An approach to functional vision evaluations clarifies the types of data collection and suggests protocols for three broad categories of visually handicapped children: "normal" school-age students, "normal" preschoolers, and multiply handicapped pupils. Visually impaired infants are classified with multiply handicapped pupils…

Describes materials and methods used with severely visually handicapped students studying for 0- and A-levels in biology. Indicates that the materials (such as a key to British broad-leaved trees) and strategies included are valuable for all students of ecology. (JN)

Techniques for evaluating the multiply impaired child's functional level of vision are described and a sequence of visual stimulation instruction for children with visual impairments is presented. (PHR)

Guidelines for working with remedial braille readers in the areas of attitude/motivation, mechanical skills, decoding skills, and comprehension are provided. Lists of suggestions are presented in each of the areas. (PHR)

This article suggests strategies to improve perceived competencies in children with visual impairments. Strategies to increase perceptions of athletic competence include introducing role models and using behavior assessments. Guided discovery and peer tutoring are suggested teaching techniques. Strategies to improve social competence include…

The review of research concluded that, although brain damage affects visual functioning, the prognosis for good functional vision after remedial intervention is better than previously thought. Although electrodiagnostic testing was found to be valuable, use of a combination of tests is recommended to obtain the most complete picture of brain…

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 describes a consumer skills unit taught to visually impaired seventh graders. The unit covered advertising language and psychology, comparison shopping and label language, and budgeting and future planning. (DB)

An itinerant teacher of multiply handicapped students with low vision shares learning activities in which students learn to use coins with the aid of a computer program and make a shopping list using advertising flyers. (DB)

The paper argues that microcomputers can be useful in providing visual stimulation to young visually handicapped children. Monitors can present materials in a "back-lit" manner, and input devices such as the touch sensitive screen allow children to interact directly with the images on the screen. (Author/DB)

Sighted (n=37), partially sighted (n=20), and blind (n=17) participants answered questions about their expression and interpretation of verbal and nonverbal cues during telephone conversations, face-to-face encounters, and dating. The groups used an equal number of cues. Results have implications for developing specific communication skills of…

Israeli programs that have been used to teach children to read Hebrew braille are described, and a reading scheme called "Secrets and Surprises" is presented. The method uses an eclectic approach, emphasizes comprehension and the communicative element of reading, and offers a variety of presentation modes to meet individual students'…

Teachers of children with visual impairments are encouraged to create their own useful and age-appropriate songs to help teach orientation and mobility skills to children in preschool to grade three. The songs can be created by writing new lyrics to well-known tunes or by writing new lyrics and melodies. (DB)

This article discusses how art activities can be adapted for students with visual impairments, focusing on textural art, sculpture, sound art, smell, taste, kinetic art, dioramas and maps, and computer art. Suggestions for adapting visual arts are also offered, by using good contrast in projects or by enlarging or simplifying pictures. (JDD)

This article reviews the history of traditional service delivery systems for students with visual handicaps, demonstrates the need for change, and defines and describes the structure of the consultative/collaborative teacher model. The model stresses shared communication and joint problem solving between teachers and vision specialists. (DB)