Narrative Ethnography on the Engineering Education of Blind and Visually Impaired Students

• In Event: 66.059 - Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: 66.059-3 - Narrative Ethnography on the Engineering Education of Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Abstract

This proposal reports on a narrative inquiry study we conducted with five total teachers and researchers, who participated in a workshop organized by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The purpose was to explore how teachers can foster interest and intention toward STEM fields (particularly engineering) and career in blind and visually impaired (BVI) high school students. Findings suggested that the implementation of inclusive instructional strategies and changes in teacher’s perceptions of BVI students’ needs and abilities can significantly contribute to develop a community of practice where teachers and students can work together to make the learning environment more accessible.

Authors

• Idalis Villanueva, Utah State University

• Marialuisa Di Stefano, Utah State University