This article discusses the challenging process of developing a common data set for independent living programs serving older adults who are visually impaired. The three-year project, which included collaborative efforts among many stakeholders that encompass diverse program models, resulted in the development of the Internet-based Nationally…

The article analyzes national statistics from the perspective of underemployment among persons with visual loss. Figures are considered for temporary and part time work, occupational status, and annual earnings. (SBH)

Information from three directories of U.S. postsecondary institutions was analyzed and estimates were made of the percentage of blind and visually handicapped college students, and settings in which they were enrolled special services (such as readers and brailling services) were identified as well as scholarship sources. (CL)

The article reviews and critiques research on numbers of blind and visually handicapped college students. A discussion of the growth of higher education and its importance for employment is followed by analysis of methodological problems that limit the utility of data on rates of growth for this population. (CL)

A study involving 111 adults with blindness examined the impact of watching television science programs with and without audio description. Results indicate respondents gained and retained more information from watching programs with description. They reported that the description makes the program more enjoyable, interesting, and informative.…

Based on a 1976 Census Bureau survey and a 1977 National Center for Health Statistics survey, statistics are presented on employment of blind and low vision persons. (CL)

The article identifies federal agencies which have been major sources of data for organizations providing services to blind and visually impaired persons, describes recent and possible changes in data collection and reporting, and cites organizations that watch the changing status of federal disability statistics. (MC)

Interviewed 111 blind and visually impaired college students to investigate their career planning strategies. Results indicated the social sciences were predominant majors. Friends and vocational rehabilitation counselors were major sources of career information. (JAC)

Discusses lack of data on children with visual impairments and development of the National Plan for Training Personnel to Serve Children with Blindness and Low Vision (NPTP) to address personnel shortages and to conduct a needs assessment. The NPTP estimate of 93,000 students with visual impairments is analyzed. (CR)

The article presents a preliminary review of statistics from a 1977 national survey to determine what specialized services are available in schools and rehabilitation agencies for the blind and visually handicapped. (DLS)

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that examined employment issues for people with serious visual impairments. The study reviewed data from the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Survey that included 128,001 people (ages 18-69) with and without visual impairments. Chapter 1 highlights age (seen as lifestage) and health status as…

The Census Bureau's 1999 Survey of Income and Program Participation found that Internet access and computer use by people with visual impairments is substantially (30 percent) less than that for people with no disabilities. Age, employment, and the presence of additional impairments also affected computer use. Results suggest over a million…