Practices for Determining the Provision of Orientation and Mobility Instruction for Students with Low Vision

• Other Authors: Bischof, Eileen Marie (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: People with disabilities > Education; Special Education
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-3735

This multiple case study explored how three school districts within the same state determine the provision of orientation and mobility instruction for students with visual impairments. Results indicated a lack of accountability within programs and educational programming based on teacher judgments in place of evaluation. Personnel other than the orientation and mobility instructors were found to evaluate skills and provide instruction. The decision to recommend instruction appeared to be based on absence of severe disabilities, presence of severe visual impairment, and student potential to travel independently. Barriers to instruction included parents' resistance, lack of administrator support, difficulty coordinating instruction without interfering with general education requirements, limited access to community environments, inability to transport students, and lack of funding and time === A Dissertation submitted to the School of Teacher Education in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Fall Semester, 2008. === October 28, 2008. === Blindness, Screening, O&M, IDEA, Special Education, Expanded Core Curriculum, ECC === Includes bibliographical references. === Sandra Lewis, Professor Directing Dissertation; Chris Schatschneider, Outside Committee Member; Amy McKenzie, Committee Member; Bruce Menchetti, Committee Member.