The article develops two contrasting themes: (1) the prime importance of braille as the medium of literacy available to blind persons; and (2) the widely perceived deemphasis of braille instruction in the United States. Resolutions of the American Council of the Blind encouraging increased and improved braille instruction are summarized.…

This report looks at demographic concepts related to persons with blindness or visual impairment, such as population changes and employment changes. A "New Demographics" is proposed which would consider the entire individual, the variety of social groups, and limitations in the social environment rather than the disability. (DB)

This national study of 107 blind and visually impaired adults found that they want new information services using the telephone and are willing to pay for such services. They also felt their privacy should be protected and that local telephone companies should be allowed to originate information services and products. (Author/DB)

The article discusses the cooperative relationship between the Council of Agency Administrators, which comprises 17 not-for-profit New York State agencies, and the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. The role of each organization is examined and hopes for future collaborative efforts are outlined. (Author/JDD)

The article traces the experiences of the Malaysian Association for the Blind in developing rehabilitation services for rural blind persons. It explains the rationale for a community-based approach to rehabilitation and concludes that center-based and community-based approaches to rehabilitation complement each other in bringing services to rural…

This article discusses the development of state licensure standards for specialists in orientation and mobility by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, outlines efforts to obtain licensure in Tennessee, and presents a strategy for pursuing state licensure in other states. (Author/DB)

This article identifies current problems that act as barriers to improved and expanded services and opportunities for blind and visually impaired people and their families, such as detachment of medical profession from service delivery, automatic student promotions, expectation of specialized programs in every district, parental choice of schools,…

This position paper of the Council of Executives of American Residential Schools for the Visually Handicapped calls for stronger emphasis on instruction in literacy skills; individualized selection of the mode of reading, writing, and computing; technical assistance; continuing education; emphasis on literacy skill teaching methodology; and…

Outlines existing library materials and services for blind students in Botswana, describes efforts made in the past to educate blind persons, and presents a proposal for the development of an educational library service for the blind at the primary, secondary, and university levels. (Author/CLB)

A survey of 790 blind and visually impaired persons in Arkansas assessed their use of technological assistive devices and their unmet needs, focusing on life functioning, spending practices and credit options for purchasing devices, funding support systems, travel practices, information sources, and satisfaction with services and devices.…