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Improving Vision Awareness in Autism Services: Evaluation of a Dedicated Education Programme for Support Practitioners

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Improving Vision Awareness in Autism Services: Evaluation of a Dedicated Education Programme for Support Practitioners
Language: English
Authors: Long, Joseph J., Butchart, Maggie, Brown, Michael, Bain, Janice, McMillan, Anne, Karatzias, Thanos
Source: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. Mar 2018 31(2):e244-e252.
Availability: Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2018
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Visual Impairments, Vision, Questionnaires, Mixed Methods Research, Focus Groups, Teaching Methods, Scores, Program Effectiveness, Optometry, Access to Health Care, Identification, Health Personnel, Program Descriptions
DOI: 10.1111/jar.12330
ISSN: 1360-2322
Abstract: Background: The research reported here sought to evaluate whether a dedicated education programme in vision awareness improved the knowledge and skills of autism support practitioners in identifying visual impairment in autistic people with intellectual disabilities and providing better support to those individuals identified as visually impaired. Methods: Researchers undertook a mixed methods evaluation. A survey questionnaire was devised and administered before and after training and focus groups were undertaken in order to gain qualitative data relating how practitioners implemented their learning in practice. Results: Knowledge confidence and practice confidence scores of participants were significantly improved by the programme, which maintained its impact one year on. Practitioners reported increased access to optometry, changes to support practice and improvements to service environments as a result of the training. Conclusion: Autism support practitioners' skills in identifying and supporting people with visual impairments were demonstrably enhanced through dedicated vision training.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2018
Accession Number: EJ1168771
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Background: The research reported here sought to evaluate whether a dedicated education programme in vision awareness improved the knowledge and skills of autism support practitioners in identifying visual impairment in autistic people with intellectual disabilities and providing better support to those individuals identified as visually impaired. Methods: Researchers undertook a mixed methods evaluation. A survey questionnaire was devised and administered before and after training and focus groups were undertaken in order to gain qualitative data relating how practitioners implemented their learning in practice. Results: Knowledge confidence and practice confidence scores of participants were significantly improved by the programme, which maintained its impact one year on. Practitioners reported increased access to optometry, changes to support practice and improvements to service environments as a result of the training. Conclusion: Autism support practitioners' skills in identifying and supporting people with visual impairments were demonstrably enhanced through dedicated vision training.
ISSN:1360-2322
DOI:10.1111/jar.12330