The article describes predictions for the information society, implications for blind and visually impaired people, and an agenda of needed activities to be undertaken for the purpose of ensuring the highest level of equality in employment, education, and daily living at the dawning of the 21st century. (Author/CL)

Discusses National Industries for the Blind which was established in 1938 as a result of the Wagner-O'Day Act. National Industries serves the vocational needs of multihandicapped blind people. (Availability: Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20401) (JOW)

Provides teachers with an understanding of how sighted children develop concepts about print and how blind children develop concepts about braille. Prereading activities designed to extend young children's concepts about print are adapted for blind children. (HTH)

Two articles discuss the compatibility of the Sonicguide, long cane, and guide dogs in increasing the mobility of visually impaired individuals. (PHR)

Claims there is no coherent public policy regarding aging and blindness, but five issues may provide perspective and direction: burgeoning demographic forces, the concept of independent living, a "small gains" orientation to rehabilitation of blind elders, the needs of family caregivers, and the roles of management and leadership during times of…

The article discusses braille instruction for blind persons from the perspective of the National Federation of the Blind. A case study of a child whose parents have struggled to obtain braille instruction is examined. Negative attitudes about blindness and inadequate training of teachers are linked to decreased braille literacy. (Author/DB)

States that, although the nation's jobless rate hovers around 4-5%, 70% of the working-age blind who want jobs cannot find one, and 30% of those who are working are underemployed. Suggests that training, rehabilitation, and technology can help to solve the problem. (JOW)

This commentary by the president of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired uses a football analogy to point out the importance of positive reinforcement and encouragement in mutual support of colleagues working in the difficult field of rehabilitation. (DB)

This article addresses the unique assessment needs of young blind children and discourages dependence on standardized tests for this population. Principles of one assessment approach (involving observation; clinical examination of mobility, language, play, socioemotional development, and academic skills; and interviews with mother and social…

An adventitiously visually impaired individual examines differences between the neurological, psychological, and educational development of persons blinded either very early in life or much later. (DB)

Describes aspects of mainstreaming a visually impaired three-year-old child into a Montessori preschool, discussing assessment of the child, sites available for enrollment, introduction into the site, Montessori teacher and special education teacher coordination, the child's adjustment, peer reactions, and teacher intervention. (RH)

Training specialists must confront the need and obligation to incorporate disabled individuals into their organization's training programs professionally, sensitively, and effectively. The first and biggest step in adapting programs is to develop open and constructive attitudes in the training designer. (JOW)

The author focuses on braille literacy as the primary tool for equal education for visually handicapped individuals. The need for braille proficiency is stressed and the importance of braille ability for individual achievement is described. (PHR)

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)