The director of an agency for the blind and visually impaired examines the service-delivery dilemma of funding versus placement decisions. Three program areas demonstrate this dilemma: (1) Social Security Disability Insurance disincentives to competitive placement; (2) the private agency's role when the educational system falls short; and (3)…

This article explores issues related to the use of supported employment and time-related transitional employment for blind and visually impaired persons. It defines the concepts; describes the characteristics that distinguish these services from others; and discusses the need for these services from ecological, philosophical, fiscal, and learning…

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 paper addresses the need to define terms used in vision training before successful programs can be formulated. Critical behaviors in three categories (visual attending, visual examining, and visually guided motor) are considered as are program alternatives focusing on visual environment management, visual skills training, and visually…

A new approach to behavioral control with individuals having both visual impairments and multiple disabilities stresses the use of positive intervention strategies, bases treatment on functional assessments of challenging responses, and emphasizes broad changes in the lifestyles of individuals. Case examples illustrate applications. (Author/DB)

This paper offers a model of visual functioning focusing on three factors: (1) visual capacity, (2) visual processing, and (3) visual attention. Practical implications of visual therapy are considered, and intervention strategies with children with impaired visual functioning are suggested. (Author/DB)

Describes current child-count systems that count students with visual impairments and additional disabilities in only one disability area. This results in an undercount of the incidence of visual impairment. Discusses the need for children to be initially counted by the disability of the lowest incidence. (CR)

The author, born with a severe visual impairment, addresses the tendency of adolescents with visual impairments to try to hide the disability and "pass" as unimpaired with their peers. It is suggested that these adolescents be helped to find a comfortable balance between taking excessive risks and allowing visual impairment or blindness to be an…

Issues related to promoting orientation and mobility training for individuals with visual impairments and diabetes are discussed, including effects of insulin, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, the timing of training, complications to the feet, and fluctuations in vision. Major lifestyle changes required by diabetes are stressed. (Author/SW)

This article explores problems blind and visually impaired workers have in achieving upward mobility in work environment. It presents findings of American Foundation for the Blind's Task Force on Upward Mobility which present recommendations for rehabilitation and educational professionals, employers, and consumers. Rehabilitation counselors are…

Two factors are discussed that should influence the planning and development of rehabilitation services for visually impaired people: social perceptions/expectations (media influence, leisure, health, quality of life, and equality of opportunity) and external environmental influences (demographic, economic, social, political, and physical).…

This paper examines the student placement decision-making process since the 1950s noting trends. The process is seen to include accumulating relevant data, analysis of data, and exploration of possible placement options. Creative and appropriate programing is emphasized. The role of the teacher of visually handicapped students is clarified.…

Rehabilitation teachers who work with students having visual impairments are urged to act more affirmatively on behalf of their profession: (1) by organizing archives; (2) by developing a written history; (3) by promoting rehabilitation teaching; and (4) by promoting professionalism and quality. (DB)

This hypothetical letter to a junior high school student with visual impairments stresses the child's abilities and possibilities rather than limitations as well as the importance of the child's individual development and assumption of personal responsibility. The letter is primarily intended to help teachers think about how to best help such…

Teachers of the visually impaired have a counseling role in helping students develop healthy self concepts. Teachers need to understand each of the phases of the adjustment process in response to either social stigma or vision loss. Among characteristics of the teacher-counselor are good interpersonal skills and realistic expectations. (Author/DB)