In the study presented here, the unique situation of Canadian students with visual impairments was examined through surveys and interviews with students and staff members of disabilities centers. The study revealed that program-completion rates are high, yet barriers exist that negatively affect the higher education experience. The staff members estimated that it takes 1.5 extra academic years for students with visual impairments to complete their programs and that, on the basis of their experience, most do complete their programs. Yet, it is possible that the estimates provided by the staff reflect
their own experience with a small group of students, rather than the entire group of Canadian students with visual impairments. However, Shaw et al. (2007) showed that the percentage of Canadians with visual impairments with diplomas or degrees was similar to that of the Canadian population as a whole, suggesting that students with visual impairments are as likely as any other students to complete their programs of study. Prior to entering institutions of higher education, the students thought that there were fewer academic and social supports available in higher education and that this perception leads other students with visual impairments to shy away from considering higher education. However, Wagner, Newman, Cameto, Levine, and Marder (2007) found that 94% of youths with visual impairments believe they will continue on to higher education, although many do not expect to complete their diplomas (31%) or degrees (19%). This attitude may reflect students’ lack of confidence in their abilities. On the basis of their own experiences, the students and staff perceived that students may not apply to institutions of higher education because of low selfconfidence. Having low confidence may reflect an accurate perception of poor preparation for higher education. Certainly, according to Reed and Curtis (2011), high school teachers stated that many of their students with visual impairments had lower academic standings than their peers. The participants believed that recruiters and recruitment materials were not effective in attracting students with visual impairments to higher education. However, the students who believed that recruitment was not effective did indeed attend institutions of higher education; thus, it is not clear how they learned about their programs. Reed and Curtis (2011) found that secondary school teachers believed that recruitment to higher education needs to start early in high school for students with visual impairments and to include parents and transition services. They showed that although high school teachers are a source of information for students with visual impairments, colleges and universities often fail to provide them with information about disability services.
Research focusing on early recruitment may clarify how best to promote higher education to students with visual impairments. In addition, many institutions provide recruitment materials online; however, this does not guarantee that the online materials can be accessed easily by assistive technologies. It may be useful for institutions to review their websites to ensure that they are accessible. A wide variety of technologies were available to the students, but some technologies were not often used (such as Dragon Naturally Speaking). Some technologies that the staff considered helpful
may be problematic for students with visual impairments, so an investigation of why the use of certain technologies is low may be warranted. However, the students were confident in their ability to use technologies, although this confidence may not reflect the ability to use all technologies that are available. Some staff members suggested that students have difficulty with adaptive technologies, and, in a previous study, Reed and Curtis (2011) found that in high school an adaptive technologist is available for training, but the technologist does not always know the specifics of technology for those with visual impairments. One reason why the use of some technologies may be low could be the poor knowledge of available technologies.
The students perceived that the heavy reading load in higher education disadvantaged them. First, conversion to an alternate format was often a slow process, as indicated by the staff, putting them behind in reading. Klinkosz, Sekowski, and Brambring (2006) reported that it takes students with visual impairments two to five times longer than sighted students to prepare academic materials. Second, the students reported that heavy reading resulted in eye strain and headaches. Reed, Kraft, and Buncic (2004) also found that headaches were quite common in students with some mild forms of visual impairments when reading difficulties are reported. Little research has been conducted on the academic impact of reading-related headaches and eye strain in students with visual impairments, but this subject should be the focus of future research. Work in groups was also identified as a barrier for some students. In addition, the students stated that socially they have difficulty participating in group activities and believed that students without disabilities are nervous around them. There is a paucity of research on the inclusion of students with visual impairments in groups in higher education. More research on ways to accommodate students with visual impairments in academic groups is needed.