Social Behaviors of Children with Visual Impairments Enrolled in Preschool Programs

This study investigated the social behaviors of children with visual impairments enrolled in a variety of preschool programs. Using the Behaviour Observation Record, the researchers made comparisons between the social interactions of 9 children with visual impairments and a matched comparison group of 9 children with full sight. Observational data indicated that the children with visual impairments were capable of interacting with others. Differences were noted, however, in the frequency of social initiations and the targets of these initiations made by the children with visual impairments. These observations are interpreted in support of the integration of preschool children with visual impairments into general education programs.