Considerations are offered for making toys for children with severe multiple disabilities. Eight toys are described, and objectives for the use of each toy are outlined. Toys include a pulley, tunnel, slide-the-discs, window, bowling, tactile wheel, activity centers, and multisensory mat. (JDD)

This column describes activities for use with students having visual impairments, focusing on various types of calendars, including a sensory calendar and voice calendars produced by the Voxcom tape recorder (which uses magnetically striped cards to record and play brief messages). (DB)

Guidelines are offered for recruiting and hiring personnel in the field of visual impairment. These include start looking early; visit universities; offer incentives; emphasize the community, not just the position; plan the interview; evaluate the applicant (application form, letters of recommendation, resumes, and transcripts); and make the…

The article reviews experiences of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired in implementing supported employment rehabilitation programs. Results to date include referral of 37 clients to the contracting agencies and placement of 10 multiply handicapped clients in competitive work situations earning above minimum wage…

This article discusses the importance of daily physical activity and examples of how individuals who are visually impaired or deaf-blind can access fitness. It describes techniques for running, bicycling, swimming, exercise training in a health club, aerobics, and fitness at home (jumping rope, yoga, and basketball). (Contains references.) (CR)

This article examines the growing gap between numbers of visually impaired students identified and numbers of teachers trained to serve them, and explores factors impeding efforts to recruit and train teachers. Suggestions include legislative initiatives, implementation of national recruitment policy, and national networking of university training…

This study sought to ascertain the magnitude of the problems of unemployment, underemployment, job training, and job placements of blind and visually impaired people with additional severe disabilities. A survey of 32 institutions and agencies and visits to 7 settings revealed that only about 15% of this population is either employed or currently…

This study compared scores of adults (n=34) with blindness and sighted individuals on the Holland Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Findings indicated a higher incidence of unusual vocational codes selected by people with visual disabilities on the VPI and few differences between visually impaired…

Presents a step-by-step method for identifying curricular priorities for students who are visually impaired once a comprehensive educational assessment has been completed. This methodological approach to analyzing instruction needs provides data to substantiate informed decisions about what to teach and the amount of instruction time required. (CR)

Provides an outline of knowledge areas in rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation teaching related to visual impairments such as: core areas; planning and delivery services; job development, placement, and follow-along; job engineering; Braille and other tactual systems; communication systems; computers for individuals with visual…

Describes current child-count systems that count students with visual impairments and additional disabilities in only one disability area. This results in an undercount of the incidence of visual impairment. Discusses the need for children to be initially counted by the disability of the lowest incidence. (CR)

This article highlights ideas, adaptations, and strategies that have been effective for educators teaching students with visual impairments. Strategies are shared for teaching the concepts of left and right, using alphaboxes for teaching the alphabet, using CDs for Braille reinforcement activities, and using a lawn compass to teach orientation.…

This article suggests ways that families of children with visual impairments can promote the travel skills of their children. Topics covered include ways to share information during travel, involving children in travel, involving children with nondrivers, helping adolescents who will not drive gain increased independence, and supporting young…

Basic dental examinations were conducted on 35 visually impaired students aged 5 to 16 years in a state-supported residential school, and results were compared with national and state findings. Oral hygiene and gingival inflammation levels were found to be suboptimal but not atypical. (Author/PB)

Tangible tools needed by the instructor of orientation and mobility techniques for people with visual impairments include cane repair tools, a tape measure, a stopwatch, labeling materials, raised-line drawing equipment, a bicycle, compass and map, mace, and evaluation tools. (DB)