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Introduction: Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) typically affects children's overall functioning in visually cluttered environments. This study aims to consider whether the removal of classroom clutter ameliorates visual problems and the associated behavioral difficulties for these children. Methods: Two classrooms at a special school were de-cluttered. Changes included: covering glass panels with thick black paper; hanging sheets over open shelving; creating areas of blank wall in front of the student to focus attention on work; removing unnecessary equipment and furniture; and taking down information on windows and walls, and that hanging from ceilings. Teachers, paraeducators, and students worked in these classrooms for two weeks, following typical daily routines. Observations by teachers and paraeducators of students' behavior and learning experiences before and after de-cluttering were sought through interviews. Findings: The perspectives of the teachers and paraeducators were that de-cluttering had a positive effect on the students' learning experiences and behavior and also on their own functioning. They also considered the fact that creation of learning spaces lined with black paper resulted in greater attention and focus, but that students continued to be distracted by the noise and movement of others. Discussion: The potential link between cluttered classrooms and students' functioning and behavior indicates that visual clutter may amplify the visual difficulties associated with CVI and distract the students from learning activities, and is in line with current literature. Changes to classroom layouts that include specific areas for different learning activities, including "black hubs," may therefore benefit students with CVI. Implications for practitioners: This pilot study suggests that the elimination of classroom clutter and the creation of black hub learning spaces enhances functioning and merits further investigation. A study that compares specific behaviors and performances, before and after implementation of de-cluttering strategies, might also determine whether the positive effects described by the teachers can be further corroborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This longitudinal study examined reading development, academic achievement and support in school for six students with blindness or severe visual impairments in inclusive educational settings. Methods: School grades and results from reading observations and decoding skills tests were collected, and interviews were conducted with students, parents, and teachers. Results: The results show that the outcome of these students’ schooling varied a great deal regarding both levels of academic achievement and reading development, as well as in the support needed and received. Students with additional disabilities had less positive experiences in school, and the parents of these students were more critical of the support provided by the schools. Discussion: Important aspects of the outcomes concerned the attitudes held by school management and teachers and the competence of teachers. In some cases, teachers lacked sufficient knowledge about braille and teaching methods for students with visual impairments. Implications for practitioners: The findings imply that the support system for students with visual impairments in Sweden needs to be more systematized in order to secure equal educational opportunities for all students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structured abstract: Introduction: This study analyzed the qualitative responses of a survey of teachers of students with visual impairments in Canada and the United States about tactile and print graphic use by their students with visual impairments. Questions focused on barriers to students using graphics, strategies taught to tactile graphics users, and profiles of successful tactile and print graphics users. Methods: The researchers followed a thematic analysis approach to independently code and then reach consensus on themes and subthemes of the qualitative responses. Results: In general, the teachers cited a range of challenges under the main themes of quality and instruction. Subcategories included availability of time for both production and instruction, lack of standardization in material production, and student development of concepts through the use of graphics. Main characteristics of successful graphics users included motivation and an ability to apply skills across tasks. Variations in responses for tactile and print graphics users are highlighted. Discussion: Findings highlighted areas in which teachers of students with visual impairments can focus to promote effective graphics use by their students. Commonality in strategies used for teaching tactile graphics was apparent, as was a general belief that being intelligent contributed to success. Implications for practitioners: Frequent exposure and practice with graphics, whether tactile or print, is important. Developing an ability to analyze the features of a graphic and its impact on comprehension can inform strategies for and selection of instructional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study investigated the perceptions and practices of teachers of students with visual impairments in Canada and the United States regarding graphics (both tactile and print) that are used by students with visual impairments. Questions focused on quality, importance, and instruction in the use of graphics. Methods: An electronic survey was disseminated. Results were summarized by percentage, based on the number of respondents who answered each question. Parallel questions that compared responses for tactile versus print graphics were statistically compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and effect sizes were computed. Results: In general, teachers valued the use of graphics and the need to provide instruction. Significant differences were found in how teachers answered tactile and print graphic questions. Fewer than 50% of the respondents felt that graphics were appropriately adapted on large-scale assessments, that there was sufficient instruction in the use of graphics in mainstream classrooms, or that there was an adequate amount of instructional time to teach the use of graphics. Discussion: Findings highlighted a need to gain insight into effective teaching strategies that help students gather information from both tactile and print graphics. Attention to students with low vision using print graphics needs to be part of future investigations. Implications for practitioners: Advocacy for sufficient instruction time for graphics and continued monitoring of the quality and effectiveness of graphics in educational materials are important. Providing feedback to material producers can help to support quality. Increasing student independence and exposure to graphics could support the effective use of graphics on assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This article, based on a study of 196 teachers of students with visual impairments, reports on the experiences with and opinions related to their decisions about instructing their students who are blind or have low vision in the abacus. Methods: The participants completed an online survey on how they decide which students should be taught abacus computation skills and which skills they teach. Data were also gathered on those who reported that they did not teach computation with the abacus. Results: The participants resided in the United States and Canada and had various numbers of years of teaching experience. More than two-thirds of those who reported that they taught abacus computation skills indicated that they began instruction when their students were between preschool and the second grade. When students were provided with instruction in abacus computation, the most frequently taught skills were the operations of addition and subtraction. More than two-thirds of the participants reported that students were allowed to use an abacus on high-stakes tests in their state or province. Discussion: Teachers of students with visual impairments are teaching students to compute using the Cranmer abacus. A small number of participants reported they did not teach computation with an abacus to their students because of their own lack of knowledge. Implications for practitioners: The abacus has a role in the toolbox of today's students with visual impairments. Among other implications for educational practice, further studies are needed to examine more closely how teachers of students with visual impairments are instructing their students in computation with an abacus. Topics to examine include the frequency of instruction, the age at which instruction begins, how instruction is provided to children with multiple disabilities, whether instruction is provided in the general education classroom or via pullouts, the role of math teachers and paraeducators in instruction, and how the abacus could be used collaboratively with technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This article reports on a study of 196 teachers who shared their experiences and opinions related to how they were taught to use the Cranmer abacus. Methods: In February and March 2012, the participants completed an online survey to gather information about their preparation in using and beliefs about computation with the Cranmer abacus. Results: The participants resided in both the United States and Canada and had various years of experience. The majority (n112) reported learning computation with an abacus in their personnel preparation programs. The participants rated their level of agreement with belief statements. Statements with the highest level of agreement included one that indicated that when sighted individuals use pencil and paper for computation, an individual with a visual impairment should be allowed to use an abacus, and another that an abacus is an accessible and inexpensive tool. Discussion: The self-report data from 196 participants indicated that computation with an abacus is taught in university programs, although there is variability in what computational skills are taught and what methods are used. There was a higher level of agreement with statements that implied the positive attributes of using an abacus for computation than with those that implied negative attributes (for example, the abacus is obsolete). Implications for practitioners: University preparation programs are continuing to teach some level of abacus computation skills to their students. It is not clear if the level of instruction is adequate. Further studies are warranted that examine what pre- and in-service teachers of students with visual impairments are learning and how they are learning in their university preparation programs and through other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The results of a 2009 –2010 program evaluation study that examined parents, teachers of students with visual impairments,administrators, and students regarding overall satisfaction with and effectiveness of the short-term programs at a residential school for students who are blind and visually impaired are described. The findings are presented with recommendations for program improvement. Methods: The mixedmethodtriangulation study design included the collection of multiple phases of quantitative and qualitative data. The setting was the short-term programs at a special purpose or residential school for students who are blind. All participants had at least one experience with short-term programs. Participants were chosen by convenience sampling and included 107 parents, 87teachers of students with visual impairments, 26 administrators, and six students. Of these participants, the initial overall response rates were 21 of107 parents (19.62%), 54 of 87 teachers of students with visual impairments (62.07%), 8 of 39 administrators (20.5%), and 6 of 6 students (100%).Results: Fifteen (71.4%) parents, forty-seven (82.5%) teachers of students with visual impairments, and eight (100%) administrators felt that short-term programs are an effective tool in meeting the specific needs of students with visual impairments. Twenty-one (65.6%) parents, fifty-two (60.4%) teachers of students with visual impairments, and five (62.5%) administrator respondents stated that their overall satisfaction with short-term programs was outstanding. All six students felt that short-term programs were beneficial to them. All percentages were calculated with confidence intervals of 95%. Discussion: The findings demonstrate that the majority of participants felt that short-term programs are effective and more than satisfactory in meeting students’ needs. Implications for practitioners: Other residential schools for students who are blind could model their short-term programs after the program in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study examined the everyday work of eight teachers of students with visual impairments at governmental primary and secondary schools in Queensland, Australia. The small-scale study aimed to capture the scope and complexity of the activities of these teachers and the regular challenges they face in their expected everyday roles. Methods: Telephone interviews were used to collect descriptive data from the teachers. A direct field-sampling procedure was used across the governmental schools to recruit qualified and specialist teachers who met prespecified criteria, most of whom lived in Brisbane, Queensland's capital city. The content of the interviews was generated from two sequenced activities with a different group of experienced teachers of students with visual impairments. Results: The teachers carried out complex and demanding duties as part of their everyday roles. These duties were consistent with those performed by their counterparts around the world. The most frequently performed and most important activities including providing direct support to students, advocating for students' needs, and collaborating across school and community contexts. The identified challenges were linked primarily to the lack of time to undertake important activities. Discussion: Three important and interconnected findings can be drawn from the results: role complexity, time and collaboration, and the importance of the expanded core curriculum. Implications for Practitioners: The findings provide an initial snapshot of the changing role reported by the teachers. Thus, these data offer a beginning point for future probes into the workplace knowledge and skills required by teachers of students with visual impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]