Interpersonal relationships of low vision adolescents

Abstract

Visual impairment can lead to restrictions on the adolescent’s life in relation to educational, personal, social and labor aspects. The impact of visual impairment varies widely and depends on the degree of loss, parental attitude, family dynamics and school community. The group experience provides diverse learning, both in the sense of personal experience, as well as interpersonal. Thus, the present study aimed to ascertain the perception of adolescents with low vision regarding interpersonal relationships within the family and school environment. This research covered four adolescents with low vision, being 02 female and 02 male, who are in the age group between 12 and 18 years. A semi-structured interview was applied individually to each student as a tool for data collection. The testimonies addressed interpersonal relationships both in school and family environment with adolescents relating about their difficulties in experiencing such relationships. The present study presents adolescent’s difficulties in identifying oneself in such environments and feeling part of a group.