Abstract
Purpose :
Reading difficulties are among the most common reasons for referral to vision rehabilitation services. Though braille may be considered as an option, prior braille research focuses almost exclusively on children. Aging is associated with declines in tactile, motor and cognitive abilities, but little is known about the impact this may have on the ability to learn braille. The aim of this qualitative study was to capture the experiences of older adults with adventitious vision loss who have learned braille, including facilitators and barriers.
Methods :
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants (age 40-72, Mdn=55.5, 7 male) across Canada who learned braille as adults (starting age 33-60, Mdn=46.5). Data collection continued until theoretical saturation. Recorded interviews were transcribed and inductively coded by two independent researchers using the phenomenological qualitative approach (van Manen, 1990) and Knowles’ (1990) andragogical model as an interpretive framework.
Results :
Personal factors influencing the decision to learn braille included participants’ prior feelings about braille (e.g., misconceptions and stigma), the desire to regain independence, and a belief that technology could not meet all needs. Prior identity and previous learning experiences (positive or negative) emerged as important personal factors. Attention from the public caused reluctance among participants who had not yet accepted their vision loss, while the willingness of family to learn some braille served as sources of support. Many participants were told by rehabilitation professionals that they could not or should not learn braille due to their remaining sight, because it would be too difficult for adults to learn, or due to lack of training resources. Environmental facilitators included access to other braille users during training.
Conclusions :
These results point to the need to investigate the influence of perceptions towards braille among professionals and the availability of resources to support clients who request braille training. Though prior identity and learning experiences emerged as important influences, these factors have historically not been included as considerations within existing training paradigms. Collectively, these results will contribute to the development of evidence-based protocols which better address the unique needs of aging braille clients.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.