J. Except. People 2017, 6(2):107-121
The paper presents results from research realized in 2017 and focused on the issue of the "lifestyle of people with visual impairments". Scientific literature, as well as other sources, mostly focus their research on the topic of life satisfaction. Our goal was to approach the field of lifestyle, or rather of "healthy lifestyle", in visually impaired individuals so that this lifestyle can contribute to improving the quality of life of these individuals in intact society. This therefore presents another important aspect of this research area, being the aspect of the current topic of inclusion.
The research was focused on the lifestyle in people with visual impairments. Also a control group of intact individuals was created. The research result analysis enabled the evaluation of differences in approaches to the lifestyle of the groups. This, eventually, gave us the option to identify the possible barriers, the removal of which could lead to an improvement in lifestyle of the visually impaired in majority society.
The primary research method used was the questionnaire. We established hypotheses, via which we aimed to specify the lifestyle of the monitored groups. In order to verify the created hypotheses, we made use of statistical methods (particularly the chi-squared distribution) and attempted to asses identify and analyse quality of life in visually impaired individuals as well as of the intact group. Further research questions have been established, which helped identify possible obstacles. These questions have also helped to establish, whether these barriers occur in the life of any individual, or only affect the lives of the visually impaired.
The results of the research can be briefly summarised by stating that the lifestyle of the sensorically impaired is similar to that in intact population, but does differ in some aspects. These differences can be found especially in the implementation of physical activities, or rather the availability of centres enabling these activities. These centres also often lack the proper environment adjustments as well as trained staff. The visually impaired individuals, therefore, often have to choose some other type of physical activity, or need to rely on the help of another person.
Seeing its focus area, the research helps in both theory and practice. This means that in practical terms it is possible to use the research results as a basis, for example, to improve the availability of fitness centres and other sports facilities, which could then be used by the visually impaired, who would then have the opportunity to live their lives without barriers and thus fully to their liking.
The paper is created within the framework of Palacký University Student Grant Competition project: Research of Inclusion in Special Needs Individuals (IGA_PdF_2017_008).
Published: June 11, 2017 Show citation
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