A Three-phase Qualitative Study of Dual-Certified Vision Education Professionals in the Southwestern United States

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of vision education professionals who are dual-certified as teachers of students with visual impairments and orientation and mobility specialists. Through three phases, the study combined interviews and observations of the vision professionals with interviews with their administrators.

A National Study of Parents’ Perspectives on Dual-Certified Vision Professionals

“…This finding contradicted what the dual-certified professionals had reported in our study (Griffin-Shirley et al, in press), in which the division was reported as a more even split between the two roles. However, previous studies (see, for example, Griffin-Shirley et al, 2009) suggested this ratio between vision services and O&M services, so the finding that 75% of the parents reported satisfaction with the amount of time and the division of roles that the dual-certified professionals were spending with their children did not come as a surprise.…”

“…This could be a central question for future studies as researchers continue to examine what works and what does not work in the current service delivery model of vision education. Part of this ongoing research may involve observing dual-certified professionals nationwide in much the same way as was done with the previous regional model (Griffin-Shirley et al, 2009). The final line of research will involve including students in the examination of the dual-certified vision professional service delivery model.…”

“…Previous studies of the efficacy of vision education professionals have generally focused on either certified teachers of students with visual impairments or orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists. However, professionals who are certified in both areas have become increasingly prevalent in the field of vision education, and researchers have begun to explore their provision of this popular service delivery model (Griffin-Shirley, McGregor, & Jacobson, 1999;Griffin-Shirley, Pogrund, Smith, & Duemer, 2009;Griffin-Shirley, Pogrund, & Grimmett, in press;Smith et al, 2007). Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, these studies have examined the dual-certified vision professional service delivery model from a variety of perspectives.…”

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“…In a study conducted by Griffin-Shirley, Pogrund, Smith, and Duemer (2009) Abstract:Organizational environments are environments where conflicts of interest are intense due to business and human interactions. Various problems are experienced in these environments due to both business and human interaction and interpersonal relations.…”