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Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016
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The Dissertation of the Year Award is presented to a DVI member who makes a significant
contribution to the field through extensive study and research. Dr. Brown's dissertation,
"Understanding the post-school transition of young people with vision impairment" was a
qualitative multiple case study. From her dissertation, we find that Dr. Brown conducted a
qualitative study with "carefully sequenced and systematic methods were used to gauge participant
perspectives." The methods included first-hand accounts from students with visual impairments that
focused on their perspectives about transition. The study also gathered information from educators
who served these students as they moved beyond secondary school.
Dr. Brown found that "overall findings indicated that young people offered strong voices
and had much to say about components that facilitate and hinder transition. Identified facilitators
included experiences in career development and the Expanded Core Curriculum, peer friendships,
and support from key adults. Hindrances to post-school transition comprised failure to maintain a
formal transition plan and apprehension about friendships, travel, and employment. While
adolescents readily contributed their views about facilitators and barriers to transition, young adults
added value by reflecting on their schooling and transition experiences. In particular, young adults
suggested that regular opportunities to practice independent skills and improved relationships with
post-school providers would be useful. Many influences and experiences identified by young people
were independently reaffirmed by school staff and parents. These stakeholders agreed that young
people need earlier action in terms of transition planning, as well as opportunities to acquire
Expanded Core Curriculum content and skills at school. Some unique themes were also generated
by staff and parents. Staff particularly emphasized the importance of social skills in assisting
transition, while parents indicated value in selecting suitable school subjects to meet adolescents'
needs."
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