The article reviews both the history of the blindness field in the Soviet Union and current trends and programs with emphasis on the development of educational programs for blind and visually impaired children. Psychosocial and employment issues are also addressed. (Author/DB)

The system of services to blind persons in two republics (Russia and Byelorussia) of the Soviet Union is described as a system in which employment and rehabilitation services revolve around factory operations and consumer-driven umbrella organizations. Also discussed are political changes occurring in Eastern Bloc countries and possible impact on…

The article reports on two 1989 visits to the Soviet Union to observe rehabilitation services for the blind. Described are the demographics, the profit-making factory system in which many visually impaired persons work, rehabilitation centers, technology, and services to older blind persons. (DB)

The theory and practice of A. Meshcheryakov on the education of blind-deaf children are reviewed. His work, based on a theory of mind rooted in the concept of human activity, is presently out of favor in the Soviet Union, but deserves further study. (SLD)