Abstract
Background/Introduction
Low vision services in Denmark have previous been located in the counties, with the main task to advise and teach the visually impaired to live with his or her disability. However, during the last decade, structural changes and emerging rehabilitative and recovery based approaches have resulted in a great diversity in the field.
Purpose
The objective of this study is to get an understanding of the current picture of low vision services in Denmark, including aspects of importance when assessing the diversity of the field as a whole.
Method
From May to September 2019, 24 low vision centres were contacted, and all participated in a telephone interview on the organisation, affiliation and appropriation structure; the professional background of the low vision consultants (LVC) and their practices concerning lighting assessments. In all 30 interviews of 20‐60 minutes were conducted, and based on notes and transcriptions, these were thematically categorised and analysed.
Perspectives
The size and catchment area of the 24 centres range from 1 to 22 LVC’s, from 1 to 18 municipalities, and 2 of the centres were national. The professional background of the 144 LVC’s: occupational therapists (51), teachers (45), social educators (28) and the remaining 20 LVC’s represented 10 additional professions. The practices of lighting assessments showed diversity of methods, proportions, facilities and aids, and not at least the degree of rehabilitative or recovery based approach in the assessment. The mapping show huge diversity across the organisational structure and configuration of professionals, which eventually effects the actual low vision service offered to the citizens. Important aspects addressed in the interviews were the role of the allocation structure in the services, collegial cooperation and sharing of knowledge across the professional network, especially concerning practice knowledge on specific work functions such as the lighting assessments and their role in rehabilitation.
Low vision services in Denmark have previous been located in the counties, with the main task to advise and teach the visually impaired to live with his or her disability. However, during the last decade, structural changes and emerging rehabilitative and recovery based approaches have resulted in a great diversity in the field.
Purpose
The objective of this study is to get an understanding of the current picture of low vision services in Denmark, including aspects of importance when assessing the diversity of the field as a whole.
Method
From May to September 2019, 24 low vision centres were contacted, and all participated in a telephone interview on the organisation, affiliation and appropriation structure; the professional background of the low vision consultants (LVC) and their practices concerning lighting assessments. In all 30 interviews of 20‐60 minutes were conducted, and based on notes and transcriptions, these were thematically categorised and analysed.
Perspectives
The size and catchment area of the 24 centres range from 1 to 22 LVC’s, from 1 to 18 municipalities, and 2 of the centres were national. The professional background of the 144 LVC’s: occupational therapists (51), teachers (45), social educators (28) and the remaining 20 LVC’s represented 10 additional professions. The practices of lighting assessments showed diversity of methods, proportions, facilities and aids, and not at least the degree of rehabilitative or recovery based approach in the assessment. The mapping show huge diversity across the organisational structure and configuration of professionals, which eventually effects the actual low vision service offered to the citizens. Important aspects addressed in the interviews were the role of the allocation structure in the services, collegial cooperation and sharing of knowledge across the professional network, especially concerning practice knowledge on specific work functions such as the lighting assessments and their role in rehabilitation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Abstract Book: Rehabilitation International World Congress |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Place of Publication | Aarhus |
| Publisher | Rehabilitation International World Congress |
| Publication date | 7 Sept 2021 |
| Pages | 24 |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Sept 2021 |
| Event | 24th Rehabilitation World Congress 2021 - Aarhus, Denmark Duration: 7 Sept 2021 → 9 Sept 2021 Conference number: 24 https://www.riworldcongress2021.com/ |
Conference
| Conference | 24th Rehabilitation World Congress 2021 |
|---|---|
| Number | 24 |
| Country/Territory | Denmark |
| City | Aarhus |
| Period | 07/09/2021 → 09/09/2021 |
| Internet address |