ERIC Number: EJ1364022
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Nov
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0145-482X
EISSN: EISSN-1559-1476
Available Date: N/A
Orientation and Mobility during COVID-19 and the Effect on Psychosocial Functioning
Kaiser, Justin T.; Fast, Danene; DeGrant, Jasamyn N.; Welch-Grenier, Stephanie
Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, v116 n6 p774-783 Nov-Dec 2022
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.
Descriptors: Visually Impaired Mobility, COVID-19, Pandemics, Online Courses, Interaction, Psychological Patterns, Health, Well Being, Program Effectiveness, Social Isolation, Physical Activity Level, Barriers, Students with Disabilities, School Closing, Student Needs, Distance Education, Experiential Learning, Self Efficacy
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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