Justin Kaiser

Justin Kaiser is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky's Department of Early Childhood, Special Education and Counselor Education, located in the College of Education. He specializes in preparing educators and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists for students with visual impairments. Prior to joining UK in 2019, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina Upstate. His education includes a doctorate and master’s in vision studies from the University of Pittsburgh, and a bachelor’s in Psychology from West Virginia University.

Dr. Kaiser’s research focuses on orientation and mobility methodologies, functional vision assessments, and the impact of crises like the COVID-19 pandemic on students with visual impairments. He has led studies on assessment protocols, remote instruction strategies, and O&M service adaptations during disruptions. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practices.

Professional service includes roles as a Subject Matter Expert for ACVREP, a Board Member of the Orientation and Mobility Specialists Association, and former Chair of the O&M Division at AER. In 2018, he was honored as South Carolina AER Professional of the Year for contributions to O&M education.

His publications span pandemic-related challenges in special education, assessment tool analysis, and O&M scope-of-practice debates. Current projects include collaborations with the American Foundation for the Blind to address systemic barriers for visually impaired students.