Reviews Catholic school provisions for the education of blind and visually handicapped students and considers what more needs to be done to fully implement the Pastoral Statement of the Bishops on Handicapped People (1978). Suggests a vision consultant to coordinate services and provide staff development. (SJL)

This article delineates several problems confronting preparation programs for teachers of the visually impaired and explores possible remedial actions. The basic premise is that personnel preparation needs in blindness and visual impairment fields cannot be met by traditional, inflexible training programs. Six recommendations for changes and five…

The article questions the loss model used to explain a lack of motivation in visually impaired clients. An alternative model proposes that self-efficacy is the primary factor in adjustment, suggesting that early skill-oriented intervention can prevent loss of competence and foster a sense of personal control essential for successful…

The education of children with visual impairments in Australia is compared to that in the United States. Educators in both nations often face similar philosophical concerns and issues, however Australia lacks national legislation and a strong research base. Decision-making in Australia tends to be regional. (Author/DB)

This article attempts to refocus special education upon the child and away from the "least restrictive alternative" continuum, through proposing the adoption of an array of equally acceptable educational options which might include mainstreaming for part of the day, resource room instruction, and outreach teacher consultation and summer programs…

The journal's executive editor considers current and future societal trends and their implications for people who are blind and visually impaired. He notes effects of the developing mosaic society, changing demographics showing large increases in minority populations, the developing information society, redefinitions of individual and societal…

This article discusses issues and difficulties encountered in efforts at the University of Birmingham (England) to standardize a new psychometric assessment tool, a tactile speed-of-information-processing test for children with blindness. The problem of defining the population on which the test is standardized is seen as particularly difficult.…

A 2-year study on the shortage of personnel serving children with visual impairments found a need for 5,000 teachers and 10,000 orientation and mobility specialists. Proposed action steps include preparing new and existing personnel, preparing new leaders and researchers, and expanding the capacity to recruit new and retain existing personnel.…

Discusses issues in mainstreaming visually impaired students to a middle school. Considers the decision to mainstream a special needs student, the use of paraprofessionals, modifications to classroom and curriculum, technology equipment, socialization, and student attitudes toward the new student. (JPB)

This article discusses the significant personnel shortages in education and rehabilitation in the field of blindness and visual impairment and provides a brief overview of one approach to addressing this shortage, distance education. Distance learning environments and strategies are described, along with evidence of the effectiveness of distance…

This state-mandated study examines the manner in which Braille instruction is being offered to Virginia's children with visual disabilities. The study sought to determine the need to require school divisions to offer Braille instruction; the role of Braille instruction as a viable method of promoting literacy; the number of students who could…

This document presents a review of the current consumer relations activites of the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress, and an overall plan to improve NLS receipt of user suggestions, comments, opinions, or complaints through libraries which form the nationwide NLS distribution system.…

The determination of what is considered to be the least restrictive environment for the deaf-blind severely handicapped child should not be based solely on the child's learning needs. The individual needs of each child should be the main but not the only consideration. (JN)

The article presents the traditional roles of school psychologist and classroom teacher as a manifestation of the "theory vs practice" dilemma, with reciprocal influence between the two roles being rare. (Author/PHR)

This reprint of a 1985 interview with Natalie Barraga, a leader and researcher in visual impairment, is prefaced by personal comments of the interviewer and also includes comments by Dr. Barraga in 2003. These comments address trends in personnel preparation, proposed changes in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, early intervention…