Collaboration around Transition for Students with Visual Impairments: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods Study

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Collaboration around Transition for Students with Visual Impairments: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods Study
Language: English
Authors: Hilary E. Travers (ORCID 0000-0002-2452-2378), Christina Muri Irland
Source: Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals. 2025 48(4):287-301.
Availability: SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Visual Impairments, Students with Disabilities, Special Education Teachers, Educational Cooperation, Individualized Transition Plans, Differences, Secondary School Teachers, Barriers, Influences
Geographic Terms: Tennessee
DOI: 10.1177/21651434241303910
ISSN: 2165-1434
2165-1442
Abstract: In this explanatory mixed method study, we surveyed 79 special educators and teachers of students with visual impairments who worked with at least one transition-age youth with a visual impairment (VI) in the U.S. state of Tennessee. Following the survey, we interviewed a smaller convenience sample of 18 teachers. Across the survey and follow-up interviews, we explored (a) with whom teachers of students with VI and special educators collaborate around transition for students with VI and the frequency of their collaborations, (b) differences in collaboration partners between teachers of students with VI and special educators, and (c) perceived barriers/facilitators to collaboration. Findings indicated that both teachers of students with VI and special educators collaborate with a range of persons but at moderate frequencies. Interview findings helped identify multiple barriers to collaboration with in-school personnel, outside personnel/agencies, and families. We offer strategies to overcome these barriers to collaboration and provide recommendations for collaborative models that may improve student outcomes.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1487447
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In this explanatory mixed method study, we surveyed 79 special educators and teachers of students with visual impairments who worked with at least one transition-age youth with a visual impairment (VI) in the U.S. state of Tennessee. Following the survey, we interviewed a smaller convenience sample of 18 teachers. Across the survey and follow-up interviews, we explored (a) with whom teachers of students with VI and special educators collaborate around transition for students with VI and the frequency of their collaborations, (b) differences in collaboration partners between teachers of students with VI and special educators, and (c) perceived barriers/facilitators to collaboration. Findings indicated that both teachers of students with VI and special educators collaborate with a range of persons but at moderate frequencies. Interview findings helped identify multiple barriers to collaboration with in-school personnel, outside personnel/agencies, and families. We offer strategies to overcome these barriers to collaboration and provide recommendations for collaborative models that may improve student outcomes.
ISSN:2165-1434
2165-1442
DOI:10.1177/21651434241303910