Presented are the recommendations of the Committee to Develop Guidelines for Literacy on the selection of appropriate learning media for visually handicapped students. Sixteen basic principles are listed as the basis for future development of more complete guidelines. The recommendations stress that equal access to education implies equal access…

This article discusses currently available young adult literature with characters who have visual impairments and provides two sets of criteria for selecting and incorporating those books into inclusive middle and high school classes. The article closes with an annotated bibliography of 13 books that feature characters with visual impairments.…

Describes the North Dakota School for the Blind's shift from traditional residential services to an emphasis on an expansive outreach service network that serves the vision-specific needs of students in their local schools. The results of a program survey of 24 educators and parents are discussed. (CR)

To test the validity of the National Literary Braille Competency Test (NLBCT), 181 Florida teachers of students with visual impairments were asked if they transcribe Braille using a Braillewriter, a slate and stylus, Braille computer programs, or transcriber aides. The majority transcribed using computer software or a Braillewriter. (CR)

This article describes the activities of two consortia that consist of individuals who assist people who are blind and visually impaired to secure employment. Consortia members are direct service employment specialists who focus on five critical activities: preparing consumers for job seeking, job development, placement, follow-up, and job…

Professionals who work with individuals who are blind or visually impaired are encouraged to use the power of the information, technology, and knowledge explosions, by capturing the advantages that new communication technology offers and passing these advantages on to clients in education and rehabilitation settings. (JDD)

Examines the barriers faced by preschool children with visual impairments in gaining access to the environment and presents some approaches to reducing those barriers. The importance of early identification, early intervention, a team approach for the provision of educational services, and parent participation is discussed. (CR)

This Department of Education Notice of Policy Guidance explains services to students with visual impairments under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as amended in 1997. An editor's note focuses on requirements for providing Braille and orientation/mobility instruction. The notice has sections on application of free…

The development of visual perception skills in children with partial vision as well as developmental disabilities is considered. A model of visual learning is offered which incorporates the role of visual experience, movement, and visual learning. Specific teaching suggestions for developing visual attention and visual search skills are offered.…

A survey of orientation and mobility specialists (N=26) was conducted to determine the mobility devices currently being used with visually impaired and elderly clients. These results were then used to design and develop an effective, commercially manufacturable adaptive-mobility device prototype which was tested with elderly individuals, multiply…

This article describes how an educator used a portfolio approach to teach self-advocacy skills to four middle school students with visual impairments. Students wrote about their visual impairment and learning needs, compiled lists of specific words and definitions related to their individual impairments, and wrote letters to their ninth-grade…

This position paper of the Council of Executives of American Residential Schools for the Visually Handicapped calls for stronger emphasis on instruction in literacy skills; individualized selection of the mode of reading, writing, and computing; technical assistance; continuing education; emphasis on literacy skill teaching methodology; and…

The State Center for Services for the Visually Impaired in Schleswig (Germany) provides intensive counseling and support to students with visual impairments in transition between school and career. The community-based program promotes vocational and social integration of these individuals through organization of a model vocational counseling…

Skills that families gain in coping with transitions at the early ages of their child with visual impairments provide skills necessary for all the life-stage transitions that follow and, thus, are termed marathon skills. The transition programing of the Lighthouse Child Development Center in New York City is designed to develop those skills. (JDD)

A study was done to identify the level of independent travel considered ideal by three older adults with visual impairments. Results found that the ideal level of functioning is different from that implicitly used in traditional orientation and mobility programs. (CR)