#087 - The Development of a Novel Assessment Tool for CVI with Dr. Nicola McDowell
AdaptX Podcast · AdaptX
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Show Notes
In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Dr. Nicola McDowell, founder of the Austin McDowell Foundation and creator of the Austin Assessment App, discusses her journey with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), a brain-based visual issue that affects how visual information is processed. She shares insights into the challenges of diagnosis, the importance of empowerment through knowledge, and the development of the Austin Assessment app, a screening tool designed to identify CVI-related visual issues. Dr. McDowell emphasizes the need for greater awareness and advocacy for individuals with CVI and discusses strategies for supporting those with visual impairments in various settings, including education and fitness.
Takeaways
- Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a brain-based visual issue.
- Many children with CVI pass standard visual screenings and go undiagnosed.
- Dr. McDowell's personal experience with CVI took 17 years to diagnose.
- Empowerment through knowledge is crucial for rehabilitation.
- CVI requires a medical diagnosis but lacks a medical fix.
- 3.4% of children in mainstream education may have visual issues related to CVI.
- The Austin Assessment app serves as a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool.
- Parents should be empowered to support their children with CVI.
- Raising awareness of CVI is essential for better recognition and support.
- CVI needs to be recognized similarly to autism for better advocacy.
Keywords
Cerebral Visual Impairment, CVI, visual impairment, accessibility, education, rehabilitation, Austin Assessment, advocacy, neuroplasticity, empowerment