The Impact of Change on Professionals in the Field of Blindness

Abstract

The paper raises the question of whether fear of impending change, dissatisfaction with lack of change, or discontent with too many actual changes affects a professional's morale, enthusiasm, persistence, and desire to stay in the field. Examples of past and current changes in the field of education and rehabilitation for the visually handicapped are presented to illustrate the individual professional's attitudes regarding change, how change has occurred, and how the individual is affected or can directly influence future changes. Questions regarding potential future changes in the field are raised and the idea that the field is at a crossroads is advanced.