Written from the perspective of a blind rehabilitation teacher, the paper focuses on teaching daily living skills to visually impaired persons. Of primary importance is early instruction in daily living skills integrated into the child's total life experience. The parent's role as a direct and consistent influence on the way children perceive the…

Long distance running competition for visually handicapped or blind children provides them with physical exercise as well as confidence, and is a sport they can continue into adulthood. (JD)

This paper analyzes data from the Supplement on Aging (1984 Health Interview Survey) and cites improvements in survey design which account for dramatic increases in the number of elderly with severe visual impairments. Statistical tables on percentage distribution of visual problems by age and prevalence of severe impairments are included. (JDD)

A program to prepare elementary grade students for mainstreaming of handicapped students is described. An outline of objectives, student activities, and required media and materials to improve understand of hearing impairment, visual impairment, physical handicap, and learning disability are provided. (DB)

Teachers of the visually impaired have a counseling role in helping students develop healthy self concepts. Teachers need to understand each of the phases of the adjustment process in response to either social stigma or vision loss. Among characteristics of the teacher-counselor are good interpersonal skills and realistic expectations. (Author/DB)

The article describes the collaborative process as defined in the special education literature and specific collaborative functions of the teacher of visually handicapped students (such as providing information, obtaining materials, acting as advocate). Finally it provides recommendations for effective consultation in the field. (Author/DB)

A visually-impaired 17-year-old was videotaped in a work setting before and after vocational training. The videotape was shown to 35 graduate students and student teachers, whose ratings of the student's vocational competence validated behavior changes (e.g., job task accuracy) resulting from the training as being clinically important. (Author/JDD)

This article identifies the visually handicapped population, discusses their special educational needs, and considers the educational program in terms of their assessment, placement, individualized education programs, and needs for educational aids. (CB)

This guide identifies 45 toys appropriate for young children with visual and/or motor impairments. Criteria for the toys selected include the following: provides sound feedback, has brightly colored surfaces with high contrast colors, provides surfaces that are interesting to touch, stimulates thinking by requiring specific actions or problem…

This resource paper is intended for students who are blind or visually impaired, and who wish to pursue education or vocational training beyond high school. Family members, Disability Support Services (DSS) providers, administrators, faculty, and staff will also benefit from the discussion. The paper examines the characteristics of blindness and…

The article reviews the literature on listening as an effective learning skill for the visually handicapped, and suggests ways of helping visually handicapped students to improve their listening skills. (Author/DLS)

The article focuses on the need for teachers of mainstream classes to develop skills and to modify methodology in order to meet the needs of handicapped children in regular public schools. (Author)

This survey of local education agencies (N=40) examines educational placement of visually impaired students and related factors that might be helpful in development of placement procedures for day school programs. Widespread acceptance of multiply handicapped children in day school programs appears to be affecting educational placement and related…

The study assessed the efficacy of a method of quantifying observations of blind clients made by orientation and mobility instructors. Client problems were observed for street crossings, bumps, stumbles, orientation, and drop-offs. (DB)

This study examined the internal validity and reasons for false positives for the Ten Question Screen (with and without probes), used by community workers in developing nations to assess type and severity of disability. Results support the use of the screen but only if paired with measurements of hearing and visual impairments. (DB)