Development of a tool for the assessment of employment preparedness specifically for persons who are blind or partially sighted

Issue title: Vision

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Shaw, Alexander | Gold, Deborah

Affiliations: CNIB, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Alexander Shaw, CNIB, 1929 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 3E8. Tel.: +1 416 486 2500 ext 7577; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Objective: To develop a psychometric tool to assess preparedness for employment for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Participants: Two hundred and thirty nine working aged adults who are blind or visually impaired. Methods: The content for this tool was generated through a literature review and through focus groups with successfully employed persons with vision impairments as well as hiring managers and rehabilitation workers of same. Content of the instrument was enhanced through a survey of persons with vision loss, using the draft instrument and through factor analyses of their responses. Results: Factor analyses of participants' responses resulted in 12 scales each of which assessed a different factor related to employment. Scales had good to excellent reliability with the exception of one scale that had acceptable reliability (as measured by Cronbach's Alpha). Conclusion: The CNIB TAPE appears to be an effective instrument for assessing preparedness for employment.

Keywords: Employability, scale, visual impairment, vocational, assessment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1150

Journal: Work, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 49-62, 2011