Orientation and mobility for children with visual impairments during COVID-19: Creative and collaborative curriculum and instruction

Kaiser, Justin; Fast, Danene; DeGrant, Jasamyn Nichols

doi:10.1177/02646196221112796

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Professionals needed to quickly adapt O&M instruction to online learning and often collaborated with parents as they took on more of a role as a teacher ( Fast & Kaiser, 2022 ). When O&M instruction was provided only online, it lost much of the essence of learning that comes with experiences in the real environment ( Kaiser et al, 2022 ). Professionals found that instruction in concept development and the expanded core curriculum were the most effective types of online O&M instruction.…”

Section: Initial Oandm Services During Covid-19mentioning

confidence: 99%

Orientation and Mobility During COVID-19 and the Effect on Psychosocial Functioning

Kaiser

Fast

DeGrant

et al. 2022

Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness

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Introduction: This research explored the psychosocial effects observed during the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to orientation and mobility (O&M) services for children with visual impairments. The survey asked professionals to identify what were their experiences in providing O&M instruction in-person and online and to describe their interactions with students and families during the fall of 2020. Methods: The online survey results included open-ended responses from 166 O&M specialists. The authors used thematic analysis to examine and code participants’ qualitative responses. Results: Psychological and social effects were identified as a major theme across the participants for how they affected an individual's health, well-being, and ability to complete aspects of O&M lessons. Professionals were challenged with providing appropriate instruction given the risks associated with COVID. Additionally, children with visual impairments became more isolated and less physically active over time. Discussion: Professionals, students, and parents often placed their concerns aside with the idea that changes to O&M services were a temporary measure with the student's best interest in mind. As the pandemic became prolonged, the effects on individuals became more pronounced. Implications for Practitioners: These circumstances raise many questions about the effectiveness of virtual instruction in O&M and its effect on professionals, students, and families. The importance of O&M becomes much more evident when considering the isolation many students experienced as a result of quarantine events.

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Section: Initial Oandm Services During Covid-19mentioning

confidence: 99%