APH | NFB Jernigan Institute Survey on the Performance of Youth Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired in the areas of Math and Science

National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute
Survey on the Performance of Youth Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired in the areas of Math and Science

Based on anecdotal reporting, and studies such as the Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study (SEELS), we know that students who are blind or visually impaired lag behind their sighted peers in the areas of science and math. The intention of this survey is to build on previous research and identify more precisely the resources required to improve the participation and success level in science and math of students who are blind or visually impaired. Summaries of the survey data will be available to other researchers and will be reported on the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Jernigan Institute Web site (http://www.nfb.org/nfbrti/enter.htm) and other appropriate venues. It is not necessary to identify yourself when submitting this survey, and individual responses will be handled confidentially.

This research is part of an overall vision initiated and led by the NFB Jernigan Institute to establish a National Center for Blind Youth in Science (NCBYS). The NCBYS will serve as a national clearinghouse of information, resources, and opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired to excel in STEM-science, technology, engineering, and math-related subjects and careers. The advisory work group for the NCBYS includes individuals from the American Printing House for the Blind, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Whiting School of Engineering of Johns Hopkins University, the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University, as well as experienced educators and scientists who are themselves blind. This survey will gather data to assist the NFB Jernigan Institute and the advisory work group in focusing the development of the NCBYS around the most critical issues impacting students who are blind or visually impaired, and the educators working with them, in science and math. We appreciate your completion of this survey and welcome any suggestions you have for the NFB Jernigan Institute as we create a future full of opportunities for blind youth in science and math.

If you wish to receive updates on the development of the NCBYS please provide your contact information to Mark A. Riccobono at mriccobono@nfb.org. For any additional questions or comments regarding this survey or the development of the National Center for Blind Youth in Science, contact:

Mark A. Riccobono, Manager of Education Programs
Jernigan Institute
National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2368
mriccobono@nfb.org

Visit the NCBYS at: http://www.nfb.org/nfbrti/science.htm

National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute
Survey on the Performance of Youth Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired in the areas of Math and Science

Please indicate whether you are a:
Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI)
Parent
General Science/Math Educator
Other

What materials and adaptations do you most commonly use in the subjects of science and math with students who are blind or visually impaired? (These could be adaptations that you use directly with students or that you recommend to general education science and math teachers).
What subjects do you find have few accessible resources available for students who are blind or visually impaired?
Are there science and math related courses in which students who are blind or visually impaired have an interest in but are excluded from due to inaccessibility? If so, what are they and what would help make them accessible?
Do your students who are blind or visually impaired participate in any extracurricular opportunities related to science and math (i.e., after school science clubs, reading science magazines, summer science programs)? Is there a need for activities or programs in this area; and if so, what suggestions would you have for the structure and content?
What specific adapted devices/instruments do you perceive are needed to improve learning opportunities for students who are blind or visually impaired in the subjects of science and math?
What are the biggest barriers facing students who are blind or visually impaired in the subjects of science and math? Are certain barriers linked to specific grade levels? How might mentors and scientists help to alleviate these barriers?
What is your greatest need as an educator to better work with students in the subjects of science and math?
Often, paraprofessionals and other individuals work with students in after school situations and clubs where scientific concepts are taught. From your experience, what type of training would best assist these individuals to work more effectively with students who are blind or visually impaired, and what are the barriers to getting this training to these individuals?
Do you have specific questions (or comments) about the science and math learning styles of students who are blind or visually impaired?
Additional comments?

Please be patient! The form will take some time to process.
Please do not hit the 'submit' button more than once.

National Federation of the Blind Jernigan InstituteSurvey on the Performance of Youth Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired in the areas of Math and Science

National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute Survey on the Performance of Youth Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired in the areas of Math and Science

National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute
Survey on the Performance of Youth Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired in the areas of Math and Science

National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute
Survey on the Performance of Youth Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired in the areas of Math and Science