How blind children learn words and develop vocabulary
Official title: Word Learning and Vocabulary Development in Blind Children
Funded at Northern Illinois University · NIH-10918173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how not being able to see affects how blind children learn new words compared to sighted children, and it aims to find better ways to help blind kids build their vocabulary.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern Illinois University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (De Kalb, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $186,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R16EY036101-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are blind children aged 5 to 12 who are experiencing challenges with vocabulary acquisition.
✕Less likely to help
Sighted children or those who do not have language development challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a lack of visual experience impacts word learning and vocabulary development in blind children. It aims to understand the differences in how blind and sighted children acquire vocabulary, focusing on the modes and channels of learning, such as spoken versus written words. By comparing the vocabulary development trajectories of blind children aged 5 to 12 with those of sighted children, the study seeks to identify specific instructional approaches that could enhance educational outcomes for blind children. The research employs an observational analytic design to gather data on word learning experiences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved educational strategies and interventions that enhance vocabulary development in blind children.
How similar studies have gone: While research on language development in blind children is limited, similar studies in related fields have shown promising results in understanding language acquisition in visually impaired populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern Illinois University
De Kalb, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Lindsay Nicole — Northern Illinois University
- Study coordinator: Harris, Lindsay Nicole
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.