Visual Disability Research Articles

EFFECT OF STUDENT DISABILITY ONTHE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ELEMENTARY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN RWANDA A CASE OFGISAGARA DISTRICT

Background:The research investigated the effect of student disability on academic performance in elementary science and technology in public primary schools in Rwanda, in the Gisagara district. Specifically, the research identified the student disability that affect the academic performance in elementary science and technology in public primary schools in Rwanda. Determined the level of academic performance among the disabled students in elementary science and technology in public primary schools in Rwanda and found out the relationship between the effect of student disability on the academic performance in elementary science and technology in public primary schools in Rwanda. The population in this study consisted of 377 respondents, while their sample size was 194. Methods and Materials: To triangulate the data, primary sources were acquired utilizing questionnaires, interviews, and observation methods. To generate a sample population from the respondents, this study employed purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling methods. In data gathering and analysis, the study used both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in tandem. Content analysis aided qualitative data analysis, while quantitative data was presented using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlational and regression analysis) in IBM SPSS Version 21.0. Results:For the first objective, results indicate that 86.1% strongly agreed that some students have a vision disability, 96.6% strongly agreed that some students are deaf or hard of hearing, 76.9% strongly agreed that some students have mental and bad health conditions, 69.4% strongly agreed that some students have an intellectual disability, and 83.8% strongly agreed that some students have a physical disability. For the second objective, 74.3% strongly agreed that higher national examination results 85.1% strongly agreed that understanding how to combine substances 75.7% strongly agreed that the ability to conduct scientific experiments and 68.9% strongly agreed that scientific innovation development among students indicates the level of academic performance among the disabled students in elementary science and technology. Results on the relationship between the effect of student disability on the academic performance in elementary science and technology in public primary schools in Rwanda. The study reveals a significant positive correlation between vision impairment, deafness, and higher national examination results in Rwandan public primary schools. Adjustments for vision impairment improve students understanding of substance combinations and scientific innovation. Mental health conditions also correlate with higher national examination results. These findings suggest that they are correlated since most of their level of significance was greater than 0.05 in association with the academic performance in elementary science and technology in public primary schools in Rwanda. Conclusion:It is recommended that the Rwandan government recommend providing resources and materials for disabled students, encouraging parents to be aware of their children, and providing training to teachers. They also suggest implementing systems for coordination, monitoring, enforcement, and restitution, inclusive curricula, teacher training, hiring more instructors with disabilities, reducing societal barriers, and increasing education funding. The researcher suggests they need to investigate the barriers to the implementation of the inclusion of learners with mild intellectual disabilities in regular primary schools in Rwanda.

Proposed Self-Reliance Development Program for Persons with Disabilities in Kawit, Cavite using Special Education-Based Alternative Learning System

This study aimed to propose a self-reliance development program for persons with disabilities in Kawit, Cavite, using Special Education-based Alternative Learning System for persons with disabilities aged 21 to 40 years old. The study used quantitative method to analyze and determine the needs of the respondents in terms of self-reliance using self-made questionnaires and qualitative method using structured interview to gain an in-depth understanding of the situation of the respondents with learning, visual, communication, and orthopedic disabilities. Findings of the study showed that persons with disabilities in Kawit need minimal assistance in independent and community living, recreation/leisure, and vocation. This concluded that they need to develop self-reliance to gain independence. Alternative Learning System is the suitable venue for the continuity of learning and acquiring skills. A Special program may be created to enhance their skills. Enhancement of the teachers’ capability in handling learners with special needs through trainings, seminars, and workshops is needed. Partnership among local government units, other stakeholders, and the Alternative Learning System in the implementation of the program is essential. Collaboration between the parents and the teachers is very significant in the acquisition and enhancement of self-reliance of persons with disabilities.

Types of sensory disability are differentially associated with mental health in older US adults over time.

Sensory disability in older adults is associated with increased rates of depressive symptoms and loneliness. Here, we examined the impact of hearing, vision, and olfaction disability on mental health outcomes in older US adults. We studied respondents from the first three rounds (2005/6, 2010/11, and 2015/16) of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, a nationally representative, longitudinal study of older US adults. Sensory function was assessed by structured interviewer ratings (hearing and vision) and objective assessment (olfaction). Cox proportional hazards models and one degree of freedom tests for trend were utilized to analyze the relationships between sensory disability and self-rated mental health, frequent depressive symptoms, frequent perceived stress, frequent anxiety symptoms, and frequent loneliness symptoms over time, adjusting for demographics, health behaviors, comorbidities, and cognitive function. We analyzed data from 3940 respondents over 10 years of follow-up. A greater number of sensory disabilities was associated with greater hazard of low self-rated mental health, frequent depressive symptoms, frequent perceived stress, and frequent loneliness symptoms over time (p ≤ 0.003, all). After adjusting for covariates, older adults with a greater number of sensory disabilities had greater hazard of low self-rated mental health (HR = 1.22, CI = [1.08, 1.38], p = 0.002) and loneliness symptoms (HR = 1.13, CI = [1.05, 1.22], p = 0.003) over time in our tests for trend. In our Cox proportional hazards model, older adults with vision disability had greater hazard of low self-rated mental health (HR = 1.34, 95% CI = [1.05, 1.72], p = 0.02) and loneliness symptoms (HR = 1.21, CI = [1.04, 1.41], p = 0.01). Older US adults with greater numbers of sensory disabilities face worse subsequent mental health. Future longitudinal studies dissecting the relationship of all five classical senses will be helpful in further understanding how improving sensory function might improve mental health in older adults.

Evaluation of Causes of Visual Impairment Among Bespectacled Between the Age 18-23: A Study from Tamil Nadu, India

Visual impairment is internationally related to severe public health, social, and economic challenges. Uncorrected refractive error is one of the main targets of the global movement to end preventable visual disability, as it is a treatable source of vision impairment. With precise information about the prevalence and underlying causes of vision impairment in the general population, health organizations may find it simpler to develop infrastructure and human resource strategies, as well as to distribute resources properly. The design of screening programs to identify individuals who are more vulnerable to eye issues may also be facilitated by having this knowledge. Wearing spectacles, also called glasses, is the practice of wearing frames with lenses in front of the eyes, usually with the intention of improving vision. There are additional reasons to wear glasses, including fashion, eye protection, and concealing visual defects. Even with the rising popularity of contact lenses and refractive surgery, wearing glasses is still the most prevalent technique to correct refractive difficulties. Despite its many built-in advantages, namely the capacity to control usage, spectacles do have some significant disadvantages. Many people who require glasses are unable to afford them, and if they are prescribed incorrectly, they may cause irritation to the eyes. Refractive errors are a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. People who lack professional skills in eye care or dispensing have abused the system due to irregularities in the distribution of spectacles.

Pelayanan Sosial Sebagai Upaya Pemenuhan Keberfungsian Sosial Disabilitas Netra di UPTD Rumoh Seujahtera Beujroh Meukarya (RSBM) Ladong Aceh Besar

Unlike normal people in general, people with visual impairment experience limitations in carrying out daily activities. In Indonesia, the number of disabilities in 2022 reached 1.5% or around 4 million people. One way to fulfill the social functioning of blind disabilities is to increase motivation and develop potential through rehabilitation at UPTD Rumoh Seujahtera Beujroh Meukarya (RSBM). This study aims to determine what forms of social services for visual disabilities at UPTD RSBM. The type of research used is a qualitative approach with descriptive methods through observation, documentation, and interviews with 5 informants. The results of this study obtained data that the form of social services is in the form of residential rehabilitation social services (Boarding) with several activities such as: Care and nurturing, mental and spiritual guidance, physical guidance, social guidance and psycho social counseling, skills guidance and accessibility services such as massage massage skills, braille reading and writing skills, rattan weaving skills, art skills, jaws computer technology skills, social assistance and resocialization guidance.

Library Anxiety Among Undergraduate Students with Visual Disabilities

Library anxiety, a phenomenon characterized by discomfort, fear, or other negative emotions associated with navigating libraries, is a significant issue for many undergraduate students. This study, which examined the library anxiety reported by 37 visually disabled undergraduate students across seven state universities in Indonesia, sheds light on this critical topic. The measurement of library anxiety was based on the Malay Version of Bostick's Library Anxiety Scale, as adapted by Karim and Rashid (2016), which includes three factors: barriers with service providers, affective boundaries, and comfort with library technology. The research also explores library anxiety as a variable itself. The findings, derived from a descriptive quantitative research method using purposive sampling, reveal that visually disabled students experienced low levels of library anxiety. However, the anxieties experienced involved navigating the library facility and engaging with library technology. Notably, library anxiety, as its culminating variable, showed that male students experienced a higher level of library anxiety than female students. This study underscores the importance of applying the Bostick scale to explore more disabled students’ experiences with library anxiety, providing valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers.

Possibility of Accessing Information Via Smartphone Applications for People with Visual Impairment: A Field Study

The study aims to determine the most popular smartphone applications that Benghazi residents with visual impairments use to obtain information, as well as the most popular smartphone models that meet their practical and scientific needs. To meet the research objectives, a questionnaire was given to some individuals with visual impairments via websites on the Internet and social media, and the Google Forms program was utilized to build the data that identifies the smartphone applications used to access information from the target group in the study. After the questionnaire was distributed, data was gathered and examined. The study produced several findings, including that the iPhone is the most popular smartphone model that most visually impaired people in Benghazi wish to buy because of its applications' reputation for being the easiest to use regarding information access. The most popular applications used to help people with visual impairments access information on smartphones are screen readers, with a percentage of 84.2%) and (3.5%) using screen magnification applications, while 12.3% use both. However, the high price has contributed to people with visual disabilities using another type, which is Samsung. The necessity of offering ongoing courses to enable individuals with visual impairments to stay up to date with the technological advancements that facilitate information access is one of the recommendations and proposals that will improve the accessibility of information for those with visual impairments through smartphone applications—promoting the use of technology in information centers and educational settings where some individuals with vision impairments are present.

Pharmacopuncture therapy for adhesive capsulitis: A pragmatic randomized controlled pilot study

BackgroundAlthough several studies have reported the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for adhesive capsulitis (AC), research on pharmacopuncture therapy for AC remains limited. We compared the effectiveness and safety of pharmacopuncture and physiotherapy for AC. MethodsThis pragmatic, randomized, controlled, parallel-group pilot study enrolled patients with limitations of shoulder movement and a numeric rating scale (NRS) score for shoulder pain ≥5 randomized (1:1) to the pharmacopuncture therapy (PPT) and physiotherapy (PT) groups. Treatment sessions were administered twice weekly for 6 weeks, and the participants were followed up for 13 weeks after randomization. The primary outcome was the NRS score for shoulder pain, and the secondary outcomes were the visual analog scale (VAS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), range of motion (ROM), patient global impression of change (PGIC), EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), and Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12) scores. The intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was set as the primary analysis. ResultsAmong 50 participants, for the primary endpoint (week 7) the PPT group showed a significantly superior improvement in NRS, VAS, SPADI, ROM for flexion, ROM for abduction, and EQ-5D-5L scores. The ROM for extension, ROM for adduction, physical component summary, and patient global impression of change were significantly better in the PPT than in the PT group, and these effects were sustained until week 13. ConclusionIn this pilot study, PPT showed better effects than PT, confirming the feasibility of a follow-up main study. Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov (NCT05292482) and cris.nih.go.kr (KCT0007198).

Addressing the unmet needs of women with breast cancer in Mexico: a non-randomised pilot study of the digital ePRO intervention

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the acceptability, feasibility, usability, and preliminary effect of an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) intervention for patients with breast cancer in Mexico.DesignWe conducted a multimethod non-randomised...

‘Out of the mouths of babes’ – capturing young children's perceptions of disability through the use of diversity dolls

ABSTRACT This study utilises diversity dolls to elicit young children's perceptions of visual disabilities. The study which involved 20 participants aged between six to seven years old suggests that although many children have positive attitudes towards peers with physical disabilities, attitudes are often grounded in the deficit medical model, with concepts related to assistive devices, medical causes, social consequences, and dependency. The study contributes to the literature through its use of a child centred method and open discussion, which enabled children to offer their innermost thoughts that might have otherwise remained hidden. Some of the comments gathered were quite derogatory, particularly with regards to facial features, and without disability awareness education children risk carrying negative and hostile views into adulthood. Methods which help to unearth children's core belief structures about disability provide an important foundation on which early years practitioners can build intervention programs which critically examine social inequalities and deconstruct dominant discourses, helping young children to develop positive attitudes towards disability.

Chronic Health Conditions, Disability, and Physical and Cognitive Limitations among LGBTQ+ Cancer Survivors.

Cancer survivors are at high risk for chronic health conditions and physical and cognitive limitations. However, few studies have explored these outcomes among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) survivors. We used pooled, weighted Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 23 states that completed two specific modules at least once from 2020 to 2022. We calculated age-adjusted prevalence for heart disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depressive disorders, myocardial infarction, kidney disease, stroke, diabetes, hearing disability, vision disability, cognitive limitations, and difficulty walking, dressing, and running errands in LGBTQ+, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, transgender or gender nonconforming (TGNC), and non-LGBTQ+ cancer survivors. Four multivariable logistic regression models controlling for different factors were run for each outcome. Of 40,990 cancer survivors, 1,715 were LGBTQ+. LGBTQ+ survivors had significantly higher age-adjusted prevalence of all outcomes. The prevalence of all outcomes was the highest among TGNC survivors, except for depressive disorders and cognitive limitations. LGBTQ+ survivors had higher odds of reporting asthma [adjusted OR (aOR): 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2-1.9], depressive disorders (aOR: 1.9; 95% CI, 1.6-2.4), kidney disease (aOR: 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1), stroke (aOR: 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3), diabetes (aOR: 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.6), vision disability (aOR: 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2), cognitive limitations (aOR: 2.3; 95% CI, 1.8-2.9), difficulty walking (aOR: 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.0), dressing (aOR: 2.0; 95% CI, 1.5-2.7), and running errands (aOR: 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-2.1). In TGNC models, TGNC cancer survivors had increased odds of most outcomes in comparison to cisgender survivors. LGBTQ+ cancer survivors have an elevated burden of all chronic health conditions, disabilities, and limitations assessed. TGNC cancer survivors experience even higher burden of the same outcomes. Findings highlight substantial disparities regarding the health of LGBTQ+ cancer survivors. See related In the Spotlight, p. 1395.

Obstacles to Marriage for Jordanian Persons with Visual or Hearing Disabilities from Their Perspectives

This study explores the obstacles to marriage for persons with physical disabilities (visual or hearing) from the perspective of persons with physical disabilities. To achieve the study's objectives, a questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample of 544 people with physical disabilities (201 female and 343 male). The results indicated that the obstacles to marriage for persons with physical disabilities, according to the participants’ perspectives, were of a moderate degree. The most impactful impediments were found to be economic, followed by social and psychological ones, and challenges pertaining to the type of impairment had the least effect. When it came to the sample's responses to the scale's sections on gender, academic standing, marital status, and the existence of a handicap in the family, the results did not reveal any statistically significant differences. However, statistically significant differences were observed based on the specialization variable, in favour of scientific colleges.

Exploring the impact of Choroideremia on women with phenotypic and/or genotypic evidence of disease: insights from a global survey

ABSTRACT Introduction Choroideremia (CHM) is an X-linked inherited retinal disease mostly affecting males. However, women with phenotypic and/or genotypic evidence of CHM may develop degenerative visual disability with advancing age. Our objective was to determine the visual impacts of phenotypic and/or genotypic evidence of CHM in women and its associated psychosocial burden and influence on activities of daily living (ADLs). Methods We conducted an international cross-sectional survey from April to December 2022 using an e-questionnaire distributed through not-for-profit stakeholder organizations and social media plat-forms. Results With a total of 55 respondents (n = 55), most women with phenotypic and/or genotypic evidence of CHM (76%) reported a change in their visual acuity. When assessing its impact on ADLs, Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a negative correlation between driving (p = 0.046) and mobility capabil-ities (0.046) with the respondent’s age. More than half of women reported being afraid, anxious, and stressed, with women below the age of 50 years old reporting a significantly higher level of distress and hopelessness (p = 0.003), anxiety (p = 0.00007), issues with relaxing (p = 0.025), and negative personal thoughts (p = 0.042). Conclusion Overall, this survey outlines both physical and psychological burden of being a woman with phenotypic and/or genotypic evidence of CHM. Given the limited clinical research in females affected by CHM, this patient-centered survey is a crucial advocacy tool for these individuals.

PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND HYPERACTIVITY

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to develop and implement in practice a physiotherapy program and an algorithm for its application in children with autism and hyperactivity and to study the effect of its impact. Material/Methods. The survey was conducted from May 2021 to May 2023. The treatment-research contingent includes children with autism and autism spectrum disorders from 3 to 18 years of age with motor, visual, mental and multiple disabilities who attend the Day Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities "Winnie the Pooh" in Ruse. Results. The research results show that after the applied physiotherapy program, a significantly better effect was observed regarding motor activity, muscle tone, and psycho-emotional state compared to the baseline indicators in the studied contingent. Conclusions. Through its specific strategies for working with children with autism, therapeutic gymnastics has a beneficial effect on increasing motor activity and further developing and strengthening motor skills.

The relationship between single leg balance and proprioception of the knee joint in individuals with non-specific chronic back pain

BackgroundProprioceptive information from the hips, knees, and ankles as well as joint coordination are important for maintaining and controlling balance. Regional receptors in the muscles, joints, skin, and tendons as well as proprioception in the knee joint provide the necessary joint activity and stability. Pain may occur with a decreased sense of balance and proprioception. ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between single-leg balance and proprioception of the knee joint in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. DesignFifty-two individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain, 30 females and 22 males, were included in our study, with a range of 18–50 years (mean age:25.15 ± 8.2 years). MethodPain intensity at rest and activity was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and disability and function were assessed using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Single-leg balance measurements were performed using Prokin TecnoBody kinematic balance device. A goniometer was used to evaluate the proprioception of the knee joint. ResultsThere were low-level negative correlations between VAS resting pain intensity and medium-lateral standard deviation value (p = 0.018; r = −0.327) and ellipse area measure (p = 0.039; r = −0.287) from static balance assessments. There were low-level negative correlations between VAS activity pain intensity and medium-lateral standard deviation value (p = 0.039; r = −0.288), ellipse area (p = 0.044; r = −0.281), and perimeter measure (p = 0.043; r = −0.282) from static balance assessments. No correlation was seen between ODI and clinical balance and proprioception assessments (p > 0.05). There was no correlation between clinical balance and proprioception evaluations (p > 0.05). ConclusionAs a result of the study, it was decided that there is a minimal relationship between single-leg balance and knee joint proprioception in people with nonspecific low back pain.

Body Safety Training Program for Children with Disabilities; A Case Study of Department of Special Education Punjab Pakistan

The current study aimed to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a sexual abuse prevention training program to increase personal body safety skills in children having intellectual, hearing, visual or physical disability. A quasi-experimental design with Within-subject was used in which participants were compared on pre-test and post-test. A sample of 40 participants (n=20 boys, n=20 girls), age range 06-19, attended 8-week training were taken purposively. Personal Body Safety Training Program was used as school-based program which delivered the child sexual abuse prevention knowledge and self-protection school-based What If’ Situations Test used as pre and post result measure. The ‘What If’ Situations Test (WIST-III-R) contains six scales designed to assess children’s abilities to recognize, resist, and report inappropriate touching. Paired sample t test, independent t test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. The Results showed that by attending such programs, children with disabilities could increase their knowledge of personal safety skills and apply this knowledge in their day-to-day lives. Results showed significant differences between pre and post scores of participants after undergoing the Personal Body Safety Training Program. Moreover, a significant difference was found between participants disability wise in pretest and posttest scores but there was no significant difference observed between boys and girls. The study inculcated that the training contributed positively to the children’s sense of personal space and reporting skills.

Screening for ocular toxicities of immunotherapy in a real-world population.

e24125 Background: Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, and Ipilimumab have revolutionized the treatment of melanoma. However, patients receiving these treatments risk immunotherapy-related adverse events (IRAEs). IRAEs can occur in any organ system, are treated with steroids or immunosuppressive medications, and may require treatment delay or discontinuation. Ocular IRAEs, which are caused by off-target reactions with ocular immune mechanisms, are often identified after significant damage to the eye. Ocular IRAEs are rare in the literature with an approximate prevalence of 3.3%. After observing intraocular inflammation (uveitis) with uveal depigmentation (pigment release) in some patients receiving immunotherapy, we hypothesized that the rate of such events in a real-world population may be higher than previously reported. We predict ophthalmic screening and early intervention may prevent severe and potentially permanent ocular IRAEs. Methods: Patients starting immunotherapy for melanoma were referred to an ocular screening clinic at the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario (Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada) for baseline ocular assessments. Repeat assessments occurred every three months (single agent) or at every cycle (dual immunotherapy). Intake visits included examination by an attending ophthalmologist, including examination for uveitis and anterior chamber free pigment under high-powered field. Intraocular inflammation (IOI) was defined as the presence of endothelial deposits and/or anterior chamber cell and/or pigment that was not present at baseline. Ocular findings were monitored alongside other IRAEs during treatment. Results: 28 patients (17 male, 11 female) receiving adjuvant (46.4%) or palliative (53.6%) immunotherapy for melanoma were evaluated. 9 of these patients received dual immunotherapy (Ipilimumab/Nivolumab) and 19 received single agent immunotherapy. IOI was identified in 11 patients (39.2%), while only 4 presented with symptoms. None of the patients had overt signs of anterior segment inflammation such as erythema, conjunctival injection, and chemosis. IOI developed in 54.5% of dual immunotherapy-treated patients. Patients with ocular IRAEs were treated with topical/systemic steroids or other immunosuppressive medications. None required discontinuation of immunotherapy. The development of IOI was more common in metastatic patients whose cancer was responding to immunotherapy, and many of these patients sustained IRAEs in other organ systems. Conclusions: Our findings suggest IOI related to ocular IRAEs are quite common and develop in a third of patients receiving immunotherapy for melanoma. Ocular screening for IOI identified early, often asymptomatic toxicities that could progress to permanent visual disability. Further evaluation of dedicated ocular screening is indicated in patients receiving immunotherapy.

Transcriptome RNA-Seq Analysis of Normal and Keratoconus Corneal Epithelium

Background: Keratoconus (KTCN) is a progressive eye condition characterised by thin, misshapen corneas arising in the teens or early twenties, and can cause visual disability. While this can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, collagen cross-linking of the cornea slows disease progression. In advanced disease, patients undergo transplantation of the corneal epithelial layer with normal donor tissue. The cause of KTCN is unknown, but there is evidence for both environmental and genetic bases. Material and Methods: RNA-Seq data from published work by Kabza et al., 2017, was used to investigate the pathology of cornea tissue, analysing twenty-five KTCN and twenty-five non-KTCN samples from RNA-seq experiments. Principal component analysis plots were used to identify how characteristics impact development of keratoconus. Results: The findings show that KTCN is more common in teenagers and young adults, and all 25 KTCN samples were for individuals under 30 years old. Principal component analysis also showed that approximately 35% of samples were from individuals who rubbed their eyes. It also showed that KTCN is more common in males, representing over 65% of samples. Differential expression analysis of RNA-sequencing data was used to identify differentially expressed genes, downregulated genes were found to be enriched in many pathways, including cytokinecytokine receptor interaction pathways, and played a role in keratoconus development. Conclusion: Upregulated genes were enhanced in six pathways, including the peroxisome pathway. A potential relation was found between defects in peroxisome and keratoconus development. Overexpression of peroxisome genes increases phytanic acid levels, and causes Zellweger spectrum, affecting the cornea and potentially leading to keratoconus.

What Is Known about Assistive Technologies in Distance and Digital Education for Learners with Disabilities?

Distance education and the development of assistive technologies represent a possibility of balancing the access and participation of people with special educational needs in learning experiences and participation in society. This study is aimed at finding out what is known about distance education mediated by assistive technology based on an analysis of the characteristics of scientific production. Through a review of the literature, the sample content is analyzed, culminating in trends that point towards the autonomy and independence of this people, the need for accommodation and accompaniment in a scenario of permanent technological change, initial training and continuing education of inclusive education teachers, as well as collegiate participation between professionals, community, and family in the design of training courses and technologies for people with special needs. The results reveal limited scientific productivity at all educational levels, with greater use of technologies to assist visual and hearing disabilities. The trends emphasize autonomy, Universal Design for Learning, and the challenges of technological adaptation. Findings are discussed and synthesized with the purpose of informing policy makers, researchers, and school communities.

Dukungan Keluarga Sebagai Faktor Penentu Prestasi Akademik Anak Disabilitas Netra

The aim of this research is to assess the importance of family support in encouraging academic success in children with visual disabilities. The main study in this research focuses on the role of the family in encouraging the academic achievement of children with visual disabilities and the approaches taken. Data collection in this research was through in-depth interviews. The results of this study highlight the important role of family support, particularly parental involvement, in promoting good outcomes for students with visual disabilities. Apart from support from family, educators and peers also play an important role in strengthening self-confidence, academic performance and improving skills in children with visual disabilities. Increased parental support is associated with increased motivation and empowerment to realize the potential of children with visual disabilities.