Counseling Students Who Have Usher Syndrome. PEPNet Tipsheet

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Counseling Students Who Have Usher Syndrome. PEPNet Tipsheet
Language: English
Authors: Lago-Avery, Patricia, PEPNet 2
Source: PEPNet 2. 2010.
Availability: PEPNet 2. 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. e-mail: help@pepnet.org; Web site: http://www.pepnet.org
Peer Reviewed: N
Physical Description: PDF
Page Count: 4
Publication Date: 2010
Document Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Children, Late Adolescents, Genetic Disorders, Deafness, College Students, Disabilities, Visual Impairments, Counseling Services, Career Development, High School Students
Abstract: Usher Syndrome is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by congenital hearing loss and gradually developing retinitis pigmentosa leading to the loss of vision. Approximately 27,000 people in the United States have some form of Usher Syndrome. Most of these individuals have either Type I (11,000) or Type II (16,000). Type I Usher Syndrome is characterized by profound congenital deafness, vision problems starting in early childhood, and severe balance problems. An individual born with a moderate to severe hearing loss and normal balance characterizes Type II Usher Syndrome. Night blindness for Type II begins at childhood, but many individuals might not be aware of it until late adolescence/early adulthood. It is critical for support service personnel and counselors in college/university environments who work with students with Usher Syndrome--regardless of type--to have a good understanding of special issues that arise for these students and to be aware of strategies that will benefit this population. The purpose of this tipsheet is to identify particular issues of concern for those who counsel college-age students who have Usher Syndrome and list some strategies, tips, and resources for both professionals and students.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2013
Access URL: https://www.pepnet.org/sites/default/files/67PEPNet%20Tipsheet%20-%20%20counseling%20students%20who%20have%20Usher%20Syndrome.pdf
Accession Number: ED543706
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Usher Syndrome is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by congenital hearing loss and gradually developing retinitis pigmentosa leading to the loss of vision. Approximately 27,000 people in the United States have some form of Usher Syndrome. Most of these individuals have either Type I (11,000) or Type II (16,000). Type I Usher Syndrome is characterized by profound congenital deafness, vision problems starting in early childhood, and severe balance problems. An individual born with a moderate to severe hearing loss and normal balance characterizes Type II Usher Syndrome. Night blindness for Type II begins at childhood, but many individuals might not be aware of it until late adolescence/early adulthood. It is critical for support service personnel and counselors in college/university environments who work with students with Usher Syndrome--regardless of type--to have a good understanding of special issues that arise for these students and to be aware of strategies that will benefit this population. The purpose of this tipsheet is to identify particular issues of concern for those who counsel college-age students who have Usher Syndrome and list some strategies, tips, and resources for both professionals and students.