Background: An estimated 1 in 5 American children has a vision problem. Children living in poor urban environments have twice the normal rate of vision problems. Uncorrected vision problems can worsen over time and result in permanent vision loss. Early detection and treatment of vision problems is therefore essential in optimizing children's…

This report is the result of a conference that examined major civil rights issues facing people who are blind and visually impaired in Illinois and is intended to inform the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights concerning issues of equal protection. The introductory chapter reviews leading types and causes of blindness and visual impairment, incidence…

A survey of 60 teachers of students with visual impairments in Illinois evaluated student use of assistive technology. Findings indicated that only 40 percent of students requiring alternative reading media used assistive technology and that students served by itinerant teachers were less likely to use or receive assistive technology training than…

The report is an outgrowth of a study of three residential schools operated by the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). The schools are the Illinois Children's School and Rehabilitation Center (ICSRC), for severely physically handicapped or health-impaired, the Illinois School for the Deaf, and the Illinois School for the…

This theme issue discusses the special information needs of older adults and library services designed to meet these needs, especially focusing on the problems of mobility, visual, and hearing impairments. Several contracted projects in Illinois, developed to assess and meet the needs of older adults, are also described and evaluated. (CLB)