Describes a program using talking computers with disabled students. Those computers bolster learning in several ways: active learning, individualized instruction, feedback and reinforcement, opportunity for success, lowered frustration, motivation, and classroom management. (MD)

This article reports on a 1988 survey of music programs in 49 residential schools for blind and visually impaired students. It presents information on teachers, materials, course offerings, accomplishments, goals, and administrative concerns. Recommendations include communication among music teachers, more involvement by music therapists, and…

Residential schools for students with blindness or visual impairments should be viewed as organizations that can provide the leadership for improved services statewide. Residential schools can become active partners in their communities by maximizing the use of the school's facilities, expanding outreach services, and developing cooperative…

The paper describes the community residence and independent living services offered by Perkins School for the Blind which serves multi-impaired, blind, visually impaired, and deaf blind individuals. The first part reviews existing community living options and emphasizes the need for thorough diagnosis, extensive training in daily living skills and…

VITAL (Vision Impaired Task and Assignment Lexicon) is an integrated computerized system that performs workplace design tasks for visually impaired workers. VITAL consists of three modules: ergonomics consultation, disability index, and work measurement. Evaluation indicated that VITAL could be used as a tool to help nonprofessional vocational…

This book was designed to share lessons learned from vocational rehabilitation research conducted at 11 Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers. Papers for the book were developed to provide practical guidance to the common efforts of professionals, advocates, consumers, and public figures interested in creating workable rehabilitation…

These California state guidelines are intended as a resource for parents, staff, and administrators in assessing, identifying, planning, providing, evaluating, and improving the quality and cost effectiveness of programs serving visually impaired students. Chapters have the following titles and sample subtopics: (1) "Introduction"…

One hundred teachers of the visually handicapped in Texas's public day schools were surveyed to help schools improve recruitment. Data are presented on (1) the teachers' professional training and certification, (2) job characteristics, (3) teachers' reasons for choosing their profession, and (4) their attitudes toward their positions. (MCG)

Recently the Oregon Legislative Assembly called for a new funding approach for regional programs for severely disabled students. The resulting resource-cost model, based on a state approved funding level by handicap and instructional delivery system or student placement, provides greater educational equity for disabled students regardless of…

Guidelines and sample designs for the construction or renovation of libraries providing services to blind and handicapped individuals are introduced by brief discussions of the responsibilities of members of the planning team, planning prerequisites, funding, and architect and site selection. Barrier-free designs are then suggested for the entry…

The contributions of art experiences to special education are discussed and guidelines for integrating art into the curriculum are provided. Art is seen to have potential for developing handicapped children's self expression, independence, sensory stimulation and motivation, perception discrimination, skill development, and career and personal…

A task force of opticians and educators in British Columbia was assembled to determine the knowledge and skills required of dispensing opticians and contact lens specialists. The ideas generated by the task force were analyzed and distilled into the standardized tasks listed in this document, using Krathwohl's taxonomy. The document contains 36…

This guide is designed to assist principals in the supervision of special education programs in their schools. The first of seven papers, by Ann Schnepf and Linda DeClue, offers a general overview of supervisory practices pertaining to special education. Subsequent papers review specific categories of students with disabilities and the supervision…

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) commissioned a study to determine the baseline costs of operation for the network of libraries and agencies that provide braille, playback machine, and recorded book services to patrons of the free national program. A 15-year projection of costs was also prepared. The…

This handbook supplement, for transition coordinators, is part of a packet intended to aid educators, families, and adult service providers to facilitate the transition from school to adult life in the community for students with both cognitive disabilities and visual or dual sensory impairments. Emphasis is on transition planning and community…