Discusses the need to introduce dogs to elementary children with visual impairments and describes a program in Delaware that uses a curriculum that provides information about dogs, a video about dogs, and introduces children to the animals to help overcome fears or apprehension about dogs. (CR)

This paper outlines the responsibilities of rehabilitation teachers working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. University rehabilitation teaching guidelines approved by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired are summarized. Guidelines cover administrative requirements, faculty,…

The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, in conjunction with Saint John Ambulance, developed a first aid training program for individuals with visual impairments in Victoria, Australia. This paper describes preparation of the program, participants, instructors, funding and costs, program objectives, and program evaluation. (JDD)

Describes the Braille Transcription Center Project, a model demonstration project funded by the U.S. Department of Education that produces postsecondary instructional materials in Braille. The project has links throughout a large statewide university system and provides faculty development on reasonable accommodations for students unable to read…

A teacher of young children with visual impairments in a resource room program recounts how yo-yos became a bridge to development of social skills and friendships both within the group and with other students in the school. (DB)

An itinerant teacher of students with visual impairments describes the itinerant model, in which students who are visually impaired attend their neighborhood schools while periodically receiving special services from a vision teacher. Advantages and disadvantages of the model are considered, a typical day of an itinerant teacher is described, and…

A visually impaired rehabilitation teacher describes a model developed in Maine for providing low vision services, with emphasis on teaching the use of near-point aids to assist on near-point tasks. The article addresses preevaluation services, assessment of clients with low vision, and follow-up when the client begins using the aids at home. (DB)

Describes a transdisciplinary model of blind rehabilitation service delivery used at the SouthWestern Blind Rehabilitation Center (SWBRC). SWBRC brought together representatives from orientation and mobility, rehabilitation teaching, low vision, and manual skills to provide comprehensive services to veterans with visual impairments. A case study…

Usher's syndrome is described, with emphasis on the visual symptomatology characteristic of retinitis pigmentosa. Also discussed are the services needed by individuals with Usher's Syndrome, the syndrome's psychosocial aspects, ways to prevent self-defeating behavior, orientation and mobility, and classroom adaptations. (JDD)

This article discusses the creation of Rehabilitation Teaching Assistant (RTA) paraprofessional positions as a solution to the shortage of certified rehabilitation teachers for individuals with visual impairments. It discusses the potential negative ramifications of this approach and urges requiring a 2-year associate's degree as the education…

The article describes a consumer skills unit taught to visually impaired seventh graders. The unit covered advertising language and psychology, comparison shopping and label language, and budgeting and future planning. (DB)

This article describes the Summer Work Experience Program developed by 3 agencies in Dallas, Texas, for students (ages 14-18) with visual impairments. The article describes student training; expectations for employees; attitudes of students, parents, and employers; and problems encountered. (JDD)

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)

A national agenda for the education of children and youth with visual impairments has been developed by eight national organizations. Agenda goals focus on referrals, parent participation, personnel preparation, provision of educational services, array of services, assessments, access to instructional materials, and the core curriculum. The…

This article discusses a program that, by emphasizing individuality, integration, adaptability, and functionality (the IIAF model), improves the visual functioning of students who are visually impaired, have multiple disabilities, and function at a severely or profoundly impaired level. Examples of recommended visual learning activities are…