Employability preparations for children and young people with blindness or low vision in Australia.

Abstract

This research investigated employment preparations for children and young people with blindness or low vision (BLV). Vision is our primary learning sense. Children and young people with BLV are unlikely to automatically learn concepts, knowledge and skills about employment because their ability to learn incidentally through vision is compromised. Without deliberate intervention to mitigate for the functional impacts of BLV, children and young people are at risk of not developing skills which would prepare them for future employment.

This research project comprises two studies. Study One used a qualitative descriptive research design to explore the current scenario for young people with BLV as they prepare to transition into employment. Three groups were recruited – young people (aged 15-20 years; n=9) with BLV; parents of young people with BLV (n=10); and vision support teachers (n=11). Data were collected via interview.

Study Two focused on the development and evaluation of the STAR Kit employability home program for children with BLV and their parents. Findings from Study One, and tenets from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen, 2008) guided the STAR Kit’s design principles and inclusions. Ten children (5-11 years) with BLV and their parents participated in the study. A mixed methods approach was used including an experimental cross-over design and a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected via interviews to understand the impact of the STAR Kit on beliefs and aspirations about future employment; investigate behavioural drivers for participating in employability-building tasks; and gather participants’ perspectives about the STAR Kit. Findings emphasised the importance of starting employment preparations at an early age; providing parents with resources to support their child or young person to prepare for future employment; designing programs to fit into family life; and taking measures to address family readiness for employability programs.