Reviews the research related to the definition of "literacy" and the comparability of various reading media and their implications for vocational assessment of literacy skills with visually impaired adults. It suggests that the characteristics of literacy, the media, and of the working methods used in criterion situations affect the content…

The enormously complex and sometimes controversial project to unify the traditional literary Braille code used in English-speaking countries with the technical and mathematical codes authorized by the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) and the Braille Authority of the United Kingdom (BAUK) proposes to change English Grade Two Braille on a…

The report focuses on the education of visually handicapped children in Western Australia. Chapter 1 deals with the medical terminology of visual impairment and related educational issues. An historical review is the content of a second chapter, and Chapter 3 provides information on educational programs for visually handicapped children at the…

The article examines evidence of visual impairment caused by excessive amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light. Among considerations when using a source of UV light for vision stimulation are the position of the child and teacher, use of window glass filters or protective glasses, and careful recordkeeping of all UV stimulation. (Author/JW)[

Reviews the effects of vision changes on intelligence and explains how intellectual performance may be improved by attempting to compensate for vision loss. Suggests that vision factors can't be ignored when assessing intellectual changes and may account for a large portion of mental impairment previously ascribed to other factors. (JAC)

Based on studies and clinical findings, two techniques for testing infant vision are described: near-retinoscopy (used to assess the refractive state of infants and young children) and a fast preferential looking procedure (used to assess the acuity of infants up to one year of age). (DLS)

The report analyzes data collected by the American Printing House for the Blind from residential and nonresidential schools regarding trends in school enrollment and reading methods among legally blind school children. (CL)

The article presents criteria for selecting toys suitable for visually impaired children, describes five suitable educational toys, and lists toy manufacturers. (Author/PHR)

Presents a review of several factors that lead to the label of "disadvantaged," with a focus on children with blindness or visual impairment. It is noted that these children are at greater risk to be considered as disadvantaged. Practical solutions to these disadvantaging circumstances are offered. (Author/CR)

In order to shed light on the needs of children with cortical visual impairments, normal visual development of infants is described. Infant preferences for motion, faces, and black-and-white patterns are explained. Colors useful in stimulating vision development and the time needed for exposure to visual stimuli are discussed. (CR)

This article examines the growing gap between numbers of visually impaired students identified and numbers of teachers trained to serve them, and explores factors impeding efforts to recruit and train teachers. Suggestions include legislative initiatives, implementation of national recruitment policy, and national networking of university training…

Notes that, as the population ages, the number of adults with visual impairments grows proportionately. Explores the population of visually impaired adults and discusses suggestions for counselor education relevant to preparing counselors to meet the needs of adults with visual handicaps. (Author/NB)

The article critically examines 35 years of literature on group counseling with visually impaired people and points to the lack of methodologically sound research. Several methodological designs yielding interpretable results are suggested for future research. (DB)

The provision of high quality orientation and mobility (O&M) services to older persons with visual impairments requires consideration of problems in attitudes, client characteristics, financial resources, inservice training, and the availability of age-appropriate assessment instruments. This paper discusses research on O&M interventions and…

Describes the evolution of audiocassette tapes and considers benefits of using tapes in distance teaching. Problems associated with tapes are discussed; the use of tapes by print-handicapped students is described; and possible solutions to drawbacks are suggested, including organization of contents, cassette indexing, self-pacing, and…