Fall 2024 - Quarterly Connections: News from the NRTC

NRTC Releases Instructional Materials on Blindness and Low Vision for University Classes

The NRTC is excited to announce the release of a new instructional video, Basics of Blindness and Low Vision: Understanding a Low Incidence Disability. Created by Karma Marshall, the NRTC's training and outreach coordinator, the video aims to enhance understanding of blindness and low vision among college students in counseling and human service fields and professionals. In addition to the video, the NRTC has developed instructional material that includes suggested activities and case studies designed to foster in-depth discussion and practical learning.

Originally, these materials were created for graduate students in rehabilitation counseling programs to increase their knowledge about individuals who are blind or have low vision (B/LV). However, these resources would be beneficial to a broader audience.

“As the materials evolved, we realized that many areas of study and majors, including undergraduate programs, may benefit from using them to supplement other coursework,” says Karma Marshall. “The hope is these resources will better prepare the student to work with individuals with vision loss in their future careers.”

These instructional resources are valuable across different academic disciplines, including social work, education, counseling, and other human service fields. Professors are encouraged to integrate these materials into their teaching to enhance students’ readiness to support individuals with visual impairments in their future roles.

The video and accompanying materials also offer value to professionals who may occasionally interact with individuals with B/LV. Healthcare providers, social workers, teachers, and other professionals can also benefit from the insights provided.

Key objectives of the video include:

• Increasing Understanding of B/LV: Providing foundational knowledge on visual impairments.
• Exploring the History of B/LV Legislation: Highlighting key legal milestones.
• Identifying Barriers to Independence and Employment: Discussing challenges and solutions.
• Examining the Roles of the Professional Rehabilitation Team: Detailing team roles in fields such as assistive technology and orientation and mobility.
• Discussing “Adjustment to Blindness”: Addressing emotional and psychological adaptation.
• Introducing Assistive Technology: Showcasing tools for greater independence.
• Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions: Correcting common false beliefs.
• Introducing Blindness Etiquette: Offering guidelines for respectful interaction.

By encouraging the integration of these tools into academic and professional settings, the NRTC aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with visual impairments. Professors, students, and professionals alike are invited to use these resources to enhance their knowledge in working with and supporting the blind and low vision community.

Current Research Highlight: Access Technology in the Workplace

Our Access Technology in the Workplace project aims to determine which assistive and accessible mainstream technologies, collectively called access technology (AT), are being used in the workplace by people who are B/LV and how they are being used. Since AT is continually evolving, we are conducting multiple surveys over time with the same group of B/LV workers to explore these trends. Other primary goals of the project are to learn about challenges experienced with using AT in the workplace and identify any gaps between AT that is needed and what is available. We are sharing our results directly with technology companies, including large mainstream companies and blindness-specific companies.

Progress to date includes conducting a study about the use of braille in the workplace. We determined that the biggest predictor of the use of refreshable braille technology on the job was the level of braille proficiency. Based on these findings, we decided to conduct a study that determined factors associated with braille proficiency among both employed and unemployed study group members. We conducted some additional analyses with the unemployment survey two data.

We have created several peer-reviewed and consumer publications based on study results (see list below). We have also presented study findings at several conferences, including CSUN 2024, ATiA 2023 and 2024, the 2023 Florida AER Conference, and the 2024 Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) Biennial International Conference.

• McDonnall, M. C., Sessler-Trinkowsky, R., & Steverson, A. (2024). Use of braille in the workplace by people who are blind. Journal on Technology and Persons with Disabilities, 12, 58-75.
• McDonnall, M. C., Steverson, A., & Boydstun, J. (2024). Actual and preferred methods for learning to use assistive technology. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 18, 20-35.
• McDonnall, M. C., Sergi, K., & Steverson, A. (2023). Comparison of assistive technology use and beliefs among employed and unemployed people who are blind. The New RE:View, 1(2), 12-27.
• McDonnall, M.C., Steverson, A., Trinkowsky, R. S., & Sergi, K. (2023). Assistive technology use in the workplace by people with blindness and low vision: Perceived skill level, satisfaction, and challenges. Assistive Technology. Advance online publication.
• McDonnall, M. C., Steverson, A., Boydstun, J., & D’Andrea, F. M. (in press). Factors associated with proficient braille skills. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2023, Summer). Challenges with AT in the workplace: Accessibility issues top the list. AccessWorld. https://www.afb.org/aw/24/6/1836
• McDonnall, M. & Steverson, A. (2023, Spring). Interest in and adoption of novel AT: Findings from the NRTC’s AT in the Workplace study. AccessWorld. https://www.afb.org/aw/24/5/18311 
• McDonnall, M. C. (2024, Fall). Remote sighted assistance app use and thoughts about "sighted" assistance from artificial intelligence. AccessWorld.

In addition, to reach a broader audience, an article about the challenges most of our participants experience with inaccessible content was published in The Conversation on December 19, 2023. This article has had 17,642 reads to date. A slightly different version of the article was picked up by The Washington Post and published on December 18, 2023.

As we enter the fifth year of this project, the fourth and final survey for our employed study group has been developed. This draft survey was shared with our advisory council and technology company partners for review. After pilot testing the survey, it will be launched in November. Upcoming work on the project will include the implementation of the final survey, preparing and analyzing the data, and creating a final report for technology companies. We will also develop additional publications and resources to share what we learned in the study with professionals.

For more information about this research project, visit our research project webpage.  

Training and Technical Assistance

Featured Resource

Navigating VR Services is a new video created in response to comments by participants in our Increasing Labor Market Participation research project. The video provides information and resources, dispels myths, and explains how the vocational rehabilitation (VR) system operates. The video explains how people adjusting to vision impairment, whether it is low vision or blindness, may be helped by VR services. People with vision impairment seeking assistance to become employed, retain their jobs, or advance in their careers may also benefit from VR services. Please review this video if you have questions about how or if VR can help you. The video is hosted on our NTAC-BLV website on the Navigating VR Services page.

Updated Resource

NRTC’s resource, Orientation Packet for New Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals Working with Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired, has recently been updated. This informational packet for VR professionals will familiarize readers with the blindness field and NRTC products and online courses. Along with providing a list of resources, the guide presents misperceptions about blindness and appropriate blindness etiquette. While geared towards new VR professionals working with B/LV consumers, the guide’s content will be useful to all people new to the field and VR professionals who occasionally work with this population. To learn more about the guide, visit our webpage.

New Online Course

SMART Instruction presents strategies related to setting measurable goals, completing documentation, and increasing efficiency to help make your work more manageable and productive while increasing successful client outcomes. OIB-TAC Older Blind Specialist Jennifer Ottowitz is the course developer. This course is available for 1 hour of ACVREP and NBPCB credit.

Updated Online Course

Our course, Basics of Blindness and Low Vision, has been updated and is currently live on our website. This course is targeted to individuals who are new to the field of blindness and low vision, providing them with foundational information on critical matters within this multidisciplinary field. This introductory course will orient new professionals and paraprofessionals to the broad principles and basic facts necessary for functioning effectively in providing services to people with blindness and low vision. This course is available for 1 CRC, ACVREP, or NBPCB continuing education credit.

All NRTC courses are available through our learning management system. For more information about our courses, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Putting Your Best Foot Forward (PYBFF) is a job search skills training program for transition-age youth who are B/LV. This program was designed to help youth learn the skills needed to find a job and succeed in the workplace. PYBFF includes five units with 40 hours of content, covering topics such as preparing for an interview, disability disclosure, resume development, online job searches, and improving self-presentation. Our next PYBFF trainer workshop is scheduled for October 22-23, 2024. To learn more about PYBFF and to sign up, visit our Putting Your Best Foot Forward page.

Other NRTC News

NRTC Job Opportunity

The NRTC is currently seeking an Older Blind Specialist to join our team! The primary responsibilities of this position are to perform a variety of duties to assist with training, resource development, and technical assistance activities for our OIB-TAC grant. To learn more about this position and directions for applying, visit our Employment Opportunities page.

Fast Fact Fridays Social Media Series

The NRTC’s social media series, Fast Fact Fridays, highlights interesting insights from our research studies. Each fact is accompanied by a QR code and link, allowing easy access to the corresponding study. Join us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to explore and share this series.

Publications, Presentations, and Miscellanies

Publications

McDonnall, M. C., & Cmar, J. L. (2024). Underemployment among college graduates with blindness and low vision. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 118(3), 151-163.

Cmar, J. L., & Antonelli, K. (2024). Systematic adaptation of the JOBS program for use with adults with visual impairments. The New RE:view, 2(1), 42-57.

Cmar, J. L., & McDonnall, M. C. (2024). Group-based trajectory analysis of longitudinal employment patterns and predictors for adults with visual impairments. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 61(2), 143-156.

McDonnall, M. C. (2024, Fall). Remote sighted assistance app use and thoughts about "sighted" assistance from artificial intelligence. AccessWorld.

McDonnall, M. C., Steverson, A., Boydstun, J., & D’Andrea, F. M. (in press). Factors associated with proficient braille skills. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness.

Webinars

October 18 (2:00 PM CDT) – O&M for Older Adults: Orientation and mobility (O&M) skills involve much more than crossing streets and using public transportation. For older adults, learning basic O&M skills can increase confidence and safety when moving within the home and community. Join James Scott Crawford, COMS, as we discuss the variety of basic skills that fall under O&M, which can be helpful for older adults, including those with additional mobility issues. To learn more and register, visit our event page.