This paper discusses the development and implementation of the VISUNET:CANADA Partners Program, an innovative, cooperative model of library service for blind and print disabled Canadians. The ultimate purpose of the model is to advance information equity for blind and print disabled individuals, wherever they live, by positioning the local library…

This article provides information on special education topics on the international front. Topics range from a BrailleNote project in British Columbia, a Swedish program to help Romanian children with special needs, a visual resource room to help New Zealand students with visual impairments, and technology programs in European countries. (CR)

Issues facing higher education around the Pacific Rim are considered in 12 conference papers. Titles and authors include the following: "Developing Linkages around the Pacific Rim" (Stephen Foster); "A Cooperative Approach to Professional Development: The Canadian Connection" (Peter Murphy); "Using Film in Teaching…

Presents research data on the social integration of visually handicapped students in Quebec's regular schools. Notes that the social acceptance of visually handicapped students, as measured by sociometric status, was significantly less than that of children without visual problems, regardless of age. Emphasizes the need for further research. (SB)

Describes results of a survey of Canadian academic libraries that was conducted to determine the provision of services to the disabled, i.e., students with visual, hearing, or motor deficiencies. External resources are described, the role of library staff is emphasized, and library policy statements concerning the provision of special services are…

In this speech, the author traces the history of lighting in schools, discusses the variables affecting the amount of illuminance needed, and provides a table of illuminances recommended for Ontario schools. Other factors that affect vision--glare, veiling reflection, color, and brightness balance--are outlined. Planners are admonished to…

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…

A visually impaired student teacher, her cooperating teachers, and college supervisor cooperated to make her internship successful. Adaptations included making early contact to enable adaptation of resources, focusing on capabilities rather than limitations of challenged interns, empowering interns to determine their own solutions to problems,…

This paper reviews selected research projects which focus on creating learning environments for special education, including those for handicapped, disadvantaged, and gifted children. Technologies that are applicable for gifted, retarded, blind or visually impaired, and deaf or hearing impaired students are discussed, as well as those for students…

This resource guide offers suggestions and resources to help provide successful school experiences for students who are blind or visually impaired. Individual sections address: (1) the nature of visual impairment, the specific needs and expectations of students with visual impairment, and the educational implications of visual impairment; (2)…

This annotated bibliography on resources concerning scholastic adaptation for students with exceptionalities was based on information collected by the Alberta Ministry of Education (Candada) from publishing houses and university presses. From the 350 submissions received, the 42 entries in this bibliography represent the materials chosen as the…

This handbook provides information for University of Victoria faculty that will assist in the process of accommodating students with disabilities in the classroom or the laboratory. The focus of the handbook is on ways that instructors can modify the learning environment to facilitate learning for these groups, and it is divided into sections…

Ten papers focus on applications in specific curriculum areas, modelling and simulation, and computer managed learning. Projects described include voice support for the visually handicapped, distance education, and industrial training, as well as teaching applied mathematics, several facets of engineering, zoology, and, with videodisc, observation…

In 1999, a survey was conducted of almost 800 university students with different disabilities across Canada to investigate what computer equipment students used and wanted, how they financed their computer technologies, and why they failed to take advantage of government subsidy programs. Results from the survey indicate many students did not know…

British Columbia College and Institute Library Services (CILS) is a provincial clearinghouse of resources for students and faculty with print impairments. CILS provides services by direct loans, interlibrary loans with partner agencies, and production of new alternate format materials (audiotape, electronic texts, large print or Braille). This…