Home Renovation for the Visually Impaired: A Path to Independence (2025-2026)
Background
Low vision (LV), defined as permanent loss of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses, surgery or other medical interventions, affects approximately 5.7 million Americans. Common causes include macular generation, glaucoma, congenital or acquired conditions and trauma from accidents. Though LV can affect people of any age, it is particularly prevalent in older adults, and the number of people affected is expected to rise as the population ages.
LV can profoundly hinder mobility and independence, but home renovations such as improved lighting and contrasting color schemes can enhance accessibility, allowing people to navigate their homes more effectively and age in place, avoiding the costs associated with assisted living. Developing a better understanding of home design and the construction materials necessary for such modifications can increase safety, accessibility and independence for individuals living with LV.
Project Description
This project team will collaborate on home renovation plans with organizations such as home improvement retailers, nonprofits and the Duke Eye Center to help address the need for living solutions that empower individuals with low vision. Goals include training store staff on the specific needs of people with LV, identifying a dedicated line of high-visibility products, lobbying for financial support to help overcome barriers to home renovations, creating a resource directory, implementing a framework for monitoring and evaluating the impact of home modifications and support services, and establishing outreach programs to raise awareness of LV.
Research will involve both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather comprehensive data on the impact of home design tailored for LV and to identify specific priorities for interventions. For instance, the project will include surveys and interviews, educational campaigns and workshops, and engagement with funding sources and community stakeholders.
The project will be divided into sub-groups to accomplish specific tasks, such as data collection, community engagement and training development, with each subteam being overseen by a graduate student mentor.
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Anticipated Outputs
Training materials for home improvement retail staff on LV needs and a dedicated home modification product line; guidelines for effective home renovations tailored to LV; resource directory for financial assistance and support pathways
Student Opportunities
Ideally, this project team will include 3 graduate students and 9 undergraduate students. Students with backgrounds in public health, social sciences, education and training, community engagement, social work or advocacy and communication studies are encouraged to apply.
The project team will be divided into three subteams to focus on tasks such as data collection, community engagement and training development. There will be weekly team meetings. A student from the team will be appointed as project manager to oversee day-to-day operations, while a faculty leader will provide guidance and support.
Team members will design and conduct surveys, facilitate focus groups and interviews, develop educational materials and participate in community engagement events. Students will gain a greater understanding of market dynamics and how industry can support public health initiatives. Students will also gain experience advocating for funding and other resources and engaging with community stakeholders. Graduate and professional students will gain experience in advocacy, communication strategies and project management, helping them prepare for possible careers in public health, social work and design.
Timing
Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
- Fall 2024: Conduct interviews and focus groups to identify specific needs of individuals with LV; collaborate with retailers to provide home modification materials; generate training materials for store staff on LV needs and a dedicated product line; develop guidelines for home renovation for LV
- Spring 2025: Continue work of fall semester; produce resource directory for financial assistance and support pathways; hold video empowerment workshops focused on advocacy and communication with contractors
Crediting
Academic credit available for fall and spring semesters