How Degree Major and Demographic Factors Influence Employment and Earnings for College Graduates with Visual Impairments.

The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of employment and earnings for college graduates with visual impairments, with an emphasis on the impact of college degree major on these outcomes. We utilized American Community Survey data to conduct a multinomial logistic regression analysis predicting employment (full-time/full-year versus less than full-time/full-year and not working) and a multiple regression analysis predicting annual earnings. Our predictor variables included demographic factors previously related to employment outcomes plus 25 college degree majors.

Actual and Preferred Methods for Learning to Use Assistive Technology.

This study investigated the preferred and actual methods for learning assistive technology (AT) by employed individuals who are blind or have low vision. Hands-on training was the preferred method for learning to use new AT, particularly among those who lost vision later in life. However, most participants considered self-training as their primary actual learning method.

Use of Braille in the Workplace by People Who Are Blind.

Interest in the benefits of braille for people who are blind is high among professionals in the blindness field, but we know little about how braille is used in the workplace. The broad purpose of this study was to learn how employed people who are blind use braille on the job. Specific topics investigated included: work tasks refreshable braille technology (RBT) is used for, personal and job characteristics of RBT users compared to non-users, and factors associated with RBT use among workers with at least moderate braille skills.

Employment and retirement among workers who develop vision loss in midlife.

Background: Vision loss increases with age and is thus more likely to happen later in one's career. With more individuals working beyond typical retirement age, the possibility of experiencing vision loss while working has increased.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate how developing vision loss during midlife affects employment and retirement.

Predictors of Job Retention After Onset of Visual Impairment in Late Middle Age.

We investigated factors associated with job retention after developing a visual impairment in late middle adulthood. Using longitudinal survey data from the Health and Retirement Study, we identified respondents who first reported poor eyesight or legal blindness at age 44-64 years in Waves 3-14 and who were employed in the previous wave. We conducted a multiple logistic regression analysis with job retention as the dependent variable and health and socioeconomic characteristics as independent variables.

Assistive technology use in the workplace by people with blindness and low vision: Perceived skill level, satisfaction, and challenges.

In the current labor market, assistive technology (AT) is vital to employment for people with blindness or low vision (B/LV), yet we know little about their AT use in the workplace. The purpose of this descriptive study was to increase our knowledge in this area. Participants were 314 employed people with B/LV who completed an online or phone survey about AT used on the job and perceived skill level, satisfaction, and challenges experienced with their workplace AT.

College Degree Majors and Associated Earnings: Are There Differences Between People with Visual Impairments and the General Population?

Background: College graduates without visual impairments earn more than college graduates with visual impairments. Differences in degree majors obtained or differences in earnings associated with degree majors for the two groups might explain this discrepancy in earnings.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine (a) differences in degree major categories and (b) relationships between degree majors and earnings for college graduates with and without visual impairments.

Employers' implicit attitudes about the competence of people who are blind.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an implicit measure of attitudes about the competence of people who are blind, to be used with employers, and to report on these implicit attitudes with a national sample of employers.

Method: A sample of 343 employers (i.e.

Availability of Mental Health Services for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Deaf-Blind.

A survey of state mental health agencies found that a majority have no specific policy or procedure regarding how to provide mental health services to persons who are deaf or who are deaf-blind. Agency representatives report that staff lack knowledge of how to provide mental health services to persons who are deaf-blind and the agencies lack qualified interpreters. They recommend training for social workers and counselors to address best practices in working with people who are deaf-blind concerning communication methods and strategies, physical interaction, cultural issues, everyday life, sensory deprivation, ethics, use of an interpreter, and other general issues.

The Effect of Productive Activities on Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults With Dual Sensory Loss.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of three productive activities (paid employment, volunteer work, and informal helping) to mitigate the negative effects of dual sensory loss (DSL) on depressive symptoms among older adults. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze longitudinal data from the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study. The sample consisted of 2,688 persons: 1,380 who developed DSL during the study and 1,308 who did not.

Physical status as a moderator of depressive symptoms among older adults with dual sensory loss.

Objective: This study evaluated the ability of three measures of physical status-physical activity, physical condition, and body mass index (BMI)-to moderate the relationship between dual sensory loss (DSL) and depressive symptoms in older adults.

Method: Nationally representative longitudinal data were used to develop multilevel models predicting depressive symptoms among two groups of older adults, 1380 who developed DSL during the study and 1308 without sensory loss.

Results: All three measures were associated with depressive symptoms for persons who had or would develop a DSL: participation in physical activity and being in better physical condition were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms, while lower BMI levels were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms.

The effects of developing a dual sensory loss on depression in older adults: a longitudinal study.

Objective: To determine the effect of developing a dual sensory loss (DSL) on depression over time and evaluate the impact of preexisting single sensory loss on this effect.

Method: Multilevel modeling was used to analyze data (N = 2,689) from the Health and Retirement Study.

Results: A significant increase in depression at the first report of DSL occurred, and depression increased at a significantly faster rate following DSL, in a curvilinear pattern.

Risk factors for depression among older adults with dual sensory loss.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors that are associated with depression among older adults with dual sensory loss, evaluating variables typically associated with depression in an elderly population and variables related to sensory loss.

Method: Survey data was collected from a sample of 203 adults aged 55 years and older with significant hearing and vision loss. Independent variables included demographics (as control variables), sensory loss-related factors, activity factors, and social factors.