VIDBE-Q Volume 66, Issue 2
60
JVIB articles published between 2010 and 2019 were coded according to
these characteristics: (a) article focus, (b) article type, (c) topic, (d) population, (e)
disability eligibility, and (f) media. The research team coded 492 articles. Thirty-
four topics were noted (with some articles having more than one topic area), which
is in congruence with the JVIB mission to publish a variety of articles to support
researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Study participants included infants,
school age children, adults, and geriatric populations. In addition, professionals,
such as teachers of students with visual impairments and orientation and mobility
specialists were the subject of some works seeking their input through survey
research. Findings indicate gaps in descriptions of participants' characteristics and
inadequate information regarding instructional media used. For example, the
disability eligibility (i.e. visual acuity and/or presence of co-morbid disabilities)
was often not described thoroughly. The emittance of such crucial information
makes it difficult for service providers to know what interventions have been
shown effective for whom. This becomes vitally important when we consider that
professionals are asked to serve individuals with extremely diverse needs and
varying (and often demanding) caseload sizes (Correa-Torres & Howell, 2004).
Implications for Interpreting Research
Reading research reports can be a daunting task. Below we provide a
summary of key elements which are unique to research related to individuals with
