Word Learning and Vocabulary Development in Blind Children
Funded at Northern Illinois University · NIH-11408556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant will study how blind and sighted children learn new words and grow their vocabularies to better tailor education for blind students.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $186,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R16EY036101-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children aged 5 to 12 who are blind or visually impaired and their typically developing sighted peers
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the age range or without visual impairment may have different learning dynamics and may not benefit from the study results
What this research studies
The project compares how children who are blind and those who can see learn words through speech and reading, using observations of vocabulary growth from ages 5 to 12. It looks at whether blindness changes the speed or style of word learning and how different learning channels influence vocabulary trajectories. The study uses a cross-sectional design to examine self-reported learning modes and channels for individual words, aiming to identify unique instructional needs. By clarifying how blind children acquire language, the research could guide more effective, inclusive teaching approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform targeted language instruction and reading interventions for blind children, helping them build stronger vocabulary
How similar studies have gone: Previous research indicates differences in language development based on sensory experience, but this project focuses on direct comparisons in word learning modes and channels.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern Illinois University
De Kalb, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Lindsay Nicole-Porrino — Northern Illinois University
- Study coordinator: Harris, Lindsay Nicole-Porrino
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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.