The researcher found little information in literature reviewed about how Gestalt Play Therapy is being used in the treatment of visually impaired children. The aim of the study was to expand knowledge regarding this issue. A basic qualitative research study of an exploratory and descriptive nature was undertaken to describe how this therapy may be used in the treatment of such children. A representative sample was drawn from the population, consisting of gestalt play therapists who previously provided assistance to these children, using a purposive non-probability method. Data collection took place through the execution of semi-structured telephone interviews. Collected data was analysed using the Thematic Content Analysis to search for related themes (in line with the objectives of the study) in transcribed interviews. The general conclusion drawn from the empirical data was that gestalt play therapy can be used to good effect in the treatment of visually impaired children. / Die navorser het gevind dat daar weinig inligting in die literatuur beskikbaar is oor hoe gestaltspelterapie in die hulpverlening aan visueel gestremde kinders benut kan word. Die doel van die navorsingstudie was dus om kennis uit te brei rakende die benutting van gestaltspelterapie in die hulpverlening aan visueel gestremde kinders. 'n Basiese kwalitatiewe navorsingstudie met 'n verkennende en beskrywende aard is onderneem om te beskryf hoe gestaltspelterapie benut word met betrekking tot visueel gestremde kinders. 'n Verteenwoordigende steekproef is getrek, volgens 'n doelgerigte nie-waarskynlikheidsmetode, vanuit die populasie bestaande uit gestaltspelterapeute wat al van tevore hulp aan visueel gestremde kinders verleen het. Data-insameling het plaasgevind deur middel van semi-gestruktureerde telefoniese onderhoude. Die versamelde data is volgens die Tematiese Inhoudsanalise ontleed deur verbandhoudende temas (ooreenkomstig die doel van die studie) in getranskribeerde onderhoude te soek. Die algemene gevolgtrekking wat vanuit die empiriese bevindinge gemaak kan word, is dat gestaltspelterapie wel in die hulpverlening aan visueel gestremde kinders benut kan word. / Social Work / M.Diac. (Play Therapy)

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

Cette recherche porte sur les apprentissages médiés par les TICE chez les étudiants déficients visuels. La particularité de ces apprentissages réside dans la nécessité d’utiliser des outils informatiques adaptés afin de pallier le manque de vision. La dernière décennie s’inscrit dans un contexte où le cadre législatif en faveur des personnes en situation de handicap se met en place en parallèle d’une expansion du numérique. Nous prenons appui sur un corpus audio et audiovisuel issu d’expérience d’apprentissage in situ et d’entretiens semi-qualitatifs. Grâce à un système d’analyse pluridisciplinaire (analyse de contenu, analyse du discours, sociocognitivisme) notre étude vise, d’une part, à analyser quels sont les freins humains et techniques subsistant dans l’apprentissage de ces étudiants. D’autre part, nous nous intéressons aux stratégies d’adaptation mises en oeuvre par les étudiants mais aussi par les acteurs de la vie universitaire afin de pallier la déficience visuelle. Enfin, en explorant les différentes modalités sensorielles, nous nous attachons à apporter des pistes de réflexion et des préconisations visant à améliorer les conditions d’apprentissage. / This research deals with learning and ICT with visually impaired students. This learning particularity needs to use appropriate tools to supply the lack of vision. During the last decade, the legislative framework for people with disabilities has been set up in parallel with an expansion of digital technology. We have based our work on audio and audiovisual data with in situ learning experience and semi-qualitative interviews. Using a system of multidisciplinary analysis (content analysis, discourse analysis, sociocognitivism), our study analyze first what are the human and technical obstacles remaining in the learning of these students. Second, we focus on strategies used by students but also by those involved in university environment to compensate a visual impaired. Finally, exploring the different sensory modalities, we strive to provide reflection and recommendations for improving these learning conditions.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-27T14:31:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcos Leonel de Souza.pdf: 2163197 bytes, checksum: 2f22abcfffe6cf38e613763f69c93ddf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-10-15 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This research is part of the Graduate Program in Education: Curriculum of Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, in the research line New Technologies in Education. Performed in the context of Network São Paulo Program of Teacher Training - REDEFOR, the research aimed to analyze the accessibility adequacies implemented in teaching materials of an e-learning course for production of e-Book accessible to people with visual disabilities in order to suggest references for the production of other materials in the same format. The theoretical background was based on aspects related to people with visual disabilities, e-learning, accessibility to digital materials, description, audio description, normative references of World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and accessible e-Book. Adopting a qualitative approach, the procedures for data collection included document analysis, semi-structured interviews with two individuals who were responsible for the description of the REDEFOR course materials, and the researcher inferences as part of the team. Data analysis was performed from three categories: flow and team work, work development, and future suggestions and recommendations. It was observed that the production of an accessible e-Book with regard to the team work, resembles the production and management of e-learning courses, and therefore requires a multidisciplinary team. The survey also showed that it is important to predict during the planning and development of e-learning courses, the suitability of the materials to make them accessible. Finally, references were made for production of digital materials in e-Book format, accessible to people with visual disabilities, such as: perform image description mainly considering the context in which it is inserted and your goal in the material; avoid attributing value judgment about the description carried out; be impartial and succinct in describing, focusing only for what is essential to its understanding; keep the images in the material and have their embedded description via Alt tag , which allows access and recognition by screen readers; for videos should use audio description, subtitles and window for Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS); simplify the tables and charts, as far as possible, so that one can describe its contents; and describe symbols only when their use is not merely illustrative or iconic, or in case of show some damage for the material if it was abolished. The recommendations presented emphasize both the implementation of new actions to put the materials in an accessible way for existing e-learning courses, and for disseminating the culture and the habit of producing materials with accessibility, contributing to inclusion of all / A presente pesquisa insere-se no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação: Currículo da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, na linha de pesquisa Novas Tecnologias em Educação. Realizada no contexto do Programa Rede São Paulo de Formação Docente REDEFOR, a investigação teve como objetivo analisar as adequações de acessibilidade implementadas em materiais didáticos de um curso a distância para produção de e-book acessível às pessoas com deficiência visual, a fim de sugerir referências para produção de outros materiais neste mesmo formato. O referencial teórico baseou-se em aspectos relacionados à pessoa com deficiência visual, Educação a Distância, acessibilidade em materiais digitais, descrição, audiodescrição, normativas do W3C e e-book acessível. Adotando uma abordagem qualitativa, os procedimentos para coleta de dados incluíram análise documental, entrevista semiestruturada com dois sujeitos responsáveis pela descrição dos materiais dos cursos REDEFOR, e inferências do próprio pesquisador enquanto integrante da equipe. A análise dos dados foi realizada a partir de três categorias: Fluxo e equipe de trabalho, Desenvolvimento do trabalho e Sugestões e recomendações futuras. Observou-se que a produção de um e-book acessível, no que se refere à equipe de trabalho, assemelha-se à produção e gerenciamento de cursos a distância, exigindo, portanto, uma equipe multidisciplinar. A pesquisa apontou ainda que é importante prever, durante o planejamento e elaboração de cursos em EaD, a adequação dos materiais para torná-los acessíveis. Por fim, foram apresentadas referências para produção de materiais digitais em formato de e-book acessível para pessoas com deficiência visual, como por exemplo: realizar a descrição de imagem considerando principalmente o contexto em que ela está inserida bem como seu objetivo no material; evitar atribuir juízo de valor à descrição realizada; ser imparcial e sucinto na descrição, primando somente pelo que é essencial para seu entendimento; manter as imagens no material e ter sua descrição embutida via tag Alt , que permite acesso e reconhecimento por leitores de telas; nos vídeos utilizar audiodescrição, legenda e janela libras; simplificar as tabelas e os gráficos, na medida do possível, para que se possa descrever seu conteúdo; e, descrever símbolos somente quando sua utilização não for meramente ilustrativa ou icônica, ou ainda, se apresentarem algum prejuízo ao material quando suprimidos. As recomendações apresentadas enfatizam a implementação de novas ações tanto para tornar acessíveis materiais já existentes para curso em EaD, quanto para disseminar a cultura e o hábito de produzir materiais com acessibilidade, contribuindo para inclusão de todos

The primary question for this dissertation was: Does online professional development increase novice itinerant Teachers of Students with Visual impairments' (TVI) efficacy for assessing learning and literacy media for students with multiple disabilities including visual impairments? The literature suggested novice TVIs might experience low efficacy when implementing strategies unique to their job after leaving teacher-training programs. Working in an itinerant position can intensify perceptions of low efficacy. One area of low efficacy was conducting and reporting on the assessment of learning and literacy media (ALLM). Using a quasi-experimental pre/post-design, data were collected from pre/postintervention knowledge questionnaires about the assessment process and pre/postintervention written ALLM reports. Eleven participants with 1-5 years of experience as TVIs were divided into control and intervention groups. Four online modules were delivered to the intervention group. The data were analyzed using two dependent and two independent sample t tests. The results indicated the change scores between the control groups pre- and post-submissions did not improve. The change scores between the intervention groups pre- and post-submissions did significantly improve after participation in the online modules. The change scores overall between the intervention and control groups' pre/post submissions were statistically significant. The intervention group completed an acceptability rating scale regarding the feasibility of the modules and the results had an average score of 3.5 (4 = strongly agree). The primary limitation of this study was the small sample size and, therefore, did not allow for generalization.

With the advancements in medicine and welfare systems, the average life span of modern human beings is expanding, creating a new market for elderly care and assistive technology. Along with the development of assistive devices based on traditional aids such as voice-readers, electronic wheelchairs, and prosthetic limbs, a robotic platform is one of the most suitable platforms for providing multi-purpose assistance in human life. This research focuses on the transference of environmental perception to a human user through the use of interactive multi-modal feedback and an assistive robotic platform. A novel framework for haptic telepresence is presented to solve the problem, and state-of-the-art methodologies from computer vision, haptics, and robotics are utilized. The objective of this research is to design a framework that achieves the following: 1) This framework integrates visual perception from heterogeneous vision sensors, 2) it enables real-time interactive haptic representation of the real world through a mobile manipulation robotic platform and a haptic interface, and 3) it achieves haptic fusion of multiple sensory modalities from the robotic platform and provides interactive feedback to the human user. Specifically, a set of multi-disciplinary algorithms such as stereo-vision processes, three-dimensional (3D) map-building algorithms, and virtual-proxy based haptic volume representation processes will be integrated into a unified framework to successfully accomplish the goal. The application area of this work is focused on, but not limited to, assisting people with visual impairment with a robotic platform by providing multi-modal feedback of the environment.

This study describes the factors influencing user satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the quality and delivery of services at by the Montreal Association for the Blind (MAB). It involved the development of a 119-item questionnaire which was administered to a stratified sample of 60 users served by four organizational multidisciplinary teams. The data were collected through users' records via the MAB computer data base and face-to-face structured interviews. High levels of satisfaction were reported, both overall and for individual aspects of services; highest for the Early Intervention Program and lowest for User Empowerment. Older respondents were significantly more satisfied than younger respondents with general services. Younger and better educated users were found to be the least satisfied with the attention given to their questions and overall needs, and with the information provided. Low User Empowerment scores suggest that the Users' Committee may wish to explore various ways to communicate information.

This thesis explored standardized assessment practices and analyzed accommodations commonly provided to address the unique needs of students with a sensory impairment. Current assessment practices in Indiana result in well below average scores on the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress - Plus (ISTEP+) and the Graduation Qualifying Examination (GQE) for students who have a sensory impairment. Using a mixed-method of qualitative and quantitative processes, the researcher postulated that if assessment processes were equitable for this population of students, their scores should approximate the normal distribution seen in the overall state totals for the total school population; albeit with a slightly lower trajectory. Reasoning being that the overall population of students with a sensory impairment spans from students with high ability to students with multiple disabilities. Through a literature review and meta-analysis on the topic of assessment, surveys and discussions with varied local experts, and interviews with state and national experts in the sensory areas represented, this study sought to establish a framework for accommodating this population of students on standardized assessments. Using descriptive analysis procedures, the various data sets brought forth 25 qualities or practices that the diverse experts agreed should be in place when assessing this population of students. The data reflected a high level of consensus among parents, teachers, state, and national experts regardless of region of state represented. The data also reflected consensus across sensory subgroups (blind, deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing/cochlear implant, and low vision). The research concluded with a modified confirmatory factor analysis of the 25 qualities with the state-dictated permissible accommodations published in the test guidance manual. This analysis revealed less than half of the perceived best practices were in place for the current state-mandated assessment system. Suggestions for improving accommodation options on future assessment procedures and the prospective for further research were offered. / Department of Special Education

This study reported responses regarding factors which influenced the initial involvement and retention in sport by athletes with visual impairments competing at national and international levels. Fifty-five (55) athletes with visual impairments (40 male and 15 female) in attendance at five of the 1992 United States Association for Blind Athletes (USABA) national championships were interviewed. The championships included: judo, track & field (divided into two separate competitions; sprinters and field events; and distance runners), swimming, and goal ball. Athletes who were selected for and did participate in the Paralympics in Barcelona numbered 24. Biographic and demographic information were gathered in addition to 43 descriptive and open-ended questions in hour-long interviews.In general, the athletes interviewed were successful in their early contacts with sport, did not think of themselves as handicapped, disabled, or physically challenged, preferred to be referred to as visually impaired, and came from very supportive families who did not hinder their progress in sport. The positive factors perceived to influence involvement in sport were quality of life issues. Factors mentioned included: fun, health and fitness, friendships, and competition. Other comments of interest not falling into the above categories included: "high level of success", "satisfaction", "challenge", "enjoyment", "increased self-esteem", "self-confidence", "puts life in perspective", "I have a better outlook", "it balances my life", and "keeps my life normal".For a person with a visual impairment, sport seems to have some unique contributing qualities. Participation in sport was an important part of the lives of these athletes and contributed greatly to improved confidence and self-esteem, and to their efforts to be accepted by society in general. Sport was the means to an end and not the end itself as evidenced in the relatively small number of responses (nine out of 55) relating 'winning' as reason for involvement. Failure did not mean losing as defined by the score at the end of a competition. At this time in the history of sport for athletes with visual impairments, it appears that involvement in sport is a great asset to personal life satisfaction. / Department of Educational Leadership

Acompanha: Kit didático funções do 2º grau: acessível às pessoas com deficiência visual / Esta pesquisa traz como tema principal o ensino de matemática para alunos com deficiência visual e a inclusão desses alunos na rede regular de ensino. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, aplicada, e a abordagem para o seu desenvolvimento é o estudo de caso. Tem como objetivo geral desenvolver um procedimento metodológico que possibilite aos alunos com deficiência visual, inclusos em aulas regulares, a apropriação do conteúdo matemático Funções do 2° grau. Fundamenta-se principalmente no pressuposto sócio-histórico. O estudo foi efetivado em um colégio público no estado do Paraná, em uma turma do 1º ano do ensino médio onde estuda uma aluna com deficiência visual. A coleta de dados foi feita por meio de observações em sala de aula, entrevistas semiestruturadas com alunos, professores e equipe pedagógica que foram gravadas em áudio, anotadas e avaliadas. A partir da análise dos dados obtidos em entrevistas elaboramos um material didático e realizamos a intervenção pedagógica. A análise dos dados dessa pesquisa foi fundamentada na teoria sócio-histórica. Os resultados mostram que a aluna com deficiência visual apropriou-se dos conceitos referentes ao conteúdo Funções do 2º grau mediante o procedimento metodológico e instrumento mediador adequado. Além disso, comprovou-se que é possível ensinar matemática aos alunos deficientes visuais com os demais alunos da turma e contribuir para o ensino de matemática com vistas à promoção da inclusão escolar. Como produto final desta, apresenta-se material didático concreto intitulado “Funções do 2º grau” que configura um kit com todos os materiais utilizados na intervenção. / This research brings as a main theme the mathematics teaching for students with visual impairment and the inclusion of these students at regular school network. It is about a qualitative nature research, applied, and the approach for its development is the case study. It has as general objective to develop a methodological procedure that enable students with visual impairment included in regular classrooms, the appropriation of mathematical content Quadratic Function. It is mainly based on historical cultural assumption. The study was carried out in a public school in the state of Parana, in a first-year high school class where a visually impaired girl studies. The data collection was done through observations, in the classroom, semistructured interviews with students, teachers and pedagogical team, recorded in áudio, annotated and evaluated. From the analysis of data obtained in interviews we made a didactic material and we accomplish the pedagogical intervention. The analysis and interpretation of data from this survey, was performed by means of categories based on historical cultural theory. The research results show, that the student with visual impairment learned the concepts related to the content Quadratic Functions through the suitable methodological procedure and by means of an apprpriate mediating instrument. Besides that it has been proven that it is possible to teach mathematics to visually impaired students with the other students in the class and contribute for the teaching of mathematics with the aim of promoting school inclusion. As the final product of this concrete didatic material is presented "Quadratic Functions" which has a kit with all the materials used in the intervention.