ObjectiveEd is one of the collaborators participating in the American Foundation for the Blind’s Access and Engagement study on how COVID-19 was impacting the education of students with visual impairments, and this study needs your help.
The first phase of this study was completed in spring 2020: 455 families and 1,028 TVIs and O&M specialists participated, and you can read the executive summary here: https://afb.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/AFB_AccessEngage_ExecSummary_Accessible_P1.pdf?_ga=2.159752125.1098882138.1604331389-1756867749.1603834049
The second phase is now open – please take this 30-45 minute survey by clicking here:
https://www.accessengagement.com/
Why should you complete the survey?
- If your child or student is experiencing accessibility issues, we need to let companies, school districts, and policymakers know, so solutions can be developed and implemented.
- We need to know if children with visual impairments are progressing in their education. If children are not progressing, we need to advocate for additional services and time on their IFSPs and IEPs.
- We need to understand if children have the technology tools they need, Internet access, and if their family members have the skills to support students in their technology use. If they don’t, we need to advocate for changes.
- We need to understand the impact of online, hybrid and in person instruction on students with visual impairments, their families, and professionals.
PLEASE REACH OUT TO FAMILIES WHO MAY NOT BE ONLINE AND OFFER TO SUPPORT THEM IN COMPLETING THIS IMPORTANT SURVEY!