Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-25T20:19:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Angelica Aparecida de Oliveira Bicalho.pdf: 2182488 bytes, checksum: b4cdc8123c053def10bb8bd82a5f4f0c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-10-14 / One of the characteristics of contemporary society is the validation of the functions and attributes of image: looking, viewing and seeing can be considered as a hyper-cognization of vision. To move from the behavior of those who are able to see and those who are blind can mean much more than the contrasts between seeing and not seeing, between light and dark, or other antinomies. Anthropological studies based only on what is explicit, what is visible, and what can be observed are able to exacerbate differences and be represented as poor guides of what people do, know, or think. However, blind individuals have been the object of systematic studies, as carriers of special needs or in the condition of a minority to be included. Although the term carriers of special needs is a traditionally accepted way to refer to a social group, without the label of handicap , it is not self-clarifying, for, if considered individually, everyone presents specific, special needs. The eyes, blindness and vision were analyzed under the perspective of science and mythology. The aim of this work is to enter the sea of blindness without stereotypes, that is, to attempt to understand the invisible and lacunary universe of thought in which the blind person is located and the sensitive and relatively continuous world the visible world represented by the screen. For this work, we have analyzed two movies: Blindness and Red Like the Sky and the documentary Janela da alma [Window of the Soul]. University students from the São Gabriel campus, from PUC Minas, were census-like surveyed in order to identify those blind and carrier of low vision, who presented their perspective in relation to the seventh art / A sociedade contemporânea tem como uma de suas características a valorização das funções e atributos da imagem: o olhar, a visão e o enxergar, podem ser considerados como uma hiper-cognização da visão. Transitar entre o comportamento das pessoas que enxergam e o das cegas pode significar muito além dos contrastes entre ver e não ver, entre claro e escuro, ou outras antinomias. Estudos antropológicos baseados apenas no que é explícito, no que é visível, e no que pode ser observado podem exacerbar diferenças e se configurar como guias pobres sobre o que as pessoas fazem, sabem ou pensam. A pessoa cega tem sido objeto de estudos sistemáticos, porém, como portadora de necessidades especiais ou na sua condição de minoria a ser incluída. Embora a terminologia portadores de necessidades especiais seja uma forma tradicionalmente aceita para se referenciar a um grupo social sem a pecha de deficiente, ela não é auto-esclarecedora, pois se consideradas individualmente, todas as pessoas apresentam necessidades específicas, especiais. Penetrar no mar da cegueira sem estereótipos é a proposta deste trabalho: tentar entender o universo do pensamento invisível e lacunar no qual a pessoa cega se situa e o mundo sensível e relativamente contínuo o mundo visível representado pela tela. Os olhos, a cegueira e a visão foram analisados sob a perspectiva da ciência e da mitologia. Foram analisadas as películas Ensaio sobre a cegueira, Vermelho como o céu e o documentário Janela da alma. Foram entrevistados de forma censitária os alunos da Unidade São Gabriel, da PUC Minas para levantar a identificação dos universitários cegos e portadores de baixa visão, que apresentaram sua perspectiva em relação à sétima arte

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-26T14:52:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Angelica Aparecida de Oliveira Bicalho.pdf: 2182488 bytes, checksum: b4cdc8123c053def10bb8bd82a5f4f0c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-10-14 / One of the characteristics of contemporary society is the validation of the functions and attributes of image: looking, viewing and seeing can be considered as a hyper-cognization of vision. To move from the behavior of those who are able to see and those who are blind can mean much more than the contrasts between seeing and not seeing, between light and dark, or other antinomies. Anthropological studies based only on what is explicit, what is visible, and what can be observed are able to exacerbate differences and be represented as poor guides of what people do, know, or think. However, blind individuals have been the object of systematic studies, as carriers of special needs or in the condition of a minority to be included. Although the term carriers of special needs is a traditionally accepted way to refer to a social group, without the label of handicap , it is not self-clarifying, for, if considered individually, everyone presents specific, special needs. The eyes, blindness and vision were analyzed under the perspective of science and mythology. The aim of this work is to enter the sea of blindness without stereotypes, that is, to attempt to understand the invisible and lacunary universe of thought in which the blind person is located and the sensitive and relatively continuous world the visible world represented by the screen. For this work, we have analyzed two movies: Blindness and Red Like the Sky and the documentary Janela da alma [Window of the Soul]. University students from the São Gabriel campus, from PUC Minas, were census-like surveyed in order to identify those blind and carrier of low vision, who presented their perspective in relation to the seventh art / A sociedade contemporânea tem como uma de suas características a valorização das funções e atributos da imagem: o olhar, a visão e o enxergar, podem ser considerados como uma hiper-cognização da visão. Transitar entre o comportamento das pessoas que enxergam e o das cegas pode significar muito além dos contrastes entre ver e não ver, entre claro e escuro, ou outras antinomias. Estudos antropológicos baseados apenas no que é explícito, no que é visível, e no que pode ser observado podem exacerbar diferenças e se configurar como guias pobres sobre o que as pessoas fazem, sabem ou pensam. A pessoa cega tem sido objeto de estudos sistemáticos, porém, como portadora de necessidades especiais ou na sua condição de minoria a ser incluída. Embora a terminologia portadores de necessidades especiais seja uma forma tradicionalmente aceita para se referenciar a um grupo social sem a pecha de deficiente, ela não é auto-esclarecedora, pois se consideradas individualmente, todas as pessoas apresentam necessidades específicas, especiais. Penetrar no mar da cegueira sem estereótipos é a proposta deste trabalho: tentar entender o universo do pensamento invisível e lacunar no qual a pessoa cega se situa e o mundo sensível e relativamente contínuo o mundo visível representado pela tela. Os olhos, a cegueira e a visão foram analisados sob a perspectiva da ciência e da mitologia. Foram analisadas as películas Ensaio sobre a cegueira, Vermelho como o céu e o documentário Janela da alma. Foram entrevistados de forma censitária os alunos da Unidade São Gabriel, da PUC Minas para levantar a identificação dos universitários cegos e portadores de baixa visão, que apresentaram sua perspectiva em relação à sétima arte

Orientador: Cassia Leticia Carrara Domiciano / Banca: Fausto Orsi Medola / Banca: Deborah Viviane Ferrari / Resumo: Essa dissertação de mestrado apresenta uma investigação com foco no Design Gráfico Inclusivo aplicado à área da Educação. Propõe uma revisão bibliográfica em áreas como o design gráfico, design inclusivo, design educacional, necessidades educacionais especiais, educação especial, tecnologias assistivas, inclusão digital e acessibilidade web, além de reflexões a respeito do desenvolvimento de materiais digitais acessíveis, que possam atender também às crianças com necessidades específicas de aprendizagem. Objetiva analisar, comparar e gerar diretrizes e parâmetros projetuais em design gráfico para o desenvolvimento de objetos de aprendizagem digitais que sejam acessíveis ao público infantil, contemplando tanto crianças normotípicas, como aquelas com necessidades educacionais especiais, como dislexia, cegueira, baixa-visão, daltonismo, surdez e baixa-audição, visando inovar os métodos de ensino-aprendizagem para esse público. Elenca, compara e analisa recomendações de acessibilidade relacionados à identidade gráfica de um ambiente digital (tipografia, cores, mídias, elementos interativos e de acessibilidade web), provindos de pesquisas teóricas e dos órgãos de fomento a acessibilidade: WCAG (2014) e E-MAG (2014), de caráter exploratório descritivo e empírico. Pretende ainda, por meio de pesquisa de campo, com a aplicação de um objeto de aprendizagem digital inclusivo a uma amostra de conveniência de nove usuários e auxílio da tecnologia de eye-tracking, colocar à prova recomend... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This dissertation presents an investigation focusing on the Inclusive Graphic Design applied to the area of Education. It proposes a bibliographic review in areas such as graphic design, inclusive design, educational design, special educational needs, special education, assistive technologies, digital inclusion and web accessibility, as well as reflections on the development of accessible digital materials that can atend children with specific learning needs. It aims to analyze, compare and generate design guidelines and parameters in graphic design for the development of digital learning objects that are accessible to children, contemplating both normotypic children and those with special educational needs such as dyslexia, blindness, low vision, color blindness, deafness and low-hearing, aiming to innovate teaching-learning methods for this audience. Lists, compares and analyzes accessibility recommendations related to the graphic identity of a digital environment (typography, colors, media, interactive elements and web accessibility), coming from theoretical research and from the agencies promoting accessibility: WCAG (2014) and E-MAG (2014), with a descriptive and empirical exploratory character. It also intends, through field research, to apply an inclusive digital learning object to a convenience sample of nine users and aid in eye-tracking technology, to test design recommendations for the development of digital materials, which children with or without special educati... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Background and Purpose: Dance has demonstrated beneficial effects on mobility in older individuals with movement disorders; yet, effects of partnered dance remain unexamined in individuals with chronic stroke. The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of adapted tango classes on balance, mobility, gait, endurance, dual-task ability, quality of life (QOL), and enjoyment in an older individual with chronic stroke and visual impairment. Case Description: D.L. was a 73-year-old African American man, 13 years poststroke with spastic hemiplegia, visual impairment, and multiple comorbidities. Intervention: D.L. attended 20 1?-hour tango classes adapted for older individuals with sensory and motor impairments over 11 weeks. Outcomes: Measures of balance, mobility, gait, endurance, dual-task ability, and QOL were evaluated before and after the intervention and at 1-month follow-up. D.L. improved on the Berg Balance Scale, 30-s chair stand, Timed Up and Go (single, manual, and cognitive conditions), 6-Minute Walk Test, and backward gait speed. Not all measures improved: balance confidence decreased, and there was no change in forward and fast gait speed or QOL, as measured by the Short Form-12 and the Visual Function Questionnaire–25. Some gains were maintained at one-month follow-up. D.L. reported enjoying the classes, noted improvement in physical well-being, and wanted to continue the program. Discussion: Thirty hours of adapted tango lessons improved balance, mobility, endurance, and dual-task ability in a participant with chronic stroke. The participant enjoyed the classes, was adherent, and wished to continue. This is the first reported use of adapted tango dance as rehabilitation for an individual with chronic stroke and low vision.

Thesis (M. OPT.) -- University of Limpopo, 2001 / Refer to document

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2015 / Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment (low vision and blindness) among eye clinic patients at Nkhensani hospital in Limpopo province, South Africa. Methods: This was a cross sectional design in which 400 stratified participants aged ≥ 6 years were selected {100 participants in each stratum (6 – 18; 19 – 35; 36 – 59 and ≥ 60 years)}. Presenting, pinhole and best corrected visual acuities were measured using a logMAR E chart. Where reduced visual acuity (VA) was due to uncorrected refractive errors (UREs), ophthalmic lenses were used to compensate for the refractive errors using subjective refraction method and best corrected VA was measured. All participants underwent external and internal ocular examinations using ophthalmoscope to detect eye diseases. Participants with ocular pathology were referred to the ophthalmic nurse and/or ophthalmologist for further management. Refractive error findings were elaborated on in this study in order to highlight the importance and impact of this eye condition. Results: The ages of participants ranged from 6 to 92 years with mean of 39.5 ± 23.5 years. They included 161 (40.3%) males and 239 (59.8%) females. The prevalence of significant visual impairment (SVI) (VA < 6/18 to no light perception, i.e. low vision and blindness), low vision and blindness based on presenting visual acuity (PVA) in the right eye were 34.8%, 16.3% and 18.5% respectively while the prevalence based on the best corrected VA were 24.0%, 7.5% and 16.5% respectively. Based on the PVA, there was a significant association between age (Chi = 71.6; df =3; p = 0.00) and gender (Chi = 8.9; df =1; p = 0.003) with visual impairment (VI) of the right eye. In the left eye, the prevalence of SVI, low vision and blindness based on PVA were 35.8%, 17.5% and 18.3% respectively, while the prevalence based on best corrected VA were 24.8%, 8.5% and 16.3% respectively. Based on PVA, there was a significant association between age and visual impairment in the left eye (Chi = 52.9; df =3; p = 0.00) but there was no association between gender and VI (Chi = 1.9; df =1; p = 0.163). In both eyes, the prevalence of SVI, low vision and blindness based on PVA were 27.0%, 17.5% and 10.3% respectively, while the prevalence based on best corrected VA were 16.8%, 3.8% and 9.5% respectively. Based on the PVA, there was a significant association between age and VI (Chi = 54.1; df =3; p = 0.00) and gender and VI (Chi = 4.7; df =1; p = 0.03) in both eyes. iv The causes of significant visual impairment were uncorrected refractive errors (38.0%), cataract (25.9%) and glaucoma (17.6%) in both eyes. Among all participants, the leading causes of low vision based on presenting VA were uncorrected refractive errors (56.7%), cataract (20.9%) and glaucoma (9.0%). The main causes of blindness in both eyes were cataract (34.1%), glaucoma (31.7%) and corneal anomalies (17.1%) based on presenting visual acuity. After optical corrections, the main causes of VI were cataract (39.4%), glaucoma (28.8%) and corneal anomalies (18.2%). The main causes of low vision were cataract (42.9%), glaucoma (21.4%) and corneal anomalies (17.9%), while the main causes of blindness were cataract (39.5%), glaucoma (34.2%) and corneal anomalies (15.8%). Conclusion: The findings in this study indicate that the overall prevalence of visual impairment, low vision and blindness among patients attending the Nkhensani hospital eye clinic were 27.0%, 16.8% and 10.3% respectively. The main causes of visual impairment, low vision and blindness were uncorrected refractive errors, cataract and glaucoma. A focus on the optical correction of refractive errors and surgical intervention in the case of cataract would lead to a significant reduction in the burden of visual impairment among patients who utilise Nkhensani hospital for eye care services. Also, early detection and appropriate management of glaucoma will reduce the burden of this ocular morbidity. A significant proportion of these prevailing ocular morbidities are avoidable and with appropriate management, visual impairment is preventable.

Many individuals with impaired vision experience a decreased quality of life. Quality of life is defined as "the degree to which an individual enjoys the important possibilities of their life. " Vision rehabilitation outcomes primarily focus on the functional impacts of interventions, with less attention being paid to any associated psychosocial impacts. This study examines the relationship between measures of visual function status and psychosocial status in individuals acquiring low vision assistive devices for the first time. One hundred and twenty subjects were evaluated after purchasing their first low vision device from a University-based low vision clinic. The measures used were the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 25) and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scales (PIADS). The NEI-VFQ 25 measures the status of visual function, while PIADS is a device impact measure, which explores the psychosocial impact of devices on three domains: competence, adaptability, and self-esteem. This study determines the strength of association between these two measures at initial and follow-up administrations, and between each subsequent measure as a result of the time interval between administrations, in addition to assessing whether or not a change in stability for the measures occurred over time. Modest strengths of associations were anticipated and the short time interval was not expected to be a factor in change in stability of the measures. The expectation was that subjective reports of functional changes should have a moderate correlation with psychosocial impact.

Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att jämföra Multilens Bilux Iris-glas mot deras vanliga polariserade filterglas på syncentralspatienter med uttalade bländningsbesvär. Metod: I studien undersöktes 15 personer mellan 42-89 år. Försökspersonerna som hade bokad tid hos Syncentralen i Kalmar fick valet att ställa upp på en studie där de skulle få testa ytterligare ett filterglas. Patienterna återkallades efter ett par veckor då synskärpetester gjordes i hög och lågkontrast med och utan bländningsbelysning. Undersökningen innefattade även en intervju under vilken patienten fick berätta vad han/hon tyckte om respektive glas. Resultat: Kontrast påverkade visus. Högkontrast visus påverkades inte nämnvärt med olika filterglasen eller bländning. För lågkontrast visus fanns heller ingen signifikant skillnad mellan filterglasen med eller utan bländning. En del patienter upplevde bättre synförhållanden med Bilux i vissa situationer. Slutsats: Högkontrast samt lågkontrast visus påverkades inte nämnvärt med de olika filterglasen eller med bländning. Subjektivt upplevdes förbättrade synförhållanden i vissa situationer med Bilux och vanliga filterglas. / The aim of this study was to compare Multilens Bilux Iris against their regular polarized filter-glasses on low vision subjects with pronounced light sensitivity. A total of 15 people aged 42-89 years participated in the study. All were patients at the low-vision clinic at the hospital in Kalmar, Sweden. Patients were recruited during a prior routine examination whereby they were asked if they would be willing to participate in a study in which they would have the chance to try an extra pair of filter-glasses. The patients were recalled after a few weeks for the examination. Patients’ high- and low contrast visual acuity was measured both with and without glare. An interview with all of the patients was also conducted regarding the different filter lenses. This study showed no significant difference in high contrast or low contrast visual acuity, with or without the different filters examined during this study. A subjective difference was however detected between filters under certain situations.

Many individuals with impaired vision experience a decreased quality of life. Quality of life is defined as "the degree to which an individual enjoys the important possibilities of their life. " Vision rehabilitation outcomes primarily focus on the functional impacts of interventions, with less attention being paid to any associated psychosocial impacts. This study examines the relationship between measures of visual function status and psychosocial status in individuals acquiring low vision assistive devices for the first time. One hundred and twenty subjects were evaluated after purchasing their first low vision device from a University-based low vision clinic. The measures used were the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 25) and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scales (PIADS). The NEI-VFQ 25 measures the status of visual function, while PIADS is a device impact measure, which explores the psychosocial impact of devices on three domains: competence, adaptability, and self-esteem. This study determines the strength of association between these two measures at initial and follow-up administrations, and between each subsequent measure as a result of the time interval between administrations, in addition to assessing whether or not a change in stability for the measures occurred over time. Modest strengths of associations were anticipated and the short time interval was not expected to be a factor in change in stability of the measures. The expectation was that subjective reports of functional changes should have a moderate correlation with psychosocial impact.

In the context of a society were the Web is present in many aspects, there is asignificant amount of visually impaired users whose experience is far from beingsatisfactory. There are technologies aiming this problem but still with no full suc-cess. The problem addressed in this project is the existing gap between the visuallyimpaired users and the solutions being offered to them. As a solution to this problem,a middleware prototype is developed. It acts as a web application so the user doesnot need to install anything. The middleware also offers different adaptations to theuser such as amplifying lens, text narrator, and others. The solution was tested byvisually impaired users and it received an overall positive result. Some features likethe amplifying lens received a good value and some of them need further improve-ment.