Visual Impairment Face Research Articles

Usability of an AI-based independent pedestrian navigation device designed for blind people

Abstract Background 2.2 billion people live with visual impairment (VI) worldwide and face orientation and mobility challenges in various aspects of their lives. Despite technological advancements, the most used mobility solutions for VI are still the walking cane and the guide dog. The objective of this research is to assess the system usability of an AI-based independent pedestrian navigation device (.lumen glasses), designed for blind people. Methods During 31st of October and 2nd of November 2023, 27 visually impaired people living in Bucharest, Romania, tested the .lumen glasses for 1-3 hours during an outdoor navigation task. The glasses use AI to recognize the user’s environment and haptic and audio feedback to guide them. The System Usability Scale (SUS), a 10-item instrument, was used to evaluate the level of usability the participants ascribe to the .lumen glasses. Qualitative feedback was collected as part of the post-test survey and analyzed using thematic analysis. Data were triangulated to identify usability issues. Results The mean age of the participants was 30.3 years old (SD = 12.07, min=21 max =56, range: 48), 55.6% (N = 15) of the participants were male, 96,3% (N = 26) were completely blind, and 81.5% were using a white cane for orientation and mobility. Our findings reveal a mean SUS score of 83.65 (SD = 15.23, range 47.5, min=52.5, max=100) indicating high usability. The thematic analysis revealed 5 themes: (1) auditive and (2) haptic feedback in navigation, (3) hardware (adjustment system & buttons), (4) tutorial & presentation of how the device works and (5) other aspects (usage in combination with other assistive technologies etc.). The participants declared that the glasses are intuitive to use and promote the feeling of safety and independence. Conclusions Data suggest that the .lumen glasses area promising assistive technology for the mobility of VI. Findings are currently used to steer the development and implementation of the AI-based system. Key messages • According to participants’ feedback, .lumen glasses are a scalable AI-based mobility solution that can make navigation and orientation easier for visually impaired individuals. • .lumen glasses designed for the visually impaired individuals are one of the current and limited assistive technology improving the mobility and orientation.

Toward the Sustainability of a Healthy Citizenry: A Small-Sample, Qualitative, Exploratory Study of the Experiences of Male Students with Visual Impairment in Saudi Arabian Higher Education

Citizens of a sustainably healthy population have the right to an education, and this right must be extended to citizens with disabilities. Visual impairment presents challenges to such sustainability insofar as it can negatively impact the social and educational experiences of affected students. The present study explores the challenges that students with visual impairments face at higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia. The study examines the impacts of visual impairment on the social and academic domains of these students’ lives which thereby threaten the sustainability of a healthy and well-functioning society. Exploring strategies and support mechanisms, the study’s aim is to improve the Saudi educational environment in universities to better accommodate the needs of students with visual impairments. The study employs a qualitative methodology to investigate the experiences of eight male students with visual impairment enrolled in a Saudi Arabian university. The findings highlight challenges faced by these students and provide a foundation of recommendations for improving educational support and facilities so that students with visual impairment are more likely to succeed academically and to make meaningful contributions to the broader community. In consequence, such students are better positioned to contribute to the sustainability of a healthy and well-functioning Saudi society.

Discrimination toward the visually impaired and quota policies in the labor market

AbstractWe measure discrimination in access to employment toward people with visual impairment in France and explore its relationship with two public policies designed to facilitate the integration of disabled people into the workforce: the obligation on the employer to adapt the workstation, and a quota policy intended to incentivize the hiring of people with disabilities. We use the correspondence test method in combination with a difference‐in‐differences strategy, to explore the effects of these different policies. We show that applicants with visual impairments face significant discrimination, and we suggest that the level of discrimination is influenced by both policies.

System for Visually Disabled through Wearables Utilizing Arduino and Ultrasound

Vision loss is a major challenge that affects people's lives in many aspects. In order to help people with visual impairment navigate and interact with those around them, wearable electronic devices and innovative technology can be used. The visually impaired system using Arduino and ultrasound uses advanced technology to convert ultrasound waves into useful information for visual people. Wearable devices, such as glasses or mobile devices can be used to receive audio signals and convert them into notifications to the user, via vibration, sounds or even text messages, which are equipped with ultrasonic sensors. When wearable devices emit high-frequency audio signals, these signals bounce off various obstacles in the environment around the person. The feedback signals are received and converted into visual information or alert messages for the user. People with visual impairment face great challenges because they depend heavily on others for their mobility. In this paper, a model was created to support blind people, facilitate their mobility, and ensure their safety through timely alerts of any obstacles in their path. The project includes a portable device that uses Arduino and is equipped with several sensors, such as distance and temperature sensors, to detect objects whose temperature exceeds 0 degrees Celsius. This device is designed to be hand-held with the glove and belt attached at the waist. Integrating all the mentioned sensors along with the Arduino that supervises the process.

Analisis Keterampilan Kemandirian Makan dan Minum Anak Tunanetra di TK Sarena Jaya

Children with visual impairments face challenges in developing independence in daily activities such as eating and drinking. This study, conducted at TK Sarena Jaya, aimed to analyze the independence skills of visually impaired children in eating and drinking. The findings revealed that visual impairment can lead to social barriers, self-doubt, and dependency on others. Strategies such as providing safe movement stimulation, developing orientation skills, and promoting self-confidence were identified as crucial in supporting these children. Additionally, the use of assistive technologies and social education for both children and society were highlighted as essential for enhancing independence and social integration. Overall, a holistic approach is necessary to empower visually impaired children to navigate daily tasks independently and thrive socially.

Temporal changes in incidence, prevalence and causes of childhood visual impairment - Learnings from 45 years with the National Danish Registry of Children with Visual Impairment.

The aim of the study was to describe the temporal changes in causes and prevalence of childhood visual impairment in Denmark based on the National Danish Registry of Children with Visual Impairment (NDRCVI). Annual reports on the NDRCVI since its establishment in 1979 were reviewed and data on the number of registered children and the causes for registration with a visual impairment were evaluated. The average annual incidence of childhood visual impairment in Denmark is 2.8 per 1000 live-born children and the prevalence of childhood visual impairment is 1.6 per 1000 children <18 years. Today, fewer children are severely visually impaired (visual acuity ≤6/60) at the time of registration (31.6% since 2010 vs. 51.1% in the 1980s). Cerebral visual impairment and optic nerve atrophy have remained common causes of childhood visual impairment whereas sequelae to retinopathy of prematurity have been almost eliminated as a cause. Systemic comorbidities are more common now in children with visual impairment (seen in 63.9% in the last decades vs. 44.6%in the 1980-ties). Whereas the prevalence of visual impairment has remained relatively stable over the years, the severity of visual impairment has improved, suggesting that more children will be able to live an active life supported by aids compensating vision loss. However, more children have systemic comorbidities in combination with their visual impairment suggesting that children with visual impairment face a life not only limited by the obstacles of poor vision. This calls for multidisciplinary management and support of affected children and families.

Visual Impairment, Inclusion and Citizenship in South Africa.

People with visual impairment face significant material challenges to access and inclusion in South Africa. These are in large part rooted in and supported by prejudiced assumptions about the needs, nature and capabilities of this group. The cultural and psychological face of oppression needs to be attended to. To this end, this viewpoint brings together the work of three visually impaired scholars in three key areas pertaining to the promotion of the inclusion and citizenship of visually impaired persons in South Africa. These areas are education; rehabilitation; and social inclusion and visibility. This work argues that undoing lifelong exclusion requires examining how disablism is embedded in the very fabric of our societies and operational at various levels: material, administrative, cultural and relational.

Description of oral hygiene habits in children with visual impairment in an ecuadorian school unit

People with visual impairment face difficulties in maintaining optimal oral hygiene, due to the possible lack of knowledge about proper oral cleaning techniques. The objective of the study was to describe oral hygiene habits in people with visual impairment in children with visual impairment in the "La Joya" Specialized Educational Unit in the city of Otavalo, Ecuador. The study had a descriptive, observational, prospective and cross-sectional approach. Two techniques were used: surveys, using questionnaires, and interviews, using the interview guide. The population included parents of children with disabilities, teaching and administrative staff, as well as personnel trained in the education of children with visual impairment. Simple random probability sampling was used for the survey, with a total of 51 people, and non-probability purposive sampling was used for the interview, identifying two key informants. The findings showed an inclination toward educational interventions focused on hearing and touch, with special emphasis on specialized teaching and the use of adapted materials, such as dental models and Braille booklets, to promote oral care. Financial support for dental treatment is a crucial factor. The results highlight the need for a pediatric dentist at the "La Joya" Specialized Educational Unit. It is concluded that there is a notable lack of attention to oral cleanliness in children with visual impairment, mainly due to poor knowledge and follow-up by educational personnel, health professionals and parents

Description of oral hygiene in visually impaired people in the city of Ibarra, Ecuador

People with visual impairment face challenges in maintaining optimal oral hygiene, as they may lack knowledge of proper oral cleaning techniques. The objective of the study was to describe oral hygiene in people with visual impairment in the city of Ibarra, Ecuador. It was an observational, prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study. Surveys were conducted with 30 blind people from the Center for Specialized Therapeutic Attention for People with Disabilities (CATEPED) in the city of Ibarra, Ecuador. The findings revealed that there was a significant prevalence of oral problems among the population studied. Despite showing good oral hygiene in general, the lack of knowledge about the use of fluoride toothpaste and the need to replace toothbrushes periodically are aspects of concern. These results highlight the importance of implementing educational and dental care programs specifically designed for people with visual impairment in order to improve their oral health and prevent dental disease. The need for increased attention to the oral health of people with visual impairment is highlighted, as well as the importance of education and access to appropriate dental services. These results highlight the importance of implementing educational and dental care programs specifically designed for people with visual impairment in order to improve their oral health and prevent dental disease. The need for increased attention to the oral health of people with visual impairment is highlighted, as well as the importance of education and access to appropriate dental services. The results underscore the importance of addressing the specific needs of this population, both in terms of oral hygiene awareness and in the provision of tailored dental care. It is critical to develop comprehensive strategies that address existing barriers and promote optimal oral health for people with visual impairment

Challenges Faced by Mothers With Visual Impairment From the Preconception Period Through the Postpartum Period.

There is a misperception in society that individuals with visual impairment are asexual and cannot marry, have children, or take care of children. In addition, individuals with visual impairment face difficulties in many aspects of life due to accessibility issues. Although it is expected that visually impaired individuals experience difficulties when having children, very few studies have focused on understanding the challenges women with visual impairment face in the process of having children. The aim of this study was to identify the challenges faced by mothers with visual impairment from preconception through the postpartum period in Turkey. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 17 mothers with visual impairment. Participants were from 28 to 38 years of age, and their youngest children were 2 years old or younger. Participants were asked about their experiences with the decision to have children, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Content analysis was used to analyze and present the data. Participants had 1 to 3 children and a mean age of 32.4 years. Eleven themes were identified within 4 periods: preconception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Themes related to the experience of the preconceptional period included concern about the decision to have a child and the social pressure on the decision to have a child. Themes related to the experience of pregnancy included inaccessible pregnancy tests, emotional reactions to pregnancy, dissatisfaction with health care providers, and unmet expectations. Themes related to labor and birth included mixed feelings about labor dissatisfaction with health care providers and unmet expectations. Themes related to the postpartum period included personal care, infant care, reaction of the social network, and unmet expectations. The mothers with visual impairment faced many challenges in the process of becoming a parent. Mothers expressed the need for accessible health services from institutions and health professionals.

Accessibility evaluation of major assistive mobile applications available for the visually impaired

People with visual impairments face numerous challenges in their daily lives, including mobility, access to information, independent living, and employment. Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Computer Vision (CV) has the potential to improve their daily lives, provide them with necessary independence, and it will also spawn new opportunities in education and employment. However, while many such AI/CV-based mobile applications are now available, these apps are still not the preferred choice amongst visually impaired persons and are generally limited to advanced users only, due to certain limitations. This study evaluates the challenges faced by visually impaired persons when using AI/CV-based mobile apps. Four popular AI/CV-based apps, namely Seeing AI, Supersense, Envision and Lookout, are assessed by blind and low-vision users. Hence these mobile applications are evaluated on a set of parameters, including generic parameters based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and specific parameters related to mobile app testing. The evaluation not only focused on the guidelines but also on the feedback that was gathered from these users on parameters covering the apps' accuracy, response time, reliability, accessibility, privacy, energy efficiency and usability. The paper also identifies the areas of improvement in the development and innovation of these assistive apps. This work will help developers create better accessible AI-based apps for the visually impaired.

Perceived effectiveness of assistive devices and support services provided to students with visual impairment in mainstream classrooms in the United Arab Emirates

AbstractStudents with disabilities such as visual impairment (VI) face challenges in accessing education, mainly owing to their inability to participate in learning activities in the classroom. While experts in special education have discussed the deployment of assistive technology (AT) to support the learning of students with VI, research on its impact is very scarce, especially in non‐western countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To bridge this gap, this study explored special education teachers' perceptions regarding the effectiveness of AT in supporting the learning and mobility of students with VI in schools. A total of 228 special education teachers from three regions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE, participated in the study. The participants completed an assistive technology for VI scale, and the data were subjected to mean score computation, multivariate analyses of variance and correlation and hierarchical multiple regression. Participants rated the impact of AT highly with regard to the reading, writing and orientation and mobility skills of students with VI. Interestingly, the orientation/mobility sub‐scale showed an association with teacher experience and location. The article discusses the practical implications of the findings as well as directions for future research.

Enhancing accessibility of web-based SVG buttons: An optimization method and best practices

The Internet’s rapid development has made web page access an integral part of people’s lives, catering to entertainment, socializing, and information retrieval. However, people with visual impairments face challenges in comprehending information and rely on auditory cues. Thankfully, web pages have played a crucial role in bridging this gap by providing them with valuable knowledge about the world. Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) has emerged as a versatile icon style in web development, surpassing image-based models due to its operational efficiency and non-deformable properties. Nonetheless, our empirical research reveals several accessibility issues with SVG buttons, particularly the absence of alternative text. Addressing this issue entails overcoming three key challenges, as reflected in it is hard to locate SVG buttons, inability to provide standardized alternative text, and excessive resource costs. To tackle these challenges, we introduce an automated tool called SAM (SVG Accessibility Optimization Method), which supplements missing alternative text in SVG buttons. Our approach involves extensive research, including the identification of 18 common categories of SVG buttons and the creation of 25 corresponding feature templates. SAM employs classification, semantic optimization, and role optimization to enhance the accessibility of SVG buttons. We evaluate SAM by applying it to 30 real-world web pages, successfully providing alternative text with an average F1-score of 92.6%. Compared to other models and image-based baseline methods, SAM demonstrates superior performance with an average F1-score increase of 14.5%. Through the efficiency analysis and a user study, we discuss the advantages of SAM, highlighting its lightweight nature (with First Contentful Paint (FCP) at 0.762 s, Time To Interactive (TTI) at 1.238 s, and memory usage at 18.32 MB). Furthermore, visually impaired users express positive feedback regarding web pages repaired by our tool, underscoring the usefulness of our method.

Evaluating the effectiveness of accessibility features for roadway users with visual impairment: A case study for Nanjing, China

IntroductionRoadway users with visual impairment face significant challenges for commuting and other travel. This study aims to quantify the factors that affect the overall effectiveness of accessibility features from the perspective of roadway users with visual impairment. Sample and MethodsParticipants for this study were mainly either employees of ‘blind massage shops’ or students at the Nanjing School for the Blind. Data for 388 samples (not including 30 respondents selected for the pilot study) were collected through one-to-one interviews conducted in April 2018, among which 336 samples were validated for this study. An ordered logistic model was applied for the analysis. ResultsThe accessibility features targeted for this study, i.e., tactile paving, curb ramps, pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, accessible pedestrian signals, and intelligent voice reminders at bus stops, are positively correlated with the overall effectiveness of travel-related accessibility features for visually impaired individuals. Tactile paving that is occupied by parked vehicles, discontinuous tactile paving, and the absence of alignment cues at intersections are negatively correlated with the overall effectiveness of these accessibility features. DiscussionConclusions from this study can be adopted as guidance for the planning, construction, and maintenance of accessibility features for roadway users with visual impairment. The quality and effectiveness of each accessibility feature individually is positively correlated with their combined overall effectiveness, based on the perceptions from this study’s participants. The top two challenges associated with tactile paving are vehicles parked on tactile paving and discontinuity of the tactile pavement, both of which should be addressed to achieve better accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Alignment cues should be installed at medians and islands to better serve the visually impaired community. Implications for PractitionersRegulations should be strengthened and enforced to prohibit vehicles from parking on tactile paving. Tactile paving also should be checked for breaks in continuity and any discontinuous tactile paving should be repaired promptly. Alignment cues should be installed in urban areas to improve the safety of street crossings for visually impaired pedestrians.

Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with visual impairment

We present a comprehensive review of the various challenges that individuals with visual impairment (VI) face during the COVID-19 pandemic. A structured review was done using online databases PubMed, EMBASE, and grey literature databases between 19 April 2021 and 4 August 2021, using search terms ‘COVID-19’, ‘SARS-CoV-2’, ‘Coronavirus’, or ‘pandemic’ combined with ‘visually impaired’, ‘visual impairment’, or ‘Blind’. Studies included were written in English, published after the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of the COVID-19 Pandemic (11 March 2020), and focused on the VI population during the pandemic. The initial search yielded 702 publications, of which 20 met our inclusion criteria and were included in analysis. Emotional distress from deteriorating mental health and social isolation were considerably higher in the VI population. For a community that relies on spatial awareness and touch, regulations related to social distancing and avoiding contact were considerable barriers. Further challenges were noted in accessing healthcare, care, receiving timely health information and changes in regulations, adequately sanitizing, using technology, and completing activities of daily living. In the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the VI community has faced unique challenges. A more holistic and inclusive approach needs to be adopted to ensure that more vulnerable populations are adequately cared for.

Turning a blind eye? Removing barriers to science and mathematics education for students with visual impairments

With complex, visual concepts prevailing in science and mathematics curricula, these subjects are often inaccessible to students with visual impairments (VI), leading to their underrepresentation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. While researchers have identified strategies that can facilitate students with VI’s learning within special schools, less is known about how students with VI access science and mathematics within a mainstream context, even though this is where the majority are educated. This seems important to address given the additional barrier students with VI face within mainstream schools, including negative attitudes from mainstream teachers. Consequently, the current study was conducted to explore how students with VI’s access to and learning of science and mathematics can be improved within the mainstream context. Two interviews were conducted with qualified teachers of children and young people with vision impairment (QTVIs), revealing the importance of classroom adaptations, such as hands-on experience and increased lesson time, to facilitate students with VI’s learning of science and mathematics. These findings are discussed in relation to policy and practice, suggesting mainstream teachers should be trained to make small but effective adaptations in their teaching, and that students with VI are given the opportunity to learn skills needed to become independent learners.

The Effect of a Training Video With Audio Description on the Breast Self-Examinations of Women With Visual Impairments

Introduction: Breast cancer is a significant health problem affecting the health of women globally. Breast self-examination is a procedure applied for the early detection of breast cancer. Given the barriers that women with visual impairments face to access health care and health education, there is a need to develop materials for breast self-examination training as a skills-based practice for this group. This study evaluated the effect of a training video with an audio description on the breast self-examination of women who were visually impaired. Methods: The universe of this quasi-experimental study comprised women who were visually impaired ( N = 70) who were registered members of the Manisa Altinokta Blind Association in Turkey. The women who participated in the study volunteered and met the selection criteria ( n = 60). They were divided into two groups by lot. The audio description group listened to a breast self-examination training video with an audio description ( n = 30). The control group listened to the training video accompanied by typical sound, without audio description ( n = 30). Before and after a training video, all women performed breast self-examination on a female mannequin torso. The skills of women in breast self-examination were evaluated using a checklist by a midwife who was non-researcher. Results: The skills differed significantly between the two groups after the video training ( p &lt; 0.05). The audio description group correctly performed most of the skills required for breast self-examination. None of the women in the groups were able to apply steps for such self-examination before the training. Discussion: A breast self-examination training video with audio description can improve the self-examination skills of women with visual impairments. Implications for Practitioners: Women with visual impairments benefit from watching a breast self-examination training video with an audio description before performing self-examinations. Training videos with audio descriptions should, therefore, be prepared for the health education of individuals who are visually impaired.

Employers’ Revelation of Decision-making Keys for Employing People with Visual Impairment: Mixed-method Analysis of Employers’ Motivations

Abstract Background: People with visual impairment or blindness (PWVIB) face many barriers related to employment. Although literature explores employers’ concerns regarding the employment of PWVIB, stating the concern and developing a solution are different. Objectives: Employers’ solutions to concerns regarding hiring PWVIB have not been surveyed. This study addresses the gap by surveying employers to determine practical solutions and developing the Solutions for Improving Employment of People with Visual Disabilities (SIEPVD) model. Methods: We employed a mixed-method design based on the 975 completed surveys from employers with hiring authority. We also identified and tagged major themes and developed an empirical model. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to test the model’s goodness of fit. Results: Findings highlight the need for evidence of job capabilities such as financial incentives, information provision, and adequate job vacancies. Evidence or financial incentives directly and positively affect employers’ attitudes toward hiring PWVIB. Financial incentives also mediate information provision and job match with employers’ attitudes toward hiring PWVIB. Conclusions: This is the first study to perform employers’ integration by creating solutions to increase PWVIB’s employment rate. Results may help PWVIB in its employment efforts. Thus, the approach when applying for jobs or attending interviews should be reviewed. Practical contributions are discussed.

Effectiveness of Audio Drama on Knowledge and Practice regarding Personal Hygiene among Visually Impaired Children

Children with visual impairment face difficulties in maintaining personal hygiene independently. They will function more efficiently with auditory experience. Education through audio drama will help the children to be more responsible for the personal hygiene of themselves. A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of audio drama on knowledge and practice regarding personal hygiene among visually impaired children of selected blind school, Ernakulam district. The objectives of the study were 1.to assess the knowledge and practice of visually impaired children regarding personal hygiene before and after audio drama. 2.to evaluate the effectiveness of audio drama on knowledge and practice regarding personal hygiene among visually impaired children. 3.to find out the relationship between knowledge and practice of visually impaired children regarding personal hygiene. 4.to find out the association of knowledge and practices of visually impaired children with selected demographic variables. Quasi experimental one group pre-test post-test design was used to collect data from 30 visually impaired children by purposive sampling method. Structured interview questionnaire and rating scale were used for collecting the data and was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that the audio drama is statistically significant in improving the knowledge (t29=10.08, table value t29=2.05, p&lt;0.05) and practice (t29=11.29, table value t29=2.05, p&lt;0.05) of visually impaired children regarding personal hygiene. Results also revealed that there is no significant association between knowledge and practice of visually impaired children regarding personal hygiene with selected demographic variables. The findings suggest that audio drama had significant effect on improving the personal hygiene of visually impaired children.

The Challenges of Students with Disabilities Access and Participation in Higher Education in South Africa

Visually impairment means partially or completely blind. Students with visual impairments face several structural and attitudinal barriers when entering higher education. External factors have been identified as contributing to the academic success of visually impaired and blind students. These include social support and university student services, family support and faculty support. Emotional support from family members contributes to the academic achievements of visually impaired students. The study’s objective is to investigate the challenges and experiences of students with disabilities with specific reference to blindness and visual impairment at tertiary institutions and find possible solutions. The rationale behind the study is to address self-confidence, the stigma of society and improve society’s understanding of the visually impaired and the blind. The article outlines the role of the theoretical framework in the social inclusion of students with disabilities in higher education institutions. The article aims to use the conceptual approach to investigate the challenges of students visual impairment and blindness. It will rely heavily on secondary data. The main findings presented in this study are the challenges faced by the impaired and blind students, which are financial challenges, social stigma, accessibility, peer acceptance, language challenges of visually impaired students, lack of clear policies on inclusive education and mechanisms that will remedy the challenges of students with disabilities in higher education institutions. The South African government‘s strategic policy framework on people with disability at Higher Education Institutions recommend a critical analysis of current institutional policies that identify gaps regarding people with disabilities. The analysis includes the needs of people with disabilities in their annual action plans. It also comprises institutional infrastructure and programmes to include people with disabilities. The study concludes with the statement of the research problem, the summary of key arguments and findings, a short discussion of the implications of the research and the study’s recommendations.