This qualitative single case study provides insights on the influences of assistive technology on students with vision impairments within the middle and high school grade levels. The problem addressed in this study is students with vision impairment face limitations in accessing the educational curriculum; however, when assistive technology…

This phenomenological study sought to investigate, analyze and describe the effects of early intervention on college readiness and the transition plan for high school students with visual disabilities transitioning into post-secondary education. Exploring how students with visual disabilities are perceived, treated, and the barriers they face in…

Current methods to address the shortage of certified orientation and mobility specialists have either not been successful or have not kept up with the needs of students with visual impairments. This study explored the potential of an alternative method of addressing the shortage and gaps in education that it causes: training paraprofessionals to…

The purpose of this qualitative study was the exploration of the college readiness phenomenon as experienced through the lives of students with physical disabilities. This study addresses the limited educational literature on college readiness for students with physical disabilities. This study also gives evidence in explaining why a…

For high school graduates with visual impairments, the options for post-secondary pursuits is very similar to that of the general high school graduate population. However, after high school, they are not finding the same success as their sighted peers, with far fewer graduates completing degrees in higher education or securing gainful employment.…

As the educational environment is moving more towards a technology-rich system, students with visual impairments (VI) educated in general education classrooms must be guaranteed equitable access to content curricula. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of middle school students with VI when accessing and using technologies…

People who are blind or visually impaired have experienced employment rates of around 30% for decades despite legislation to improve educational outcomes and ban discrimination in employment. It is imperative to study existing comprehensive programs for these students and to understand leadership roles which provide support and lead to continuous…

Recent educational studies have shown increasing lack of interest and participation of youth (ages 10-14 years old) in various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields in the U.S. The decline in the number of youth choosing to study STEM fields in higher education and the resulting lack of STEM professionals in the society…

Students with disabilities participate in high-stakes assessments to meet NCLB's newer proficiency standards. This study explored performance in reading and math on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), Pennsylvania's grade-level assessment, to provide a foundational baseline on performance and accommodations used by students with…

Statistics have shown that individuals with disabilities are underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This work focused on exploring how three students with blindness enrolled in a full-inclusion high-school chemistry class experienced and conceptualized content in order to inform educators,…

This study examined the effects of an extended learning program on mathematics achievement and self-determination skills for students with visual impairments in grades four through eight attending a specialized school in a southern state. The research population consisted of the total enrollment of students in grades four through eight attending…

This case study investigated how the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) was taught to high school students who are blind or visually impaired at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI). The study focused on three students pursing different academic tracks with varying degrees of vision. The students were observed throughout…

This qualitative case study was conducted to examine the perceived challenges faced by students with visual impairments and the methods used by general education teachers at one middle school to create an academic and socially inclusive classroom environment. Public Law 94-142, which required students with disabilities to receive a free and public…

Nationally, a significant number of children with disabilities attend Catholic schools across the country. The National Center for Educational Statistics shows that during the 2001-2002 school year, 2.2% of students attending parochial, private and diocesan schools were placed into special education programs (U.S., 2001). Although Catholic schools…