Describes the most recent innovations and advancements in computer peripheral devices and enhancements, computer software, captioning and other electronic devices, and computer languages designed to aid communication and learning in physically disabled, learning disabled, visually impaired, and hearing impaired students. (MBR)

While students who are blind and visually impaired represent less than one-half of one percent of the school age population, they are a group of students with multiple and often complex educational needs. One of these needs is for a specialized teacher trained in the methodologies of blindness and the adaptations necessary to facilitate access to…

This monograph summarizes the status of the Library of Congress's National Library Service (NLS) Talking Book Digital Conversion Project, a project to offer digital sound reproducers and its library materials in digital format beginning in 2008. Following an introductory section describing National Library Service services and users and the…

The University of Northern Colorado developed a master's degree program to train specialists in the education of students with visual disabilities in the 14-state region of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education. The program is student-centered, stresses effective interaction between faculty and students and among students, and uses…

This final report describes the activities and outcomes of a project designed to prepare early interventionists and preschool teachers to serve children with vision and hearing impairments. The purpose of the project was to build upon existing early childhood special education and sensory impairment programs across two universities, the University…

Describes a four-week summer marine education program for handicapped high school students funded by the National Science Foundation for the last five years. Discusses goals, participants, instructors, facilities, instructional program, special equipment, and problems. (DC)

A rehabilitation teacher at the Kansas State School for the Blind describes her job. Her main responsibilities are to teach a transition class to older high school students and to be at the local community college to assist students to be successful in that setting. Students are taught cooking, cleaning skills, and skills for independent apartment…

This article describes differences between the graphical user interface and traditional character-based interface systems, identifies potential problems posed by graphic computing environments for blind computer users, and describes some programs and strategies that are being developed to provide access to those environments. (Author/JDD)

Provides an empirical review of problems facing library users with visual impairments using computers, and reviews some of the technology that can help alleviate these problems. Highlights include software; GUI (Graphical User Interfaces); advising and training; library automation; and appendices that list further sources of relevant information.…

This paper presents some possible reasons why persons with visual impairments are under-represented in the fields of mathematics and science, including insufficient general preparation for higher education during the K-12 years and the lack of effective alternative instructional materials and methods available to a person with a visual impairment…

CHOICE (Career Help at Overbrook for Individuals Who Choose Employment) has been identified as an exemplary school-to-work program that includes students with disabilities. This program at Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia serves students with a primary disability of blindness or severe visual impairment. Many have additional…

A program of English instruction to speakers of other languages (ESOL) designed specifically for students with disabilities is described. The program is based on the Ulpan philosophy, developed in Israel to teach Hebrew culture to immigrants. It is operated by a private organization serving individuals with disabilities, in two Philadelphia…

To assist in the dissemination of information concerning Michigan public library projects funded under the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), this publication presents a collection of project reports from grant recipients. The state LSCA long range planning and report process is briefly described and members of the LSCA Planning…

A University of Minnesota model for low incidence preservice special education teacher training is focused on visual impairment education and requires completion of four graduate level components for licensure. This model attempts to be flexible and address the needs of the field in providing qualified personnel that will remain in local school…

Intended as a supplement to New York State's "Library Service to the People of New York State," this report identifies current library needs in New York and recommends actions for meeting those needs through the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) program. The focus is on Title I, and objectives and intended actions for public…