ERIC Number: EJ1370293
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0145-482X
EISSN: EISSN-1559-1476
Teaching Strategies and Nonvisual Skills Used by Orientation and Mobility Specialists Who Are Visually Impaired
Griffin-Shirley, Nora; Bozeman, Laura; Okungu, Phoebe; Ihenagwam, Chinomso; Nguyen, The
Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, v117 n1 p40-49 Jan-Feb 2023
Introduction: To better serve students with visual impairments who are enrolled in personnel preparation programs training orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists, faculty should be aware of effective teaching strategies, tools, and resources to use. In this context, it is vital that instructors in personnel preparation programs for O&M specialists to understand how to best serve students with visual impairments. Two prior studies have addressed this need. This study sought to establish what techniques and teaching strategies O&M instructors who are visually impaired use when teaching students O&M skills to ensure their safety. Methods: This study used a qualitative research design using a case study approach to explore the teaching strategies, nonvisual skills, and accommodations that O&M instructors who are visually impaired use when teaching O&M lessons to their students. Eight participants with visual impairments who are O&M instructors were interviewed for this study. Results: The themes that emerged from the interviews included structured discovery learning and philosophy, monitoring and teaching strategies, equipment and materials, and accommodations. These findings played a vital role when instructors with visual impairments provided O&M lessons to students who are visually impaired. Discussion: This research confirms and adds to the previous research regarding instructional strategies, equipment and materials, and accommodations utilized by O&M instructors who are visually impaired. Additionally, further information was provided concerning instructional strategies (e.g., structured discovery learning and philosophy, monitoring). Implications for Practitioners: The results reported in this study can serve as guidelines for O&M personnel preparation program faculty who are teaching students with visual impairments in their blindfold or simulation cane courses. This study can also be used as a reference for students with visual impairments to advocate for accommodations with their university's office of students with disabilities to be successful in an O&M personnel preparation program.
Descriptors: Students with Disabilities, Visual Impairments, Visually Impaired Mobility, Teaching Methods, Student Needs, Teacher Competencies, Skill Development, Specialists, College Faculty, Accessibility (for Disabled), Blindness, Assistive Technology, Travel Training
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A