Evaluation of the role of the colour tent in vision stimulation for children with complex disabilities and cerebral visual impairment: A feasibility study

Abstract

Children with profound and multiple disabilities commonly have their visual impairment overlooked when seeking to meet their complex health needs. The act of surrounding a child with little or no apparent visual function by a monochromatic translucent tent can serve to ‘switch on’ a child’s visual system. The aim of the project was to investigate the role of using colour tents to bring about attentional responses in children with complex disabilities including cerebral visual impairment. The evaluation comprises three phases, repeated on four occasions over the space of 4 weeks. The child’s visual attention prior to entering the tent and during the 5 minutes after leaving the tent was recorded. Moreover, the child’s responses and behaviours while in the tent were recorded. Nine children participated in the evaluation, mean age 6 years (range: 5–9 years). All children showed a change in visual behaviour on at least one occasion while in the colour tent. Most children required more than one session before a change in visual behaviour was noted. Only two children showed increase in visual awareness after any session, and there was no sustained effect demonstrated. This feasibility study has demonstrated that a short series of sessions in a colour tent is insufficient to demonstrate the effectiveness of a colour tent in stimulating visual awareness in children with complex needs. The methodology was acceptable to parents and teachers and lessons have been learned which will inform future studies.

Systematic review of the evidence to support expert practice in the education and care of children and young people with special educational needs and disability in the UK

“…No data on effect sizes were provided by McKerr, et al. (2020) or Pilling and Little (2020). Young, Dagnan, and Jahoda (2016) reported medium effect sizes, while Ruddick, Davies, Bacarese‐Hamilton, et al.…”

“…Three studies detailed vision interventions (Black, et al., 2019; McKerr, et al., 2020; Pilling and Little, 2020). Black, et al.…”

Multi–sensory impairment: convenient label or recipe for confusion? A scoping review of research conducted in England (2001‐20)

“…Secondly, we found that the term PMLD is a generic category that may apply to a rather big and heterogeneous group with multiple disabilities and complex needs, including those with MDVI or MSI. The overlap with MDVI becomes problematic when due to the severity of other disabilities and their complex health needs, children with MDVI have their visual impairment unassessed and overlooked (Keil, 2002; Pilling and Little, 2020). The overlap with MSI is also problematic because some (although fewer) children with MSI will only have dual sensory impairment and no additional needs or cognitive delay (Miller and Hodges, 2005).…”

“… * Some mixed methods studies were predominantly qualitative, for example, Kamenopoulou (2012) and Pilling and Little (2020), with their quantitative element being the semi‐structured instruments used that allow some descriptive statistics. …”

“…It is thus clear that inclusion in mainstream schools for learners with MSI and other complex needs has been *Some mixed methods studies were predominantly qualitative, for example, and Pilling and Little (2020), with their quantitative element being the semi-structured instruments used that allow some descriptive statistics.…”