Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Design an Internet resource that capitalizes upon emerging digital technologies, and supports communication among parents, teachers and doctors of infants and children with visual impairment. Methods: Representatives from all of the New England states were assembled to form the e–Collaborative. A website was designed. Information and multimedia modules were developed to supplement traditionally text–ridden fact sheets with multi–sensory media. These were organized to support a cycle of knowledge for parents, teachers and doctors. Results: The web–based resource to Assist the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources (ADVISOR) is posted at http://www.e–advisor.us. A repository of datasets and multimedia modules for the most common disorders of vision in infants and young children are dedicated to the specific needs of individual groups of providers: parents, teachers or doctors. Interactive surveys, polls and the ADVISOR bulletin board have been initiated. Conclusion: The e–Collaborative, which has no geographic boundaries, promises improved communication to provide educational materials, stimulate empowered parental involvement and support compassionate informed ophthalmic care through the sharing of knowledge among parents, teachers of the visually impaired and eye care professionals. The ADVISOR resource also creates the infrastructure for future research into pediatric visual impairment.
Keywords: infant vision • learning • visual development: infancy and childhood