This article discusses the history of low vision services in the United States. The field began to gain momentum as the term "low vision" was conceptualized and coined, and this momentum is rapidly increasing with changes in the demographics of visual impairment.

This report describes the plans of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) to convert their talking books service to a digitally based audio system. The NLS program selects and produces full-length books and magazines in braille and on recorded disc and cassettes and distributes them to a cooperating network of…

At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a diversified program for training graduate level students in visual impairments involves state agencies in the training. Based on needs assessment data, the program was established using community resources as training sites and specialists as course instructors. Facilities participating include the…

The paper describes the type of computer access products appropriate for use by handicapped children and presents a systematic procedure for selection of such input and output devices. Modification of computer input is accomplished by three strategies: modifying the keyboard, adding alternative keyboards, and attaching switches to the keyboard.…

The Saginaw Valley (Michigan) Special Needs Clinic serves visually impaired children and adults, multiply impaired low vision persons, and developmentally disabled persons with vision problems and is based on a client-centered concept involving health professionals, rehabilitation specialists, special educators, consumers, and social agency…

Uses and sources of voice indexing (a look-up feature for recorded materials) are discussed. Voice indexing enables a blind user of audiocassettes to find specific sections of recorded text independently. A procedure for sequential voice indexing on a two-track or four-track cassette recorder is described. (JW)

The Texas School for the Blind offers a six-week summer Talented and Gifted program for approximately 15 secondary students, featuring critical thinking and problem solving, mentorship, counseling, creative dramatics, outdoor risk-taking activities, and independent living. Another program for 150 elementary and secondary students focuses on…

A survey of 109 visually impaired adults subsequent to their placement in competitive employment revealed that level of education, age, and race were strong determining factors in later financial success. Results suggest that visually impaired persons should extend educational experiences to increase potential earnings, age and race being…

An approach to functional vision evaluations clarifies the types of data collection and suggests protocols for three broad categories of visually handicapped children: "normal" school-age students, "normal" preschoolers, and multiply handicapped pupils. Visually impaired infants are classified with multiply handicapped pupils…

Describes materials and methods used with severely visually handicapped students studying for 0- and A-levels in biology. Indicates that the materials (such as a key to British broad-leaved trees) and strategies included are valuable for all students of ecology. (JN)

The use of talking microprocessors and terminals in helping blind, visually impaired, speech impaired, and other handicapped people receive an education is described. The process of creating synthetic speech is examined, as well as how it helps in the classroom. The federal government's promotion and funding of synthetic speech research is also…

Describes North Central Technical Institute's special programs for students with vision or hearing impairments focusing on the one-month career exploration program; daily living skills instruction; diagnostic, counseling, and support services; and job placement. Examines common misconceptions about hearing/vision impaired people. (DMM)

A summer work experience program for 10th and 11th graders with visual impairments includes a three-week residential-living experience in which students are evaluated in the areas of daily living, orientation and mobility, socialization, vocational abilities, and career planning and a six-week segment in which students work at paid jobs.…

Art works created with conventional materials reflect the hand of the artist. Artists with physical disabilities such as muscular spasms, weakness, or limitations of mobility impedes efforts to produce works of art. An experimental program uses computers to introduce art curricula into two British schools: (1) Thurlow Park (a school for children…

The article describes how the New York Association for the Blind (The Lighthouse) studied its information needs and further systematized information collection, retrieval, and use for internal case management and external information exchange with human service agencies by means of a computerized client information system. (Author)