Date of Award

Spring 5-2017

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education

Committee Chair

Hollie Filce

Committee Chair Department

Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education

Committee Member 2

John Bishop

Committee Member 2 Department

Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education

Committee Member 3

Stacy Reeves

Committee Member 3 Department

Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education

Committee Member 4

David Daves

Committee Member 4 Department

Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education

Abstract

This research study was aimed at describing the experiences of visually impaired students and their teachers about their experiences within the general education setting. The purpose of this study was to collect and report interview data, corroborated with observational data in order to provide rich, descriptive data based on the participants’ experiences. A case study approach was used to gather the data in a naturalistic setting. In this case study, all student participants were individuals with visual impairments along the spectrum of being legally blind.

Findings of this study revealed four emerging themes that produced evidence of the unique participant’s experiences. These four themes were described as: acknowledging sense of self, depending on structures of support, desiring a sense of normalcy, and responding to barriers. From the emergence of these, several implications related to the participant’s experiences revealed a support in literature related to teacher training and support and providing appropriate services.

ORCID ID

0000-0003-2054-5190

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