Your browser doesn't support javascript.
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 57
Filter
1.
Social work in the age of disconnection: Narrative case studies ; : 1-26, 2022.
Article in English | APA PsycInfo | ID: covidwho-2322028

ABSTRACT

The author rather than accepting the prevailing narrative that adolescents are becoming socially impaired by technology, explores the ways in which digital natives have utilized and at times advanced beyond their forebears in terms of social intelligence, exploring the convergence of social, racial, gender, and political identity on the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, she considers the experience of the psychotherapist wrestling with personal loss and attunement and repair within the therapeutic relationship. The Social Dilemma, a Netflix film released in 2020, daunts a chilling narrative of the online social sphere. The Social Dilemma depicts how essentially we are puppets of digital creators and being exploited for capital gains. Technology is smart, sometimes too smart. And if we are not learning how to be responsible, mindful, productive consumers of social media and emphasizing the need to cultivate emotional intelligence traits both offline and online through social-emotional learning and digital literacy, we will most certainly find ourselves riddled with technological addictions and other significant mental health impairments inclusive of rising suicide rates among more avid online users. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

2.
Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences ; 84(8-A):No Pagination Specified, 2023.
Article in English | APA PsycInfo | ID: covidwho-2318248

ABSTRACT

Social and physical frailty are common geriatric syndromes related to adverse health outcomes, including falls, hospitalization, institutionalization, and death. Social frailty leads to physical frailty in older adults who were not frail. Previous studies have demonstrated that pet ownership and robotic pets have physical and mental health benefits for older adults;however, no studies were found investigating the impact of robotic pets on social and physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a robotic pet on social and physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults using the Technology Acceptance Model as a framework. This was a clinical trial of adults aged 65 and over, hospitalized at a community hospital in Westchester County, New York. Intervention group participants received a robotic pet, and control group participants received usual post-discharge care. Participants were assessed at enrollment and at the 30-day discharge point using the Questionnaire to Define Social Frailty Status, FRAIL Questionnaire, the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form, and the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. For this study ,220 participants were enrolled;107 in the intervention group and 113 in the control group. Continuous outcomes were compared between groups using t-tests or Wilcoxon rank sum tests, as appropriate. Categorical outcomes were compared between groups using chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests, as appropriate. The threshold for statistical significance was considered a p value of less than 0.05. There was no significant change in social frailty or physical frailty, cognitive status, or depression between the two groups. Participants who enjoyed doing things with their robotic pet had a statistically significant improvement in their SPMSQ scores (p = 0.02), which indicated a positive effect on cognition in participants who used their pet more. Prevalence of social frailty was high, likely attributable to pandemic control measures and unlikely to change on the social frailty questionnaire used in this study due to the ongoing pandemic. In contrast to this study, previous research has shown that robotic pets were effective for improving well-being in older adults and showed more positive impact in a group setting compared to individual use. A significant limitation of this study was that it took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other limitations were related to self-report of some measures which may introduce bias. Additionally, the social frailty questionnaire has not been validated in diverse populations;thus, its validity in the study population is not known. The geographic area where the study took place is non-diverse, which may impact generalizability to wider populations. The robotic pet positively impacted cognitive status in participants who reported they enjoyed doing activities with their pet. This supports the theoretical premise of this study that greater use of the robotic pet would yield greater benefit. Regarding implications, technology is an important tool to ameliorate social and physical frailty, especially in light of pandemic-related restrictions where in-person socialization is restricted. More research is needed on the impact of robotic pets in older adults living at home, particularly on social frailty, loneliness, and cognitive status, with larger sample sizes and diverse populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

3.
Cells ; 12(9)2023 04 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2315740

ABSTRACT

In the mammalian brain, neurogenesis is maintained throughout adulthood primarily in two typical niches, the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and in other nonclassic neurogenic areas (e.g., the amygdala and striatum). During prenatal and early postnatal development, neural stem cells (NSCs) differentiate into neurons and migrate to appropriate areas such as the olfactory bulb where they integrate into existing neural networks; these phenomena constitute the multistep process of neurogenesis. Alterations in any of these processes impair neurogenesis and may even lead to brain dysfunction, including cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. Here, we first summarize the main properties of mammalian neurogenic niches to describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurogenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that neurogenesis plays an integral role in neuronal plasticity in the brain and cognition in the postnatal period. Given that neurogenesis can be highly modulated by a number of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, we discuss the impact of extrinsic (e.g., alcohol) and intrinsic (e.g., hormones) modulators on neurogenesis. Additionally, we provide an overview of the contribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to persistent neurological sequelae such as neurodegeneration, neurogenic defects and accelerated neuronal cell death. Together, our review provides a link between extrinsic/intrinsic factors and neurogenesis and explains the possible mechanisms of abnormal neurogenesis underlying neurological disorders.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Neural Stem Cells , Animals , Humans , Adult , SARS-CoV-2 , Neurogenesis/physiology , Neurons , Mammals
4.
Research in Transportation Economics ; 98, 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2300933

ABSTRACT

We have examined how COVID-19 impacted travel behaviour for people with psychosocial disabilities, identified key barriers when using public transport, and examined how a broad understanding of universal design can be used to improve travel for people with psychosocial disabilities. During and after the pandemic, most informants travelled less and/or used their car more than before. Some stopped using public transport due to fear of contamination, while others found it easier to travel during the pandemic due to less crowding. Use of facial masks were perceived by some as an additional problem increasing anxiety, while others found it more problematic with fellow passengers not wearing masks. In general, findings support prior studies in terms of barriers related to crowding, lack of seamlessness, financial issues, problems with staff, lack of access in rural areas, and low knowledge of support systems. Additionally, lack of toilet facilities, negative experiences with other passengers, sensory overload, travel-induced fatigue, and problems related to planning are considered problematic. Station areas may pose a barrier for people with former drug addictions. Hence, universal design should include the social and organisation environments, in addition to physical design, in terms of making the transport system accessible to everyone. © 2023 The Author

5.
Education Sciences ; 11(9):1-14, 2021.
Article in English | APA PsycInfo | ID: covidwho-2295625

ABSTRACT

Stressful events can cause a significant impact on education;however, it is not yet clear how the interplay between anxiety, work, and social dysfunction relates to learning impairments. In this study, we investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' learning and mental health. This study was conducted during four modules of a remote Psychopharmacology course between 5 October and 20 December 2020. We collected data from 28 Psychology undergraduate students at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. We used pre- and post-test multiple-choice questions to obtain a quantitative measure of learning. Students completed an online survey to report demographic information, functional impairment (Work and Social Adjustment scale;WSAS), generalized anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale;GAD-7), coronavirus anxiety (Brazilian adapted version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale;CAS-BR), and self-perception with the remote lectures' methodology. In our sample, 42.9% of respondents experienced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD-7 >= 15), and 53.6% had moderate to severe functional impairment (WSAS > 20). We also observed an overlapping profile of highly anxious and dysfunctional students. A chi-square test of independence revealed a relation between pairs of multiple-choice questions answers and GAD-7 scores, indicating that less anxious students were more likely to perform better in pairs of pre- and post-tests. Intriguingly, the correlational analysis suggested that students with moderate to severe functional impairment (WSAS scores > 20) were less likely to change from an incorrect to a correct answer to pairs of pre- and post-tests. This data suggests that psychological distress and anxiety states might influence students' ability to coordinate social and work activities and performance during remote learning. Although this study evaluated a small sample of students, our data highlights the importance of investigating anxiety and functional impairment measures as part of the remote-learning curriculum. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

6.
20th IEEE Consumer Communications and Networking Conference, CCNC 2023 ; 2023-January, 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2251989

ABSTRACT

Virtual tours are tools that could be effectively used in many different contexts. The COVID-19 pandemic has let emerge how they can be useful and efficacy in those situations where it is not possible to access physical places and attend events. Besides that, they can be used for several goals in different contexts. In fact, in simple words, virtual tours are essentially based on using 3D images and videos, letting the users interact with the virtual environment and its points of interest through them, emphasizing the need for navigation and orienteering mechanisms within the virtual environment. Due to these characteristics, virtual tours represent digital barriers affecting users with disabilities, in particular those people with visual impairments. This paper presents an innovative solution we have adopted by designing and developing a prototype devoted to exploring a University Campus, with accessibility in mind. A preliminary evaluation has been conducted, and the obtained results are presented in the paper, which discusses some potentialities and limitations that emerged, © 2023 IEEE.

7.
Photonics ; 10(2), 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2281141

ABSTRACT

A dramatic increase in user and capacity demands has been noted after the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges have damaged the 5G communication system mobility. Therefore, developing mobility and enhancing capacity transmission of 5G advanced services are the focused research gaps in the current era. In this paper, the free space optics (FSO) link is modeled with wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology based optical fiber system, purposing to enhance the 5G capabilities in multi-channel, high distance, and bidirectional transmissions. In addition, the presented hybrid FSO-WDM supported optical fiber network is analyzed for 4, 8, and 16 × 10 Gbps downlink and uplink transmission. The paper also includes the mathematical discussion of merged fiber length (SMF = 30 km) and FSO (600 m) with improved mobility management. In another contribution, the tolerance against Rayleigh backscattering (RB) noises is developed through various wavelengths of downlink and uplink channels. Finally, we perform the simulation analysis and reliability of the proposed structure for the 5G advanced communication system. © 2023 by the authors.

8.
Advances in Special Education ; 2023.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2247334

ABSTRACT

"Using Technology to Enhance Special Education," Volume 37 of Advances in Special Education, is a logically, thoughtfully organized, and well-sequenced text. It focuses on how general and special educators can use technology to work with children and youth with disabilities. This cutting-edge book involves researchers, scholars, educators, and leaders who are knowledge producers in the field. It is written to respond to today's changing world where technology has become a very powerful force. As it stands, the world is getting smaller and smaller;and what is happening in a location quickly becomes known everywhere. For example, during the tense periods of the global COVID pandemic, technology became the livewire of our world. This book begins with an introduction to technology and students with disabilities;and the remaining chapters focus on the role of technology in the education of students with learning disabilities, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, physical and health impairments, hearing impairments/deafness, visual impairments, and traumatic brain injuries. In addition, some chapters focus on the role of technology in achieving equitable and inclusive education, building culturally and linguistically responsive general and special education, and creatively using digital comics to improve written narratives. In the end, this book concludes with a chapter that forward looking ways to infuse technology in special education. We feel that this volume is an excellent resource for special education researchers, scholars, practitioners, and professionals who teach and serve students with disabilities.

9.
Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences ; 17(1):75-78, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2264523

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 is essentially an illness brought about by corona virus. COVID-19 is transmitted primarily by close contact between infected individuals. COVID-19 has been related to myalgia and general weakness in one-quarter to one-portion of suggestive patients. Aim(s): To recognize the number of Covid-19 recovered patients who at present complain of musculoskeletal impairments. Method(s): This was an observational study in which 181 covid-19 recovered patients were surveyed. Data was collected from different hospitals of Pakistan, throughself-made questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Result(s): After the collection of data, gender differences exist in musculoskeletal disorders after comparison of both genders with age group 20 to 50 years with 48% are males 58% are females and pie chart shows prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among covid-19 recovered patients. According to the findings, around 35% of 181 healed patients (with pain in their body parts) have seen a doctor in the last 6 months, while 65% have not visited a hospital to consult a doctor for MSK disease Practical Implication: Musculoskeletal impairments are leading cause of pain and disability that canlead to deformity if remain untreated or left without prior notice. As Covid-19 infection rate is getting higher day by day and till date vaccinationis not available to everyone here. We must ensure that anyone getting infected by the novel Corona can have least negative effects even after patients get cured. Conclusion(s): Gender differences exist in musculoskeletal problems. We have to compare it with Covid. Here we may say that it may be due to more stress among females, there are more chances of MSK issue among females as compared to males.Copyright © 2023 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.

10.
EClinicalMedicine ; 58: 101883, 2023 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2286819

ABSTRACT

Background: Olfactory impairments and anosmia from COVID-19 infection typically resolve within 2-4 weeks, although in some cases, symptoms persist longer. COVID-19-related anosmia is associated with olfactory bulb atrophy, however, the impact on cortical structures is relatively unknown, particularly in those with long-term symptoms. Methods: In this exploratory, observational study, we studied individuals who experienced COVID-19-related anosmia, with or without recovered sense of smell, and compared against individuals with no prior COVID-19 infection (confirmed by antibody testing, all vaccine naïve). MRI Imaging was carried out between the 15th July and 17th November 2020 at the Queen Square House Clinical Scanning Facility, UCL, United Kingdom. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and structural imaging, we assessed differences in functional connectivity (FC) between olfactory regions, whole brain grey matter (GM) cerebral blood flow (CBF) and GM density. Findings: Individuals with anosmia showed increased FC between the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), visual association cortex and cerebellum and FC reductions between the right OFC and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex compared to those with no prior COVID-19 infection (p < 0.05, from whole brain statistical parametric map analysis). Individuals with anosmia also showed greater CBF in the left insula, hippocampus and ventral posterior cingulate when compared to those with resolved anosmia (p < 0.05, from whole brain statistical parametric map analysis). Interpretation: This work describes, for the first time to our knowledge, functional differences within olfactory areas and regions involved in sensory processing and cognitive functioning. This work identifies key areas for further research and potential target sites for therapeutic strategies. Funding: This study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and supported by the Queen Square Scanner business case.

11.
Noncoding RNA Res ; 8(2): 240-254, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2260674

ABSTRACT

The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) causes a severe acute illness with the development of respiratory distress syndrome in some cases. COVID-19 is a global problem of mankind to this day. Among its most important aspects that require in-depth study are pathogenesis and molecular changes in severe forms of the disease. A lot of literature data is devoted to the pathogenetic mechanisms of COVID-19. Without dwelling in detail on some paths of pathogenesis discussed, we note that at present there are many factors of development and progression. Among them, this is the direct role of both viral non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and host ncRNAs. One such class of ncRNAs that has been extensively studied in COVID-19 is microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Moreover, Initially, it was believed that this COVID-19 was limited to damage to the respiratory system. It has now become clear that COVID-19 affects not only the liver and kidneys, but also the nervous system. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge of mechanisms, risk factors, genetics and neurologic impairments in COVID-19. In addition, we discuss and evaluate evidence demonstrating the involvement of miRNAs and lnRNAs in COVID-19 and use this information to propose hypotheses for future research directions.

12.
Neurosci Behav Physiol ; 52(7): 968-975, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2265328

ABSTRACT

The challenge of postcovid syndrome (PCS) is of great interest due to its wide distribution and variety of clinical signs. The main neurological signs of PCS are discussed. Data on the presumptive mechanisms forming PCS are presented. The potential for using the drug Mexidol to treat patients with PCS is addressed.

13.
Afr J Disabil ; 12: 1112, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2284611

ABSTRACT

Background: Access to primary health care is a fundamental right for all. However, persons with disabilities are experiencing difficulties when accessing healthcare because of various environmental and personal barriers which may lead to nonuse of such services. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the challenges leading to non-use of healthcare services among persons with mobility impairments in Cofimvaba. Method: A descriptive qualitative design using snowball sampling was implemented. Semistructured interviews were conducted in isiXhosa with five participants who stopped accessing healthcare, using a self-developed interview guide. Inductive thematic analysis was used to develop codes and themes from the data. Results: Study findings revealed major challenges experienced by persons with mobility impairments in accessing healthcare. These included inaccessible roads, geographic inaccessibility, financial accessibility and indirect cost of care, having little or not many health problems, physical infrastructure difficulties within facilities, and attitudinal barriers. Conclusion: The findings indicated that persons with disabilities are experiencing a combination of structural and environmental challenges which make them stop accessing healthcare. Contribution: The article shares insights on access challenges that influence non-use of the often-needed healthcare services within the context of rural areas.

14.
Adapt Phys Activ Q ; : 1-22, 2022 Nov 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2256767

ABSTRACT

The current study explored coach and athlete reactions and challenges leading up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with a specific focus on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Games' postponement. Nine Australian Paralympic coaches (n = 3) and athletes (n = 6) shared their experiences in semistructured interviews. The thematic analysis highlighted how participants experienced the emergence of the pandemic in different ways, but all were relieved when the late but eventual decision to postpone the Games was made. Regarding lockdown periods (i.e., social-distancing restrictions), some coaches and athletes thrived under the new reality (i.e., training from home, online coaching) while others had more difficulty adjusting. Furthermore, results highlight the many uncertainties still remaining, which continue to influence participants' sport and personal lives. The experiences of coaches and athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic sheds light on strategies and resources that could support Paralympic coaches and athletes during current and future crises.

15.
Journal of Risk and Financial Management ; 16(1), 2023.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-2235888

ABSTRACT

Extraordinary economic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic caused many IFRS 9 impairment models to produce unreliable results. Severe market reactions, resulting from unprecedented events, prompted swift action from the regulatory authorities to maintain the financial system's stability. Banks managed the uncertainty and volatility in the models with expert overlays, increasing the risk of biased outcomes. This study examines new ways of enhancing the governance and transparency of the IFRS 9 economic scenarios within banks and suggests additional financial disclosures. Benchmarking is proposed as a useful tool to evaluate the IFRS 9 economic scenarios and ensure effective challenge as part of a model risk governance framework. Archimedean copulas are used to generate objective economic benchmarks. Ideas around benchmarking are illustrated for a set of South African economic variables, and the outcomes are compared to the IFRS 9 scenarios published by the six biggest South African banks in their annual financial statements during the pandemic.

16.
Acta Biomedica Scientifica ; 7(6):71-81, 2022.
Article in Russian | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2234476

ABSTRACT

Background. Currently, there are two main areas ofstudy ofthe impactofa new coronavirus infection on mental processes: the first is in connection with the regime of self-isolation and restrictions in a pandemic;the second – with the impact ofthe pathological process itselfandthe post-covidsyndrome on the centralnervous system. The results of the studies indicate the relationship of this infection with local lesions ofthe brain andthe corresponding disturbances in the functioning ofmental processes. The aim of the research. To systematize and analyze the results of studies onthemainroutesofpenetrationoftheSARS-CoV-2virusintothecentralnervoussystem, cognitiveandemotionaldisordersin peoplewhohaverecoveredfromCOVID-19, and to discuss the areas of psychological rehabilitation for this group of patients. Materialsandmethods. InformationsearchwascarriedoutusingInternetresources (PubMed, WebofScience, Scopus, bmj.com, eLibrary.ru, frontiersin.org, sciencedirect. com, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), literature sources were analyzed for the period from May of 2020 to November of 2021 for the following keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, cognitive functions, cognitions, cognitive impairments, emotional dysfunction, affective dysfunction. Results. According to the analysis ofthe literature, mostresearchers identify the neurogenic pathway of SARS-CoV-2 penetration into the CNS, as well as penetration through the bloodstream or through cerebral lymphatic drainage, which are a possible cause ofmentaldisorders ofa neurologicalnature. Correction ofthese violations involves the creation of a comprehensive system of rehabilitation with the inclusion of psychotherapeutic methods. Conclusions. Despite the lackofa single picture describing the specifics ofcognitive and affective symptoms in COVID-19, in the most general terms, there is a certain consensus. So, quite often, post-COVIDcognitive symptoms are characterizedby impairedmemory andattention, andpost-COVIDaffective symptoms are characterized by increasedlevels ofanxiety, depression, andfatigue. Theissues ofdiagnosis andcorrection of disorders in post-COVID syndrome and the admissibility of the existence of this diagnosis are still relevant. © 2022 Arkheologiia Evraziiskikh Stepei. All rights reserved.

17.
Rural Special Education Quarterly ; 41(1):48-54, 2022.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-1892164

ABSTRACT

For rural locations, the use of remote learning may provide schools the opportunity to meet student needs without requiring students to travel long distances to access services. It is critical that teachers of students with disabilities understand how to support learning and know how to use the accommodations, modifications, and assistive technologies listed in student Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in online classrooms. Students with language disabilities sometimes require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to effectively communicate. This article provides teachers with practical tips of teaching students to use AAC online and supporting its continued use in the virtual classroom.

18.
Education Quarterly Reviews ; 5(2):299-305, 2022.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-1980802

ABSTRACT

Family caregivers play an important role in providing main support for family members with a disability in order for them to function normally in their everyday life. The main goal of this research study is to promote psychological health awareness of stroke family caregivers in Brunei Darussalam, especially during the pandemic of COVID-19. This study concentrated particularly on long-term family caregivers who provide care to stroke family members who were severely affected by the disease that caused them to heavily depended on their family caretakers. This qualitative research involves interviewing 8 locals participants using snowballing sampling and a thematic analysis approach that investigate thoroughly the challenges and identifies the needs required by family caregivers in Brunei. The findings of the study discovered that all family caregivers experience psychological issues such as 'Depression' and 'Stress' and are in need of family support and self-care to reduce challenges they experience such as emotional exhaustion, physical problem, sleep deprivation, financial issues, and accessibility to basic needs in caregiving.

19.
J Vis Impair Blind ; 116(6): 830-836, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2194505

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected access to health and social services globally, leading to delays in accessing appropriate care. However, while there is a growing base of research into service access for the general population, there remains scarce information on the implications of the pandemic on disabled people. This article describes issues with health and disability support access for people with impaired vision in Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa). Methods: Applying an Interpretive Description methodology, 62 interviews were conducted with disabled people; 10 of these individuals identified as having impaired vision. Findings were analyzed thematically for the entire group of 62, representing varied impairment groups, and then for the 10 who had impaired vision. Results: Five key themes arose from the interviews, including transportation difficulties, mental distress, loss of community, loss of physical contact and signals, and general loss of support. Participants identified that this loss of support occurred at multiple levels, meaning that the disability and healthcare system as a whole was ill-equipped to manage their needs. Participants reported a lag-time in accessing care, meaning that the effects of the pandemic are still felt due to a lack of available support and resources. Discussion: This article remains one of a few studies to look at the implications of the pandemic on access to health and disability services for those with impaired vision. It highlights that despite Aotearoa's good track record in managing the pandemic, groups were forgotten and marginalized by the collective response to managing COVID-19. Implications for Practitioners: Blindness professionals must be aware of the possible disadvantages and impacts of pandemics and other disasters on people with impaired vision and their access to health and disability services. Policymakers must include disabled people at the decision-making table so that the diverse needs of these populations are managed.

20.
J Vis Impair Blind ; 116(6): 764-773, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2194503

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In the early spring of 2020, governments were beginning to react to the news of a global pandemic being caused by COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of COVID-19 on early intervention services for young children with visual impairments and their families. Methods: Parents of children with visual impairments aged birth to 3 years were asked a series of questions contained in a larger Access and Engagement survey that investigated the experiences of families of children and young adults with visual impairments aged birth to 21 years and professionals that provided educational services. Results: Three overall themes emerged from the data: (1) many changes occurred in the home, (2) early intervention services changed, and (3) planning for the transition to preschool was affected. Discussion: Overall, the changes in education due to the pandemic and initial shutdown resulted in much parental stress. Parents reported that they were stressed and sometimes overwhelmed by the sudden and dramatic changes in their daily lives and how best to help their children in continuing to learn and develop their skills while simultaneously working from home, being caregivers to the other children in the family, and serving as educators and sometimes informal therapists to their children. Many services moved to an online format and were provided remotely. Implications for Practitioners: Service providers should continue to provide services to families and children who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdown while continuing to provide ways to support the social and emotional well-being of their families. Service providers and families should monitor their children's development and learning both now and in the future.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL