The role of joint collaboration, family perspectives and support networks for students with visual impairment

Abstract Background and Aim: Cooperation and participation for the progress and success of students with visual impairment has different dimensions and is of particular importance. Joint collaboration is an agreement and process of working together to achieve a mutual goal. Every learner is strongly influenced by the social context in which he lives. This study aimed to investigate joint collaboration to support families of students with visual impairment, the principles of creating and facilitating joint collaboration, the framework of the bioecological theory, the role of the family in different systems, the circles of the learner support network, the family's perspective, and the components of care and support of learners with visual impairment. The method of this research is descriptive and review. Articles and books in reputable scientific databases from 2001 to 2022 were used to collect information. Conclusion: The principles of joint collaboration include participation, cooperation, persuasion, diversity, planning, and communication. Based on a collaborative approach, when teachers collaborate with parents and other community members, the needs of students with visual impairments are met sooner and they benefit from the capacity of support networks. For this reason, each of the circles of the support network for these learners is of special importance. The components of care and support for learners with visual impairments based on the spider web model include the role of parents and family, the role of the teacher, rules and policies, assessment and support, peer and local support systems, learning activities, facilities and resources, sports, leisure time and recreation, job training and transfer, and time and space. The combination of these factors indicates the degree to which any student with visual impairment can lead a successful life.