The Effects of Orientation and Mobility Training on Functional Abilities and Self-Esteem of Persons with Visual Impairment
Keywords:
orientation and mobility training; persons with visual impairment; self-esteemAbstract
Background and Objective: In Thailand, the orientation and mobility (O&M) training for persons with visual impairment (VI) has been promoted to increase their independent living. However, studies about the effects of O&M training were limited. This study aimed to evaluate changes in functional abilities and self-esteem of persons with VI after participating in an O&M training course.
Methods: Participants were 40 persons with VI who received an 80-hour O&M training course of Kuchinarai Crown Prince Hospital, Kalasin Province. Their functional abilities were assessed at baseline, after finishing the training (week 4) and at the follow-up period (week 12) by using an assessment form designed by the investigators. Additionally, at baseline and week 12, the participants were requested to answer the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale-Thai version. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-test.
Results: After the O&M training, the participants significantly increased their functional abilities and self-esteem (p<0.001).
Conclusions: The 80-hour O&M training could improve functional abilities and self-esteem of persons with VI. These findings should be useful for designing O&M training curricula which are relevant to characteristics and contexts of persons with VI in other communities.
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