practices and medical models of understanding, people can find new ways of identifying themselves outside the labels of `visually impaired' and `blind'.

Book Review: The Low Vision Handbook for Eyecare Professionals, 2nd edn Barbara Brown SLACK Incorporated, 2007, 208pp. ISBN 978 1556427954, $36.90 (pbk)

Macdonald, E. — 2008-08-11