Lifestyles of Students with Visual Impairments: Preliminary Studies of Social Networks

Abstract

In this investigation, we examined how adolescents and young adults (15- to 21-year-olds) with visual impairments spent their time engaged in academic, social, daily living, and vocational pursuits in comparison to youth without visual impairments. We conducted two studies: (a) a quantitative analysis between matched pairs of visually impaired and sighted adolescents, and (b) a qualitative analysis involving students with visual impairments only. Both studies identified socialization and career development as areas where students with visual impairments may need additional supports to achieve life success.