| Title: |
Orientation and Mobility during COVID-19 and the Effect on Psychosocial Functioning |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Kaiser, Justin T. (ORCID 0000-0002-4006-3108); Fast, Danene; DeGrant, Jasamyn N.; Welch-Grenier, Stephanie |
| Source: |
Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness. Nov-Dec 2022 116(6):774-783. |
| Availability: |
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
10 |
| Publication Date: |
2022 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| 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 |
| DOI: |
10.1177/0145482X221143796 |
| ISSN: |
0145-482X; 1559-1476 |
| Abstract: |
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. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2023 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1364022 |
| Database: |
ERIC |