Reference number: 3873

The search for new methods of support

in order to improve the lives of the visually impaired

in their personal, professional and social environments

Focus: Transition

Topic: Living skills

Catherine Thibault

Head of educational department

Nataly Montaillé

Translator

Francis Guiteau

Manager

Institut Montéclair

51 rue du Vallon

49000 ANGERS

France

+ 33 (0)2 41 73 38 18

Cthibault@monteclair.fr

Nmontaille@monteclair.fr

Abstract:  During the last two decades, the methods of support for children and adults with visual impairments have been developed, including rehabilitation advancements (low vision, mobility, daily living skills) and technical supports increasingly adapted to their conditions ; this boosted their independence significantly (in everyday life, at school and at work).  Nevertheless, nowadays integration has become standardized.  What about their personal life, their social integration, their involvement in collective life and their relationships with the others (the family, the colleagues and their peers)? Moreover, how do professionals cope with these personal, social factors and how do they adapt their support to visually impaired people to encourage their integration (not only at school or in mainstream)? Based on these questions and on repeated observations regarding the difficulties met by visually impaired people during their lives, it appears essential for Monteclair Institute to carry out a survey.  Using a questionnaire, we hope to observe the visually impaired population in their personal and professional conditions.  300 visually impaired people between the ages of 20 and 60 were interviewed by professionals from our Institute.  The results will enable us to provide adapted support meet to their needs.

---

Slide 1

---

Outline

1. What is the purpose of this study ?
2. Methodology
3. Results
4. Potential implementations

---

Slide 2

---

What is the purpose of this study ?

1.1.   Initial observations

1.2.   Questions

1.3.   Objectives

---

Slide 3

---

1.1.           Initial observations

• An increasing number of children integrated into the mainstream at school
• On a scholarly front, support and guidance by the educational staff encourage the success of the children and adolescents concerned.
Nevertheless social integration is often problematic (observations of loneliness, withdrawal, reciprocal miscommunication between the seeing and visually impaired due to their respective personalities and individuals environments).

---

Slide 4

---

1.2.   Questions

• How to identify difficulties met by visually impaired individuals during their various stages of life ?
• Which tools or supplementary methods of support are needed to improve social integration, from a young age ?

________________________________________________________________________

---

Slide 5

---

1.3.   Objectives

• To study personal histories of visually impaired adults of a working age, focussing on their academic and professional backgrounds.
• To analyze and understand the factors which cause exclusion in their lives i.e. family life, school life, social life, career choices,…
• To rethink and standardize new practices in order to improve the conditions of the visually impaired under the observed factors.

---

Slide 6

---

2.             Methodology

2.1.   Selection of the study group

2.2.   Research methods

---

Slide 7

---

2.1.     Selection of the study group

300 visually impaired individuals between the ages of 20 and 60 were chosen amongst those who had previously used the services provided by an Institute.

2.2.   Research methods

Ä    A questionnaire (171 questions)

• Home visits carried out between November 2000 and April 2002 by the staff of our
  Institute, trained to administer said questionnaire.
After reception and analysis of all 300 questionnaires, 20 follow-up free response interviews will be held.

---

Slide 8

---

3.             Results

3.1.   General study group profile

3.2.   Analysis of academic and professional achievements

________________________________________________________________________

---

Slide 9

---

3.1 General study group profile

• Sex, age and family status
• Life style
Current professional situation

---

Slide 10

---

3.2. Analysis of achievements

Ä    Academic achievements

• Academic paths
• Career planning

Ä    Professional achievements

• Level obtained
• Job experience

________________________________________________________________________

---

Slide 11

---

3.3. Noted trends

• Will depend on survey results (in May 2002)

Slide 12

1. Potential implementations

Ä    Direction of work determined at the end of May

________________________________________________________________________