Contributions that have been and will be made by science and technology in reducing the handicaps experienced by blind and visually impaired individuals are reviewed. The contributions are examined in terms of two major categories of handicap: communication and mobility. (Author/DB)

The article gives data on the age, sex, income, geographic region, and ethnic composition of the visually disabled population of the United States (taken from the National Center for Health Statistics records for 1977). (PHR)

Sleep problems may occur in up to 88% of children with visual impairments who have developmental disabilities. The use of oral melatonin has recently been used for the management of sleep difficulties in children with and without disabilities. Sustained-release melatonin may reduce nighttime awakenings and increase total sleep time. (Contains…

An overview is presented of common causes of vision loss in young children and the impact of a visual impairment on development and learning. The article also discusses the role of the family and team members in meeting the intervention needs as well as issues affecting delivery of early intervention services. (Author/DB)

Poland's efforts in the field of low vision are discussed. including an historical review of the education of blind and visually impaired children; data on education, professional preparation programs, research on low vision, and the adaptation of materials and teaching methods to the cultural needs of the Polish low vision population. (Author)

Eye disorders most likely to be experienced by a hearing-impaired person are described, with an explanation of how speechreading performance might be impacted. Recommendations are offered to assist visually impaired speechreaders, through consideration of optimal viewing angles, lighting conditions, use of low vision aids, etc. (JDD)

This article reviews developmental and neuropsychological evidence of differences between modes of processing small-scale and large-scale spatial information, and discusses implications for teaching students with visual impairments. Understanding of developmental processes is felt to be the key to diagnosing and treating orientation and mobility…

Investigates trends in the number, types, topics, and sources of research articles published on blindness and early childhood development, 1980-1991. Most articles utilized descriptive methodology, covered a range of topics, were not databased, and were published in medical journals or Dissertation Abstracts International. (SM)

This article describes potential use of new technological products and services by blind/visually impaired people. Items discussed include computer input devices, public telephones, automatic teller machines, airline and rail arrival/departure displays, ticketing machines, information retrieval systems, order-entry terminals, optical character…

This manual reviews the use of work samples in the vocational assessment of blind and visually impaired persons and suggests improvements in their use. The information in the manual was gathered through a literature review, a national survey of vocational evaluators in rehabilitation facilities and schools for the blind, and ideas developed by the…

Coping mechanisms and other strategies are needed to alleviate the anxiety experienced by visually impaired students and clients during the mobility training process. This literature review discusses the effects of stress, potential stress reduction techniques, factors which impact independent mobility, and suggested areas of future research. (VW)

A systematic program for the training of broad-based social skills is necessary for some visually impaired children. Research on social skills programs has focused on the use of behavioral therapy, verbal and nonverbal social skills intervention, early intervention, and a team approach. (Author/JDD)

Describes ways in which speech synthesizers and adaptive software for microcomputers enable visually impaired office workers and professionals to use computers in much the same way as their sighted colleagues. Several speech synthesizers and computer programs are described, as well as experiences of blind persons in a variety of positions. (MBR)

Discusses the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and some of its effects and impact on public education, focusing on ideas and ways to make the library media center a meaningful experience for the hearing impaired, deaf, blind, and physically handicapped. (MP)

The article reviews the history of the development of lighting standards for the visually impaired. Available literature on how different levels of illumination affect visual acuity and visibility among persons with visual impairments is reviewed. Implications of this research for meeting the needs of visually impaired children in the classroom…