Virtual Thoughts: Provider Voices on Teleintervention with Families of Young Children with Visual Impairment

Abstract Objective The COVID-19 pandemic event created an opportunity for all early intervention (EI) practitioners to look at the development of remote practice standards and learn about the diverse ways to serve and support families. In addressing the use of teleintervention, it is critical for the field of visual impairment to learn which implementation strategies were most effective and what is practical moving forward from those who provide the EI services. Methods This study incorporated an event-driven mixed-methods methodology that included a quantitative online survey to collect broader national viewpoints and dynamic data from focus groups that took an evolutionary approach to the changing perspectives of the participants following COVID-19 on their teaching practices using teleintervention. Results The results of this study have identified positive and problematic features of teleintervention services when delivered to families of very young children with visual impairment. Discussion Exploring the successes of organizations and individuals providing these EI services leads to a greater understanding of the development of a high-quality protocol for teleintervention for this population and equity for families. Application for Practitioners The deep dive into the “virtual thoughts” of providers across the country allows them to voice their triumphs and concerns on developing suggestions for quality service delivery and preservice needs.