Michele McDonnall

Education

• B.S., Florida State University
• M.S., Mississippi State University
• Ph.D., University of Arkansas

Professional Affiliations and Activities

• Member, Editorial Advisory Board for the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 2019-present
• Member, Editorial Advisory Board for Rehabilitation Education, 2002-present
• Member, Editorial Board for the Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 2003-present
• Peer Reviewer, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 2004-present
• Principal Panel Member, Special Education Research Review Panel for the Institute of Education Sciences, 2010-2013
• NARRTC Research Committee Member, 2006-2009
• Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
• National Council on Rehabilitation Education

Research/Training Specialization

• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
• Research emphases in employment issues for youth and adults with blindness or visual impairments, employer attitudes, and employer engagement

Selected Publications

• McDonnall, M. C., & Cmar, J. L. (2024). Employment and retirement among workers who develop vision loss in midlife. WORK, 79(2), 819-830.
• Boydstun, J., McDonnall, M. C., & Steverson, A. (2024). Assistive Technology in the Workplace and Training Needs: Insights from Employed Young Adults who are Blind or Have Low Vision. Visual Impairment and Deafblind Education Quarterly, 69(4), 79-96.
• Cmar, J. L., & McDonnall, M. C. (2024). Group-based trajectory analysis of longitudinal employment patterns and predictors for adults with visual impairments. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 61(2), 143-156.
• Crudden, A., Steverson, A., & Sergi, K. (2024). Why I’m not working: People with visual impairments explain. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 61(1), 39-53.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Cmar, J. L. (2024). Underemployment among college graduates with blindness and low vision. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 118(3), 151-163.
• McDonnall, M. C., Sessler-Trinkowsky, R., & Steverson, A. (2024). Use of braille in the workplace by people who are blind. Journal on Technology and Persons with Disabilities, 12, 58-75.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2024, Spring). Online job applications still need improvements. AccessWorld. https://afb.org/aw/spring2024/job-applications-research-accessibility
• Cmar, J. L., McDonnall, M. C., & Mitchell, G. L. (2024). Predictors of job retention after onset of visual impairment in late middle age. Journal of Aging and Health. Advance online publication.
• McDonnall, M. C., Steverson, A., & Boydstun, J. (2024). Actual and preferred methods for learning to use assistive technology. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 18, 20-35.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2023, December 19). Digital inaccessibility: Blind and low-vision people have powerful technology but still face barriers to the digital world. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/digital-inaccessibility-blind-and-low-vision-people-have-powerful-technology-but-still-face-barriers-to-the-digital-world-212600
• McDonnall, M. C., Sergi, K., & Steverson, A. (2023). Comparison of assistive technology use and beliefs among employed and unemployed people who are blind. The New RE:view, 1(2), 12-27.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2023). Challenges with AT in the workplace: Accessibility issues top the list. AccessWorld. https://www.afb.org/aw/24/6/1836
• McDonnall, M. C., Cmar, J. L., & McKnight, Z. (2024). How degree major and demographic factors influence employment and earnings for college graduates with visual impairments. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 68(1), 13-24.
• McDonnall, M.C., Steverson, A., Trinkowsky, R. S., & Sergi, K. (2023). Assistive technology use in the workplace by people with blindness and low vision: Perceived skill level, satisfaction, and challenges. Assistive Technology. Advanced Online Publication.
• Crudden, A., McDonnall, M, & Tatch, A. (2023). Unable to work? Characteristics of people with blindness and low vision who are out of the labor force. Disability and Health Journal, 16(3), 101438.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Cmar, J. L. (2022) Structural Relationships Among Predictors of Employer Attitudes Toward Blind Employees. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 57(1), 73-84.
• McDonnall, M. C., Cmar, J., & McKnight, Z. S. (2022). Beyond employment rates: Social Security disability benefit receipt and work among people with visual impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 116(3), 396-403.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Antonelli, K. (2022). Changing employers’ implicit attitudes about the competence of people who are blind. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 116(3), 361-372.
• McDonnall, M. C., Cmar, J., & McKnight, Z. S. (2022). Beyond employment rates: Continuity of employment for people with visual impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 116(2), 275-280.
• McDonnall, M.,Cmar, J., & McKnight, Z. S. (2022). Beyond employment rates: Full-time vs. part-time employment for people with visual impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness 116(1), 7-13.
• McDonnall, M., Cmar, J., & McKnight, Z. (2021). What predicts job quality of vocational rehabilitation consumers who are blind or have low vision? Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 66(2), 100-111. 
• McDonnall, M. C., & McKnight, Z. S. (2021). The association between presenting visual impairment, health, and employment status. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 115(3), 204–214.
• McDonnall, M. C. & Cmar, J. L. (2021). A Mixed-methods assessment of the impact of an agency-wide business development training for rehabilitation counselors. Journal of Rehabilitation, 87(2), 47-55.
• Cmar, J. L., & McDonnall, M. C. (2021). Long-term effects of a job search intervention for transition-age youth with visual impairments. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 55(1), 91-105.
• cKnight, Z. S., Crudden, A., & McDonnall, M. C. (2021). Personal Characteristics Associated with Working After Disability Onset for People with Visual Impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 115(2), 95–105. 
• McDonnall, M. C., & Tatch, A. (2021). Educational attainment and employment for individuals with visual impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 115(2), 152–159.
• Cmar, J. L., & McDonnall, M. C. (2021). Short-term effectiveness of job search skills training: Comparisons by summer work experience participation. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 64(2), 86-96.
• McDonnall, M. C., Cmar, J. L., & McKnight, Z. S. (2020) The effect of visual impairment on return to work for vocational rehabilitation consumers with traumatic brain injury. Journal of Rehabilitation, 86(2), 47-55.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Lund, E. M. (2020). Employers’ intent to hire people who are blind or visually impaired: A test of the theory of planned behavior. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 63(4), 206–215.
• McDonnall, M. C., Cmar, J. L., & Tatch, A. J. (2020). Importance of agency context for long-term effectiveness of a business development training for rehabilitation counselors.  Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 53(1), 1-16
• McDonnall, M. C., Cmar, J. L., & McKnight, Z. S. (2020). Service factors and personal characteristics associated with employment and job quality for vocational rehabilitation consumers with combined traumatic brain injury and visual impairment. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 52(3), 223-238. 
• McDonnall, M. C., Cmar, J. L., & Lund, E. M. (2020). Comorbid traumatic brain injury and visual impairment: Vocational rehabilitation service provision and agency-level outcomes. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 114(1), 6-17.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Antonelli, K. (2020). The impact of a brief meeting on employer attitudes, knowledge, and intent to hire. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 63(3), 131–142.
• Cmar, J. L., & McDonnall, M. C. (2020). A curriculum for teaching job search skills to youth with visual impairments. Visual Impairment and Deafblind Education Quarterly, 65(2), 74-86.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Antonelli, K. (2019). A second look at factors associated with employers hiring behavior regarding people who are blind or have low vision. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 113(6), 538–550.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Sui, C. (2019). Employment and unemployment rates of people who are blind or visually impaired: Estimates from multiple sources. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 113(6), 481–492.
• Cmar, J. L., & McDonnall, M. C. (2019). Effectiveness of a job search training program for youth with visual impairments. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 42(4), 214-224.
• McDonnall, M.C., Cmar, J.L., Antonelli, K., & Markoski, K.M. (2019). Professionals’ implicit attitudes about the competence of people who are blind. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 113(4), 341-354
• McDonnall, M. C., & Cmar, J. (2019). Employment outcomes and job quality of vocational rehabilitation consumers with deaf-blindness. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 63(1), 13-24.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Sui, Z. (2019). Effectiveness of a business development training for rehabilitation counselors who work with consumers who are blind or visually impaired. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 63(1), 25–34. 
• Cmar, J. L., & McDonnall, M. C. (2019). Characteristics, services, and outcomes of vocational rehabilitation consumers who are deaf-blind. Journal of the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association, 52(2), 12-24.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Cmar, J. L. (2019). Services for consumers who are deaf-blind: Vocational rehabilitation agency service models utilized and their effectiveness. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 113(1), 19-31.
• Crudden, A., McDonnall, M. C., & Sui, Z. (2018). Losing employment: At-risk employed vocational rehabilitation applicants with vision loss. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 112(5), 461-474.
• Cmar, J. L., McDonnall, M. C., & Markoski, K. M. (2018). In-school predictors of post-school employment for youth who are deaf-blind. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 41(4), 223-233.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Antonelli, K. (2018). Employers’ implicit attitudes about the competence of people who are blind. Rehabilitation Psychology, 63(4), 502–511.
• McDonnall, M. C., Crudden, A., & Steverson, A. (2018). Impact of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Changes on agencies serving consumers with blindness and low vision. Journal of Rehabilitation, 84(3), 39-45.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Cmar, J. L. (2018). Experiences of young adults with deaf-blindness after high school. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 112(4), 403-410.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Crudden, A. (2018). Predictors of employer attitudes toward blind employees, revisited. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 48(2), 221-231.
• Cmar, J. L., McDonnall, M. C., & Crudden, A. (2018). Transportation self-efficacy and employment among individuals with visual impairments. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 48(2), 257-268.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2018). Factors associated with employer hiring decisions regarding people who are blind or have low vision. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 112(2), 197-203.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2017). Working with business: Counselor expectations, actions, and challenges. Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education, 31(2), 135-145.
• Crudden, A., Cmar, J. L., & McDonnall, M. C. (2017). Stress associated with transportation: A survey of persons with visual impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 111(3), 219-230.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2017). The relationship between employer contact with vocational rehabilitation and hiring decisions about individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Journal of Rehabilitation, 83(1), 50-58.
• McDonnall, M. C., Crudden, A, LeJeune, B.J., & Steverson, A. (2017). Availability of mental health services for individuals who are deaf or deaf-blind. Journal of Social Work In Disability & Rehabilitation, 16(1), 1-13.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2017). Additional evidence for the validity of the Employer Attitudes toward Blind Employees Scale. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 60(3), 155-162.
• McDonnall, M. C., Crudden, A, LeJeune, B. J., Steverson, A., & O'Donnell, N. (2016). Needs and challenges of seniors with combined hearing and vision loss. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 110(6), 399-411.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2016). The relationship between vocational rehabilitation professionals' interactions with businesses and employment outcomes for consumers who are blind or visually impaired. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 59(4), 203-212.
• Crudden, A., McDonnall, M. C., Hierholzer, A. (2015). Transportation: An Electronic Survey of Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 109(6), 445-456.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Crudden, A. (2015). Building relationships with businesses: Recommendations from employers concerning persons who are blind or visually impaired. Journal of Rehabilitation, 81(3), 43-50.
• McDonnall, M. C., Crudden, A., & O'Mally, J. (2015). Predictors of employer attitudes toward people who are blind or visually impaired as employees. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 42(1), 41-50.
• McDonnall, M. C., O’Mally, J., & Crudden, A. (2014). Employer knowledge of and attitudes toward individuals who are blind or visually impaired as employees. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 108(3), 213-225.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2014). Employer attitudes towards persons who are blind or visually impaired as employees: Development of a measurement instrument. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin. 58(1), 29-36.
• McDonnall, M. C., Zhou, L., & Crudden, A. (2013). Employer attitudes towards persons who are blind or visually impaired: Perspectives and recommendations from vocational rehabilitation personnel. Journal of Rehabilitation, 79(3), 17-24.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Giesen, J. M. (2012). Project H.I.R.E.: An online employment preparation program for college students who are blind or visually impaired. Insight: Research and Practice in Visual Impairment and Blindness, 5(2), 111-122.
• McDonnall, M. C., & O’Mally, J. (2012). Characteristics of early work experiences and their association with future employment. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 106(3), 133-144.
• McDonnall, M. C., Cavenaugh, B. S., & Giesen, J. M. (2012). The relationship between parental involvement and achievement for students with visual impairments. Journal of Special Education, 45(4), 204-215.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2011). The effect of productive activities on depressive symptoms among older adults with dual sensory loss. Research on Aging, 33(3), 234-255.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2011). Physical status as a moderator of depressive symptoms among older adults with dual sensory loss. Rehabilitation Psychology, 56(1), 67-76.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2011). Predictors of employment for youth with visual impairments: Findings from the second National Longitudinal Transition Study. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 105(8), 453-466.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2010). The employment and postsecondary educational status of transition-age youths with visual impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 104(5), 298-303.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2010). Factors predicting post-high school employment for young adults with visual impairments. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 54(1), 36-45.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2009). The effects of developing a dual sensory loss on depression in older adults: A longitudinal study. Journal of Aging and Health, 21(8), 1179-1199.
• McDonnall, M. C. (2009). Risk factors for depression among older adults with dual sensory loss. Aging and Mental Health, 13(4), 569-576.
• McDonnall, M. C., & Crudden, A. (2009). Factors affecting the successful employment of transition age youth with visual impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 103(6), 329-341.
• Capella-McDonnall, M. E., & LeJeune, B. J. (2008). Employment among older adults with combined hearing and vision loss. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 39(3), 3-9.
• Capella-McDonnall, M. E. (2008). The Ticket to Work program and beneficiaries with blindness or low vision: Characteristics of beneficiaries who assign their tickets and preliminary outcomes. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 51(2), 85-95.
• Capella-McDonnall, M. E. (2007). Effectiveness of the Ticket to Work program for beneficiaries with blindness and low vision: Comparisons with other beneficiaries. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 101(5), 296-301.
• Capella-McDonnall, M. E. (2007). The need for health promotion for adults with blindness or low vision. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 101(3), 133-145.
• Capella-McDonnall, M. E. (2006). Use of the homemaker closure with consumers who are blind or visually impaired versus consumers with other disabilities. Journal of Rehabilitation Administration, 30(4), 229-240.
• Capella-McDonnall, M. E. (2005). The effects of single and dual sensory loss on symptoms of depression in the elderly. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 20(9), 855-861.
• Capella-McDonnall, M. E. (2005). Predictors of competitive employment for blind and visually impaired consumers of vocational rehabilitation services. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 99(5), 303-315.
• Capella-McDonnall, M. E. (2005). The Ticket to Work Program: Employment networks' views on serving blind or visually impaired beneficiaries. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 99(6), 336-344.
• Capella, M. E., & Turner, R. C. (2004). Development of an instrument to measure consumer satisfaction in vocational rehabilitation. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 47(2), 76-85.
• Capella, M. E. (2002). Inequities in the vocational rehabilitation system: Do they still exist? Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 45(3), 143-153.

Selected External Funding

• Principal Investigator, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center: Employment for Individuals with Blindness or Other Visual Impairments, National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, 2015 - 2020
• Principal Investigator, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, 2010 - 2015
• Principal Investigator, Moderators of Depressive Symptoms for Older Adults with Dual Sensory Loss, National Institute on Aging, 2008-2009
• Co-principal Investigator, DRRP on VR: Transition Services that Lead to Competitive Employment Outcomes for Transition-Age Individuals with Blindness or Other Visual Impairments, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, 2008-2011
• Co-principal Investigator, The Effects of School Climate and Supports on Math Achievement for Elementary Students with Visual Impairments, Institute of Educational Sciences, 2006-2008 (funded)