Discussion of library services offered to print-handicapped (i.e., learning disabled and visually impaired) users focuses on services at New York University. Highlights include microcomputer-based Braille production and use; acquisition of Braille reading materials; bibliographic control; and sidebars which describe products and organizations that…

International sharing, by libraries, of special-format materials for blind and physically handicapped readers is discussed. Topics include the variety of formats for such materials, identification of potential users, library activities for improving loan procedures, production practices and facilities, determination of available publications,…

Papers on library services and developments in reading materials for the blind, which were presented at the 1983 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference, include: (1) "Reading Programs for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Public Libraries of the Polish People's Republic" by Franciszek Czajkowski…

The first of two papers presents suggestions on library services for the deaf by a British university lecturer, and the second provides an enumeration of Russian achievements in providing the blind with books. Based on an outline of the personal and social implications of deafness and unawareness of the deaf on the part of libraries and the…

Describes experiences of United Kingdom's Open University blind students involved in "Computing and the Blind" project. Microcomputer applications described include braille-to-text transcription, word processing, and computer programming. Each application's use of software designed for commercially available microcomputer systems with…

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) are educational software based on expert systems that store educational knowledge. This article describes a model for computer-assisted mediation and its application in a prototype multimedia ITS for teaching blind children the recognition and reproduction of Braille signs. This system differs from previous work…

Describes ways of using CD-ROM technology for the benefit of blind and visually impaired library patrons. Science, reference, and American historical documents that can be converted to braille, large print, or voice output from CD-ROMs are described, and hardware, software, and staff considerations are discussed. (LRW)

This article describes a Braille refresher course for Florida teachers that was created in response to concerns about Braille literacy reflected in "Braille bills" in many states. Analysis of pre- and post-test data showed that the 77 teachers improved their Braille skills and reported a high level of confidence in their Braille skills as a result…

Emergent literacy can be viewed as skills that are precursors to later reading and writing (Sulzby & Teale, 1991) or can be more broadly conceptualized as literacy acquisition that occurs along a developmental continuum. Because children with disabilities, such as visual impairments, can be at risk for later reading difficulties, it is critical…

Reports some of the current research taking place in Great Britain on designing text for visually impaired readers. Topics discussed include large print; Braille; instructional videotapes and how they can be improved; and developments in electronic text, including reformatting, compact disks, and electronic newspapers. (18 references) (LRW)

Discusses variables in the systematic decision-making process for selecting appropriate reading media for students with visual impairments. The article describes a two-phase process for selecting print or braille media. It examines an objective procedure for determining the relative effectiveness of print media, illustrating the procedure with…

Papers on library services and developments in reading materials for the blind and disabled presented at the 1984 IFLA general conference include: (1) "The Establishment of a Library Service to Visually Handicapped People in African Developing Countries" (Paulli Thomsen, Denmark); (2) "Sources of Assistance for Establishing Braille…

This booklet examines the role and outlines the activities of Australian libraries in meeting the educational, cultural, recreational, and information needs of the physically, sensorily, and mentally disabled. The origins of library services for the handicapped in Australia are discussed, existing services are reviewed, the library needs of…

A Braille Reader Survey Analysis was prepared for the Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress in 1974 in order to determine what kinds of books and magazines current braille readers like to read, and to obtain information about braille readers. The survey mailing list was gleaned from subscription lists of four…

Outlines existing library materials and services for blind students in Botswana, describes efforts made in the past to educate blind persons, and presents a proposal for the development of an educational library service for the blind at the primary, secondary, and university levels. (Author/CLB)