Factors Associated with Comfort Level of School-Based Occupational Therapists in Providing Low-Vision Services

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study identified factors associated with the comfort level of school-based occupational therapists in providing services to children with visual impairments. Sixty-one school-based occupational therapists completed an on-line survey. Fifty-four percent of respondents were comfortable or somewhat comfortable when choosing assessments and 84% were comfortable or somewhat comfortable in providing occupational therapy services for children with visual impairments. Multivariable linear regression analyses indicated years of professional experience, history of a caseload of children with visual impairments, and training received in treating children with visual impairments from continuing education were uniquely and significantly associated with the respondents’ comfort level. Though not included in the final model, collaboration with other low vision service providers (e.g., teachers, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and orientation/mobility specialists) was also significantly associated with respondents’ comfort level in the univariate analysis. Findings provide an initial direction and strategies to improve occupational therapists’ comfort level in providing services to children with visual impairments in school settings.