The Experiences of Parents of Students with Visual Impairments who are Professionals in the Field of Visual Impairment

Abstract

This survey examined the experiences of parents of individuals with visual impairments who acquired professional credentials in the field of visual impairment. The participants reported on such topics as the advantages and disadvantages of being a parent-professional, the types of support they seek, and advice to others who are balancing both roles.

Resilience in Parents of Young Adults with Visual Impairments

“…Support is therefore not merely "bestowed" on helpless families; instead, families have agency in including support from "outside" to infiltrate the family boundaries. It is interesting that unlike the literature that has reported that extended family members and friends provide emotional support (De Steiguer et al, 2008), the current study did not yield similar results. The families in this study mentioned only the practical support provided by immediate family members.…”

“…The second category indicates that the families maintained their health and were resilient by actively searching for and accepting help. Although this finding confirmed the findings of previous research on the provision of formal and informal support (De Steiguer et al, 2008;Hodapp, 1998;Leyser et al, 1996;Ulster & Antle, 2005), the current study added to this literature by providing evidence of the active role that families themselves play in the search for and acceptance of support. Support is therefore not merely "bestowed" on helpless families; instead, families have agency in including support from "outside" to infiltrate the family boundaries.…”

“…Various studies have found that the resilience of families with a child with a visual impairment is often associated with informal support from friends, family members, and the parents of other children with visual impairments (De Steiguer, Erin, Topor, & Rosenblum, 2008;Hodapp, 1998;Ulster & Antle, 2005). A further source of resilience lies in formal support, such as school professionals and physicians (De Steiguer et al, 2008;Leyser et al, 1996).…”