Discusses the development of Peabody College's (Tennessee) vision teacher preparation program; examines the philosophy and character of the vision program over time, noting its unique features. A consortium is proposed for advanced study and professional renewal among the higher education programs in vision nationwide. (SM)

This article reviews the history of traditional service delivery systems for students with visual handicaps, demonstrates the need for change, and defines and describes the structure of the consultative/collaborative teacher model. The model stresses shared communication and joint problem solving between teachers and vision specialists. (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…

Nongovernment organizations providing services to visually handicapped persons in developing nations should direct increased efforts toward project evaluation, monitoring, documentation, and dissemination, to ensure that innovative, flexible strategies direct self-help information to the "grassroots" level in forms that are familiar,…

Five individuals involved in literacy for blind and visually impaired young people respond to the position paper of the Council of Executives of American Residential Schools for the Visually Handicapped (EC 232 322). They are Evelyn Rex, Virginia Sowell, Alan Koenig, Elaine Mose Sveen, and Barbara Cheadle. (DB)

Eight experts in visual impairment respond briefly to reports that intensive monitoring of blood glucose levels by persons with diabetes can lead to a 70% reduction in the progression of detectable diabetic retinopathy. Comments are generally optimistic, though some cautions are raised. (DB)

This article examines Windows 95, pointing out differences and improvements from Windows 3.1 for persons with low vision. Windows 95 is seen as providing substantially greater accessibility than Windows 3.1, though the graphical user interface may still pose serious problems for some users with low vision. (DB)

This paper describes meetings by a panel of travel, access, and public transit professionals to discuss detectable warning systems (devices to notify individuals with visual impairments of hazards along their path of travel). Recommendations of the panel for universal design standards and educating communities about detectable warning systems are…

This article describes controversies over the use of personality tests with adults with visual impairments in applied occupational testing. It reviews studies of personality profiles of sighted individuals and individuals with visual impairments and studies in which the content of items has been adapted for adults who are visually impaired.…

This editorial calls on professionals in the field of visual impairment to address issues related to the personnel shortage including: acting to prevent closure of professional training programs, recruitment efforts, and serving as mentors for beginning teachers and orientation/mobility specialists. (Contains four references.) (DB)

The author explores the effect that change or lack of change in a field has on an individual professional's morale and desire to stay in the field. Changes made in the field of education and rehabilitation for the visually handicapped are used to illustrate points and provide a perspective. (Author/VW)

The projected severe shortage of teachers of visually-impaired learners necessitates the mobilization of educational leaders and parents to recruit undergraduate majors, examine the current selection standards, strengthen support of undergraduate training programs, garner financial support for undergraduate students, and market the profession to…

Career preparation for blind and visually handicapped students should be included as part of the high school program. Preparation skills include work skills, basic skills, and awareness of aptitudes, interests, and family/peer influences. The preparation phase culminates in the placement of the student in further education, training, and/or…

Designing environmental interpretation facilities and programs to satisfy the needs of the visually impaired requires innovation and adaptation. Physical barriers should be eliminated and multisensory communication methods emphasized. Meeting the (design) requirements of the visually handicapped can enhance the interpretive experiences of all…

Nonambulatory or minimally ambulatory, visually impaired, and hearing impaired college students' needs in higher education institutions are considered. It is proposed that each institution have a policy statement on disabled student admission so as to ensure these students' welfare. (MSE)