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…

The magnitude of blindness among children and services available in the Middle East are described. The role for prevention services is discussed and recommendations for future action provided. (Author)

This summary of a seminar meeting on economics issues and the "blindness system" addresses the economics of four service delivery models (charity, medical, public provider, and business models) and points to consider in selecting a model (professional specialization, integration, and client roles). A chart compares service delivery principles…

This summary of a seminar meeting on organization of the field of visually impaired rehabilitation addresses: restructuring of medical and rehabilitation services, rival accrediting agencies, effect of service provider mergers, problems in providing effective services, and possible solutions. (DB)

The article claims that (1) categorical services are essential to fully help the blind and visually impaired population maintain what progress has been made; and (2) that the rehabilitation system cannot disregard the fact that the unique needs of the visually impaired require the services of specialized professionals. (Author/DB)

This summary of a seminar meeting on consumer concerns in services for people with blindness and visual impairments addresses the future of services, an ideal model of the blindness system, goals of rehabilitation services, a mission statement, differential evaluation of system criteria, and strategies to implement goals. (DB)

The advantages and disadvantages of placing outside staff to represent international aid agencies in developing countries' service programs for blind persons are explored. Alternative models are offered, and sustainability through empowerment is presented as an approach to ensure long-term benefits from the services offered by the international…

The article discusses influences on the development of education for the visually impaired in Nigeria including the contributions of voluntary agencies, the traditional community, and the government. All three influences must be considered in evaluating the development of educational services for this population. (Author/DB)

Based on visits and teaching experiences in more than 15 different countries, the differences in philosophies of education, changing attitudes in regard to persons with visual impairments, and service delivery systems are discussed. Stressed is the development of low vision services in recent years. (Author)

This summary of 1987 and 1988 seminar meetings on service delivery to people with blindness or visual impairments addresses: (1) service delivery systems (principles, the population served, and providers of services); and (2) the services provided, focusing on the blindness system as a system under siege. (DB)

This summary of a seminar meeting on the demographics of blindness or visual impairments addresses demographic data as "hard facts" (three studies are compared) and implications of the demographic "facts" related to the nature and location of clients, barriers to service receipt, independence versus interdependence, and the need for greater…

The paper summarizes the reasons given for the decrease in Braille literacy and analyzes them as indicators of faults in the system of educating children with visual handicaps. Reasons include undercounting visually handicapped children, emphasizing use of vision, attitudes toward Braille, teacher competency, service delivery via itinerant…

This point/counterpoint feature evaluates braille literacy instruction in three commentaries by A. J. Koenig, J. E. Olmstead, and E. J. Rex. The commentaries indicate that itinerant instruction of braille skills can be effective with adequate student motivation and requisite skills, school staff and family support, vigilant focus on student needs,…

This summary of a 1988 seminar meeting on service delivery to people with blindness or visual impairments focuses on rehabilitation, addressing access to information, consumers' impressions of services, purpose of evaluations, dealing with cultural differences, sites for delivering services, issues in rehabilitation, and training of rehabilitation…

This article identifies current problems that act as barriers to improved and expanded services and opportunities for blind and visually impaired people and their families, such as detachment of medical profession from service delivery, automatic student promotions, expectation of specialized programs in every district, parental choice of schools,…