The Kinsey Institute's Blind His Study is aimed at promoting condom use, enjoyment, and skills among blind and low vision men in the U.S.
Kinsey Institute Blind His Study
What is KI-BHIS?
This program is designed to improve Blind and Low Vision (BLV) men's experiences of condoms by making the use of condoms and lubricants more enjoyable.
Using condoms can reduce the risk of catching an STI, but many men experience issues with them.
The KI-BHIS program involves trying out a variety of condoms and lubricants to find the best ones for you.
What is the goal of the study?
To develop more accessible sexual health education and resources that support positive condom use experiences for Blind and Low Vision men.
What can I expect?
Participants will take part in a home-based program about condoms and condom use. Through this program, participants will:
- Learn how to use condoms correctly.
- Find strategies for making condom use more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Gain information about different condom options.
- Learn how to identify condom sizes that fit well.
- Find a condom that works best for them based on their personal preferences.
How will participant feedback be used?
Participants’ experiences and perspectives will help us improve sexual health resources for Blind and Low Vision men.
Meet the research team
Dr. William Yarber
Dr. Yarber is a member of the the Kinsey Institute Condom Use Research Team (CURT) comprised of researchers from Indiana University, University of Kentucky, University of Guelph (Canada), and University of Southampton (United Kingdom). For over 16 years, with federal and institutional research support, CURT has investigated male condom use errors and problems and has developed behavioral interventions designed to improve correct and consistent condom use.
Fun Fact: I enjoy hiking, visiting with my colleagues, and attending sporting and theatre events.
Dr. Cynthia Graham
Cynthia Graham, PhD is a senior scientist at the Kinsey Institute and a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Gender Studies at Indiana University Bloomington. She is a core member of the Disability and Sexual Health Initiative (DASHI) and she has been a member of the Kinsey Institute Condom Use Research Team since 2000. She has been editor-in-chief of The Journal of Sex Research since 2009. Her current research focuses on male condom use, women’s sexuality, women’s sexual pleasure, and sexual health among older adults.
Fun fact: In her free time, she enjoys swimming, traveling, and spending time with her two dogs, Monty and Leo.
LinkedIn: Cynthia A.M.Graham
Bluesky: @cygraham.bsky.social
X: cygraham_graham
Dr. Kirsten Greer
Kirsten Greer, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University and a core member of the Disability and Sexual Health Initiative (DASHI). Dr. Greer’s research focuses on advancing sexual health, well-being, and autonomy among individuals with disabilities, with an emphasis on addressing structural inequities and improving access to inclusive sexual health resources and education. She has led research examining condom use and sexual consent experiences among Blind and Low Vision (BLV) adults. She is committed to promoting equitable access to sexual and reproductive health resources and inclusive sex education.
Fun fact: In her free time, she enjoys going on long walks and exploring new parks and trails with her dog Marty.
LinkedIn: Kirsten Greer, PhD
Instagram: kgreer_et_al
X: KirstenGreer10
Tori Sciara, MA
Tori Sciara, MA, is a Doctoral Candidate in the School of Public Health at Indiana University – Bloomington and a member of the Kinsey Institute Disability and Sexual Health Initiative (DASHI). Tori’s research focuses on social media and promoting sexual pleasure. She is particularly interested in assessing the sexual needs of Blind and Low Vision (BLV) adults and women with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Tori’s work is grounded in health equity and reducing sexual stigmatization.
Fun Fact: In her free time, Tori can be found playing Stardew Valley, listening to romance or fantasy audiobooks, or singing along to her latest album hyperfixation (currently RAYE’s This Music May Contain Hope).
Dr. Christopher Clark
Christopher Clark, received his O.D. in 2005 from the New England College of Optometry. He then completed a research fellowship at the Borish Center for Ophthalmic Research through Indiana University. Dr. Clark completed his Ph.D. in Vision Science at the Indiana University School of Optometry. He has spent time doing clinical work at the Boston Foundation for Sight, Wenzhou Eye Hospital in China, and Donald Korb and Associates, amongst other places. Dr. Clark has won multiple awards including the GPLI Clinical Excellence Award and the Heart of America Contact Lens student award.
Learn more about the Kinsey Institute's Disability and Sexual Health Initiative