Date of Award

1998

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Peggy Mohr

Keywords

Blindness; Vision Disorders; Child Development; Child; Infant

Abstract

Blindness is a disability with far reaching effects. Many of these effects are physical and can be seen clinically in children who have been blind for much, or all, of their lives. As physical therapists, we have the technical skills to assist in reducing the effects of the functional deficits that are associated with blindness. However, we are often unaware of these deficits, or have trouble adapting our treatment techniques to fit the needs of children who are blind or have visual impairments.

The purpose of this study is to provide a video that will demonstrate techniques that are specially adapted to meet the needs and skills of children who are blind or visually impaired, and to educate physical therapists on the physical deficits that often develop in children who are blind.

The techniques will be developed through a review of the literature. The research will outline deficits commonly found in children who were born blind. The techniques included in the video will be based on their application for children with visual impairments and their relevance to physical therapy treatment and goals . . This video will be designed as a tool for educating therapists about physical deficits associated with blindness and possible treatment options. It is hoped that this study will lead to greater efficacy and ease of treatment with the population of the visually impaired.

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