This conceptual article is anchored on critical phenomenology to challenge the monopolisation of visual arts by the sense of vision, thus depriving visually impaired people of aesthetic value beyond ordinary cognitive faculties. In this study, we discuss the forms of painting, drawing and sculpting defined as Visual Arts referring to appreciation…

Electronic media accessibility has come a long way since the Telecommunications Act of 1996. In 2010, the Communication and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) mandated closed captioning many online videos and called for making video blind accessible through audio descriptions. The Department of Justice (DOJ) ruled Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)…

Putting access in Access Services is the goal. The Course Reserves unit is the place. Textbooks are the focus. Electronic technologies are the future. Patron-centric services will be our standard. Access to textbooks by all patrons will be the achievement. Course Reserves located in Library West at the University of Florida George A. Smathers…

This paper focused on the challenges in educating the visually impaired and modalities for ensuring quality assurance in tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria. It examined the global challenges in the higher educational system and made it clear that the visually impaired are those with visual problems be it partial, low vision, or total…

Instructors of the visually impaired need efficient braille-training methods. This study conducted a preliminary evaluation of a computer-based program intended to teach the relation between braille characters and English letters using a matching-to-sample format with 4 sighted college students. Each participant mastered matching visual depictions…

This paper updates the efforts to educate blind students in higher education in the digital age and describes how to support the development of mental models in learning through tactile learning and 3D-printing technology. It cites research documenting a drop in Braille literacy along with the growth in use of digital technologies by blind…

Imagine being in college and being deaf-blind. What opportunities might you have? What types of challenges would you face? This publication describes a study that begins to answer these questions. During the study, 11 college students with deaf-blindness were interviewed about their college experiences. They were like most college students in many…

Advances in classroom technology have lowered barriers for the visually impaired to study geography, yet few participate. Employing stereotype threat theory, we examined whether beliefs held by the visually impaired affect perceptions toward completing courses and majors in visually oriented disciplines. A test group received a low-level threat…

Electronic readers may be ushering in a watershed moment in personal reading, with the Amazon Kindle, Sony Reader, and Barnes & Noble Nook duking it out for market dominance (and with the iPad warming up in the wings). But how do these contenders fare in the academic marketplace? When it comes to meeting the demands of academic reading,…

A faculty member discusses how his own gradual loss of vision had unexpected favorable results in his advising activities. Based on these personal experiences and additional research, practical suggestions for increasing professional effectiveness are offered to other academic advisors. (Author/MSE)

Data from a survey of current existing university programs in 1987-88 that prepare personnel to serve visually handicapped students revealed that the future of these programs is at risk, resulting in a shortage of appropriately prepared teachers. (Author/DB)

This study surveyed the use of laptop computers by 10 college students with visual impairments. Students used the computers about 10 to 15 hours a week to complete assignments as well as to take notes in class. The laptops fostered students' independence and improved their efficiency. (Author/DB)

Measures taken during the 1980s to increase the number of orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists to work with persons with visual impairments were evaluated, by means of a telephone survey of 15 university O&M programs. Survey findings indicated that efforts to address critical shortages in O&M personnel have been effective. (DB)

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 53 university students with visual, hearing, and motor impairments to determine their use and perception of campus library services. Ss, who majored in a wide range of disciplines, rated their use of library services. Most frequent use was reported by students with motor impairments, while 21% of…

Former students (N=41) of the Texas Tech University outreach training program for rural teachers of visually handicapped children were surveyed. Most trainees were between the ages of 25 and 35, were motivated to improve their skills, had at least two previous teaching certificates, and have remained in the region where they were trained.…