The paper describes the use of VersaBraille, a machine that stores braille information on audio cassettes on which information can be automatically retrieved by title or page number. A demonstration project has shown the feasibility of the machine with high school and college students for such tasks as note taking, preparation of assignments, and…

Describes an art project that involved blind secondary students in producing a large piece of sculpture for the terrace of their school. (RM)

The University of Northern Colorado has expanded its multicompetency approach to teacher education to include training in teaching the severely/profoundly handicapped and blind component. Coursework emphasizes such areas of sequences as child growth and development, roles of ancillary staff, and application of specialists' reports. (CL)

A teacher describes what happened when she discovered that a blind student had been mainstreamed into one of her fifth-grade art classes. (RM)

The mother of a blind child describes her initial doubts about her caregiver role, reviews the rewards and difficulties in mainstreaming, and discusses the effects of his blindness on herself and her relations with family, friends, schools, and community. (CL)

A parent of a blind child describes her family's difficulties in finding appropriate medical help, weathering repeated hospitalizations, and obtaining the best educational services for her child who had congenital cataracts and glaucoma. She suggests ways in which medical and educational personnel can be of greater assistance to parents. (CL)

Retinitis Pigmentosa includes a number of inherited diseases which usually result in blindness. The disease is progressive in nature and begins with the deterioration of cells in the eye responsible for peripheral vision. As the condition worsens there is a gradual loss of peripheral vision and night blindness. Proper educational planning requires…

Describes a museum exhibit of Japanese art designed to enhance tactual awareness. Blind and sighted visitors cooperated in sharing their hands-on perceptions of objects. Display pieces, chosen for functionality and design interest, included ceramics, textiles, folk art, lacquer work, musical instruments, and household objects. (AM)

The article describes how a rehabilitation center for the blind, aware that many clients were inept in dealing with society at large, instituted an assertive skills training program to improve client skills in this area. (Author/SBH)

Explains the important role administrators have in providing opportunities for blind and partially sighted students. (JM)

The article describes VISION Foundation, a self-help program providing work opportunities for both paid and volunteer persons who are newly blind or have progressive eye diseases. (Author/DLS)

The article describes the development and content of a comprehensive career education program for blind elementary and secondary students. Eight areas are explored in the program: job search skills, job behavior, hygiene and grooming, purchase habits, budgeting, banking, home management, and health care. (CL)

An instructional aid department of a residential school for the deaf and the blind has developed such educational aids as kits, puzzles, story charts, games, and special projects. Future projects include enrichment tapes and a language-communication lab. (CL)

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,…

This paper draws on primary and secondary data sources to document an increasing number of visually handicapped children. The paper discusses socioeconomic trends, increased rates of handicapping conditions in general, increased number of legally blind schoolchildren, and evidence of an increase in retinopathy of prematurity. (JDD)