The article outlines advantages and limitations of five types of access to microcomputer technology for visually impaired students: electronic braille, paper braille, Optacon, synthetic speech, and enlarged print. Additional considerations in access decisions are noted. (CL)

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 presents a two-phase process for use by multidisciplinary teams making decisions on the reading medium for students with visual impairments. The first phase is a diagnostic teaching phase to guide initial decision making. The second phase, continued evaluation, leads to ongoing adjustment of the selected medium or media. (Author/DB)

A study of the reading competence of 25 visually impaired pupils in Sweden followed subjects from 1988 to 1991. Neither visual acuity, reading media, optical aids, nor reading distance were clearly related to reading competence. Rather, good readers were students who scored higher on verbal cognitive tests and had a greater interest in reading as…

Suggests guidelines for creating World Wide Web sites that accommodate those using speech or braille aids. Hypertext Markup Language coding should provide (1) one-column format rather than side-by-side columns; (2) stand-alone hyperlinks; (3) "ALT=" attributes for image displays; (4) text alternatives to images or image maps as links or…

Reports some of the current research taking place in Great Britain on designing text for visually impaired readers. Topics discussed include large print; Braille; instructional videotapes and how they can be improved; and developments in electronic text, including reformatting, compact disks, and electronic newspapers. (18 references) (LRW)

This study compared which braille-related communication skills 233 teachers of students with visual impairments taught and which 531 adults with visual impairments actually used. Teachers taught use of braillewriters, computers, audiocassette recorders, and typewriters, but rarely taught use of slates and styli and sighted readers' services, which…

Libraries should seek to serve the disabled by accommodating special needs in physical and intellectual access to the Internet. Some possible enhancements include (1) screen magnifiers; (2) voice interfaces; (3) braille displays; (4) alternative keyboard options; (5) spacious and adjustable workstation areas; (6) provision of remote access; and…