The author, who is congenitally blind, describes two training programs with a Tactile Vision Substitution System, including a mobile version of the device. (Author)

Components of assertive behavior are described with suggestions for enabling the visually impaired person to develop these skills. The underlying concepts of assertion training are explained along with specific techniques for use in schools or rehabilitative settings. (Author/CL)

Described are results of an independent survey of more than 100 blind mostly adult users of the Telesensory Systems' Optacon (a reading device utilizing print-to-tactual-image conversion) on user characteristics, the uses to which the device is put, advantages and disadvantages, reliability, training, the manufacturer, and costs. (Author/MC)

In two related experiments on recognition--on touch and audition--accuracy rates were obtained from 14 congenitally blind adults and compared with those for normally sighted Ss. (Author/SBH)

Results of four experiments with 81 blind children and adults (ages 14 and over) comparing Standard English Grade 2 Braille with three reduced codes and one expanded code (in relation to speed, retention of the basic seven-line structure, no increase in bulk of braille publications, and ease of learning) show that a change in the code is possible.…

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 explores issues related to the use of supported employment and time-related transitional employment for blind and visually impaired persons. It defines the concepts; describes the characteristics that distinguish these services from others; and discusses the need for these services from ecological, philosophical, fiscal, and learning…

Notes that, as the population ages, the number of adults with visual impairments grows proportionately. Explores the population of visually impaired adults and discusses suggestions for counselor education relevant to preparing counselors to meet the needs of adults with visual handicaps. (Author/NB)

The study examined the possible existence of a perceptual hierarchy which is systematically affected by the onset of adventitious visual impairment. Results with 80 persons with partial vision indicated a demarcation of difficulty between the simpler and more complex levels of the hierarchy. (DB)

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…

Tested 6 infants periodically until they were 28-weeks old for head and eye coordination in tracking moving targets and fixating stationary targets while subjects were moving. Found that head movement was more prevalent than eye movement. There was improvement with age in coordination of head turning to target or body movement. (BC)

A study attempted to assess preferences between a task arrangement involving mobility and a task arrangement involving sedentariness with three women with severe disabilities and visual impairments or blindness. Results found that participants' preferences about task arrangements could be successfully assessed. (Author/CR)

A study investigated the types of gestures used, the frequency of the gestures, and the total time engaged in gestural communication by 11 visually impaired-sighted dyads; 12 sighted dyads; and 8 visually impaired dyads. Adults with visual impairments used more adapters and used gestures, emblems, and illustrators less often. (Contains…

A comparison of reading rates of 24 print readers and 23 Braille readers on oral reading, silent reading, and studying, found significant differences as a function of reading group and reading task but no group-by-task interaction. Less than one-third of the Braille readers read slower than print readers. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)