This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of an online professional development course designed to develop an understanding of the foundations, perspectives, and strategies used by key disciplines (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, early childhood special education, visual…

This review aims to document the efficacy and validity of vision therapy for modifying and improving vision functioning. The paper describes the essential components of the visual system and disorders which can be physiologically and clinically identified. Vision therapy is defined as a clinical approach for correcting and ameliorating the effects…

Based on a longitudinal study of vision screening techniques for handicapped children at the Chester County (Pennsylvania) Child Development Center, the paper reports on the development of a battery of effective vision screening methods for children with low functioning handicapped children. Specific tests are described, including the Sheridan…

The article describes one teacher's innovative attempt to involve 10 visually impaired adolescents in a public day school in "Career Month," an activity to assist them in making realistic career choices. (Author/CL)

The article describes the structure of a volunteer program in a social service agency serving the blind and visually impaired in Seattle, Washington. The program's manual, screening, placement, job descriptions, evaluations, and statistics are reviewed. Examples of volunteering, including opportunities for disabled volunteers, are given.…

The author describes experiences in teaching pregnancy and childbirth classes to blind and visually impaired students. In addition to basic anatomy, she used techniques such as films, records, and anatomical models and charts as well as comparing body parts to the other senses and to inanimate objects. (Author/CL)

Three large-print computers for visually handicapped users are evaluated: the Apollo Computer Terminal System, Viewscan Text System, and Visualtek Large Print Display Processor. The Apollo Professional Typing System, an option with the Apollo Terminal System, is also reviewed. Advantages and disadvantages are explored. (Author/CL)

A learning center established to serve preschool visually handicapped children and their families encourages social development, promotes the development of other senses, and provides exposure to new events and activities in an introductory school experience. (CL)

An instructional system was developed in which visually impaired students listen to audio cassettes (Dobbie tapes) to learn basic geographic terms and concepts. The tapes, combined with land form models and a teacher's manual, have been accepted by the American Printing House for the Blind for reproduction and distribution. (CL)

The article reports on a Michigan program for the screening of preschool children for visual defects. The development of the modified Snellen E for testing young children is described; other test procedures are outlined. Charts illustrate the growth of the program over a 12-year period. (PHR)

Discusses the New York Public Library's experience with the Kurzweil Reading Machine (KRM) which transforms printed words into speech for visually handicapped people. The introduction of this new technology has created a need for new library services which are unique and demanding. (LLS)

This article discusses the importance of exercise for many people with visual impairments and diabetes. It lists precautions for the person with visual impairments and diabetes and specifies who should not exercise, explains "diabetes-specific" benefits of exercise, suggests a format for a safe workout, and includes an example of a successful…

Discussion of the use of computer supported teamwork (CSTW) in team-based organizations focuses on problems that visually impaired people have reading graphical user interface software via screen reader software. Describes a project that successfully used email for CSTW, and suggests issues needing further research. (LRW)

Personal safety is an important issue for all people, regardless of their physical capabilities. For people with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision), real concerns exist regarding their vulnerability to crime and their greater risk of attack. With a nationwide increase in crime in the United States, "Three out of…

Various denotations and connotations of the word "blindness" are examined and the inference is drawn that they constitute a psychosocial burden that perpetuates prejudice. The analysis leads on to a hypothesis in which a more progressive terminology could lead to reduction of this burden.